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What’s the process of selling to a Pittsburgh cash home buyer?
Selling your home for cash is best when you need to do it quickly and without any hassle. Here’s a quick look at how it works in Pittsburgh:
Complete any required disclosure notices
Sellers in Pennsylvania are responsible for conveying certain information about the property to potential buyers. “It’s important that sellers disclose everything, regardless of whether or not it’s a cash sale,” Jackson says.
Fill out the Seller’s Disclosure Statement, which requests details about the age and condition of the core components of your property, such as the roof, basement, structural items, water and sewage systems, plumbing, HVAC systems, and electrical components. It also asks about any known issues, including water damage, environmental issues, the existence of lead paint, radon levels, and more.
The ‘dye’ test
Jackson also points out that, in most municipalities, Pennsylvania sellers are required to have a dye test performed on the property. This test is performed to ensure that the drains and downspouts running from the house aren’t connected to sanitary sewers, which can cause rainwater to flow into and overload the sewer system.
As Jackson explains, many properties in Pennsylvania were built long ago, which could mean the pipes are original and that there’s a greater chance of roots causing them to shift and crack. If the dye test fails, the homeowner will be required to correct the problem before selling. This can involve working with a plumber to replace either the section that is compromised or the entire thing.
“If work is needed to correct this problem, it can cost in the range of $15,000 to $20,000, just to get the property compliant in order to sell it,” Jackson says. “But if the seller is working with a cash buyer, that buyer may be able to step in and help share that cost, or try to work out a reduced sale price to cover it.”
Let the buyer run a title search on the property
The cash buyer will verify the property’s title. This ensures you have legal ownership and checks for any liens or claims that could prevent a smooth sale. Common title issues include boundary disputes, unknown easements, undisclosed heirs, and public record errors. Resolving these early helps avoid delays at closing and ensures a faster, hassle-free transaction.
Pay any associated fees
A cash sale has fewer closing costs than a traditional home sale, but sellers may still have to pay transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow costs, and attorney fees. In Pennsylvania, transfer taxes cost 1% of the property’s sales price.
But if you’re looking to avoid settlement fees altogether, “We Buy Houses” companies often pay closing costs for you in exchange for an offer that’s below market value.
