Thinking about selling your Pittsburgh home with a real estate agent? Beware of hidden costs that could drain your profits!
While listing with a realtor might seem the best choice, many homeowners are shocked by unexpected fees—commissions, repairs, and closing costs—that eat into their profit.
Though the initial interactions with realtors are sweet, and the step-by-step process looks straightforward, it becomes stressful as time passes.
Moreover, Pittsburgh, the steel city, is no longer the favored place to live. Though it’s the second most populous city in Pennsylvania, housing demand has declined. Once, Pittsburgh, PA, was bustling with activity, but things have changed. It’s in a transitionary phase, moving from a steel hub to an education hub.
So, if your goal is to sell my Pittsburgh house fast without losing money to unnecessary expenses, there’s a better option. Realtors are a headache, but cash buyers are like soothing ointment to a broken heart.
Contacting top Pittsburgh cash home buyers or We Buy Houses in Pittsburgh firms will benefit you because it will cost you less money and time.
This guide will reveal five hidden costs real estate agents won’t tell you about—and how to sell a Pittsburgh home quickly without paying realtors.
1. Realtor Commissions & Fees
The realtor commission is the price you pay while selling through an agent. Generally, you pay 5-6% of the sale price in commission, split between the listing and buyer’s agents. On a $200,000 home, for instance, you can lose $12,000 just on commission fees! On the contrary, if you sell to a cash home buyer, this money will stay in your pocket. In any trade, avoiding mediators is the wisest decision.
2. Expensive Repairs and Renovations
Real estate agents often recommend repairs or upgrades before listing your home. Some of the costly maintenance include:
- Roof repairs: $5,000 – $15,000
- Kitchen remodel: $10,000 – $30,000
- Bathroom upgrades: $5,000 – $15,000
- Painting and landscaping: $2,000 – $5,000
These expenses can be overwhelming if you are on a tight budget or need to sell quickly. Realtors prefer a ready-to-move-in home as it’s easy to market. They have their standards for a home that will soon sell in the real estate market. But they never care about the cost the seller has to pay to lift their old home to that level. So, if you are going to a realtor, ask them if I have to repair before I sell my house fast in Pittsburgh!
3. Home Staging and Photography Costs
First impressions are crucial in real estate, and it is for that reason that agents suggest professional staging and photographs. Home staging costs between $1,500 and $5,000. It depends on the home size and the extent of services. If you are going for drone shots, it will dig your wallet badly. The more you want it to look good, the more the expenses. In the end, after your house sale, when you calculate the profit, it will no longer be more than what you get from Pittsburgh cash home buyers.
4. Holding Costs: Mortgage, Utilities, and Property Taxes
The longer your house sits on the market, the more you spend on mortgage, tax, utility, and condo fee expenses. Pittsburgh houses take 45-60 days to sell and another 30-45 to close. That’s thousands of extra dollars. And suppose if your house fails to find a buyer, the costs will keep multiplying. Sometimes, under pressure to avoid holding costs, you decide to sell even at a low cost. Instead of facing such dire consequences, choosing We Buy Houses in Pittsburgh companies in Pennsylvania is sensible. They buy your homes in 7-21 days, quickly reducing your burden.
5. Closing Costs and Seller Incentives
Sellers pay closing costs of 2-5% of the selling price. Buyers can also ask for seller concessions, such as payments for inspection and repair or offering credit for closing costs. It all will contribute to your total expenses. But a good cash home buyer in Pittsburgh will never let you pay the closing costs. They even take care of the legwork. All you do is close the deal and walk forward happily with loads of cash in your pocket!
Related: Sell Your Pittsburgh Home Fast (Less Than 30 Days!)
How To Sell My Pittsburgh House Fast Without Hidden Costs?
If you are selling a house fast in Pittsburgh and don’t want to incur such surprise costs, hiring Cash Home Buyers Pittsburgh or a We Buy Houses Pittsburgh firm can be wise. Here is why:
| Cost | Traditional Real Estate Agent Sale | Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers |
| Realtor Commission | 5-6% of the sale price (e.g., $12,000 on a $200K home) | $0 |
Repairs & Upgrades | $5,000 – $30,000 | $0 |
| Staging & Photos | $1,500 – $5,000 | $0 |
| Holding Costs | Mortgage, utilities, taxes for 3+ months | $0 |
| Closing Costs | 2-5% of sale price | $0 |
| Total Costs | $15,000 – $50,000 | $0 |
The significant benefits of cash for house sales are:
- No Charges or Commission: No closing costs or agent’s commission.
- Sell As-Is: No need for any fixing or cleaning.
- No Repairs: You don’t need expensive fix-ups or renovation work.
- Fast Closings: Receive a bid in 24 hours and close in 7 days.
- No Staging or Marketing: Sell your house with no showings hassle.
FAQs
Do I need to fix anything before selling my home?
Not necessarily. Real estate agents usually recommend having your home in the best shape when you show it to potential buyers. Some repairs are necessary, like fixing leaks, removing hazards, or updating old fixtures. But if you are selling to cash home buyers in Pittsburgh, there is no need for any repairs. They say we buy houses in Pittsburgh as-is!
Do I need to home stage?
Home staging can make a big difference in how others view your home. It can highlight the positives, resulting in a quicker sale and a better offer. Nowadays, you can even go for virtual staging to avoid opening your home often to buyers.
Will I be able to stage my home on my own?
Yes, you can stage your house yourself to save on costs. Clean, declutter, and reposition your furniture to make the area appear more prominent and inviting.
What is selling to a cash home buyer in Pittsburgh like?
Cash home buyers in Pittsburgh purchase houses as-is and close quickly. They hardly ever require financing, so they make it simple. They will make a somewhat lower offer due to the convenience they are providing. However, reputable companies like Sell House Fast Pittsburgh offer reasonable offers based on market value.
What are some advantages of selling to a cash home buyer in Pittsburgh?
The main advantages are convenience, quickness, and avoiding the cost of conventional selling, including repairs, staging, and commission charges.
Is it appropriate for me to sell to a cash buyer?
It’s an appropriate choice if you need to sell your home fast in Pittsburgh, PA. If you are facing foreclosure, inherited a house you don’t wish to retain, or can’t afford the repair cost – contact a cash buyer quickly. Call 770-733-5919
Where do I find legitimate cash home buyers in Pittsburgh?
Search for Pittsburgh cash home buyers in the local market, check their ratings, and ask for proof of funds. It assures you that they are legitimate and can close the transaction. But avoid anyone pressuring you to sell fast without being transparent and open.
How long does it take to sell a home in Pittsburgh?
It may take 45-60 days to sell and 30-45 days to close. However, the closing period can vary depending on the buyer’s financial situation and the property. Selling to cash home buyers in Pittsburgh takes just 7 days (conditions apply).
How do I choose a good real estate agent?
Choose an agent who is familiar with your area, has good feedback, and understands your requirements well. Ask them about their marketing plan and their commission fee. But if you need fast sales and want to avoid hidden costs, cash home buyers are the best option.
I owe more on my house than my house is worth. Can I sell?
You are “underwater” or in adverse equity. Your lender and real estate agent must discuss alternatives such as a short sale or contributing some funds to the closing table. The best option is to contact a reliable cash home buyer immediately.
Receive a Free Cash Offer Today!
If you are tired of going through the lengthy and costly traditional selling process, cash home buyers in Pittsburgh can help. Call 770-733-5919 or visit Sell House Fast Pittsburgh. We buy houses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, without any demand for repairs. We make it simple, quick, and trouble-free!
Call us today for a no-obligation cash quote and sell your Pittsburgh house without fees!
