What is a cash offer in San Antonio, Texas and why consider it?
What is a cash-offer on a home?
Cash offers are all-cash offers, which means that a buyer wants to buy the property with no mortgage loan. These offers can be more attractive to sellers because they eliminate the risk of buyer financing falling through and allow for a quicker closing.
You may have received an offer in cash for your house. You may be considering a cash-only offer, or you might just want to compete against buyers who make one. This guide will help.
What is the frequency of cash offers?
Cash offers may be more common than what you think. ATTOM Data Solutions reports that cash sales accounted for just over a quarter in 2018 of all sales of single-family homes and condos. Although it is well below the peak of 38% cash offers in 2011, it is still significantly higher than the average pre-recession rate from 2000 to 2007. Also check https://www.anchoredsunshine.com/
This number can vary by city. According to the same ATTOM Data Solutions report, the metropolitan statistical areas with the highest percentage of cash purchases in 2018 (among a group of 200 with a minimum of 200,000 people and enough data on cash sales) were Montgomery, Alabama (54%), Naples (Florida) (53%) Macon (Georgia (51%).
In these situations, cash offers are more common.
- A property is owned by an investor (or company).
- The seller has recently sold their home and is able to withdraw the proceeds.
- Buyers want to stand out in a sea of competition
- The property needs repairs or renovations, and it is appealing as a fixer-upper home
Cash offers are not limited to the transactions listed above. They can be made in any type of transaction. You should be aware of the cash offers that are available if you plan to buy or to sell a home in the near future.
What is the difference between a cash-only offer and a traditional homebuying offer?
The buying and selling process differs if you have a cash offer.
The process is usually faster. The buyer does not need to submit a mortgage application or documentation. They also do not require an appraisal. As a purchaser, you will still have to arrange title insurance and policy, show proof of funds and sign closing papers. However, according to Redfin you could close an all-cash deal in just two weeks. As of September 2019, an average mortgage took 42 days.
There are other ways that the cash offer process can be different.
- The contingencies are less with cash sales. The financing condition is not needed by buyers, and there might also be no need for sales conditions. Some buyers will still ask for an Inspection Contingency.
- An appraisal: In most cases, an appraisal is required by a lender. If a buyer does not have a lender to rely on, they will be able to avoid them. A buyer might still need an appraisal in some situations, especially if he’s an investor who wants to ensure returns.
- Closing A cash offer’s closing is much simpler. You will sign the settlement statement and title and deed as a buyer. Then you will hand over the cashier’s checks (or wire money) and get your keys. The paperwork required is significantly reduced when financing is not involved. You’ll also have lower closing costs since no lender fees are attached.
- Title and escrow: You’ll need to hire a title company or escrow service as a buyer. However, you have more freedom in selecting these companies without the involvement of a lender. Comparing fees is easier if you shop around.
Cash buyers must prove their financial ability to the seller prior to moving forward. When a buyer is applying for a mortgage, they are usually preapproved. This means that the lender has already vetted the buyer and determined that they can afford the mortgage payments. This safety net does not exist in a cash transaction. The buyer is usually required to show a letter of proof from their bank proving that they have enough funds to complete the sale.
Considerations for a cash offer when buying a home
Should you make a cash-only offer on a home? It’s not always the best move to make a cash offer just because you can afford it. There are advantages and disadvantages to a cash-only bid.
Consider the following pros and cons when making your decision.
The pros of making an offer for cash:
- It gives sellers more confidence
- They can provide a quicker closing period
- Credit score is not a factor in the application process
- You do not need an appraisal for your home
- No interest charges means you can save money in the long run
- Reduce the amount of paperwork required
The cons of making a money offer:
- It costs a lot of money
- Your wealth will be locked up in a single asset that is difficult to move.
- You will not be able use tax deductions for mortgages
Consider the competitiveness of the entire market, as well as the specific house that you are vying for. Cash offers can help you get ahead of other buyers if the market is hot and there are many interested buyers.
Don’t think that your offer is all you need. You’ll need money to pay for property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, HOA fees, earnest cash, and moving expenses. You’ll need to have enough money for all of this without depleting savings.
What if you are faced with a cash offer when purchasing a house?
You can distinguish yourself in a number of ways:
- Offer the listing price or more. You may be able to get a better deal if you make an offer that is below the listing price.
- Offer the seller a letter of offer that will help you stand out.
- Include an clause of escalation in your contract to demonstrate that you are flexible.
- Consider if it is a good idea to abandon any contingencies.
Considerations for a cash offer if you are selling your house
You’re likely to receive a few cash offers when you sell your house — especially if it’s in a wealthy area or an area that attracts investors.
These are generally the types of purchasers who offer cash.
- Investors who want to flip or fix up properties, or purchase them and rent them out.
- Retirees can use their savings to pay off mortgages.
- Homeowners who have sold their property and used the proceeds to buy a new home
- Buyers who are wealthy and can afford to pay large deposits
- Companies that Buy Your Home Directly
You should carefully weigh the pros, and cons of accepting the cash offer. Although there are benefits to paying in cash, it’s not for everyone.
Consider the following pros and cons:
The pros of accepting an offer for cash:
- No risk of buyer financing falling through
- Closing is typically faster
- There is no appraisal in most cases
- Avoid some contingencies
The cons of accepting an offer for cash:
- You may find that this offer is lower than others
- Buyers are not always vetted as thoroughly
It’s important that you understand the pros, cons and make the right decision for you.
Takeaways
Both buyers and sellers can benefit from cash offers. They may not be the best choice. When selling your house, you should consider both the pros and the cons of receiving a cash offer. You should also take into consideration who is making the offer. Make sure the party you are doing business with is reputable and has the money to complete the transaction. For more details to visit https://houses4texas.com/
Think long and hard before investing all of your money in one asset. Talk to your financial advisor or accountant and ensure you fully understand the situation before making an all-cash offer.