When it comes time to sell your home, the options can feel overwhelming. In recent years, “iBuyers” companies that use technology to make instant cash offers have gained popularity across Texas. From slick websites to instant quotes, iBuyers can seem like a dream come true. But once you dig beneath the surface, hidden fees, repair deductions, and rigid processes often tell a different story. Local, experienced buyers like Texas Best Home Buyers (TBHB) provide another route, one rooted in personal service, flexibility, and real people who understand your situation.
What Exactly Are iBuyers?
iBuyers use algorithms and market data to make quick cash offers on homes, often without visiting the property. They advertise convenience and speed: sellers can receive an offer in hours and close in days. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad have become major players, especially in large Texas markets.
However, iBuyers operate within strict formulas. As reported by Clever, a Forbes real estate analysis in 2023 found that iBuyers commonly charge service fees ranging from 5% to as high as 13% of the sale price. On top of that, they often deduct money for repairs after inspections, meaning the number on the initial offer isn’t what homeowners walk away with at closing.
The Downsides of Going Digital
While iBuyers deliver speed, they lack the flexibility and human touch that many sellers need. Every offer is computer-driven, leaving little room for negotiation or unique circumstances. If your home doesn’t fit the “ideal” mold, say it needs updates, has foundation issues, or doesn’t match neighborhood averages, you may end up with a lower offer or even rejection.
According to Kiplinger, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2022 that many homeowners who sold to iBuyers paid more in fees and deductions than if they had gone with traditional or local buyers. For sellers, that often means a smaller profit and more frustration than expected.
The Advantage of Local Property Buyers
Local property buyers like Texas Best Home Buyers operate differently. Rather than relying on formulas, they meet homeowners in person, learn about their needs, and create tailored offers. Because they know the Texas housing market firsthand, they can see beyond a property’s imperfections and focus on its potential.
This personalized approach allows TBHB to structure deals in ways that iBuyers can’t, such as flexible closing dates, help with moving costs, or purchasing homes in “as-is” condition without demanding costly repairs. Sellers work with real people, not a faceless website, ensuring the process feels less transactional and more collaborative.
Which Option Is Right for You?
iBuyers can work for some homeowners, particularly those in pristine, move-in-ready houses who prioritize speed above all else. But for many Texans, the costs and rigidity don’t justify the convenience. Local buyers like Texas Best Home Buyers offer something iBuyers can’t: genuine partnership. They bring the expertise, flexibility, and compassion that come from working one-on-one with sellers facing all types of situations, whether that’s foreclosure, relocation, divorce, or simply needing to sell quickly.
Making the Choice That Fits Your Needs
Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. While iBuyers may seem appealing at first glance, their hidden fees and lack of personal touch often make them less than ideal. Local buyers like TBHB put people before profit, giving homeowners the fair, transparent, and customized solutions they deserve.
If you’re considering selling, explore the other blogs from Texas Best Home Buyers to learn more about your options. Understanding the process can help you make a confident choice that keeps more money in your pocket and less stress on your shoulders.