Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe you have a few questions about out process. Here’s a quick collection of some of the questions people ask us… along with our answers. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to contact us (or give us a call) and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
Q: Will you be listing my house on the MLS or actually buying it?
A: Great question. Although the real estate is our field, we’re not agents, and we don’t list houses. We are professional home buyers: Better Off Home Buyers buys houses Portland that meet our purchasing criteria. We have several years in the real estate buying business. That is what we do. We will buy your house.
Q: Do you pay fair prices for properties?
A: A property’s fair price is determined by applying several variables, such as location, the property’s current conditions, including repairs needed, and the dynamics and prices of similar houses in the neighborhood. As a real estate investor company, we look for good deals, but also, for us, it is important that everyone involved in a home sale or purchase transaction be satisfied. Even many sellers aren’t necessarily expecting a large “windfall” on the property, but rather appreciate that we can offer cash, and that we are able to close quickly. Our clients do not waste time, effort, or money on fixing up their property or paying agent’s fees. We can come to a fair win-win price. (Besides, our no-obligation pricing commitment means that you do not have to move forward with the offer we give… but it’s good to know what we’re offering!)
Q: Are there any fees or commissions to work with you?
A: This is what makes us stand out from the traditional method of selling your house: There are NO fees or commissions when you sell your house to us. We’ll make you an offer, and if it’s a fit then we’ll buy your house (and we’ll often pay for the closing costs too!). No hassle. No fees.
Q: How are you different from a real estate agent?
A: Real estate agents list properties and hope that someone will buy them. Real estate agents prefer to work with properties in good condition, and easy to sell. Although, there is not a written rule, agents charge a 6% commission over the final home price sale. After they list a house for sale, they show it to prospective buyers if there are any. The average time agents sell a house is 90 days. However, it is not unknown, many properties remain in the market up to 12 months. Agents provide a great service for those that can wait 6-12 months to sell, and don’t mind to carrie-on with the house expenses and are willing to give up some of that sale price to pay for the commissions. That’s where we’re different: We’re not agents, we’re professional home buyers. Our company actually buys houses. We don’t list houses. Since we’re actually the one buying the house from you, and we pay with all cash… we can make a decision to buy your house within a couple of days (sometimes the same day). Typically, we close in 7 days. Our clients save time and money and the most important. They sell their homes when they decide so.
Q: The ban on evictions has tied my hands, would you buy my tenant-occupied rental house?
A: The CARES Act law protects tenants from eviction. The rule prohibits those who struggle with the pandemic and are unable to pay rent from being evicted. However the rules don’t protect landlords in the same grade. Independent, mom-and-pop, and small landlords have been pushed to the edge. Many have to sell their rental properties to avoid foreclosure. In 2020, we purchased several properties and were able to release frustrated landlords from nightmare and problems ahead. We will buy your tenant-occupied rental house. We can be the solution as a small landlord you are looking for.