This isn’t about being skeptical. It’s about being sharp. You’re making a major decision, and you should feel good about who you’re working with and how the deal is structured. Below are the key questions you need to ask before selling your house to any real estate investor – and why the answers matter.
1. Are You a Local Investor or a National Chain?
Let’s start here. Are they boots-on-the-ground local, or are they sitting in a call center five states away?
Local investors know your market. They understand why your zip code is different from the one next door. At PathREI, we live and work right here in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We know the neighborhoods. We know the comps. We know what sellers are really dealing with.
A national company might promise the world, but if they can’t find your house on a map without GPS, how are they supposed to make you a fair offer?
2. Will I Need to Pay Any Fees, Commissions, or Closing Costs?
Here’s the truth: with a legit investor, you should pay zero.
Selling to PathREI means no agent commissions, no hidden fees, and no junk charges at closing. What we offer is what you walk away with.
If someone is asking you to pay for anything out of pocket, stop the conversation right there. You’re not supposed to fund their business model. You’re supposed to get a solution.
3. Do I Need to Make Repairs or Clean Up the House?
No. If an investor asks you to paint, patch, or polish anything before closing, they’re not really buying as-is.
The whole point of selling to an investor is to avoid the hassle. At PathREI, we buy properties exactly as they sit. We’ve closed deals with junk in the yard, roof leaks, water damage, foundation cracks, hoarder-level clutter – you name it.
If the investor is making the deal conditional on cleanup or inspections, you’re not getting what you were promised.
4. How Fast Can You Close?
Time matters. Especially if you’re facing foreclosure, relocation, divorce, or just need to move on.
PathREI can close in as little as 7 days. We use cash, not bank financing, so there are no delays. That said, if you need more time, we can wait. You set the pace.
Any investor worth their salt should be able to move fast without rushing you. If they can’t close on your timeline, that’s a red flag.
5. What Happens After I Accept the Offer?
This is where some “investors” get shady. They tie up your property with a contract, then shop the deal around. You end up in limbo while they try to flip your contract to someone else.
At PathREI, when we make you an offer, it’s because we’re ready to close. We don’t assign contracts or backpedal. You deserve clarity, not chaos.
Ask what happens after the offer is signed. Who handles the paperwork? What does the process look like? You should get answers that make sense, not smoke and mirrors.
6. Will You Show Proof of Funds?
This separates the pros from the posers.
A real investor can show you proof of funds. That means they’re not relying on financing, they’re not bringing in another buyer, and they’re ready to perform.
At PathREI, we can provide a bank letter or cash statement on request. If someone can’t do the same, you should walk away.
7. Can You Work With Unique Situations? (Foreclosure, Inherited Property, Tenants, etc.)
Life isn’t always neat and tidy. Sometimes you’re dealing with legal notices, probate, bad tenants, or family drama.
A real estate investor should be used to this. At PathREI, we help people in tough spots every day. We work with inherited homes, code violations, tax liens, pre-foreclosure, and more. We even handle tenant-occupied properties, whether they’re paying or not.
You shouldn’t have to fix the problem before you sell. The right investor helps you out of it.
8. Is This Offer Really No Obligation?
Too many investors use high-pressure tactics. They push you to sign before you’re ready. That’s not how we do business.
At PathREI, your offer comes with zero obligation. Take it, think about it, or walk away. We’re here to help you move forward, not pressure you into something you’ll regret.
9. Will You Explain the Contract in Plain English?
Contracts shouldn’t read like they were written by a team of Harvard attorneys with something to hide.
Before you sign anything, ask for a clear walkthrough. At PathREI, we go line by line with every seller. No legal traps. No fine print surprises. Just a clean, simple agreement that spells out exactly what you’re getting.
If an investor dodges questions or refuses to explain the contract, that’s your cue to run.
10. What Makes You Different From Other Home Buyers?
This question gives them a chance to show you what matters to them. Is it speed? Transparency? Flexibility? Local commitment?
For us at PathREI, it’s all of the above. We’re not just here to make offers. We’re here to make life easier for sellers who need a real way out.
We show up. We follow through. We make it easy.
Final Thoughts
Selling your house to a real estate investor can be one of the smartest moves you make – if you work with the right one.
Ask the questions. Get straight answers. And don’t settle for less than honesty, speed, and professionalism.
At PathREI, we do what we say we’ll do. And we’re right here in your backyard, helping homeowners in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina sell without stress.
If you’re thinking about selling, or just want to see what your options look like, reach out today. No pressure. No push. Just a fair offer and a conversation that puts you back in control.