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Learn Center

Understand your options before you decide what to do with your house.

Selling a property, catching up on payments, or settling an estate can feel complicated. This Learn Center is here to break it down in clear language so you can see all of your options — not just the loudest ones on the internet.

When you’re ready to turn learning into action, you can also request a no-pressure cash offer or send us a message.

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Choose where you want to start

Some people want the big picture. Others just need help with one situation, like being behind on payments or selling an inherited house. Use this quick guide to jump to what matters most right now.

Selling 101 Cash vs agent vs FSBO Avoiding foreclosure Inherited property Landlords & rentals Glossary
Selling 101

Selling a house, step by step (without the jargon)

No matter how you sell — with an agent, to a cash buyer, or on your own — most sales follow the same core steps. When you see them in order, the process feels less mysterious and a lot more manageable.

  1. Get clear on your “why” and your timeline. Are you relocating, settling an estate, tired of landlording, or trying to avoid foreclosure? Your reason and your urgency shape the best path.
  2. Understand the condition of the property. Make a simple list: major issues (roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical) and cosmetic items (paint, flooring, cabinets). You don’t have to fix everything, but you should know what you’re working with.
  3. Estimate value and what you’d net. Look at recent sales nearby, get a professional opinion, or talk with a buyer who will walk you through their numbers. Focus on net proceeds after repairs, fees, and time — not just the sticker price.
  4. Choose how you want to sell. Traditional listing, cash buyer, or FSBO each come with trade-offs in speed, certainty, and effort.
  5. Review offers carefully. Price matters, but so do contingencies (inspection, financing), timelines, and how likely the deal is to actually close.
  6. Move through inspection, title, and closing. This is where paperwork, payoff statements, and logistics get handled so you can get a clean closing and move on.
Big picture: Selling a house is not just about “getting the highest number.” It’s about choosing the combination of price, speed, and certainty that fits your life. Sometimes that’s full retail with a longer timeline. Other times, especially with stress or heavy repairs, it’s a fast, as-is cash sale.

Questions to ask yourself before you list or sell

  • How soon do I realistically need this property sold?
  • If I didn’t sell, what would the next 6–12 months look like?
  • Do I have cash or time for repairs and showings?
  • Is privacy important to me, or am I okay with lots of people walking through?
  • What’s more stressful to me — a slightly lower price or months of uncertainty?

Your answers help you decide which selling path fits best — not just in theory, but in real life.

See what a cash offer could look like
Your options

Cash buyer vs real estate agent vs FSBO — what’s the real difference?

Almost every seller ends up choosing between three main paths: cash buyer, listing with an agent, or For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Each has pros and cons. There is no one “right” answer — only what’s right for your situation.

1. Cash buyer / investor

A cash buyer skips bank financing and buys your property as-is. That usually means:

  • Fast closings (often in days or a few weeks)
  • No repairs, cleaning, or showings
  • Fewer contingencies and less risk of the deal falling apart

Trade-off: The offer may be below top-of-market retail, but many sellers find the speed, certainty, and stress saved are worth it when life is heavy or the property needs work.

2. Listing with an agent

A real estate agent helps you prepare, price, market, and negotiate your sale. Typically:

  • Best for houses in good condition with flexible timelines
  • Multiple showings and open houses to attract retail buyers
  • Agent commission and buyer repair requests to factor in

This path often gets the highest top-line price, but it may take longer, require repairs, and involve more people in your business.

3. For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

With FSBO, you do everything yourself — pricing, marketing, showings, paperwork, and negotiations.

  • Can save commission if done well
  • Gives you full control over showings and offers
  • Requires time, energy, and comfort with contracts

FSBO can work best for experienced sellers or in very hot markets, but it can also be overwhelming if you already have a lot on your plate.

How NYX REAL ESTATE fits in: We operate on the cash-buyer side, but with an engineering and data-driven mindset. Our goal is to show you how the numbers work, respect your timeline, and give you a simple way to move forward — not pressure you into a one-size-fits-all decision.
Compare my options with a human We can walk through what a cash sale might look like next to a traditional listing so you can compare.
Behind on payments

What to do if you’re behind on payments or worried about foreclosure

Falling behind on mortgage payments is more common than most people think. The key is not to freeze. The earlier you act, the more options you usually have.

  • Open every letter from your lender. It may feel scary, but those letters explain your timeline and options.
  • Call the lender before they call you. Ask about repayment plans, deferrals, loan modifications, or other loss-mitigation options.
  • Review your budget honestly. Decide if keeping the house long-term is realistic, or if selling will actually put you in a stronger position.
  • Explore a fast sale if needed. For some people, selling quickly — especially to a cash buyer — helps avoid a full foreclosure on their record and frees them to reset.
Important: Foreclosure laws and timelines are different in every state. If you are far behind, consider talking with a local attorney or HUD-approved housing counselor to understand your rights and deadlines where you live.

How a cash buyer can help in a time-sensitive situation

When the clock is ticking, a cash buyer can sometimes:

  • Close in days or weeks instead of months
  • Buy the property as-is, even with deferred maintenance
  • Work with your closing team to pay off the loan at closing

It’s not about “giving up.” It’s about protecting your future credit, your peace of mind, and your ability to rebuild.

Share what you’re facing privately
Inherited & estate property

Selling an inherited house without tearing your family apart

Inherited property comes with more than bricks and drywall. It carries memories, paperwork, and often multiple decision-makers who don’t all agree. A clear process can reduce stress for everyone.

  • Clarify who legally owns the property. Is there a will? Has probate started or finished? Is there an executor or personal representative?
  • Gather basic info. Loan balance, property taxes, insurance, condition, and whether anyone still lives in the home.
  • Align on goals. Do the heirs want to keep, rent, or sell? Is there urgency around timelines, taxes, or ongoing costs?
  • Decide how you want to sell. For many estates, a fast, as-is sale keeps the process from dragging out and lets everyone move on.

Why estates often choose a cash sale

With inherited homes, it’s common to see:

  • Deferred maintenance from years of limited updates
  • Family members living out of state
  • Disagreements about money, repairs, and timelines

A cash buyer can purchase the property in its current condition, often on a flexible closing schedule, and send proceeds directly through the title company to the estate or heirs as instructed.

Talk through an inherited property We’re used to handling estates, multiple heirs, and sensitive situations with privacy and respect.
Landlords & rentals

When being a landlord stops feeling worth it

Rental property can be a great investment — until it’s not. Late payments, constant repairs, turnover, or distance can turn “passive income” into a second full-time job.

If you’re tired of managing tenants, you’re not alone. Many owners eventually decide to sell and free up their time, energy, and equity.

  • Non-paying or difficult tenants
  • Major repairs that no longer make sense for your goals
  • Out-of-state ownership and travel headaches
  • Wanting to trade into a different asset or pay off personal debt

Can you sell a rental with tenants in place?

Yes — depending on your lease and state laws, you can often sell with tenants still living in the property. Some buyers, including investors, actually prefer this because they’re buying existing cash flow.

A cash buyer can:

  • Evaluate the property based on current rent, condition, and neighborhood
  • Buy as-is without asking you to make repairs between tenants
  • Work with you and the closing team to handle move-out or lease transition as needed
Get a number on my rental You can compare an as-is offer on your rental against keeping it or listing it later.
Questions from real people

Common questions about selling a house fast or for cash

These are the kinds of questions that come up in almost every conversation with sellers. You might see yourself in a few of them.

Is a cash offer always a “lowball” offer?

Not necessarily. A good buyer should be able to show you why the numbers make sense — including repairs, holding costs, and risk. It’s true that cash offers are often lower than a full retail listing price, but they can still be fair when you factor in skipped repairs, fees, and months of uncertainty.

What if I just want to see numbers without being pressured?

That’s exactly how we operate. A cash offer should be information, not a trap. You’re allowed to say yes, no, or “not right now” after you see the math. The goal is clarity, not pressure.

Can I sell if the house is messy, outdated, or needs major repairs?

Yes. Many properties sold to cash buyers need work — everything from cosmetic updates to serious issues. You can often sell as-is, leave unwanted items behind, and let the buyer handle the project.

Do you only buy in certain cities or states?

NYX REAL ESTATE works across multiple markets and asset types. We focus on creating a simple path forward, whether that is in a major city, a smaller town, or a rental area. If for some reason we’re not the best fit, we can still help you think through your options.

What does the process look like if I contact you?

Typically, we’ll ask a few questions about the property, your timeline, and your goals. Then we review local data, condition, and repair needs, and present a clear cash number and timeline. If it works, great. If not, you still walk away with more clarity than you had before.

Glossary

Real estate terms in plain English

You shouldn’t need a dictionary to understand your own sale. Here are a few common terms you’ll see when you talk with investors, agents, or title companies.

ARV (After-Repair Value)
The estimated value of a property after all repairs and updates are completed. Many cash offers start with ARV and work backward to account for repairs and costs.
Equity
The difference between what your property is worth and what you owe on it. If your house is worth $250,000 and you owe $180,000, your equity is about $70,000 before closing costs.
Contingency
A condition in the contract that must be met for the sale to move forward, like inspection or financing. Fewer contingencies usually mean less risk of the deal falling apart.
As-is sale
Selling a property in its current condition without promising to make repairs or updates. The buyer takes responsibility for future work.
Closing costs
Fees and expenses paid at closing, such as title charges, recording fees, and potential taxes. Sometimes cash buyers cover a portion of these for the seller.
Title company / attorney
The neutral third party that handles funds, payoff, and documents so everyone gets what they’re owed and ownership is transferred correctly.
Turn what you learned into a real offer Or send us a question if something still doesn’t make sense.