Homeward brings ‘buy before you sell’ platform to Houston

 Austin-based real estate startup Homeward, which provides a platform for buying and selling houses, has launched The Homeward Way in Houston.

The iBuying program enables customers to make all-cash offers to secure their next home prior to selling their existing home, giving them credit for their home equity upfront as well as a price guarantee on their existing home in the event they’re unable to sell it for its full market value.

“We’re excited to be helping Houston homeowners take the stress and uncertainty out of their home buying and selling experience,” said Tim Heyl, founder and CEO at Homeward. “We’ve seen a strong response to our buy before you sell approach and look forward to enabling more Houston homebuyers to never make a contingent offer again.”

According to Homeward, buyers who use their all-cash offer get an average discount of 2 to 5 percent on their next home and are twice as likely to beat buyers who make mortgage-backed offers. Homeward customers can also stay in their current home or move into their new one whenever they’re ready. They only move once and can control the timing of their move.

The platform works with real estate agents to get their clients approved to make an all-cash offer as soon as they find the home they want.

“Homeward made all the difference for my client’s move.” said The Heyl Group Keller Williams agent Chelsey Rand. “They saved $10,000 off the list price on their new home since they were able to pay cash, something they wouldn’t have been able to do without Homeward. Homeward really made the process convenient and worry free, which is a life-saver for a busy single dad with two kids.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene launches new iBuyer Platform

Earlier this month, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene launched an iBuyer program that provides homeowners with multiple instant offers on their homes with the push of a button. The purchase offers come from Opendoor, Zillow Offers, and Offerpad.

In addition to allowing homeowners the ability to compare offers, the “Gary Greene Offer Optimizer” provides them with an agent with local expertise and personalized service, according to the brokerage. Potential sellers can then choose to accept an instant sale offer, sell their home on the open market, or choose not to sell.

“Now more than ever, homeowners are seeking the expertise of a trusted real estate agent to make the right sales decision,” said Mark Woodroof, managing partner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene.

A recent iBuyer study from the Houston Association of Realtors found that 41 percent of all sellers would consider an iBuyer offer. Among the homeowners who would consider an iBuyer offer, 92 percent still want to be represented by a professional.

  “With a Gary Greene agent at their side,” Woodroof added, “when a home seller accepts an iBuyer offer, they have an advocate who can expertly guide them through the entire transaction. “Gary Greene is getting out in front of the increasing demand for instant offers by bringing the iBuyers to the table for their clients.”