As a Valuer in Macleod Vic. 3085, I often talk to people who are trying to sell their house. I’m often asked the question, “Why should I sell my house to a Property Developer?”

That's a great question. Today's house seller has lots of options: they can list their house with a real estate agent, they can try to sell the house themselves or they can sell their house to a local & reputable Real estate Developer. None of these choices is necessarily better than the others: they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Here is what I say when asked why someone should sell their house to a Property Developer:

1. Fast. In many cases, sellers are in a rush to get their house sold. Maybe they're facing foreclosure or they're settling a divorce. Sometimes the seller has moved because of a job and needs to sell the house quickly to avoid two mortgage payments. Or someone might inherit a house and they don't want the hassle of dealing with the repairs and marketing necessary to sell the house.

Most people who try selling their house themselves or through a real estate agent find that it is anything but a fast process in most cases.  Unless you are willing to sell your house at a significantly reduced price, in many markets you could find yourself waiting one to three months before you accept an offer.

On the other hand, because a reputable and local property developer has access to private funds, they can often offer a house purchase in 7 days or less. Remember, a savvy property developer keeps a pipeline of new projects to ensure the continuation of keeping their reliable and skilful tradespeople from leaving their current development projects after completion.  

2. Flexibility. Real estate Developers make offers fit the seller's need. If the seller wants to sell quickly, that can be arranged. If the seller wants cash all at once or a monthly cash flow, that too is possible. They can also make up past payments and take over current payments to immediately relieve money burdens on the seller.

They can be a lot more flexible with offers than the traditional offers sellers typically receive. That's because they are more independent and not part of a bank bureaucracy which has to follow lots of rules. They are also aware of possible creative solutions to meet more of the sellers' needs than your average home buyer would think of. 

3. Open-mindedness. Property Developers might buy someone's house when no one else will.  In many cases they will buy houses that have fire damage, termites, mould, foundation problems, roof problems or need major repairs.  Houses with these conditions scare most buyers and real estate agents hate listing them because they know such houses are hard to sell.

I actually enjoy talking to sellers with houses like these because I can see the house's potential property valuation after all the repairs are made. Developers are not worried about extensive repairs as long as the after-repaired-value of the house justifies the expenses.

In conclusion, I encourage sellers to investigate all avenues of getting their house sold in the way that best meets their needs. If you decide that working with a Property Developer to buy your house makes the most sense, then visit your local council, in Macleod Vic. 3085 that would make it Banyule Council and walk up to the Planning department’s reception desk. Ask to see the current list of development projects in your area, where it will also list the developer’s name and contact details.