Special offer

Did you get an out-of-the blue-offer?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Kolsky Realty & Management 01311273

 

Did you get an out-of-the blue-offer?

 

 

 

In certain markets, getting an out-of-the-blue offer to buy your home isn’t all that strange. In certain markets, there just aren’t enough homes for sale, and it is creating some buyers to think outside the box. But what should you do when “out-of-left-field” someone knocks on your door and wants to buy your home? Or how do you handle the unexpected envelope in the mail saying they want to buy your home?

 

So what should you do when approached by an aggressive home buyer? Most homeowners probably have no desire to sell their home, and if that’s the case- you do nothing other than saying you’re not interested. But for some homeowners- they’ll want to hear a little more from the potential buyer, and maybe consider selling their home even though it is not for sale.

 

For homeowners willing to listen- you don’t just want to let strangers into your home. Your first step will be to vet any prospective buyer; you want to make sure they are capable and serious buyers. Find out how long they’ve been searching, why they desire your home, and if they’ve made other offers already. Once you understand their motivation better- you then can decide if you want to move forward by letting them see your home.

 

Think back to when you purchased your home- you most likely enlisted the help of a professional real estate agent, and you know how much work it takes to buy/sell a home. And while you might entertain the idea of saving money by forging the service of a professional real estate agent, enlisting the services of a professional real estate agent does not only provide the best protection but also puts more money in your pocket by making sure you sell your home for top dollar. And keep in mind, because there’s less preparation involved in off-market deals, many agents will work with you and discount their commission.

 

The reality is most out-of-the-blue offers won’t pan out. For a variety of reasons off-market deals don’t come to fruition. But by some chance, if the buyer is willing to pony up the money, and the homeowner gets properly enticed, you can make an out-of-the-blue offer work.

 

 

 

Comments(6)

John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Out of the blue offers are certainly not the norm, but under the right circumstances, and with the right guidance (working with a professional like yourself), they can work out for the best!

Feb 01, 2016 04:53 AM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Jon, I still have a difficult time understanding the logic behind doing it yourself home selling.  This is the biggest single $$ transaction, for most people, in their life time.  Most would not even think of doing electrical, additions, plumbing, auto repair, and yet 'can do' when selling their own home?  Get a professional.  Mark

Feb 01, 2016 05:06 AM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

In Oklahoma City we get REALTORS® who work with "investors" or a corporate entity and submit tons of blind offers that are lowball. That is our out of the blue offers coming in. FSBOs get constant mailers that say, I want to buy your home and call this 800 number. PT Barnum was right.

Feb 01, 2016 06:52 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Unsolicited offers to buy homes, especially if they aren't being marketed, usually come with the caveat that they are offering discounted prices.

Back in the 1980s, Sacramento had a few instances where out of town buyers came in and made offers to FSBOs.  But, after the transactions closed, there were lawsuits wherein the buyers would sue for fraud for things that weren't disclosed.  It is almost always best to have a licensed real estate agent to represent you!

Feb 01, 2016 11:59 AM
Jon Kolsky
Kolsky Realty & Management - Long Beach, CA
Licensed California Real Estate Broker

John Meussner ~ with the lack of inventory- out-of-the-blue offers are becoming more frequent, again. And for homeowners thinking about entertaining such an offer, they just need to be smart in doing so

Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint ~ I am with you- I don't understand the FSBO mentality. There's just too much that can go wrong unless you have professional assistance

Feb 02, 2016 12:25 AM
Jon Kolsky
Kolsky Realty & Management - Long Beach, CA
Licensed California Real Estate Broker

Joe Pryor ~ yes... There are a lot of  generic "I want to buy your home" letters. And in most cases, the generic letter is worthless. There is a sucker born every minute, and scammers live by it

Myrl Jeffcoat ~ I agree- there are a lot of  letters distributed looking to buy homes that are not for sale at a discount, and in most cases, homeowners need to throw them away. And your point about buyers suing sellers after the fact is a reality that can be avoided by having a professional agent 

Feb 02, 2016 12:35 AM