“We buy houses” signs are real. Companies offering to buy your home for cash without listing it publicly can be beneficial – particularly when urgent circumstances require quick sales or desperate situations require quick solutions – however it’s essential that homeowners understand how these services operate so as to determine if this option suits them or not.

These home buying companies are typically investment firms that seek to renovate homes before selling or leasing it as rental properties. They’ll often make cash offers quickly and close deals quickly for sellers – which may be attractive. But these firms often pay below market value as bidding wars tend to drive purchase prices up. Furthermore, their offers often give less in returns than with traditional sales to buyers with mortgage financing.

Many house buying companies will claim they’re legit businesses, but scams do occur. To protect yourself and avoid being taken advantage of by fraudsters, ask for up-front money and do your research thoroughly before signing over your title to them or offering to close fast so that an earnest money deposit may no longer be necessary.

If you need to sell your New York home quickly without taking time for traditional methods, enlisting the assistance of a real estate agent could be key. They know the local market well, can get you a higher price for your property and can offer reliable home-buyers that you can test out yourself until finding your ideal investor(s).

If you want to sell your New York home for top dollar, start with a professional home valuation. Real estate agents possess the experience and knowhow to assist in setting a competitive asking price that will draw in qualified buyers; then once a qualified buyer is identified they can assist with negotiations over price and terms so you get maximum profit out of your sale – essential with today’s slow New York real estate market where mistakes could prove costly.