How to Sell A House Fast in Cleveland: Cash Offer Options

Pros and cons of selling to a Cleveland house-buying company

Contemplating if selling your house to a Cleveland cash buyer is the right move? To help guide your decision, here’s a quick breakdown of the most significant advantages and potential downsides of this approach:

Pros

• Sell fast: Cash sales in Cleveland can expedite the selling process, potentially closing the deal in days rather than months.
• Skip repairs: House-buying companies typically buy homes in as-is condition, freeing you from potentially costly and lengthy repairs.
• Easy process: These companies simplify the process, reducing paperwork and complexities.
• No staging or showings: You won’t need to prepare your home for showings, open houses, or handle any staging.
• Flexible move-out dates: Most Cleveland cash buyers allow for adjustable move-out dates.
• No financing delays: Cash transactions eliminate the wait for mortgage approvals.
• Reduced or no closing fees: Many house-buying companies will cover most, if not all, of your closing costs.
• Sale is guaranteed: If you accept the initial offer, the deal will almost always go through, avoiding the contingencies that can stall or kill a traditional home sale.
• Can be a foreclosure solution: If you’re facing impending foreclosure, a fast sale can offer a way out.
• Less work than a FSBO sale: Cash sales are much less effort than attempting to sell your home on your own.
• Peace of mind: Quick sales can alleviate stress and provide peace of mind.

Cons

• Lower offers: You will typically receive less than market value for your Cleveland home.
• Less competition for your home: With a single buyer, there’s no opportunity for competing offers or bidding wars.
• Can face hidden fees: Some companies may impose hidden fees in their initial offer.
• Not all companies are reputable: Watch out for less reputable companies that may be operating in Cleveland.
• A potential risk for scams: Do thorough research and make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate company.
• You give up control: The buyer generally dictates the terms, leaving you with less control.
• No negotiations: Often, the initial offer is the only offer, meaning there are no negotiations.

Top-performing Cleveland agent CJ Trivisonno boasts over 15 years of experience and has a track record of selling homes 59% faster than the average Cleveland agent. He remarks that while house-buying companies can be a good option, they are not all created equal.

“There are times for a seller when it makes sense to sell to a cash investor, and there are times when it’s better to go on the market. So, it totally depends on the seller’s specific situation,” he says.

Option 2: Hire a top Cleveland real estate agent

Even when the pressure is on to sell your house in Cleveland, working with a seasoned real estate agent can be a game-changing decision. An experienced agent boasts a deep understanding of the Cleveland housing market and its local nuances, steering you toward a more rapid and prosperous sale.

“You’ll certainly get more money if you list your house with an agent, and I’ll even add a layer on that — I would say using an agent with experience,” Trivisonno says. He points out that agents who have come onto the scene in the last three to five years may not have the market understanding to steer you toward a successful home sale. “So, finding an experienced agent matters more now than it has in a long time,” he adds.”

Let’s take a brief look at current market conditions in Cleveland, the advantages of partnering with a real estate professional, and how to find a top-rated agent in your local area.

How fast are homes selling in Cleveland?

As of September 2024, the median days on market (DOM) in Cleveland is 32 days. The DOM represents the time between listing your house and receiving a signed contract. Once a home goes under contract, it typically takes an additional 44 days for buyers to secure their purchase loan and officially close the process, bringing the total selling timeline to roughly two and a half months.

Currently, the median home price in Cleveland is about $131,000, while the inventory level hovers around 2.1 months. These conditions indicate a market that is beneficial for sellers, where homes are moving at a swift pace and demand outweighs supply.

Here is a snapshot of current real estate conditions in Cleveland:

*Does not include the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.

Data source(s): Akron Cleveland Association of Realtors, World Population Review, multiple public transaction sites

Benefits of selling with a top Cleveland agent

One of the most promising ways to ensure a quick home sale is to work with a top Cleveland real estate agent. They have the unmatched knowledge, first-hand experience, and honed skills to not only facilitate a speedy sale, but also secure a higher price for your home. Let’s explore some of the key benefits that make teaming up with an experienced agent in Cleveland a wise choice.

• Ability to sell for more: A seasoned agent can leverage their knowledge of the local Cleveland market to help you set an optimal price that attracts buyers and boosts your returns.
• Can generate a speedy sale: Through their vast network and marketing strategies, a top agent can quickly find interested buyers for your home.
• Accurate, effective pricing: With an extensive understanding of market dynamics and pricing trends in Cleveland, a top agent can help you price your home effectively for a quick sale.
• Professional negotiation skills: Seasoned agents have well-practiced negotiation skills that can expedite the sale process and secure the most favorable deal for you.
• Expert partner by your side: An experienced Cleveland agent can guide you through the selling process, easing stress and saving you time.
• Will know what to fix and not fix: A knowledgeable agent can advise you which repairs or improvements are essential to enhance your home’s appeal without wasting time on unnecessary renovations.
• Elevated marketing: A top Cleveland agent will use advanced marketing techniques, such as high-quality photography and targeted advertising, to reach a broader audience more quickly.
• Contract savviness: Knowledgeable agents are adept at handling real estate contracts, ensuring all terms are favorable and speeding up the closing process.
• Can manage documents and disclosures: Handling real estate paperwork can be overwhelming, but a top-rated Cleveland agent can advise you about Ohio’s specific seller disclosure rules.
• Network of skilled professionals: Well-connected agents have a network of trusted professionals in Cleveland, inspectors, contractors, and stagers, to help prepare your home for the market quickly and efficiently.

Even if you are leaning toward requesting a cash offer for your Cleveland home, top professionals like Trivisonno recommend you consult with an agent first.

“It’s definitely not for everyone, and it’s not for every house. But there are definitely some instances where it makes sense to sell to a cash buyer, so I consult my clients with both options and talk through both scenarios, in case one option might be better for them based on their specific situation,” he says.

How to find a top Cleveland real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent in Cleveland can make all the difference in a swift and profitable home sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform is designed to simplify the search. By analyzing 27 million real estate transactions and thousands of reviews, we can connect you with top-rated agents who know the ins and outs of the Cleveland market. Whether you’re selling your home or buying a new one, HomeLight can guide you to the perfect agent for your goals.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Cleveland house fast

Top real estate agents in Cleveland are well-versed in how to market a property for a fast sale. Below, you’ll find some insider tips recommended by leading agents, tailored to Cleveland’s distinct lifestyle and market conditions:

• Capitalize on your home’s energy efficiency: Ohioans are increasingly conscious of energy efficiency, especially during the cold winter months. Highlight any energy-saving features of your home, from efficient windows to heating and cooling systems.
• Stage an inviting home office: Have your listing agent and a professional home stager do a walkthrough of your home to give perspective and recommendations on what will make it most appealing to local buyers. In Cleveland, that often means showcasing a comfortable home office space for remote workers.
• Prioritize outdoor spaces: Highlighting your home’s outdoor spaces is more important than ever. Show off your property’s patio, deck, firepits, gardens, or any additional outdoor features to set your home apart.
• Emphasize proximity to local attractions: Highlight your home’s location in relation to Cleveland’s renowned cultural landmarks, such as the West Side Market or Cleveland Public Square.
• Get a pre-listing home inspection: Top agents like Trivisonno recommend conducting a professional home inspection, radon test, and termite inspection before listing. “I personally always recommend to my clients that they have the house inspected every handful of years, just so they can keep up with repairs over time. And so you don’t get hit with one big repair bill for a whole bunch of things,” Trivisonno suggests.
• Use professional photography: Especially in Cleveland’s increasingly competitive market, high-quality photos can make your listing stand out and attract more potential buyers.
• Boost your curb appeal: Top Ohio agent Lisa Sisko advises sellers to freshen up their home’s exterior. “If buyers can’t see the house and aren’t enticed enough by the curb appeal to click on the first image, we’re dead in the water, and we’re not going to be exposed to the full range of the buyer pool,” she says.
• Consider timing: Cleveland’s housing market can ebb and flow with the seasons. Consult with your agent to choose the optimal time to list your home. You can also check out HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator.

In addition to the above, Trivisonno says, “Every house is unique, every seller is unique. Step one is to definitely to talk to your agent. Know the right updates, so the right paint colors or the right ways to move your furniture, and consistently keep up with the house so you don’t get stuck with big bills. Doing little things over time is easier than just doing one thing or a lot of things at one time.”

Ready to sell your Cleveland house fast?

The best path to a fast home sale depends on your unique needs and goals as a homeowner.

• If speed is your top priority, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale could be your golden ticket to a quick, convenient transaction in Cleveland.
• On the other hand, if you’re looking to optimize profits, hiring an experienced real estate agent who knows the Cleveland market can ensure your home is priced and marketed effectively. HomeLight can connect you with top-rated agents in the CLE.

Still undecided between requesting a cash offer or working with an agent? It’s worth considering both. Comparing a cash offer from Simple Sale with an agent’s perspective can give you the insight you need to make an informed decision.

Equipped with in-depth knowledge, helpful resources, and a variety of strategic options to choose from, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a swift home sale in Cleveland with confidence.

If you’re trying to sell your home fast in Cleveland because you’re buying and selling at the same time, check out HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program. This innovative buy-sell solution lets you make a faster, stronger, non-contingent offer on your new home and only move once. Watch this short video to learn more.