As Robert correctly says, investors are searching for below-market properties. The rough formula in many areas of the country is that an investor will purchase for no more than 70% of ARV (after repair value) minus the cost of repairs. So, for instance, if your house would sell for $500,000 after repairs, and it needed $20,000 in repairs and upgrades, an investor would pay a maximum of $330,000 (70% of $500,000 is $350,000, minus $20,000 in repairs equals $330,000). If you can live with those numbers, then by all means contact the investor. But if you're looking for something closer to fair market value, the investor probably won't be interested. In that case, you'd be better off going with a Realtor, pricing your house at the bottom end of the comps, and selling quickly for a somewhat higher figure than the investor would offer.

Still, it never hurts to ask. And the investor may have some other strategies that could make the deal work. (For instance, buying your house subject to, then agreeing on an equity sharing upon the resale of your current house.)

Good luck.

It wouldn't hurt to ask. Keep in mind that investors who flip properties are always looking for something that is well below market value so that when they put money into it and re-sell it, they will still make a profit. If you feel your home qualifies, they go right ahead and ask.

Hi Christina,
Stacia, Ben and Alex are right. It's worth a shot, however, the seller will likely request a that there is a clause added for the first right of refusal. They would still have the opportunity to continue to show and sell their property. If someone comes along and wishes to purchase that home without a home to sell you would have the option of removing your home sale contingency or giving up the property. That is if they want to take your deal. In this market home sale contingencies are very tricky. You would need to have your home priced right so that it's not taking too many days on the market to sell. An investor usually would prefer a quick sale to move on to their next flip.

I hope this helps. Best of Luck, Lucy

I have to agree with Stacia & Ben on this one. In this market most Seller want to just Sell their properties as quickly as possible. They might take your offer but give you first right of refusal before they will accept any subsequent offers in other words you will need to clear your contingency of having to sell your home first if they are going to consider you over other offers that are good to go now.

Good luck!

Hi Christina,
It can't hurt to ask. However, most investors who are 'flipping' a home want to get it sold as quickly as possible. They might consider a contingent offer, but the longer they hold onto it the more money it'll cost them.