Frequently Asked Questions for Philadelphia Homeowners
Selling a house in the Greater Philadelphia area can feel stressful — whether it’s foreclosure, probate, bad tenants, or repairs. Here are the most searched questions homeowners ask online, with clear answers and how Cash Now Philly can help.
🏠 Foreclosure FAQs
Q: Can I sell my house if it’s in foreclosure in PA?
- Quick Answer: Yes. You can usually sell your home up until the sheriff’s sale.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We work directly with title companies to stop foreclosure before the auction. We give you a cash offer and can close in as little as 7 days so you protect your credit and walk away with money instead of losing everything.
Q: How do I stop foreclosure in Philadelphia?
- Quick Answer: Options include loan modification, repayment plans, bankruptcy, or selling your home before the auction.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We specialize in foreclosure sales. Our team moves quickly to communicate with the bank, make a fair cash offer, and close before your sheriff sale date.
Q: What happens if my house goes to sheriff sale?
- Quick Answer: The home is auctioned, and you lose control of the sale. If the price is higher than what you owe, you may get the surplus.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: Instead of losing your home at auction, we can buy it before that date and give you a guaranteed payout you control.
⚖️ Probate & Inherited Homes
Q: Do I need probate to sell an inherited house in PA?
- Quick Answer: Yes, probate is usually required unless the house was passed through joint ownership or a trust.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We work with heirs and attorneys to make the probate sale smooth. We buy “as is,” handle clean-outs, and close when probate allows.
Q: What taxes do I pay when I sell an inherited property in PA?
- Quick Answer: Pennsylvania has inheritance tax, and you may also owe capital gains tax depending on the sale.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We guide families through these steps and work with your attorney to ensure taxes are handled. Our cash offers let you sell quickly without sinking money into a property you don’t want.
Q: What if my siblings don’t agree to sell?
- Quick Answer: All heirs must agree, or the court may order a partition sale.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We’ve helped families where not everyone was on the same page. By making a fast, fair offer, we often help settle disputes and move the process forward.
🔨 Selling As-Is
Q: Should I fix my house before selling?
- Quick Answer: No, you don’t have to make repairs to sell your house.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We buy properties in any condition — outdated rowhomes, fire damage, even hoarder houses. You don’t spend money on repairs, cleaning, or junk removal.
Q: Will anyone buy a house that needs a lot of work?
- Quick Answer: Yes. Investors and cash buyers purchase fixer-uppers.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: That’s exactly what we do. We’ll buy your home even if it needs major repairs, then handle the renovations ourselves.
Q: Can I leave unwanted items or trash behind?
- Quick Answer: Yes. In as-is sales, you can take what you want and leave the rest.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: Our team handles the clean-out after closing. You don’t lift a finger.
💰 Agents vs. Cash Buyers
Q: Is it better to sell with a Realtor or a cash buyer?
- Quick Answer: Realtors can sometimes get more money but take longer and charge fees. Cash buyers close faster and buy as-is.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We don’t charge commissions, cover closing costs, and close in weeks instead of months.
Q: Are “We Buy Houses” companies legit in Philly?
- Quick Answer: Yes, but some are scams. Research is important.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We’re a local, family-owned business with strong reviews and a transparent process. No pressure, no hidden tricks.
Q: Will a cash buyer pay me a fair price?
- Quick Answer: Cash offers are typically below full market value.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: Our offers are based on after-repair value and repair costs. We explain our numbers so you understand why we’re offering what we are.
⏱️ Timeline & Closing
Q: How fast can I sell my house in Philadelphia?
- Quick Answer: With an agent, 2–3 months. With a cash buyer, 7–14 days.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: Because we use our own funds, we close as quickly as you need.
Q: Can I choose my closing date?
- Quick Answer: Yes. Many cash buyers offer flexible closing.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: You pick the date that works for your move — next week or next month.
Q: How quickly do I get my money after closing?
- Quick Answer: Same day or within 1–2 business days.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: At closing, you’ll get a certified check or wire directly to your account.
💵 Taxes, Liens, & Costs
Q: How much are closing costs when selling in Philly?
- Quick Answer: In traditional sales, about 10% of the price. With cash buyers, most costs are covered.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We cover standard closing costs so the price we offer is what you walk away with.
Q: Can I sell a house with a tax lien in Philadelphia?
- Quick Answer: Yes. The lien is paid off from your sale proceeds.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We work with title to pay off liens at closing, even if you’re behind on property taxes.
Q: Do I pay capital gains tax when I sell?
- Quick Answer: Sometimes, depending on your profit and whether it was your primary home.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We connect you with local tax professionals so you know what to expect. Our cash offer ensures you don’t risk losing money waiting on the market.
🏘️ Tenants & Occupants
Q: Can I sell my house with tenants still living there?
- Quick Answer: Yes, leases transfer to the new owner.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We buy tenant-occupied properties and take over the lease so you can move on.
Q: What if my tenant isn’t paying rent?
- Quick Answer: You can still sell, but it may affect the buyer pool.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We specialize in buying properties with problem tenants. We’ll handle the eviction process so you don’t have to.
Q: Do tenants have rights if I sell my house in Philadelphia?
- Quick Answer: Yes, they can usually stay until the lease ends.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We honor tenant rights while still making sure you get to sell quickly.
📊 Local Market
Q: What’s the housing market like in Philadelphia right now?
- Quick Answer: Prices are rising and inventory is low, which favors sellers.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: Even in a hot market, some homes are hard to sell due to condition or liens. We step in when traditional buyers won’t.
Q: When is the best time to sell my house in Philadelphia?
- Quick Answer: Spring and summer usually bring faster sales and higher prices.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: No matter the season, we buy year-round so you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” market.
Q: How do I sell a house fast in West Philly, Camden NJ, or Delaware County?
- Quick Answer: Work with a local cash buyer who knows your market.
- How Cash Now Philly Helps: We’ve bought homes across Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware. No matter the location or situation, we can close fast.
Still have a question? Call Cash Now Philly today at 215-608-5684 or fill out the form below for a no-obligation cash offer. We buy houses in Philadelphia, South Jersey, Delaware, Berks, and Lancaster — any condition, any situation.
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