Some of the most frequently asked questions we get are, “What is your business model?” and “How does In Key Real Estate make money?” This will shed some light on those questions and help you understand our pricing and our vision for how real estate can be simpler, more convenient, and more transparent.

At In Key Real Estate, we provide a radically simplified experience for selling and buying homes. For sellers, after you tell us a bit about your home, we aim to have a competitive, cash offer in your inbox. Requesting an offer from us is free, and there’s no obligation to accept. If you like your offer, we’ll conduct a free home inspection, and then you choose your close date whether that’s a couple weeks or a couple months.

We collect a service charge, similar to a real estate agent commission but with more perks like the ability to move on your timeline, the certainty of an all-cash offer, and the ability to do the paperwork online.

Our average service charge typically falls between 6-8% and goes no higher than 25%. It varies based on how long we expect it’ll take to sell the home, and it helps us cover costs like maintenance, utilities, and taxes. In other words, we take on the risks and holding costs of the home so you can move on your schedule with the benefits of a cash offer.

Every one of our offers relies on our robust data model that analyzes thousands of recent home sales in your market, as well as insights from our teams of local real estate experts.

Once we’ve purchased a home, we take on the maintenance, make any necessary repairs, and find a buyer.

If you have more questions, please let us know or click here to get in touch with us.

We want to consistently make a competitive offer and provide an excellent customer experience, which is why we are specific about the types of homes we buy and the markets where we buy them.

Due to market conditions, our buying criteria may change at any time. There can also be exceptions to what we’ve listed below. Get in touch if you’d like more information on our process.

Home Types

We buy the following types of homes:

• Single family homes

• Townhomes

• Duplexes (certain markets)

• Condos (certain markets)

*We do not buy pre-fabricated or mobile homes.

In Key Real Estate Valuation

We typically buy homes where our valuation is between $100K – $500K. However, the exact range differs by market.

Acreage

We buy homes that sit on a maximum lot size of 0.5 an acre. In certain markets we will buy homes with a maximum lot size of 1 acre or 1.5 acres.

Year Built

We typically buy homes built after 1960, but this can vary by market.

Home Location

We can only buy homes within our service areas. We will buy homes that are in gated communities and age-restricted communities depending on the market.

*We are currently unable to purchase homes located in a flood zone.

Ownership & Occupancy

We only buy homes if the seller has clear ownership of the property. The home must also be owner-occupied or vacant at the time of closing.

*We do not buy homes that are owned by banks, government agencies, or government loan insurers.

*We cannot buy homes where there is a simultaneous closing ie “double escrow”.

Solar Panels & Solar Leases

We can usually buy homes with solar panels where the panels are owned outright.  We can also buy homes with solar leases, but only if the solar lease has been pre-paid at or prior to closing.

Home Condition and Materials

We consider other factors related to the home’s materials and overall condition. The criteria below may impact our ability to purchase your home:

• Your home is being sold as a short sale or foreclosure.

• Your home has un-permitted additions.

• Your home has significant foundation issues, or was damaged by floods, fire, or other natural disasters.

• Your home has dated materials like polybutylene plumbing or masonite woodruff roofs.

• Your home has a well or septic system.

• Your home has an active organic growth.

Many of our criteria vary by city, and there can be exceptions. You can request an offer on your home at any time; it’s free, and there’s no obligation to accept. Have questions about your offer? Contact us to discuss our process of Click HERE.