Why Listing Your Home on the Open Market (MLS) is the Best Choice

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you might have heard from investors who offer to buy it quickly, for cash, and ‘as-is.’ While this can sound tempting, it’s not always the best choice if you want to get the maximum value for your property. Let’s dive into why listing your home on the open market (MLS) is often the better option.

Investor Offers vs. Market Results

I’ve helped many clients sell homes that are perfect for investors. Every time, investors show interest before the home hits the market. But here’s the catch: their offers are usually much lower than what my clients would want to accept. For example, an investor might offer $200,000 for a home, promising a quick, cash sale. However, once we place the home on the market, it often sells for much more—sometimes over the list price!

Here’s a real-life example: A client received an investor offer of $180,000 for their home. We decided to list it on the MLS, and it sold for $220,000. That’s a $40,000 difference! The key is maximum exposure—when more buyers see your home, you’re more likely to get competitive offers.

Benefits of Maximum Exposure

Listing your home on the MLS gives it maximum exposure to potential buyers. Here are some benefits:

– **Competitive Offers**: More buyers mean more competition, which can drive up the price.

– **Market Value**: You’ll get a better sense of your home’s true market value.

– **Flexibility**: You can choose the best offer that suits your needs, whether it’s the highest price, quickest closing, or best terms.

While investors promise quick, cash sales, remember that other buyers can also offer cash and quick closings. By listing your home on the MLS, you ensure that you get the best possible deal.

Conclusion

If you want to receive maximum value for your home, it’s best to place it on the open market (MLS) and get maximum exposure. Selling off-market to investors might seem convenient, but it often means leaving money on the table. So, take the time to list your home, attract more buyers, and get the best deal possible!