Frequently Asked Questions

Maybe you have a few questions. That’s okay; most people do. Here is a quick collection of some of the questions people ask us, along with our answers. If you still have a question, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime. We would be happy to answer it for you.

You can give us a call any time at (253) 201-3000

Q:  Will you be listing my house on the MLS or actually buying it?

A: That’s a great question. We’re not real estate agents, and we don’t list properties. At Highest Offer Real Estate, we’re professional home buyers. We purchase homes in Tacoma that meet our criteria, and since we don’t rely on bank financing, there’s no concern about whether we can complete the purchase. After buying, we may renovate the property and resell it or keep it as a rental.

Q:  How are you different from a real estate agent?

A: Real estate agents list homes and wait for buyers to come along. They show the property to interested buyers, which can take several months. The average sale time in many markets is currently 4 to 6 months. If a buyer is found, the agent takes a commission, typically 3 to 6 percent of the sale price. For example, on a $100,000 home, that could mean $3,000 to $6,000 in fees paid to the agent.

Agents offer a valuable service for those who can wait several months to sell and don’t mind paying commissions. We operate differently. We are not agents; we are direct home buyers. Our company purchases the property from you with cash, allowing us to make a decision within a few days, sometimes even the same day. We earn by taking on the risk ourselves, handling any repairs, and then marketing the property to find a buyer.

Looking for this to be broken down further? Here’s a comparison chart to give an overview:

Q:  Do you pay fair prices for properties?

A: Many of the homes we buy are below market value, so we can resell them at a profit. We aim for a fair discount on the property. Most sellers aren’t necessarily expecting a big profit; they value the benefits we provide: cash offers, fast closings without financing delays, and no need to spend time, effort, or money on repairs or agent fees. If that aligns with what you’re looking for, we can work together to find a fair price for both sides. Our no-obligation offer means you are under no pressure to accept, but it gives you a clear idea of what we can offer.

Q:  How do you determine the price to offer on my house?

A: That’s a great question, and we’re completely transparent. Our process is simple. We consider the property’s location, its condition, any needed repairs, and the recent sale prices of similar homes in the area. Using all of this information, we determine a fair price that works for both you and us.

Q:  Are there any fees or commissions to work with you?

A: This is what sets us apart from the traditional selling process. When you sell directly to us, there are no fees or commissions, unlike listing a home, where up to 6 percent of the sale can come out of your pocket. We’ll make you an offer, and if it works for you, we’ll buy the property with no hassle and no fees. We often cover closing costs as well. Our profit comes from making any necessary repairs and reselling the home. We take on the risk of whether it sells for a profit. Once the sale is complete, the responsibility is ours, and you walk away free of the property and its expenses, with cash in hand.

Q:  Is there any obligation when I submit my information?

A: There’s no obligation at all. After you provide some details about your property, we’ll review the information, possibly have a quick call to learn more, and present a fair all-cash offer. From there, it’s completely up to you whether you want to move forward. The decision is entirely yours.

“The Offer and Price“

Q: How much are you willing to pay for my house?

A: To provide an accurate offer, we need to assess the property, either in person or through a video walk-through. Our offer is based on the home’s condition, its location, and recent sales of similar properties in the area. Usually, we can present a firm cash offer within 24 hours of the viewing.

What if I am embarrassed about the condition of my property??

As cash buyers, we see the property as a project. Factors like dirt, clutter, pet damage, or overall condition are considered in our initial offer since we account for renovation costs, but they don’t prevent us from buying. Odors, mess, and everything in between are included in the “as-is” package. We assess the property exactly as it is. Our goal is to factor in the work and risk we take on, which is often a trade-off sellers are happy to make for convenience and speed. Feeling embarrassed about odors or other issues is normal, but we’re completely unfazed. We view these factors as part of our investment calculation, not as a reflection on you. 

The sales process is designed to be private. Unlike traditional listings with multiple showings and open houses, a cash sale typically only requires one or two private walk-throughs. This lets you avoid the hassle and discomfort of having strangers constantly in your home.

“How do you determine the offer price?”

We determine our offer by looking at what your home could be worth once it’s fully renovated (the After Repair Value, or ARV). From that value, we subtract estimated renovation expenses, expected selling costs, and our required profit margin. The result is the fair cash offer we present to you.

Q: Will I get a fair market value for my home?

A: Our offers are competitive, though they’re usually below the full retail price you might receive by listing with an agent, completing repairs, and waiting several months for the right buyer. The difference reflects the convenience, speed, and ability to sell your home as-is without the hassle of showings, repairs, or commissions.

Q: What if I have a higher offer in hand?

A: Our initial cash offer is carefully determined using your property’s current condition and local market value. We stand behind the fairness of our offer and welcome you to review and compare it with others to ensure you feel confident in your decision. If you have another offer, we are happy to review it and sharpen our own to remain competitive.

It’s important to compare all offers on a true “apples to apples” basis. Some offers that appear higher at first may include hidden fees, commissions, or contingencies that allow the buyer to back out, leaving you at a disadvantage. Our goal is to provide a strong, straightforward, and dependable offer you can trust from start to finish.

“The Process and Logistics“

Q: Do I need to make any repairs, clean the house, or remove unwanted items?

A: No, you don’t need to make any repairs. We purchase properties completely as-is. You can take the items you want and leave anything behind, including unwanted furniture or debris. We’ll take care of the repairs and cleanout after closing.

Q: How long does the entire process take, from offer to closing?

A: We can close in as little as 7 to 14 days. Because we use our own funds, there’s no need for bank approvals or appraisals, helping you avoid the usual 30 to 60-day delays.

Q: When do I get paid for the house?

A: You’ll receive your funds through a secure wire transfer on the day of closing, once all required documents have been signed and officially recorded by the title company.

Q: Do you handle all the paperwork, or do I need a lawyer or real estate agent?

A: We handle all paperwork through a local, independent title and escrow company or an attorney’s office, depending on your state. They act as a neutral party, managing the title search and ensuring the ownership transfer is legal and accurate. You’re also welcome to have your own real estate attorney review the documents if you wish.

Q: Do I have to pay any Commissions?

A: When we make a cash offer, the seller does not pay any real estate commissions.

In Washington state, however, sellers are required to pay the Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) whenever they sell a property.

Q: Can I still sell if I have a mortgage or liens on the property?

A: Yes, definitely. During the title search, the title company will uncover any existing mortgages or liens and use the sale proceeds to pay them off. You’ll receive the remaining funds free and clear.

Q: What happens if I live out of state?

A: No problem. The whole process can be completed remotely. We can send contracts by email or mail, and you can sign the closing documents at a nearby notary.

“Trust and Credibility“

Q: How do I know your offer is legitimate and not a scam?

A: We work with a trusted, third-party title and escrow company to handle the transaction. As a state-regulated entity, they ensure all funds are securely managed and legally transferred. At no point do we ever ask the seller for money up front.

Q: Can you provide proof of funds to show you have the cash available?

A: Yes, we’re happy to provide a recent bank statement or a letter from our financial institution with our offer to confirm that we have the necessary liquid funds to buy your home.

Q: Are you the actual buyer, or are you a wholesaler who will try to sell my contract to someone else?

A: We are the direct cash buyer and plan to close on the property ourselves. (Note: If the company acts as a wholesaler, a truthful response would be, “We find a buyer for the contract,” which should lead the seller to ask follow-up questions.)

Q: How long have you been in business in this area, and how many houses have you bought?

A: We’ve been serving homeowners in the Western Washington, Seattle/Tacoma area for over 30 years and have successfully purchased hundreds of homes. Our deep experience in this local market allows us to provide trustworthy guidance and dependable service throughout the selling process.

Q: Where can I find reviews or testimonials from your past clients?

A: You can read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, and our company website. We’re also happy to connect you with recent clients if you’d like to hear about their experiences firsthand.

Q: Do you provide an earnest money deposit to show you’re serious?

A: Yes, we place earnest money with the title company as soon as the contract is signed to demonstrate our commitment to completing the transaction.

“Post-Sale Concerns“

Q: What happens if I need more time to move out after the closing date?

A: We’re typically flexible and can often arrange a temporary lease-back, letting you remain in the home for a few days or even weeks after closing so you have enough time to move your belongings.

Q: Will I be responsible for any issues with the house after the sale is complete?

A: No. The home is sold “as-is,” which means that once the closing paperwork is signed, all responsibility for the property, including any repairs or issues, is fully transferred to us.

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