Should You Sell Your Inherited House to an Investor or Through a Real Estate Agent?
Inheriting a home is often an emotional experience, whether it brings up cherished memories or introduces unexpected responsibilities. Once the dust settles, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is this:
Should you sell your inherited house through a real estate agent, or should you sell directly to a real estate investor?
Both options have their merits, and the right choice depends on your personal situation, your timeline, the condition of the property, and your financial goals. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both approaches so you can make a confident, informed decision.
The Traditional Route: Selling Through a Real Estate Agent
For many, the first instinct is to call a real estate agent. After all, that’s the conventional way to sell a house. But when it comes to inherited properties—especially those that may not be in top condition—the traditional route isn’t always the best fit.
What to Expect from an Agent-Assisted Sale
If you choose to list the property with a real estate agent, the process generally looks like this:
- The agent lists your property on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).
- They market the home, arrange professional photos, schedule showings, and host open houses.
- Interested buyers will walk through the property, potentially make offers, and negotiate terms.
- If a buyer requires financing, their lender may order an appraisal and require repairs.
- After a successful inspection and appraisal, you close—usually 30 to 45 days after signing a contract.
Pros of Selling with a Real Estate Agent
- Potential for a Higher Sale Price
The open market—especially in a strong housing market—may yield higher offers from competitive buyers. With strategic marketing and staging, you might attract top dollar, particularly if the home is in great shape. - Wider Exposure
MLS listings reach thousands of agents and buyers. More exposure means more potential buyers, and more buyers can lead to a bidding war. - Professional Guidance
A full-service agent will handle paperwork, coordinate showings, and negotiate on your behalf. This can be helpful if you’re out of town or unfamiliar with real estate transactions.
Cons of Selling with a Real Estate Agent
- Repairs and Upgrades Often Required
Most traditional buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes. That means you may need to invest time and money into repairs, updates, or even full renovations before the house is marketable. - Staging, Cleaning, and Ongoing Maintenance
The house must be kept spotless for photos and repeated showings. If the property is cluttered, outdated, or hasn’t been cleared out, this can be an overwhelming process. - Agent Commissions and Closing Costs
Real estate agents in San Antonio typically charge around 6% in commission, split between buyer and seller agents. You’ll also pay your share of closing costs, title fees, and potentially other service charges. - Longer Timeline and Uncertainty
Depending on the market and property condition, a home can sit for weeks or even months. There’s no guarantee of a sale—even with a good agent. - Holding Costs Add Up
While your property sits on the market, you’re still responsible for utilities, insurance, taxes, and routine maintenance. These costs can quietly erode your profits.
The Alternative: Selling to a Real Estate Investor
If the idea of cleaning, repairing, staging, and waiting doesn’t appeal to you, a cash offer from a reputable real estate investor might be a better fit.
At Sell My San Antonio House, we specialize in buying inherited homes directly from sellers—as is, with no fees, and on your timeline.
What to Expect When Selling to an Investor
When you work with a local investor like us, the process is much simpler:
- We visit the home or review photos and make you a fair cash offer—no obligation, no pressure.
- You don’t need to clean or fix anything.
- We pay cash, so there’s no waiting on mortgage approvals or appraisals.
- If you accept our offer, we close on your schedule—sometimes in as little as 7 days.
Pros of Selling to an Investor
- Sell “As Is”—No Repairs, No Cleaning
You don’t have to fix a leaky roof, repaint the walls, or even take out the trash. We’ll buy your house exactly how it is, whether it’s spotless or needs major repairs. - Fast and Flexible Closing
Whether you need to close fast or wait a bit, we work with you. A flexible closing means you avoid ongoing costs like utilities, taxes, and insurance. - No Commissions or Hidden Fees
We don’t charge real estate agent commissions or administrative fees. We even cover standard closing costs—more money in your pocket. - Simplified, Stress-Free Process
No showings. No inspections. No financing delays. No surprises. You get a straightforward offer, and if you accept, we take care of the paperwork and title process. - Help With the Details
If you’re overwhelmed by probate, unclear title, or estate issues, we can help connect you with trusted local professionals to get things sorted out quickly.
Cons of Selling to an Investor
- Lower Offer (On the Surface)
Investors need to buy homes at a discount to cover repairs and make a return. So, yes—our cash offer may be lower than a listing price on the MLS. But when you factor in savings on commissions, repairs, holding costs, and stress—it often evens out or comes out ahead.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Real Estate Agent vs. Investor
| Feature | Real Estate Agent | Cash Buyer (Investor) |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Sell | Weeks or months | As little as 7 days |
| Repairs Required | Usually yes | No repairs needed |
| Cleaning & Staging | Expected | Not necessary |
| Fees & Commissions | 6% or more | None |
| Certainty of Sale | Deal can fall through | Very high certainty |
| Showings Required | Yes | No |
| Final Sale Price | Potentially higher | Often offset by no costs |
| Flexibility | Limited | High—you choose closing |
| Stress Level | Higher | Low—we handle everything |
Which Option Is Right for You?
This decision ultimately comes down to your needs, goals, and resources.
Choose a Real Estate Agent If:
- You have a well-maintained or recently updated property
- You don’t mind investing in repairs and updates
- You’re not in a rush to sell and can wait for the right buyer
- You’re comfortable paying commissions and closing costs
Choose a Real Estate Investor If:
- The home needs work or hasn’t been updated
- You want to sell quickly and easily
- You’d prefer not to spend money on repairs or cleaning
- You value certainty, simplicity, and convenience
- You’re dealing with probate, out-of-state ownership, or other complications
What’s the Next Step?
If you’re still unsure which path to take, that’s completely normal. Selling an inherited home is a big decision, and you deserve to explore your options fully.
At Sell My San Antonio House, we’ve helped many families navigate this exact situation. Whether you want to talk through the process, get a no-obligation cash offer, or just ask a few questions—we’re here for you.
📞 Call us today at (210) 201-6644
🌐 Visit us at SellMySanAntonioHouse.com
No pressure. No hidden fees. Just honest answers and help when you need it.
Bonus Resources
Want to explore more before deciding?
Check out these helpful guides:
- ✅ Major House Problems To Fix
- 🕰️ How Much Is Hesitating To Sell Your San Antonio House Really Costing You?
- 🔍 How Long Does It Take To Sell My House With An Agent Vs An Investor?
- 🏡 How To Decide Whether To Sell Or Keep Your Inherited Property In San Antonio
Remember: You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. Whether you sell to an investor, go the traditional route, or just need advice—we’re here to help every step of the way.