We Buy Houses in Maryland: “We Buy Houses” vs. Realtor – Full Comparison

1. Key Differences at a Glance

📌 Related Article: Maryland Home Seller’s Guide: Cash vs. Realtor

2. Speed: How Fast Can You Sell?

“We Buy Houses” Companies: Close in 7-30 Days

• No bank delays (Cash buyers don’t need mortgage approval)

• No waiting for buyers (They’re the buyer)

• Example: A Baltimore homeowner sold their inherited property in 8 days to avoid probate.

Realtor Listings: 3-6 Months (or Longer)

• Average Maryland DOM (Days on Market): ~45-90 days

• Buyer financing can fall through (30% of deals fail last-minute)

• Example: A Silver Spring condo took 5 months to sell after 2 failed contracts.

📌 Case Study: How a Family Sold Their Fire-Damaged Home in 10 Days for Cash

3. Costs: Which Option Saves You More Money?

“We Buy Houses” Fees: $0 Commission, No Repairs

• No agent fees (Saving 6%)

• No repair costs (Saving $5K-$50K+)

• Some buyers cover closing costs

Realtor Fees: 6-10% in Commissions + Repairs

• Agent commission: 5-6% (Split between buyer/seller agents)

• Closing costs: 1-3%

• Repairs & staging: $10K+ (Maryland average)

💰 Real-World Example:

• Home Value: $400,000

• Cash Offer: $340,000 (85% of value)

• Realtor Sale: $400,000–$24K (6%) – $15K(repairs)=\ast \ast$361K net**
  → Cash sale often nets similar (or more) after costs!

📌 Related Calculator: Cash vs. Realtor: Which Nets You More?

4. Convenience: Stress Level Compared

“We Buy Houses” (Easiest Option)

✔ No showings (No strangers in your home)
✔ No repairs (Sell hoarder homes, fire damage, etc.)
✔ Flexible closing dates (Need 7 days? 60 days? Your choice)

Realtor Sales (Most Hassle)

❌ Must declutter & stage (Hard with kids/pets)
❌ Last-minute buyer demands (“Fix the roof or we walk!”)
❌ Uncertainty (Deals collapse over appraisals, financing)

📌 Poll: 82% of Maryland sellers said cash sales were “less stressful” than realtors.

5. Market Conditions: When to Choose Each Option

Best for “We Buy Houses” Cash Sales:

🔹 Need to sell fast (Divorce, job transfer, inherited home)
🔹 Major repairs needed (Avoid $20K+ in fixes)
🔹 Tenant-occupied rentals (No eviction hassles)
🔹 Avoiding foreclosure (Stop the clock now)

Best for Realtor Listings:

🔸 Hot seller’s market (2021-2022 was ideal)
🔸 Home in perfect condition (Luxury homes do better on MLS)
🔸 No rush (Can wait 6+ months for top dollar)

📌 Market Data: 2024 Maryland Housing Forecast

6. How to Avoid Scams in Both Options

Red Flags for “We Buy Houses” Companies

🚩 No local office or reviews
🚩 Demands upfront fees (Legit buyers never charge you)
🚩 Pressure to sign quickly

Red Flags for Realtors

🚩 Overpricing your home (Just to win your listing)
🚩 Hidden fees (Admin costs, “mandatory” staging)
🚩 Poor communication (You can’t reach them)

📌 Trusted Resources:

• Maryland Real Estate Commission

• BBB Accredited Cash Buyers

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do cash buyers pay fair prices in Maryland?

A: They pay 65-85% of retail value, but you save 10-15% in fees/repairs—often netting the same (or more).

Q: Can I list with a realtor AND get a cash offer?

A: Yes! Some agents work with cash buyers. Always compare net proceeds.

Q: Are “we buy houses” companies investors or wholesalers?

A: Most are direct buyers (like us). Wholesalers assign contracts—ask upfront!

📌 More FAQs: Maryland Cash Sale FAQ

8. Conclusion: Which Should YOU Choose?

Choose “We Buy Houses” If You Want:

✔ Speed (Close in days, not months)
✔ Convenience (No showings, no repairs)
✔ Certainty (No financing risks)

Choose a Realtor If You:

✔ Have time to wait (6+ months)
✔ Home is market-ready (No major issues)
✔ Prioritize max retail price (And accept the hassles)

Next Steps:
1️⃣ Get a Free Cash Offer → Click Here
2️⃣ Interview 2-3 Realtors (Ask about fees, timeline)
3️⃣ Compare & Decide (Which nets you more after costs?)

📞 Need Advice? Call +16676468306