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If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, Trust Your Real Estate Agent, Not an iBuyer
By Lighter Side Staff
When you’re selling your house, you want to make as much money as you can, as quickly as possible, and with the least amount of interruption to your life.
So when you come across an “iBuyer” company that offers to buy your house for fair market value, without having to put it on the market, and not having to pay real estate commissions, it can sound super appealing.
The problem is, going that route doesn’t necessarily end up making you as much money as you can!
Real estate agents have been warning consumers that iBuyer offers are often too good to be true, and that there are hidden fees and costs that end up costing the homeowner more than they would pay in commissions. To make matters worse, their offers are often for less than the owner would have received on the open market.
Well, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has confirmed all of that, and more, when they took action and imposed a $62 million fine against the online home buying firm Opendoor Labs, Inc., for misleading sellers and “tricking them into thinking that they could make more money selling their home to Opendoor than on the open market using the traditional sales process.”
In addition to paying the fine, the FTC has also ordered Opendoor to stop deceiving potential homeowners and stop making baseless claims. But that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily out of the iBuying business, nor does it guarantee that they (or any other company like them) won’t deceive consumers again. In fact, it may just lead to a $46,517 fine according to the FTC press release. So, there’s still a chance you could be enticed by Opendoor (or another iBuyer) to sell directly to them, rather than go through the more traditional sales process, and list with an agent.
The problem is, when a company like this pits the consumer against agents and is supposedly trying to save them from agents, it can be hard to trust an agent warning you against that very company or type of offer. So if you aren’t fully informed, it may come across as a self-serving attempt on the part of agents to defend themselves and make money, rather than trying to truly warn and protect you. But knowing that the FTC has fined and sanctioned them ought to be fair and objective enough warning for you to trust your agent over an online company making an offer that sounds too good to be true.
The Takeaway:
If you’re debating whether to sell your house to an iBuyer, versus listing your house with an agent, make sure to interview a local real estate agent you trust before signing on the dotted line with an iBuyer.
Listen closely to the warnings your agent is giving you, and truly analyze whether the claims and offer an iBuyer makes would net you more than listing on the open market with your local agent. If an offer from Opendoor or any other iBuyer still sounds better and more appealing, just keep in mind what the FTC recently found and fined them for. It’s probably too good to be true…
Maryland Real Estate Professionals Real Estate Outlook
Central Maryland Housewarming Extravaganza
Welcoming You To Your New Central Maryland Home
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a new home! 🏠 There’s something magical about stepping across the threshold into a space that’s truly yours. The scent of fresh paint, the echo of footsteps on hardwood floors, and the promise of countless memories waiting to be made—it’s a feeling like no other. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a Free housewarming party?
That's correct, when you work with a Maryland Real Estate Professionals team member and one of our preferred lenders, we will provide you with the housewarming gift of a housewarming party!
Why a Housewarming Party?
A housewarming party isn’t just about showing off your stylish decor (though that’s definitely part of it!). It’s a chance to open your doors wide and invite friends, family, and neighbors to share in your joy. Here in Central Maryland, we know how to throw a memorable gathering—one that combines warmth, hospitality, and a dash of local flair.
A Housewarming Party Is The Perfect Venue
When you work with a Maryland Real Estate Professional Team Member and on of preferred lenders to purchase your home, we will give you up to $500 towards a housewarming party! Now isn't that an amazing housewarming gift!
After we help you purchase your home, you choose a date that suits your schedule and gives you enough time to settle into your new abode. Maybe you’ve hung up your favorite artwork, arranged the furniture just so, and found the perfect spot for your morning coffee. Now, let’s set the scene for your housewarming party. Whether you have a cozy townhouse in Annapolis, a chic loft in Baltimore, or a sprawling estate in the Frederick County countryside, your home will be the star of the show.
Invitations For This Amazing Housewarming Gift That Spark Excitement
If you provide the Maryland Real Estate Professional team member your guest list, we will send out digital invitations to your guests. HAKUNA MATATA - We want to keep it hassle-free by using platforms that allow you to save invitations as images on your phone. A quick text message with all the details will have your friends marking their calendars. Remember to choose a range of time (say, 3-6pm) rather than a strict starting time. An open-house style party lets guests come and go as they please, without worrying about being late.
Delicious Bites and Sips
Now, let’s talk about the heart of any gathering—the food! Maryland Real Estate Professionals and our preferred lender will provide you with a housewarming gift, so that you will be able to purchase food for the party! For a housewarming party, opt for dishes that are easy to prepare ahead of time. Think bite-sized nibbles, colorful charcuterie boards, and refreshing drinks. Here are some ideas:
- Charcuterie Board: Arrange an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fruits. Add some crusty bread and gourmet crackers for a delightful spread.
- Welcome Home Cocktails: Create a signature drink for your party. How about a refreshing Maryland mule with local ginger beer and a splash of bourbon?
- Sweet Treats: Offer a selection of cookies, brownies, or mini cupcakes. Bonus points if they’re homemade!
Maryland Real Estate Professionals Housewarming Gifts That Wow
As guests arrive, greet them with a warm smile and perhaps a small token of appreciation. Here are some thoughtful housewarming gifts ideas:
- Personalized Cutting Board: Engrave it with their new address or a sweet message.
- Custom Home Map: Capture the location of their new home in a beautiful print.
- Indoor Plants: A touch of greenery adds life to any space.
- Welcome Home Sign: A charming addition to their entryway.
- Cookbook: Inspire their culinary adventures in the new kitchen.
Our friends over at DC Laser can help you come up with some amazing housewarming gifts! Just go to www.dclsr.com
Central Maryland Vibes
Maryland Real Estate Professionals has Central Maryand Covered! We know that Central Maryland is a place of contrasts—where historic meets modern, and cityscapes blend with natural beauty. Take inspiration from the region as you decorate your home. Incorporate nautical elements from Annapolis, embrace the industrial chic of Baltimore, or infuse your space with the tranquility of the Chesapeake Bay of the vast countryside of Caroll, Frederick and Washington Counties. Central Maryland is a beautiful place to work, live and play!
Memories in the Making With The Maryland Real Estate Professionals Team!
As the sun sets and the laughter echoes through your rooms, remember that this housewarming party is more than just an event—it’s the beginning of a chapter. A chapter filled with shared meals, cozy movie nights, and impromptu gatherings on the patio. So raise your glass, toast to new beginnings, pass out those housewarming gifts and welcome everyone to your Central Maryland haven.
Whether you’re hosting or attending, a housewarming party is a beautiful way to celebrate the journey of finding and creating a home. Cheers to you and your fellow Marylanders! 🥂🏡 Remember when you work with Maryland Real Estate Professionals, you are working with true professionals, who will look out for your best interest when you are buying your dream home! And don't forget that if you are looking for amazing ideas for housewarming gifts, you want to reach out to DC Laser. They are creative and have wonderful housewarming gifts!
