When you need to sell your house fast, you may come across companies that advertise “We Buy Houses” or promise a cash offer with no hassle. Most of these are professional home buyers—real estate investors who purchase houses directly from sellers, often as-is and with quick closings. (some are just time wasting middle-men trying to lock up your property and find someone else to buy it. Read more about that in our blog article here). But back to the topic, is selling to a home buyer the right move for you?
There are a number of factors to consider. Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision when selling your home.
The Pros of Selling to a Professional Home Buyer
1. Fast Closings One of the biggest advantages is speed. Most investors can close in as little as 7 days. If you’re relocating, facing foreclosure, or just need to move quickly, this can be a lifesaver.
2. No Repairs Needed Professional home buyers purchase properties as-is. That means no painting, no patching, no fixing leaks or updating appliances. You don’t even need to clean or empty out the house. Many times an inherited house or a house that was occupied by Mom and Dad for 20 or 30 years is full of stuff they don’t want or need anymore. Professional house buyers will handle the cleaning out of the property after they buy it.
3. No Agent Commissions When you sell to a home buyer, there’s no listing agent involved. That means no 6% commission coming out of your proceeds. They should also cover transaction and closing costs too which further reduces out of pocket expenses.
4. Flexible Terms You often get to pick your closing date. Some buyers will even let you stay in the property for a bit after closing if needed. Usually this is because a seller may not have the money to move and needs money from the sale proceeds to coordinate packing and movers.
5. Certainty and Simplicity No showings. No open houses. No home inspector coming in an picking everything apart. No waiting for buyer financing. Just a straightforward offer and a clear path to closing.
The Cons of Selling to a Professional Home Buyer
1. You Might Get Less Than Market Price Investors typically factor in repair costs, holding costs, and profit margins. If you want top dollar and are willing to wait, listing with an agent might yield a higher sales price. We have this conversation with people a lot actually.
2. Scams and Out-of-State Buyers Not all home buyers are created equal. Some are wholesalers who tie up your home under contract and then try to sell that contract to someone else. Others are out-of-state companies who may never see the property in person—and may back out at the last minute. Think about this, how can a company from another state who has never seen your property make a legitimate offer and actually buy your house? Sounds fishy? That’s because it is
3. No Marketing Exposure Your home won’t be listed on the MLS or promoted online, which could limit competitive offers. But in many cases, speed and convenience are more important than exposure.
How NOLA Buys Houses Is Different
At NOLA Buys Houses, we’re not some national chain or wholesaler. We’re a local, family-owned company that’s been buying homes in the Greater New Orleans area since 2005. We actually buy the houses we put under contract—and we’ve helped over 1,200 homeowners sell quickly, easily, and stress-free.
We always:
- Offer cash with no fees or commissions
- Buy homes as-is (you don’t even have to clean!)
- Close on your schedule
- Treat every seller with honesty and respect
And best of all, we’re here in New Orleans. We know the market, and we meet our sellers face-to-face. That’s a big deal when trust matters.
Final Thoughts
Selling to a professional home buyer isn’t for everyone—but it can be a smart, stress-free option if you’re in the right situation. Just be sure you’re working with a reputable, experienced, and local buyer who can deliver on their promises.
If you’re considering this route, give us a call or fill out the form on our site. We’d be happy to take a look at your property and make you a fair, no-pressure cash offer.
About NOLA Buys Houses: We are local cash home buyers based in New Orleans. Since 2005, we’ve helped homeowners in every kind of situation sell fast, without the stress. No repairs, no fees, and no agents—just a better way to sell your home