Instant-offer companies or selling to us.
Some companies make quick cash offers on homes online. Their fees, terms and the homes they buy vary, so the table says what to ask. We don't name or rate other companies.
Side by side
| Topic | Sell to Star Thing LLC | Instant-offer company |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | None. If we assign, our fee comes from the price difference | Fees vary, sometimes called a service fee |
| Closing costs | We pay all of them | Varies by company |
| Repairs | None, as-is. We may ask a lower price if the inspection finds surprises | Varies; ask about price cuts after inspection |
| Buyer's loan | No financing condition | Varies; ask if it depends on financing |
| Can the buyer back out? | Yes, during our 14-business-day inspection period | Depends on the company's contract |
| Price | A written as-is price in the purchase agreement, from us, based on what investors pay for similar properties, paid in full in cash at closing, with no loan contingency. It changes only if our inspection finds something we didn't expect. Usually lower than a listed sale | Set by the company's offer |
Show full details
| Topic | Sell to Star Thing LLC | Instant-offer company |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | None. If we assign, our fee comes from the difference between your price and what the buyer pays | Fees vary by company and may be called a service fee. Ask, in writing, what you pay |
| Closing costs | We pay all of them | Varies by company. Ask who pays which closing costs |
| Repairs | None. We buy as-is. If our inspection finds things we didn't expect, we may ask for a lower price | Varies by company. Ask whether repair costs can be taken off the price after an inspection |
| Buyer's loan | No financing condition in our contract. During the inspection period we may still cancel, including if we can't buy, partner on or assign the contract | Varies. Ask whether the purchase depends on financing |
| Can the buyer back out? | Yes, during our 14-business-day inspection period, if we decide in good faith not to go ahead, for example because of the property, its documents, or whether we can buy, partner on or assign the contract. If we don't confirm in writing by then, the contract ends on its own. After that, only for reasons the contract lists, such as a title or road-access problem, damage to the property, or a missed closing date. If we fail to close for any other reason, you keep any earnest money or option fee. That is your only remedy, unless your state's law gives you more, and it is $0 if your contract has no earnest money or option fee | Depends on the company's contract. Read when it can cancel or change the price |
| Visits to the property | Scheduled visits by inspectors, contractors and possible assignees, with 24 hours' notice. You may be there | Varies. Ask about inspections and visits |
| Paperwork | We prepare the contract. A title company or closing attorney handles the closing | The company's own contract. Ask who handles the closing |
| Mortgage, liens, back taxes | Paid from your proceeds at closing | Paid from your proceeds at closing |
| Price | A written as-is price in the purchase agreement you sign, from Star Thing LLC, based on what investors pay for similar properties, paid in full in cash at closing (Section 1 of our contract; any earnest money or option fee counts toward the price), with no loan contingency and no repairs. It changes only if our inspection finds something we didn't expect. Our price is usually lower than an open-market sale, and it isn't an appraisal. If we assign, our fee comes from the difference | Set by the company's offer. Compare more than one written offer |
Our column is what our purchase agreement says. Your state may add terms: see what you sign in your state.
When an instant-offer company is better for you
- Their written offer gives you more money or better terms than ours. Compare the whole contract, not just the price.
- Your home fits what they buy and their timeline works for you.
Which option may fit you?
Three questions. Your answers stay in your browser.
Questions
Should I get more than one offer?
Yes, if you can. Compare the price, fees, who pays closing costs, when the buyer can cancel or ask for a lower price, and the closing date.
Can your price change after inspection?
If our inspection finds things we didn't expect, we may ask for a lower price. You don't have to agree. Either way, we may cancel in good faith before the inspection period ends.
How do you get paid?
We buy it ourselves, buy it with an investor or an affiliated company, or assign the contract to one of them. If we assign, our fee comes from the difference between your price and what the buyer pays.
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