How to Sell My House Fast in Ontario, CA: Cash Offer Options

Pros and cons of selling to an Ontario house-buying company

Still unsure if working with an Ontario house-buying company is the right move for you? Here’s a quick comparison of some of the top pros and cons of this approach:

Pros

• Quick sale: You’ll typically receive a fast offer and can close within days, which is ideal for homeowners that need to move urgently.
• No need for repairs: You can sell your home in any condition, avoiding the time and costs of completing significant repairs.
• No staging or showings: Skip the hassles of staging your home and accommodating open houses and showings in your busy schedule.
• Guaranteed sale: With no contingencies or financing delays, you reduce the risk of your sale falling through.
• Reduced closing costs: Some companies may cover your closing costs, saving you commission fees and other costs you would pay in a traditional sale.
• Foreclosure relief: Selling to a cash buyer can help you avoid foreclosure and provide access to needed funds quickly.

Cons

• Lower offers: Cash buyers typically pay below market value, meaning you will likely net less profit than selling on the open market.
• No competition: Without the chance for multiple buyers to make competing offers, you miss the opportunity for a bidding war to increase your home’s price.
• Loss of control: The buyer typically decides the final sale price and terms, leaving little to no room for negotiations.
• Risk of scams: You’ll need to be cautious of potential house-buying scams and thoroughly vet each company before proceeding.

Aaron Stel, a top real estate agent in Ontario who sells homes 46% quicker than the average agent in his market, comments on the pros and cons of receiving a cash offer.

“While cash buyers offer convenience, they often don’t provide the best value for the seller. At the end of the day, sellers want to get the most money for their home, and in most cases, a traditional agent can help them net more than they would by selling to a cash buyer,” he says.

“My team and I can mitigate many of the perceived headaches associated with selling a home and help sellers get more money than they would by selling to a cash buyer. Typically, we can get sellers at least 20% more than they would make by selling to a cash company,” he adds.

Option 2: Hire a top Ontario real estate agent

Even if you’re in a hurry to sell your Ontario home, hiring a top real estate agent can be a smart decision. An experienced agent knows the local market inside and out, handling everything from pricing and marketing to staging and negotiations. With their expertise, you’ll be set up for success and more likely to earn higher proceeds, even on a tight timeline.

“[Agents] know what people are looking for and what things are important to spend money on to make the house presentable and stand out against other homes. I also know what things not to waste money on and where you won’t get a return on your investment,” says Stel. “Working with someone like me will make the process easier, faster, and more profitable for you as a seller.”

Let’s dive into current market conditions in Ontario and explore the main advantages of working with a real estate professional in your neighborhood.

How fast are homes selling in Ontario?

“In my area, if they’re priced appropriately, homes are selling quickly,” Stel says. “We’re identifying a buyer and going into contract in under fourteen days.”

As of August 2024, homes in Ontario are spending a median of 17 days on the market, according to data from the Inland Valleys Association of Realtors. After accepting an offer, buyers typically need an additional 43 days to close on their purchase loan, bringing the total selling timeline to about two months.

Here is a snapshot of current real estate conditions in Ontario:

*Does not include the typical 43 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.

Data source(s): Inland Valleys Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, World Population Review

Benefits of selling with a top Ontario agent

Partnering with a top real estate agent in Ontario can significantly speed up the selling process, from expert pricing to finely-tuned marketing skills. These professionals bring invaluable experience to the table, allowing you to navigate the transaction smoothly for a quicker sale. Below, we’ll cover the main benefits of working with an agent in your market:

• Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can help you price your home competitively for the market and position it well to attract higher offers.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Experienced agents know how to create urgency and draw serious buyers in quickly, speeding up the selling timeline.
• Professional negotiation skills: With strong negotiation skills, agents can navigate the sale with your best interest in mind, working to secure top dollar.
• Elevated marketing: With advanced marketing techniques from print advertising to social media promotion, agents will effectively increase your home’s visibility.
• Contract savviness: Agents are experts in real estate contracts, walking you through buyer contingencies, closing costs, and sale terms with ease.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: They help you handle all state-specific disclosures and requirements, keeping the sale legally compliant.
• Network of skilled professionals: Agents have connections with inspectors, contractors, and other professionals to help prep your home for the market.
• Will know what to fix and not fix: An experienced agent can advise you on what repairs or improvements will yield a return on your investment.
• Expert partner by your side: An experienced agent will guide you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth transaction while addressing any questions you may have.

How to find a top Ontario real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent in Ontario can make all the difference for a fast home sale. Don’t know where to start? HomeLight’s Agent Match platform connects you with top-rated local agents by analyzing millions of transactions and client reviews. Whether you’re selling or buying, HomeLight can match you with the best Ontario for your specific needs and desired outcome.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Ontario house fast

In order to sell your Ontario house quickly, there are several steps recommended by top agents to help make your listing more appealing to buyers. Here are some expert tips to accelerate your home sale:

• Price it right from the start: Avoid overpricing, which can lead to stagnant offers and delay the sale. An experienced agent will help you set a competitive list price.
• Highlight outdoor spaces: Buyers in Ontario value outdoor spaces to enjoy the Southern California sun. Be sure to showcase any patios, pools, gardens, or outdoor kitchens to garner further interest.
• Staging with real furniture: “If the seller isn’t living in the home and wants to sell it quickly, virtual staging is a waste of money,” cautions Stel. “Real furniture staging is the way to go, as it makes the home much more presentable.
• Focus on curb appeal: First impressions matter! A well-maintained front yard, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and outdoor lighting can impress buyers at first glance.
• Get a pre-sale inspection: A pre-listing home inspection can reveal any hidden issues with your home’s foundation, plumbing, electrical, or insulation, allowing you to make fixes before listing.
• Offer a home warranty: Providing a home warranty can give buyers peace of mind, especially if they’re concerned about future repair costs. “Today’s buyers are struggling to afford extra money for upgrades,” Stel says. “This means that buyers don’t have the extra money to make upgrades to bathrooms, kitchens, carpets, or flooring.”
• Use professional photography: In Ontario’s competitive market, high-quality photos will make your home stand out and attract more views on the MLS. This is especially important, considering the majority of buyers begin their home search online.
• Consider timing: Ontario’s housing market can fluctuate with the seasons. Use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator or consult with your agent to list at the most opportune moment.

Stel emphasizes that a well-staged home will make a positive impression on buyers, whether they’re viewing it in person or simply looking at pictures on the internet.

If the seller is living in the home, however, and can’t afford professional staging, “decluttering and simplifying the space can often be just as effective,” remarks Stel. “This means removing furniture items and putting them in the garage or closets to create a more streamlined look.”

Stel also reminds sellers that buyers in Ontario’s market are seeing turnkey homes, as oftentimes they don’t have the funds to make extensive repairs.

“Buyers don’t have the extra money to make upgrades to bathrooms, kitchens, carpets, or flooring. If a seller can take care of some of these items before putting the house on the market, they’re going to sell their home for a lot more because the buyer will happily finance those items into their purchase,” says Stel.

Ready to sell your Ontario house fast?

Whether you choose to request a cash offer from a house-buying company or work with a top Ontario real estate agent, the key to a fast sale is finding the best path forward for your individual situation.

• If you’re in a hurry to sell, getting a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide a quick, hassle-free solution.
• Alternatively, hiring an experienced real estate agent will ensure your home is marketed effectively and priced to sell fast. HomeLight can connect you with top agents in Ontario.

If you’re undecided, consider both options. “I usually show sellers the benefits of both options, and they often choose the traditional method of selling with an agent like me over a cash buyer company,” Stel says. Comparing a cash offer with an agent’s market analysis may give you all the clarity you need.

While selling your home in Ontario’s market can feel intimidating, especially when you’re hoping to act fast, HomeLight is here to help you every step of the way. With the expert tools, tips, and insights presented in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to sell your Ontario home quickly and confidently.

Header Image Source: (iriana88w / Deposit Photos)