Editor’s note: Information in this article is current as of June 22, 2022. Processes, rates, and services from real estate companies can change based on market conditions, housing trends, changes in technology, and customer needs. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home (or both), it seems like everyone is interested in all-cash offers these days. In 2021, 32 percent of all home purchases were made with cash. And in some high-demand areas, those numbers are even higher. For sellers, cash offers often mean a quick, convenient close with no contingencies. And for buyers? It gives them the competitive edge needed to stand out from a sea of other offers. Taking advantage of this trend are companies such as RealSure, which aims to simplify the real estate process by providing cash offers to eligible homebuyers and sellers. Here is what to expect from working with this real estate company — as well as how to decide if their services are right for you. RealSure was launched in 2020 as a way to give buyers and sellers a competitive edge through the security of an all-cash offer. According to their website, they’re “working towards fixing the outdated processes within the industry that get in the way of ownership — such as uncertainty around selling, contract cancellations, and rigid timelines.” The company, which is a joint venture between Realogy and Home Partners of America, has two key programs: RealSure Sell and RealSure Buy.
RealSure Sell is a program for sellers who both want the peace of mind of a guaranteed cash offer while also seeing what their home’s potential would be on the open market. With this program, sellers are provided with an all-cash offer for their home at the outset. They then have 45 days to list their home with an agent to see if they get a better offer on the open market. The process works like this: According to RealSure, sellers have the ability to walk away from the transaction at any time before the closing date without incurring a penalty. The RealSure Buy program provides homebuyers with the ability to make an all-cash offer on a home. This temporary cash loan allows buyers to better compete in the market as the offer won’t be dependent on any financing or appraisal contingencies. Here is how it works: RealSure has been gradually expanding since the company opened its doors in 2020, but its services are still available in very select markets. RealSure Sell is available to sellers in major metropolitan areas of Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Ohio, Florida, California, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Utah. The RealSure Buy program is currently only available in: There are fees associated with both the RealSure Buy and Sell programs, though these fees are not well outlined on the website. Sellers who use the RealSure Sell program will pay both a transaction fee and a broker fee if they accept the cash offer. According to RealSure, the transaction fee will be included in the offer letter. The only information provided about these fees on the company website is that they are in the “low single digits.” The website doesn’t provide any details on the cost of the broker fee, except to say that it will be outlined in the brokerage agreement that you’ll be required to sign once you accept the cash offer. If you decide to sell your house through an approved agent instead, you’ll also pay the agent’s commission, as well as all other standard real estate transaction fees. As we mentioned earlier, sellers also have the option of staying in their house for up to 30 days after closing with RealSure’s Flex Stay program. You will be required to pay a security deposit and daily occupancy fee, which is determined by the final selling price of the home. These fees will be deducted from your payout at closing. If you purchase a home using the RealSure Buy program, you’ll pay a minimum $500 service fee at closing, as well as all of the standard costs associated with buying and financing a home, such as the application fee and the cost of an appraisal, according to the RealSure website. As we outlined above, RealSure charges transaction fees to buyers and sellers who take advantage of their Buy and Sell programs. They also generate revenue through the sale of the properties they purchase directly from sellers. RealSure customers are required to work with a real estate agent in their approved network, so in many ways, the company serves as a referral engine for Realogy, which is one of its parent companies. Some well-known brands that fall under the Realogy umbrella include Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Corcoran, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and Sotheby’s International (among others). Home buyers must also use RealSure’s approved lender for home financing.
Although the company has been around since 2020, there are no public customer reviews as of this blog post date, nor is the company showing up as accredited by the Better Business Bureau. In researching this story, we checked Facebook, Trustpilot, Google, Yelp, Angi, and BBB. While the company does have a Facebook page and a Google My Business listing, there are no ratings or reviews associated with either. RealSure currently offers two core programs for consumers: RealSure Buy and RealSure Sell. They also target agents in the Realogy network of real estate professionals who want to work with RealSure buyers and sellers. RealSure is just one of many companies that provide services to homebuyers and sellers who are looking for a simpler, cash-backed transaction. Some of these companies include: Although many of these programs are similar, there are key differences in the costs associated with each of them — as well as the level of service they provide. Before you decide to work with RealSure, or any company with similar services, it’s a good idea to shop around and get to know the options you have available. One such option is HomeLight, which offers similar cash offer and trade-in programs, and helps buyers and sellers get matched with the most qualified real estate agents in their area. When you work with HomeLight, we’ll help take the stress out of house hunting (or selling) by matching you with a top real estate agent in your area. Based on our unbiased analysis of over 27 million real estate transactions, these are the agents that go above and beyond — and that truly understand the housing market in your area. HomeLight Agent Match is 100% free and only takes two minutes of your time: Depending on your real estate goals, these top agents can help you take advantage of other HomeLight programs that are designed to create a simpler buying and selling experience. With HomeLight Trade-In, we’ll agree to purchase your current home before you begin the homebuying process. This allows you to make a stronger, all-cash offer on your new home without having to worry about any lending or home sale contingencies. If you’re only looking to buy a house, HomeLight Cash Offer can still give you the ability to make that strong, cash offer on the home of your dreams. Additional Homelight programs include: * Some services are not available in all states Additional tools and resources offered by HomeLight Buying and selling a home is not what it was a decade ago. Today, there are many options available for the savvy consumer who wants a simplified, less stressful real estate experience. RealSure is one of the companies that provide such services. If you’re looking into RealSure, here are a few things to consider:
What is RealSure?
How does RealSure Sell work?
How does RealSure Buy work?
Does RealSure serve your area?
Is there a cost to use RealSure?
How does RealSure make money?
RealSure reviews
Pros and cons of using RealSure
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Cons
Other services offered by RealSure
Alternatives to RealSure
How does HomeLight help home sellers and buyers?
RealSure: Is it the right option for you?
