Sometimes you need to sell your house fast. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. If you find yourself pressed for time and wondering, “How long does it take to sell my house with an agent vs an investor?”, this blog post will walk you through the answer.
You want to sell your house, and perhaps you need to sell in a hurry. Chances are, you arrived at this post because you’re hoping to find the best solution to sell your Massachusetts home quickly and on your own timeline.
But before we dive into timelines, it’s important to understand the difference between working with a real estate agentand working with a real estate investor.
Agent Vs Investor: What’s the Difference?
When you sell your house with an agent, you’re asking them to represent your property and find a buyer on your behalf. This typically involves showings, repairs, open houses, negotiations, and waiting for the right buyer to come along.
On the other hand, when you sell your house to an investor, the investor is the buyer. That means you’re skipping the middleman and selling directly to someone who’s ready to purchase your home—often as-is and for cash.
Understanding this distinction is key when evaluating how long the process will take.
How Long Does It Take to Sell With an Agent?
Working with a traditional real estate agent may seem like the standard route, but it often takes a lot more time than most homeowners realize.
Here’s what a typical timeline looks like when selling through an agent:
-
1–4 weeks to clean, repair, and prepare your home for listing
-
30–90 days on the market (sometimes more depending on location and condition)
-
30–60 days to close once a buyer is found (due to inspections, appraisals, and mortgage approvals)
Even under good market conditions, you’re looking at a 3–6 month timeline minimum. If your buyer backs out at the last minute or has financing issues, you’ll be starting all over again.
Plus, you’ll be paying 6% or more in agent commissions, closing costs, and possibly covering buyer-requested repairs.
How Long Does It Take to Sell to an Investor?
This is where most sellers are surprised: selling to a professional investor like Pegasus Home Buyers is fast. Really fast.
Since investors don’t need traditional financing, they can often close in as little as 7–10 days, or on your preferred schedule.
Here’s what makes it faster:
-
No listings
-
No open houses
-
No cleaning or repairs
-
No waiting for bank approvals
You can get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours, and you choose the closing date.
If you’re in a situation where speed and certainty matter—such as foreclosure, probate, relocation, or divorce—an investor may be the best route.
Factors That Delay the Agent Route in Massachusetts
While traditional listings work for some sellers, it’s important to know what can delay your home sale when using an agent in Massachusetts.
1. Pre-Listing Preparation
Homes on the MLS are expected to be “market ready.” That means cleaning, staging, painting, landscaping, and making minor to major repairs. This can take weeks—sometimes months.
2. Unpredictable Market Conditions
Massachusetts real estate can fluctuate seasonally. Listings in winter or slower months may linger longer on the market. Even in hot markets, your specific location, condition, and price point can delay activity.
3. Buyer Financing Delays
Even once you accept an offer, most buyers rely on mortgage financing. Lenders can delay or deny approval due to low appraisals, credit issues, or incomplete paperwork.
4. Inspection & Negotiation Hurdles
Inspections often lead to buyers renegotiating or requesting repairs. If you don’t agree, they may walk away. This restarts the clock and adds more stress.
Bottom line: Selling with an agent introduces multiple variables that are completely out of your control.
Benefits of Selling Your House Fast in Massachusetts
Many homeowners don’t realize the true cost of holding onto a property for months while waiting for it to sell. Here’s why a fast sale can be a smart financial move:
-
You eliminate monthly holding costs like taxes, utilities, insurance, and maintenance.
-
You avoid putting more money into repairs or updates.
-
You reduce emotional stress and uncertainty.
-
You gain liquidity and flexibility to move forward in life.
A fast cash sale with Pegasus Home Buyers puts you in the driver’s seat. You’re not waiting on buyers, bank approvals, or the unpredictable ups and downs of the MLS. Instead, you’re working with a local, trusted home buyer who can give you a clear timeline and a guaranteed offer.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your goals, timeline, and comfort level.
If your home is in excellent condition, and you’re not in a rush, then going the traditional route with an agent might be worth exploring.
However, if you:
-
Need to sell quickly
-
Don’t want to make repairs
-
Are facing a difficult situation (like foreclosure or inherited property)
-
Value speed, certainty, and convenience…
…then working with Pegasus Home Buyers may be your best move.
We’ve helped dozens of Massachusetts homeowners just like you sell their homes quickly, easily, and without hassle.
Ready to Sell Your House Fast in Massachusetts?
Pegasus Home Buyers is here to help. Skip the commissions, skip the stress, and sell your house as-is for cash on your timeline.