If you’ve been driving around in Metro Detroit, chances are you’ve seen some billboards advertising companies that buy houses.
Often times they say things like “We Buy Metro Detroit Houses!” or “Cash For Your House”.
Are These “We Buy Houses in Metro Detroit Companies” Credible?
How do I know if the local house buying companies out there are honest and credible?
Well… sometimes they all look the same at the start… but below we’ll walk you through some things to look for in a local house buying company before you should work with them.
Buying and selling houses is a valid and respectable profession that can help communities and house sellers in many ways. But just like any other line of work – a minority of house buyers in any market are the ones who make the rest of us look bad.
There are people who are really great, ethical folks who improve their neighborhoods one property at a time.
And then there’s shady, dishonest people who put money ahead of the well being of their clients and who would sign the contract to sell their own grandmother with one hand while stabbing you in the back with the other – as long as they were making enough money.
Yes, they are out there.
We’ll help you avoid these “shady house buyers” so you can work with honest, ethical, and reputable local companies who can buy your house for a fair all cash offer and close on your schedule.
But let’s not focus on the negative – at least not yet.
First, let’s cover exactly what the best house-flippers are doing.
What Reputable Metro Detroit House Buyers Are Doing
- Helping folks improve their lives by accessing the money they needright away. People often need the cash in their house to cover unexpected medical expenses, or to relocate to be close to a relative. We can make that happen in just a few days, and we deliver peace of mind.
- Helping sellers get rid of a burdensome property without the hassle of having to list it with a broker and wait months and month for a sale.
- Creating local jobs. We hire plumbers, contractors, electricians, brokers, title reps, loan officers, administrators and many other folks along the way. The average real estate transaction involves 86 people from start to finish. Our investments help create real jobs for people around Metro Detroit MI.
- Buying US products. We spend tons of money on materials that are made right here in the USA – that creates jobs in our timber mills, factories, supply shops, distribution centers and more. The US economy depends on steady improvement, and that requires investment from folks like us.
- Increasing the value of Metro Detroit neighborhoods. When we improve a house, we’re helping to increase the value of the entire community. We often repair abandoned and neglected houses, turning them into beautiful homes for families. That activity strengthens Metro Detroit.
- Increasing the tax base. When a new buyer takes over one of our properties, they’ll pay a higher tax rate based on the new and improved value. Those taxes go to pay for our schools, fire, police, libraries, streets and other valuable pieces of infrastructure. Again, improving our neighborhoods.
Pretty cool stuff, right?
Lots of people think of house-flipping as a get-rich-quick scheme. That’s fueled by silly “reality” shows that amp up the drama because the reality of what we do on a daily basis is actually pretty boring.
Most of our work is coordinating with lots of people to make sure things are happening on time. We have to keep track of lots of moving parts.
So let’s get back to how you can use this information to find out if someone is a credible investor, and not just pulling a house buying scam.
How To Ensure You’re Working With A Reputable Local House Buyer
When you talk with a local house buyer to potentially buy your house, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are reputable, knowledgeable, and honest. Here are some key questions to ask and examples of why they are important:
Open-Ended Questions
- How do you help your clients?
- This question allows the buyer to explain their process and demonstrate their commitment to client satisfaction.
- What do you do for people?
- Understanding their approach to solving problems and assisting homeowners can give you insights into their ethics and business practices.
- Can you tell me more about your services?
- A reputable buyer should be able to clearly outline their services and how they can benefit you.
- What aspect of your business makes you the proudest?
- This can reveal their core values and what sets them apart from others in the industry.
- How would you describe your investment philosophy?
- This question helps you understand their long-term goals and how they view their role in the real estate market.
- How can I know that you’ll close on my house when you say you will?
- Reliable buyers will provide evidence of their track record, such as testimonials or references, and explain their process for ensuring timely closings.
Signs of Reputable Buyers
- Professional Closings: Reputable buyers will conduct the closing at a neutral, professional location like a title company or a closing attorney’s office. This ensures that the transaction is handled properly and all legal requirements are met.
- Example: “Our company always closes at a trusted local title company to ensure that every detail is handled with the utmost professionalism and transparency.”
- Fair and Transparent Offers: Reputable buyers will give you time to consider their offer without pressure. They understand the importance of making an informed decision.
- Example: “Our offers are valid for 2-7 days, giving you ample time to consider your options without feeling rushed. We believe in transparency and want you to feel comfortable with your decision.”
Red Flags to Watch For
- “Kitchen Table Closings”: Be cautious if a buyer wants to handle the closing at your home. This can be a tactic used by less scrupulous operators to pressure you into signing documents without the benefit of a neutral third party’s oversight.
- Example: “If a buyer asks you to sign over your deed at your kitchen table, it’s a red flag. Always insist on a closing at a professional office to ensure everything is done correctly.”
- Pressure Tactics: If a buyer is pressuring you to make a quick decision, it might be a sign they are not looking out for your best interests. Legitimate buyers will give you time to think and will not use high-pressure sales tactics.
- Example: “Reputable buyers will never rush you into a decision. We provide you with a fair offer and give you several days to decide because we understand the importance of making the right choice for your situation.”
By asking these questions and watching for these signs, you can ensure that you are working with a trustworthy house buyer who has your best interests at heart. Always take the time to do your due diligence and choose a buyer who aligns with your needs and values.
Most scammers are looking for a quick score, and not an in-depth interview.
Chances are good that they’ll find excuses to get off the phone and move on to someone who doesn’t ask too many questions.
True investors who run honest and ethical Metro Detroit house buying services, however, are building long-term businesses based on relationships and community development.
So when you’re looking at one of the “we buy houses in Metro Detroit companies“… never be afraid to ask questions!