Even in a strong seller’s market like NC, it pays to slow down and look at your options — because the “best” way to sell depends on your timeline, tolerance for hassle, and certainty needs.
Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential is different from traditional agents and typical house buyers because we’re both.
As licensed, reputable real estate agents and active real estate investors, we don’t force you into a single path. We offer multiple ways to sell, including guaranteed offers and guaranteed sale options, so you can choose the approach that actually fits your situation.
If you want speed and certainty, there’s a clear option.
If you want market exposure with protection, there’s a clear option.
And if selling right now isn’t the right move, we’ll tell you that too.
Compare Your Selling Options
Not every way of selling a house is the same. Below is a straightforward comparison to help you understand how selling traditionally compares to selling directly for cash — and how Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential gives you both options in Wilmington.
| Traditional Sale | Selling Directly for Cash | With Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commissions / Fees: | Typically around 6%, paid by the seller | None | Standard commissions only if you choose to list your home. No fees or commissions if you sell directly to us for cash. |
| Who Pays Closing Costs? | About 2% on average, often paid by the seller | Paid by the buyer | Standard closing costs apply if you list. No closing costs if you sell directly to us for cash. |
| Inspection & Financing Contingency*: | Yes — deals can fall apart during inspection or financing | None | Much lower risk of the sale falling through. Cash offers eliminate financing uncertainty. |
| Appraisal Needed: | Yes — often required and can affect the deal | None | Appraisals apply only if listing traditionally. Cash offers do not require an appraisal. |
| Average Days Until Sold: | Around 90+ days on average | Can close in as little as 7 days | Standard time on market or an immediate cash offer — your choice |
| Number of Showings: | Varies — often many showings to find a buyer | Varies | One showing if you sell directly to us for cash |
| Closing Date: | Typically 45–60+ days after accepting an offer | Usually the date of your choice | You choose the closing date |
| Who Pays For Repairs? | Negotiated after inspections, during the due diligence* period | Paid by the buyer | We pay for all repairs when you sell to us for cash |
*In North Carolina, the Due Diligence period lets the buyer have time to do an inspection and back out of the sale or negotiate a new price if there are repairs that need to be done. If you can’t come to an agreement with the buyer, the buyer has the right to back out of the sale and get their Earnest Money back. Similarly, if the home doesn’t appraise for the value that the bank needs to close the loan, the buyer may renegotiate the loan.
Here at Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential, we don’t use traditional bank financing so you don’t have to worry about our ability to close on a deal.
Work The Numbers And See Which Way Helps You Get There…
When you take a closer look at the numbers, it becomes clear that each way of selling a house in NC has different benefits — and the “best” option depends on your goals, timeline, and tolerance for hassle.
At Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential, we don’t push a single solution. We work with you to determine which approach makes the most sense for your situation. That may be an immediate cash offer for a fast, as-is sale, or it may be using our experience and local market knowledge to list your home for top dollar.
If you choose to sell your house to us for cash, the offer will typically be below full retail value. In exchange, you gain advantages that a traditional sale often can’t provide — like speed, certainty, and simplicity.
Here’s what that can look like…
- No repairs or prep work — sell your house exactly as it sits
- No showings or open houses — just one walkthrough
- No commissions or hidden fees when selling to us for cash
- No buyer financing or appraisal risk — we don’t rely on banks
- A fast, predictable closing — often in as little as days
- You choose the closing date — not the buyer or the lender
- No deals falling apart at the last minute
- A clear outcome upfront, so you’re not guessing or waiting
For many homeowners, the tradeoff is worth it: a slightly lower price in exchange for certainty, speed, and relief from the stress of a traditional sale.
And if maximizing price is the priority and time allows, we’ll tell you that too — and explain how listing your home with a Guaranteed Sale option can protect you while pursuing top dollar.
That’s the advantage of having real options.
From offer to closing — and cash in your hand — in as little as 7 days.
Selling quickly can help you move on from a property without continuing to carry the monthly costs. When you sell for cash, you can avoid additional expenses like:
- Utility bills
- Property taxes
- Insurance payments
- Mortgage payments
- Ongoing maintenance and upkeep
When a home is listed traditionally, it often takes 90+ days to sell and close — sometimes longer. During that time, you’re still responsible for all of the holding costs, which can add up quickly and cut into your net proceeds.
A fast, cash sale eliminates that waiting period and the uncertainty that comes with it, giving you a clear exit and a predictable timeline.
You don’t need to fix anything or keep cleaning your home for showing after showing.
We buy houses as-is, regardless of condition. It doesn’t matter if the property needs updates, major repairs, or a full renovation — we’ve handled it before.
That means:
- No repairs
- No cleaning or staging
- No repeated showings
- No last-minute buyer requests
Selling as-is saves you time, reduces stress, and keeps more money in your pocket instead of spending it on a house you’re trying to leave behind.
ou don’t have to worry about closing costs — we cover them.
As a full-service professional home buyer in NC, we make the process simple and transparent. When you sell your house to us for cash, we pay all standard closing costs.
The number we offer is the number you receive at closing — with no surprises — aside from any existing mortgage payoff or liens that must be satisfied.
It’s a straightforward, predictable way to sell your home and move on without extra fees eating into your proceeds.
When you factor in the time saved, the no-hassle experience, and the money you avoid spending on commissions, fees, repairs, and ongoing holding costs, many Wilmington homeowners find that selling directly to a professional house buyer simply makes the most sense.
And if it doesn’t? That’s okay too.
Because at Andy Richardson, RE/MAX Essential, you’re not locked into one path. If a traditional sale is the better option for your goals, we can help you there as well — with the experience and protection to do it right.
The real question is simple:
Is this the right option for you?
If you’re not sure, that’s exactly where a conversation helps.
See for yourself and get a fair all-cash offer on your house today.
Just fill out the short form below or give us a call at (910) 239-SOLD (7653) and let’s chat! Our process is simple and you can close on the date of your choice. You have nothing to lose by getting an offer (no obligations – no pressure), but you could potentially lose thousands of dollars or months of your time by not requesting your FREE house offer below.
Get Your Fast, Fair Offer Today!
START HERE: We buy houses in ANY CONDITION. Whether you need to sell your home fast for cash or list with a local agent for top dollar, we can help.
