What to do With Your Costly Allentown Fixer-Upper Property
Pezon Properties • January 20, 2023
Most real estate buyers are on the lookout for properties that they can move into immediately. That’s bad news for owners of fixer-uppers and homes that require some work to be livable.
It can be impossible for fixer-uppers to garner interest and attention from potential buyers who are likely to scroll right by a listing that doesn’t present well.
And if the property’s condition doesn’t deter buyers, the inspection report certainly does. The inspection results may cause them to back out or request credit for the repairs, often with exorbitantly high estimates, further depleting your sales profits.
So, when you’ve got a property that needs total rehabilitation, the situation will only become more distressful as repairs are delayed, increasing costs tremendously.
There comes a time you must finally put an end to the suffering. You need a powerful exit strategy proven to make a massive difference in the outcome and the amount of cash you walk away with after the closing.
Let us help you explore all the options and figure out how you can adequately deal with your costly Allentown fixer-upper property.
As-Is For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
FSBO or For Sale By Owner is a viable option to offload your Allentown fixer-upper property that has become too costly to hold onto.
When you list as an FSBO, you don’t have to pay thousands in real estate commissions, ensuring greater profits for yourself. However, while it sounds good in theory, selling on your own rarely works to your advantage. In general, this type of listing usually leaves very little room for profits.
With FSBO, in most cases, you’ve taken a loss from the start, since FSBO homes tend to sell for 26% less than those listed with an agent. It also doesn’t help that the percentage of successful FSBO deals has slowly declined and now only accounts for 7% of market sales. One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your FSBO is setting your asking price too high or too low, leaving your listing to linger for a long time. That’s why it’d be best to contact a local professional investor, like an expert from Pezon Properties, before jumping into the market on your own. These professionals survey the markets and give you a reasonable estimate of what your home could sell for on the traditional market. They also give you an as-is cash offer that is pretty close to the market value, so you can accept it and close the deal ASAP without worrying about inspections or buyer sentiments.
Unless you want to help prospective buyers qualify for a loan, take the financial hit for necessary repairs, and face other contingencies, your best option might be to sell as-is for cash.
Make The Repairs
This is the right option for fixer-upper owners who have the time and resources to bring their Allentown property up-to-date so it can fetch top dollar in the market.
Of course, while time-consuming and costly, this is the most profitable way to sell an Allentown fixer-upper property.
But if you fear that you might run out of money or that the contractors might not do the house justice after charging you a hefty fee, you could instead do minimal updates and repair the most apparent damage before listing. While television shows make renovations look easy and somewhat romantic, don’t DIY this labor of love. Instead, hire professionals to ensure you don’t cause further damage.
Also, before you begin, thoroughly understand your project’s After-Repair Value (ARV). This is the only way to ensure the project is worth your time, energy, and finances.
The real estate experts at Pezon Properties can help. Our direct buyers believe in total transparency, so you can count on them to help you understand each figure used and precisely how your direct buyer reached the offer.
Then, make an educated decision about what works best for your circumstances. You could choose to sell as-is or go the renovation route – the choice is yours.
The Traditional Listing
While this is definitely an option, it isn’t one we suggest you employ.
In a traditional listing, your fixer-upper property is pitted against some of the best-looking homes in and around your locale. So, naturally, buyers will only see a money pit when they spot pictures of your Allentown property that needs work as they scroll through listings.
Expect lowball offers as prospective buyers sign off on the risks of unseen damage or structural issues as they dig deeper into the project. Also, know that you’ll be required to complete a disclosure form, so it’s best to be upfront about the issues you’re aware of when pointing out all of the positives about the property. Provide full disclosure and face the problems head-on to avoid costly legal conflicts down the road.
On the other hand, should you decide to sell directly to a local buyer at Pezon Properties, they won’t require disclosure or inspections and take on all the risks of the repairs. And unlike a traditional listing, you won’t pay commissions or closing costs. That’s one way to ensure you get a guaranteed closing date to plan your move, often in weeks.
Now, relax. If the entire as-is sales process is moving a bit too fast, Pezon Properties is flexible about the closing date.
Pezon Properties – We Buy Your Fixer-Upper at a Great Price!
The easiest solution is to sell your house in Allentown in as-is condition to Pezon Properties and free yourself from the never-ending expenses of selling your Allentown fixer-upper property. We’ll make you an offer you’ll agree is fair.
We do this because we are your neighbors here in Allentown, and we take great pride in our work; we want you to feel good about working with us long after leaving the closing table. Call Pezon Properties at 484-484-0971.
Give us a call anytime at 484-484-0971 or fill out this quick form to get started today!
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About the author
Mathew Pezon
Mathew Pezon is the founder and CEO of Pezon Properties, a cash home buying company located in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. With several years of experience in the real estate industry, Mathew has become a specialist in helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and efficiently. He takes pride in providing a hassle-free, transparent, and fair home buying experience to his clients. Mathew is also an active member of his local community and is passionate about giving back. Through his company, he has contributed to various charities and causes.
Your house needs work. The roof leaks. The kitchen cabinets hang crookedly. Maybe the carpet smells like old pets. Now you need to sell, and you wonder which path makes sense. Should you fix everything and list with a realtor? Or should you skip the repairs and sell to a cash buyer? The answer depends on your situation, your timeline, and how much work your house really needs. This guide breaks down both options when your property needs repairs. You will learn what realtors expect, how cash buyers work differently, and which choice saves you money when your house is not in perfect shape. Can You List a Fixer-Upper With a Realtor Yes, you can list a house that needs repairs with a realtor. Realtors sell fixer-uppers every day. But the process works differently from selling a move-in-ready home. First, your realtor will want to assess the damage. They need to know what buyers will see when they walk through the door. Major problems such as foundation cracks, roof damage, or electrical issues will affect your listing price. Small problems like chipped paint or old fixtures matter less. Most realtors will suggest you make some repairs before listing. They know that first impressions matter. A house with visible problems sits on the market longer. It also gets lower offers. Buyers see problems and imagine more problems hiding behind the walls. Your realtor might recommend basic fixes like fresh paint, new carpet, or minor plumbing repairs. These small updates can increase your sale price enough to cover the cost. But major repairs like a new roof or HVAC system are different. Those cost thousands of dollars, and you might not get that money back. When you list a fixer-upper, expect fewer showings. Many buyers want move-in ready homes. They scroll past listings that mention "needs TLC" or "investor special." The buyers who do come through often make low offers. They calculate the repair costs and subtract that amount from their bid. Traditional mortgage buyers face another problem. Their lender might refuse to approve a loan if the house fails inspection. Issues like mold, structural damage, or safety hazards can kill a deal after you have already invested time and money. Pezon Properties works with Allentown homeowners who face this exact situation. Some sellers try the realtor route first, then switch to a cash offer when repairs become overwhelming. The timeline also gets longer with a realtor. You need time to make repairs, stage the home, hold open houses, and wait for the right buyer. If your house needs major work, this process can take months.
Selling your house is a big decision. One of the first questions you need to answer is how quickly you need to sell. The timeline matters a lot when choosing between a cash offer and listing with a realtor. Some homeowners have plenty of time to wait for the right buyer. Others need to sell fast because of a job change, financial trouble, or family emergency. Understanding how long each method takes helps you pick the right path for your situation. In Allentown, PA, both options are available to homeowners. A traditional realtor listing follows a longer, more detailed process. A cash offer from companies like Pezon Properties works much faster. Let's break down exactly how long each method takes and when speed matters most. How Long Does Listing With a Realtor Take Listing your house with a realtor is the traditional way to sell. This method usually takes between three and six months from start to finish. However, the timeline can stretch much longer depending on your local market and home condition. The process starts with finding and hiring a realtor. This alone can take one to two weeks. You need to interview agents, compare their plans, and sign a listing agreement. Good realtors are worth the search, but it takes time. Next comes home preparation. Most realtors recommend making repairs and updates before listing. You should paint the walls, fix broken items, deep-clean, and stage the home. This preparation phase typically takes two to four weeks. Some homes need even more work if they have serious issues. After your home hits the market, you wait for showings and offers. In a hot market, this might only take a few weeks. In a slower market, your house could sit for months. The average home in Pennsylvania stays on the market for about 30 to 45 days before getting an offer. Once you accept an offer, the buyer usually needs a mortgage. The mortgage approval process adds another 30 to 45 days. During this time, the buyer gets a home inspection. If the inspection finds problems, you might need to make repairs or lower your price. These negotiations can add another week or two. The buyer's lender also requires an appraisal. If the appraisal comes in lower than the sale price, you face more delays and possible renegotiations. Some deals fall apart completely at this stage, sending you back to square one. Finally, you reach closing day. Even after everything is approved, scheduling the closing takes another one to two weeks. You need to coordinate with lawyers, the title company, and all parties involved. Add it all up, and listing with a realtor typically means waiting 90 to 180 days for your money. Some homes sell faster, but many take longer. If something goes wrong, such as a failed inspection or buyer backing out, you start over and add months to your timeline.
Selling your house is a big deal. You want to get as much money as possible. But the selling price is not what you actually keep. Many homeowners are surprised when they see how much money disappears in fees and costs. Let's say your house sells for $200,000. That sounds great, right? But after you pay everyone who helped with the sale, you might keep only $170,000, or even less. Where did that $30,000 go? This article breaks down the real numbers. We will compare what you pay when you list with a realtor versus when you accept a cash offer. By the end, you will know exactly how much money stays in your pocket with each option. This matters because sometimes the lower offer actually puts more money in your bank account. When you understand all the costs, you can make a smarter choice. Pezon Properties works with homeowners in Allentown, PA, who want to see both options clearly before deciding. Let's look at where your money goes with each path. What You Pay When Selling With a Realtor Listing your home with a realtor means paying several different fees. These costs add up fast. Let's break down each one so you know what to expect. Realtor Commission: This is the highest cost. Most realtors charge 5% to 6% of your selling price. This fee gets split between your agent and the buyer's agent. On a $200,000 home, a 6% commission equals $12,000. You pay this at closing, so it comes right out of your proceeds. Home Repairs and Updates: Buyers who get mortgages are picky. Their lender requires the home to meet certain standards. You might need to fix the roof, update the electrical system, or replace broken appliances. Paint, carpet, and landscaping help your home sell faster. These repairs can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on your home's condition. Staging and Photography: To attract buyers, your realtor may suggest professional staging and photography. This means renting furniture to make empty rooms look good. Professional photos cost $200 to $500. Some sellers spend $1,000 to $3,000 on staging. Closing Costs: Sellers usually pay some closing costs. These include title insurance, transfer taxes, and attorney fees. In Pennsylvania, transfer taxes are 2% of the sale price. On a $200,000 home, that is $4,000. Add another $1,000 to $2,000 for other closing expenses. Carrying Costs While Listed: Your home might sit on the market for 30, 60, or 90 days. During this time, you still pay the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. If your monthly costs are $1,500, three months add another $4,500. Concessions to Buyers: After a home inspection, buyers often ask for credits or repairs. Give them $2,000 off the price to fix something they found. This is common in traditional sales. Add it all up. On a $200,000 sale, you could pay $25,000 to $35,000 in total costs. That means you keep $165,000 to $175,000, not the full $200,000.
Selling your house is a big decision. You want to make the right choice for your situation. Cash offers can seem tempting, but they are not always the best path forward. So, how does selling a house for cash work, and when should you consider it? The process is simpler than a traditional sale. A company like Pezon Properties reviews your home, makes an offer, and can close in as little as seven days. No repairs. No showings. No waiting. But simple does not always mean best. This guide will help you understand when cash sales make sense and when you should explore other options. You will learn how to spot scams and what questions to ask before you sign anything. When Selling for Cash Is Your Best Option Cash sales work best in specific situations. If you face any of these scenarios, a cash offer might be your smartest move. You need to sell quickly. You may be relocating for work. You may have inherited a property in another state. Or you might be facing foreclosure. When time matters more than money, cash buyers can close in days instead of months. Traditional sales average 30 to 45 days after an offer is accepted. That timeline assumes nothing goes wrong. Cash sales skip the mortgage approval process entirely, which removes the biggest delay. Your house needs major repairs. Does your roof leak? Are the floors damaged? Is there termite damage ? Traditional buyers usually want move-in ready homes. They struggle to get mortgages for properties that need extensive work. Cash buyers purchase homes in any condition. You will not spend thousands on repairs before listing. Companies like Pezon Properties in Allentown, PA, buy houses as-is, saving you time and hassle. You want to avoid showing hassles. Traditional sales mean open houses and private showings. You clean constantly. You leave when strangers tour your home. You live in show-ready condition for weeks or months. Cash sales skip all of this. One quick walk-through and you are done. You owe back taxes or liens. Serious debts attached to your property complicate traditional sales. Cash buyers can often work directly with lienholders. They handle the paperwork and negotiations. You walk away with whatever equity remains after settling debts. The property is vacant or becoming a burden. Empty homes cost money. You pay insurance, utilities, taxes, and maintenance. If you cannot afford these costs or do not want the responsibility, selling for cash stops the financial bleeding immediately.
Selling your house for cash can feel like stepping into unknown territory. What happens on closing day? Will you really get paid? Where do you go? Who else will be there? The good news is that cash closings are much simpler than traditional home sales. There are fewer steps, fewer people involved, and less waiting around. When you understand how selling a house for cash works, you will feel more confident about the whole process. This guide walks you through exactly what happens on closing day when you sell to a cash buyer. You will learn where you go, what papers you sign, and when the money hits your account. By the end, closing day will feel like just another appointment instead of a scary unknown. How Cash Closings Are Different From Traditional Closings Traditional home sales involve many people and many steps. A typical closing includes the buyer, the seller, two real estate agents, a lender, and a title company representative. Everyone has to coordinate schedules. The buyer's mortgage has to be approved at the last minute. Sometimes closings get delayed because the bank needs more paperwork. Cash closings cut out most of these complications. There is no mortgage lender, as the buyer already has the funds. This means no last-minute loan denials. No waiting for bank approvals. No extra inspections demanded by mortgage companies. At a cash closing, you typically meet with just the title company representative. Some cash buyers, like Pezon Properties in Allentown, PA, handle everything through the title company, so you do not even need to meet the buyer in person. This keeps things simple and comfortable. The timeline is also much faster. Traditional closings usually happen 30 to 45 days after you accept an offer. Cash closings can happen in as little as seven days. Some sellers close in two weeks. You get to pick a date that works for your schedule. Another big difference is the paperwork. Traditional closings involve stacks of documents. You sign your name dozens of times. Cash closings have fewer papers because there are no mortgage documents to review. You still sign important papers like the deed transfer, but the whole process takes 30 minutes instead of two hours. Cash buyers also purchase homes "as is" in most cases. This means no repairs before closing. No renegotiating after inspections. What you agree to at the start is what happens at closing. This removes a lot of stress and uncertainty from the process.
Selling your house for cash is faster than a traditional sale. You skip the bank loans and waiting periods. But you still need paperwork to make it legal and official. Many homeowners worry about documents. They think selling for cash means tons of confusing forms. The good news? A cash sale actually needs fewer documents than a regular sale. You do not need mortgage approval papers or bank statements. This guide shows you exactly what documents you need to sell your house for cash in Pennsylvania. We will cover what you must provide, what the buyer brings, and what to do if you are missing something. Understanding how selling a house for cash works starts with knowing your paperwork. When you know what to gather ahead of time, the whole process moves smoothly. You can close in as little as seven days when everything is ready. Let's break down each document you need and why it matters. Required Documents for Every Cash Home Sale Every as-is home sale in Pennsylvania needs certain basic documents. These prove you own the house and can legally sell it. Think of these as the must-have items on your checklist. First, you need your property deed. This paper shows that you are the legal owner. If you paid off your mortgage, you should have received the deed in the mail. If you still owe money on the house, your mortgage company holds it. Don't worry if you cannot find your deed. We will explain how to get a copy later. Second, gather your photo ID. A driver's license or state ID works perfectly. The title company needs to verify your identity before the sale. This protects everyone from fraud. Third, collect any home inspection reports you have. These are not always required, but they help. If you had an inspection done in the past few years, include it. Cash buyers like Pezon Properties often buy houses as-is, so old reports still provide useful information. Fourth, find your property tax records. These show your current tax status. The title company checks to make sure all taxes are paid. If you owe back taxes, the buyer usually pays them at closing and subtracts that amount from your offer. Fifth, get your utility bills for the past month. This includes electric, gas, water, and sewer. These prove the utilities are in your name. They also help the buyer understand monthly costs. Sixth, locate your homeowner's insurance policy. You need to show proof of coverage up to the closing date. After closing, you can cancel the policy and get a refund for unused months. Lastly, bring any HOA documents you have. Homeowner association papers include rules, fees, and contact information. Not every neighborhood has an HOA, so skip this if it does not apply to you. These seven items form the core of your document checklist. Most homeowners already have these papers somewhere in their house. Start looking for them as soon as you decide to sell.
Selling your house for cash is different from a normal home sale. You won't list on the market or wait for bank loans. Instead, a company like Pezon Properties looks at your house and gives you an offer in days. But how does selling a house for cash work, exactly? What do these buyers look at? How do they decide what to pay? This guide breaks down the cash offer process step by step. You'll learn what buyers check during their visit, how they calculate offers, why cash offers differ from retail prices, and whether you can negotiate. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect. What Cash Buyers Look at When They Visit Your House When a cash home buyer visits your property, they are not looking at it the same way a regular buyer would. A family buying a home wants a place that feels perfect. Cash buyers see your house as a business deal. They need to know what repairs cost and what the home will sell for later. The first thing they notice is the overall condition. Are the walls clean? Does the roof look old? Do the floors need work? They walk through every room and make notes. They check the kitchen and bathrooms closely because those rooms cost the most to fix. Next, they look at major systems. They want to see the furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and electrical panel. If these are old or broken, repairs can cost thousands of dollars. The buyer will factor that into their offer. They also look at the foundation and structure. Cracks in walls or sloping floors mean serious problems. Water damage in the basement is a red flag. These issues lower the value because they are expensive to repair. Outside, they check the roof, siding, and yard. A worn-out roof can cost $10,000 or more to replace. Peeling paint or rotted wood also adds to repair costs. The yard condition matters less, but overgrown bushes or dead trees can still affect the price. Cash buyers also think about location. Is your house in a desirable neighborhood? Are there good schools nearby? Is crime low? Location affects how quickly they can resell the home and at what price. Finally, they compare your home to others nearby. They look at recent sales in your area. If similar homes sold for $150,000, they know roughly what yours might bring on the open market. This comparison helps them calculate a fair cash offer. The visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The buyer is friendly but focused. They are gathering facts to build their offer. There is no pressure and no obligation. You can ask questions during the visit and get honest answers.
Selling your house for cash sounds simple, but many homeowners wonder exactly how the process works. If you are thinking about selling to a company like Pezon Properties in Allentown, PA, you want to know what happens at each step. This guide breaks down the entire cash sale process from your first phone call to the day you get paid. Understanding how to sell a house for cash helps you feel confident about your decision. You will see exactly what to expect, how long things take, and how cash sales differ from regular home sales. Let's walk through every part of this process together. What Makes Cash Home Sales Different From Traditional Sales When you sell your house the traditional way, you list it with a real estate agent. You clean, repair, and stage your home. Then you wait for buyers to schedule showings. After someone makes an offer, they usually need to get a mortgage loan approved. This whole process takes months and costs you money in commissions and repairs. Cash home sales work completely differently. A cash buyer, like Pezon Properties, buys your house directly from you. No real estate agents are involved. You do not need to fix anything or clean up. The buyer does not need bank approval because they pay in cash or through quick funding. This means the sale can happen in days instead of months. Another big difference is certainty. Traditional sales can fall through when a buyer's loan gets denied. This happens more often than you might think. About 8% of all home sales fail right before closing because of financing problems. With a cash sale, there is no loan to worry about. Once you accept an offer, the deal almost always goes through. You also avoid many traditional selling costs. No agent commissions (which usually cost 5% to 6% of your sale price). No closing costs in most cases. No money spent on repairs or upgrades. What you see in the offer is what you actually get. The trade-off is usually a lower sale price than market value. Cash buyers need to make a profit when they resell or rent your property. They also assume all repair costs and risks. For many homeowners facing foreclosure, going through a divorce, or needing to move quickly, this trade-off makes perfect sense.
Selling your house for cash is much faster than a regular sale. But many homeowners wonder: how does selling a house for cash work, and what exactly happens each step of the way? When you sell to a cash buyer like Pezon Properties, you skip most of the waiting that comes with traditional home sales. There are no bank approvals, no buyer financing falling through, and no months of uncertainty. Instead, you get a clear timeline from start to finish. This guide walks you through every step of the cash offer process. You will learn what happens in the first 24 hours, what to expect during the first week, and how quickly you can get to closing day. By the end, you will understand the entire timeline and know exactly what to expect when you sell your house for cash in Allentown, PA. How Long Does It Take to Sell a House for Cash The typical cash home sale takes 7 to 14 days from start to finish. This is dramatically faster than traditional sales, which usually take 30 to 60 days or longer. Why the big difference? Traditional buyers need to get a mortgage. That means the bank must approve the loan, order an appraisal, and review mountains of paperwork. Any hiccup can delay closing by weeks or even cause the deal to fall apart completely. Cash buyers skip all of that. They have the money ready to go. Once you accept the offer, the only things left are paperwork and a title search to ensure the property is clear to sell. Here is the basic timeline breakdown: Day 1: You contact a cash buyer and share basic details about your home. Most companies respond within hours with an initial estimate or to schedule a viewing. Days 2 to 3: The buyer visits your property or reviews photos. Some companies make offers without even seeing the house in person, though most prefer a quick walkthrough. Days 3 to 5: You receive a written cash offer. This offer is usually good for 7 days, giving you time to think it over or compare with other buyers. Days 7 to 10: Once you accept, the title company starts working. They run a title search to check for liens, unpaid taxes, or other issues that could block the sale. Days 10 to 14: Closing day arrives. You sign papers, hand over keys, and get your cash payment. In some urgent cases, companies like Pezon Properties can close in as little as 7 days if you need to move quickly. The exact timeline depends on your situation. If there are title issues or you need more time to move out, closing might take a bit longer. But most cash sales wrap up in under two weeks from first contact to final payment.
Selling a house the traditional way can feel overwhelming. You might worry about repairs, showings, and waiting months for the right buyer. But there is another option. You can sell your house for cash. This process is faster and much simpler. So, how does selling a house for cash work? It breaks down into five easy steps. Each step is clear and straightforward. You do not need to fix anything. You do not need to wait for bank approvals. And you can often close in just days or weeks. Pezon Properties helps homeowners in Allentown sell their houses quickly for cash. We have helped hundreds of people skip the stress of traditional selling. This guide will walk you through each step of our process. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect. Let's get started. Step 1: Contact Us and Share Basic Information The first step is the easiest. You reach out to us. You can call, fill out a form on our website, or send an email. We make it simple to get started. When you contact Pezon Properties, we will ask you a few basic questions. We want to know about your house and your situation. Do not worry, this is not a long interview. We keep it short and simple. Here is what we typically ask: Where is your house located? How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have? What condition is the house in? When do you need to sell? Why are you selling? You do not need to know every detail. Just give us your best answers. We are not trying to trick you or catch you in a mistake. We just want to understand your situation. Some people worry about sharing too much information. But remember, we are here to help. The more we know, the better we can serve you. Maybe you inherited a house you do not want. Maybe you are going through a divorce. You may be behind on payments. Whatever your reason, we have seen it before. This first conversation usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can do it from your couch. No pressure. No obligation. Just a simple chat about your house and what you need. After we talk, we will schedule a time to see your property. That leads us to step two.
