All about “iBuyers”, Open Door, Offer Pad in Phoenix Az [A Complete Guide]

Your Complete Guide to iBuyers, Open Door, Offer Pad & More

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😂  PHOENIX JANUARY 2020 MARKET REPORT

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😂 TEMPE JANUARY 2020 MARKET REPORT

😊 CHANDLER JANUARY 2020 MARKET REPORT

What is going on in the Phoenix market in 2020? 

CLICK HERE    See an overview with data from the Cromford report

The real estate market in the metro Phoenix is changing. If you want to know all about “IBuyers”, Open Door, Offer Pad, you are in the right place!  Phoenix is ground Zero for many iBuyers, or buyers making “Instant Offers” to homeowners.  These offers promise a quick and easy way for homeowners to sell their homes. A wise seller will look at all options when deciding to sell a property.

Phoenix Az is NOW a SELLER’S MARKET

From 2019 – 2020, the Phoenix Metro housing market has appreciated 11%! That is huge!!  We are in a VERY STRONG SELLER’S MARKET.  This means sellers can easily sell their house for top dollar.  They don’t need to get a “discount” offer from the typical iBuyer.

Do you own a house between $200,000 – $400,000?  If you do, you have the best chance of selling your home for the most money in the quickest time.  $200,000 – $300,000 is the average median home price for Phoenix Az.  There are buyers standing in line to purchase at this price point. So if you own a home in this price point, now is the time to sell for top dollar!  Per the Metro Phoenix  Multiple Listing Services (MLS), you have a 91% opportunity to sell your home.  This is the highest listing success rate of any price range in Phoenix Az.

Don’t Give Away Your House!

Would you like to have the best of both worlds?  I am a certified iReal Estate Pro.  What does that mean?  I can provide a seller with multiple cash offers on their house.  There are many companies that can provide “Instant” offers. Also, I have access to multiple investment groups looking to buy and flip.

Also, I have access to institutional buyers looking to buy and hold properties as rental income properties.  After obtaining the offers, I will provide them for a seller in a side by side presentation so they can look at the offer prices and fees associated with the sale.  I can provide market information should a seller decide to sell a house in a traditional manner.

For some sellers, selling quickly for cash is a convenience they need in order to move ahead with life.  For others, taking a bit more time to earn top dollar for their house is the best solution for them.

Most sellers are at a distinct disadvantage when doing business with most iBuyers.  How many home sales does a typical seller negotiate in a lifetime?  How many home sales do the iBuyer employees negotiate every day?  Sellers deserve representation in a transaction, whether it is a sale to an iBuyer or a traditional sale.  I help sellers get the most money for their homes, regardless of which sale method is used. Selling to an iBuyer is not the only option for sellers wanting to sell quickly.

You can Counter Offer an iBuyer

Did you know when a seller receives an offer from an iBuyer, the seller can counter-offer the initial price offered?  How do you do this?  By showing the seller the true value of their home and making a “reasonable” counter-offer which puts more money in the seller’s pocket.

Also, when an iBuyer asks for repairs, buyers can pick and choose from those repairs. Sellers can also make repairs for the iBuyer.  I have resources to help with painting, flooring, plumbing, electrical and handyman services.  Often sellers just need a professional to guide them through the selling process.

What is an iBuyer?

An iBuyer is a company or entity that will purchase your home with an “instant” offer. What is an instant offer?  This is typically an instant offer on the home from a buyer that hasn’t actually seen it.  These buyers look at pictures typically submitted by the seller. They then develop an offer based on area comparable properties.  The iBuyers rely on the pictures submitted by the sellers to provide information on the condition of the property as well ad identify updates in the property.  These are typically companies many people will recognize from advertisements, such as Open Door or Offer Pad.  These are cash offers, often with very quick closings (as little as 2 weeks). Also, these companies may be planning to do minor updates on the house and immediately resell it.  Also, there are iBuyers that are “institutional” buyers.

These are buying homes to use as rental properties to generate income.  Many of these have a plan to hold onto the property for 10 – 15 years. If you sell to an iBuyer, you do not have to have your house listed and shown to multiple buyers.

What is an iBuyer Program?

What are Keller Offers?

A Keller Offer is a Cash

Keller offers are offers through Keller Williams Realty and Offerpad.  When a seller does not want to go the traditional listing route, Keller Williams agents can obtain an offer for the buyer through Offerpad.  Also, with a Keller Offer, sellers receive a cash offer.  And they can close in a little at 2 weeks and/or pick their closing date!

Additionally, when sellers elect to accept a Keller Offer, they are represented in the transaction by a Keller Williams real estate agent who is looking out for their interests.  The Keller Williams agent is representing the seller and can assist with a counteroffer if the buyer doesn’t want to accept the initial Offerpad offer.

Offerpad Repairs

And, with a knowledgeable agent representing the seller, folks accepting an Offerpad offer can expect their agent to help negotiate any requested repairs.

Offerpad often will come back and ask a seller to make repairs or provideOfferpad a credit at closing for them to do repairs.  Sometimes these repairs are unnecessary or expensive. A knowledgable agent can assist with repair people to complete the work or get estimates to validate the cost of the repair items identified by Offerpad. This is just one of the ways Keller Williams agents can help with the new world of iBuyers.

How do I get an Instant Cash Offer?

Sellers often ask how they can get an instant cash offer for their house.   Sellers can get multiple cash offers when working with a Certified iReal Estate Pro agent.  These certified real estate agents have access to several potential buyers.  These buyers include the typical Opendoor and Offerpad models (also known as iBuyers).  However, they also have access to institutional buyers and many investors.

These institutional buyers are purchasing single-family homes for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT).  And these buyers are often paying market value.  This is because they are buying the property to rent.  They are not buying the property to sell a few weeks later!  Additionally, their business model is to rent the property for 10 – 15 years.  Also, they earn their money from the rents and long term appreciation.   Unlike an Opendoor or Offerpad who need to buy low to immediately turn a profit, a REIT has a different model. A Certified iReal Estate Pro agent will submit your property to multiple buyers and help you get the most money for your home.  They can show you how to net the most money for your home while providing you the convenience you may be looking for.

What is a “Buy and Hold’ Model – Instant Cash Home Buyer

Does Offerpad really work?

Offerpad Fees

All iBuyers charge fees, but fees will vary depending on the various business model they use. Sellers may be asked to pay from 7.5% to 10 % in various service fees, or even more!  Fees may vary by state.

Additionally, sellers will typically have closing costs to pay.  This could consist of HOA disclosure fees or transfer fees.  Also, sellers also need to pay any taxes due.  Additionally, sellers will typically pay typical title fees, which could be a few hundred dollars to thousands in buyer title insurance fees.

Offer Pad Reviews

Like any business receiving reviews, there will typically be good reviews and bad reviews. Sometimes consumers will have an issue because they didn’t read the fine print.  Sometimes it is because a service provider wasn’t fully transparent when disclosing information a seller needs to make an informed decision.

Here are a few online reviews for Offer Pad:

I sold my home at ***** ******** **** ********* *** ** ******** *** **** **** ****** ******* ************ The sale closed on 9/27/18. I signed a Credit & Repair addendum on 9/20/18 at their request which stipulated that I (1) remove the wallpaper & paint the interior and (2) Replace the Carpet in the Master Bedroom or grant them a $3,900.00 credit for them to perform the work. I argued that they knew the presence of the wallpaper when they signed the original agreement and that the Carpet in question was in excellent shape, did not need replacement and was only 17 months old.

Their reply was that they would cancel the deal if I did not comply. I signed the addendum under duress as I was already committed to Purchase another home that was scheduled to close on 9/28/18. After the sale closed, they did not, in fact, replace the carpet in question and therefore, charged me for work not performed. Even though I feel I was entitled to the entire $3,900.00, …

More Offerpad Reviews

I agreed to sign a contract because it was described to me by an employee that I would not be locked into the contract and I was free to walk away at any time. Later I found out that I will have to pay $1700.00 to get out of the contract.

After finding out they low balled me with the sole purpose of forcing me into the contract, I tried to get out of said contract and was told I HAVE to pay the money or let them inspect my house; fixing any problems they found or refusing to fix the problems which would allow me to exit the contract without penalties.

So they inspected my house, deliberately found problems I would not agree to fix. Once I told them this, they came back saying I had no choice but accept their offer or pay the $1700.00 to leave the contract.  We sold our house to this company. In the contract, they stated that they needed $9,000.00 to replace the air conditioner, paint the exterior of the house, paint over chalkboard paint on the cabinet, fix interior walls, fix exterior stucco, replace missing doors, and other items.

When they ask for money for Repairs – Do they really make them?

They would not budge on anything even though we fixed some of the stuff and some of these things were not needed as repairs. They sold the house and did not do anything that was in our contract.  And they also told us that we had to leave our refrigerator because they couldn’t sell without it. They sold it minus the refrigerator.

We have photographic evidence and our former neighbor that said he would testify as to what they did to our house which was nothing!!!! We felt bullied into taking the loss of money. They were not the nicest. If we tried to dispute they would give us the run around till we caved. We have tried to contact them and they refuse to answer. We have heard multiple people state they had the same issue.

Does Opendoor pay a fair price?

Whether Opendoor pays a fair pair is up to the seller to decide.  Also, Opendoor is offering convenience to the seller: iBuyers offer some advantages to a seller:

–Sell your house with no showings

-pick your closing date

-close the sale quickly

-provide a credit to the buyer in lieu of making repairs.

-know you have a cash buyer for your home – no buyer canceling at the lost minute because of loan issues

-know you can move, buy a new home, move ahead with relocation plans.

Opendoor, as an iBuyer is offering convenience to the homeowner. So, if you have 3 dogs, 2 cats and 3 kids, do you really want to keep your home in showing condition and rally the troops at the last minutes when an agent calls to request a showing?  Additionally, It is up to the seller to decide what is “convenience”

Opendoor Reviews

Here are some Opendoor reviews from sellers who sold their home to Opendoor:

“We sold to Opendoor last month. When Opendoor came in to do their inspections they stated that our 14-year-old roof was in need of replacement. They said the repairs were approx $10,800 to completely repair the roof. The only other item they found was that the pool/lanai surface needed to be refinished for about $600. We agreed to have them do the repairs and deduct the amount from the offer they gave us. My friends have been keeping an eye on the home as they live across the street.

The house was put for sale yesterday and we just moved out of the home in less than 14 days ago and the roof was never replaced. I feel we got scammed out of $10,000 as the roof according to them it needed to be replaced and never was.”

Would I leave money on the table if I sell with Offerpad?

Most sellers will leave money on the table when they sell to Offerpad. Also, a house listed in the Multiple Listing Service ( MLS) which is offered to the most buyers will likely bring top dollar to the seller. Also, sellers who make minor repairs, clean and stage appropriately will get top dollar.

However, sellers who want to sell fast and not have to show their house to buyers coming through will get less money for their house.  However, there are times that sellers want to sell quickly and the reduced profits are offset by the convenience of completing the transaction quickly.

Offerpad VS Opendoor

Sellers often wonder what the difference is between these two iBuyer companies.  The truth is, very little.  Both will offer a seller a price based on pictures the seller has submitted.  Additionally, both need to buy the house, and turn it around and put it back on the market as soon as possible. Also, both Offerpad and Opendoor will pay cash.  Both will typically ask for repairs, either to be made by the seller or paid for in the form of a credit to the company from the seller’s profit at the house closing.

We find that with both companies, they often do not make all the repairs that were requested by Offerpad or Opendoor.  This is often where they profit.  They may tell a seller they need a new air conditioner due to the age of the existing unit.  They may not always replace it if it is working.  If their new buyer doesn’t ask for a new AC unit, they have just profited several thousands of dollars.

The Changing Phoenix Az Market

Today’s real estate market is changing.  Here in the metro Phoenix area, we are ground zero for “IBuyers” in many forms.  Most sellers like the idea of a cash buyer, no house showings and selecting their own closing date.  However, they need to understand the financial impact on them and their families.

When it is time to sell, find a real estate agent experienced in gathering offers from various iBuyers.  Compare those offers to a traditional sale. Be sure the agent can help explain all the fees one will see on the iBuyer offers.

What is the process for a homeowner to get an iBuyer offer?

Sellers who are interested in an offer from an iBuyer need to carefully look at the process. This applies whether the offer is from Open Door, Offer Pad or other “Instant” offer companies.

1. The homeowner will submit pictures of the property to the iBuyer
2. Owners answer questions about the condition of the property,  such age of the roof, HVAC, water heater, etc.
3. State recent updates or remodeling, the age, and type of flooring, cabinets, etc

The iBuyer will then look at comparable homes of similar size and condition in your neighborhood and make an offer. Pretty simple, or is it?

All about “IBuyers”, Open Door, Offer Pad

Seller Beware!

This is where it gets interesting.  The iBuyer is making an offer on a property they have never walked into. They are relying solely on the information from the owner. Did the owner submit all pictures to provide a realistic condition of the property? Are there multiple pictures of each room?

Are there pictures of the front of the house from different views? What about the houses on either side of this one? Are there several pictures of the back yard? If there is a pool is the condition of the pool and pool equipment clearly visible?

Who do you know that will buy a property sight unseen? Real estate appraisers will go into a property to understand the condition and look at the entire property, not just relying on pictures.  A real estate agent who lists your house for sale will typically walk through the house with the owner to understand the condition before discussing price.

What About Repairs?

They will also suggest minor repairs or staging recommendations to maximize profits!  So, why would a buyer only look at selected pictures submitted by a seller and neighborhood information and make an offer?

Where many sellers are surprised is the home inspection completed by the iBuyer’s inspector.  This is the first time anyone connected with the buyer actually sees the property.  Often the iBuyer will give the seller a list of items to repair. Sometimes sellers are asked to replace carpet that is relatively new.

A seller may be asked to replace HVAC equipment or a water heater.  The buyer may be asked for the house to be repainted.  Now the homeowner also may be offered the option to give the iBuyer a cash credit at closing in lieu of actually making the repairs.  This number may be significant and surprising to the seller.  This may greatly reduce their net proceeds.  There is a price for convenience.

Who Represents the Seller?

All about “IBuyers”, Open Door, Offer Pad

When a seller deals directly with a typical iBuyer company, you have a seller who has perhaps sold a few homes, negotiating with a professional negotiator who may negotiate many house purchases a day!  With typically iBuyers, the seller is unrepresented.

This transaction is truly For Sale By Owner.  The seller does not have any representation and the iBuyer is under no obligation to look out for the seller’s interest. The seller is truly unrepresented in one of the largest business transactions

Phoenix Homes on the Market in the last 7 days

Contact the Shirley Coomer Group at Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living

Call or Text: 602-770-0643 for more Real Estate Information.

All about “IBuyers”, Open Door, Offer Pad

All about “IBuyers”, Open Door, Offer Pad

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All about "iBuyers", Open Door, Offer Pad in Phoenix Az [A Complete Guide]

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Everything you need to know about iBuyers, Opendoor, Offerpad and institutional buyers in the Phoenix metro market. What are the advantages and disadvantages of selling to an iBuyer?

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Shirley Cooomer

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Shirley Coomer Real Estate Group

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