Why not iBuyer?

One of the most recent trends in the real estate world is the emergence of the “iBuyer”. Put simply, the iBuyer is a company which will purchase your home quickly and without the contingencies that are often encountered in a traditional sale. While this may be appealing to some sellers, it is not without its own issues. This concept is still quite new and it is uncertain whether the model will survive.

The price the iBuyer offers is usually based on a computer-generated model without even seeing the home or accounting for special features your home may have. iBuyers differ in how their business models work, some charging a fee for service and some discounting the purchase price. Either way, your net sale proceeds are impacted.

By contrast, selling a home with a Realtor who is bound by the high standards of a fiduciary, means your interests come first. Your Realtor can give you a current market assessment of your home’s value and give you recommendations on how to maximize the sale price. Furthermore, with feedback from prospective buyers, your Realtor can help you fine-tune any issues that come up during showings.

Another difference between the iBuyer offer and a more traditional buyer is that with the iBuyer, the offer is a take-it-orleave-it proposition where there is no room for negotiation. No one wants to feel like they are leaving money on the table and with the all-or-nothing iBuyer offer that is almost a certainty.

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to stick with the Realtor-based model is having an expert in your corner to help you navigate the process, to strategize your marketing approach, and to negotiate terms in your favor.