Starting today, online real estate database giant Zillow has a new “instant buying” feature Zillow Offers in the Tampa area.
Homeowners interested in selling their house could get a cash offer for the estate in as little as 48 hours, and through website or mobile app, homeowners can find out if they’re eligible by simply entering their address.
Once the home has been evaluated, and the sellers have accepted Zillow’s offer, they can then decide their own closing date, between seven and 90 days out. Sellers can also prepare to move on their schedule, while also not having to deal with coordinating repair projects or cleaning.
The company says “a Tampa-based broker will represent Zillow in each transaction.”
Sellers can even put their home up for sale before any projects are completed. According to Zillow, “The company works with local contractors to make sure each home it buys is market-ready for new owners. The company may complete projects like a fresh coat of paint, basic landscaping and servicing water heaters and HVAC units.”
“With Zillow Offers, we're eliminating the pain points that disrupt sellers’ lives, like coordinating repairs and showings, while giving them peace of mind on the timing and price,” Zillow Brand President Jeremy Wacksman said in a press release. “We’re excited to bring this service to the Tampa Bay area so homeowners can have a simpler, more enjoyable selling experience.”
Zillow’s new feature isn’t the first “instant buying” option in Tampa. Companies such as Open Door and Offerpad have been in the iBuying market since 2017 and have purchased over 958 homes in Hillsborough County.
The program is already available already other Florida cities including Orlando, and is expected to pop-up in Jacksonville sometime in mid-2020.
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This article appears in Oct 17-24, 2019.