Hey, Gary here. I’m a local real estate investor here in Utah, and over the years I’ve had hundreds of homeowners come to me with the same question: “Someone wants to buy my house privately…should I do it?” If that’s you right now, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend of a friend, or even someone who just knocked on your door with a cash offer, the idea of selling your home privately can be both tempting and confusing.
Let Me Tell You a Real Story First
Mark was a homeowner in Salt Lake City who got a letter from a neighbor’s friend offering to buy his house privately. Mark was skeptical. The offer sounded legit, but he didn’t want to go through the hassle of open houses, agents, or commissions. Still, he had questions: Was the offer fair? Could he trust the buyer? Would he be giving up money by not going the traditional route?
That’s when he reached out to me. I walked him through how private sales work and showed him a breakdown of his options, including what a traditional sale might look like vs. what I could offer him directly. After seeing the numbers side by side and understanding the speed and simplicity of a private sale, Mark felt confident. I bought his house as-is, no repairs, no fees, and we closed in under two weeks.
That’s the kind of result you can expect when selling your house privately, but only if you do it the smart way. Let’s walk through exactly how it works, what you need to know, and how to protect yourself along the way.
What Does It Mean to Sell a House Privately?
When we talk about someone buying your house privately, we’re referring to a private sale of a home, meaning the transaction happens directly between you and the buyer, without listing on the MLS or hiring a traditional real estate agent. It’s a direct, person-to-person deal. These types of private house sales are more common than ya think, especially in Utah where many homeowners want simplicity, speed, and control over the sale.
Pros of Selling a House Privately
- Selling your house privately means you skip the 5-6 percent commission that usually goes to agents.
- You and the buyer set the terms, including the closing date. That flexibility is huge if you’re working around a move, job change, or life event.
- Private buyers often want to move quickly and may be pre-approved or paying in cash.
- No open houses, no nosy neighbors, and no photos of your home circulating online.
- You can negotiate repairs, seller financing, rent-backs, and more—things traditional agents might not prioritize.
Cons of Selling a House Privately
- If you only have one buyer, you may not get competing offers to drive up the price.
- Without an agent, you’ll need to manage the paperwork, inspections, negotiations, and legal disclosures on your own—or with help from someone like me.
- If you’re unfamiliar with the current market, you could sell below value without realizing it.
- Unfortunately, private sales attract some bad actors. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
How to Sell Your House Privately (The Smart Way)
If you’re wondering how to sell your house privately or if it’s even legal, yes, you can sell a house privately in Utah. In fact, many people prefer it. Here’s what the process should look like:
1. Know Your Home’s Market Value
Get a comparative market analysis (CMA), ask a real estate investor like me for an honest cash offer, or hire a licensed appraiser. You need to start with a clear idea of what your house is worth … even in a private sale of a property.
2. Qualify the Buyer
Whether someone wants to buy your house directly or is a friend of a friend offering a handshake deal, ask for proof of funds or a pre-approval letter. You don’t want to start packing only to find out they can’t close.
3. Use a Real Estate Attorney or Title Company
Even in a private house sale, you’ll need a contract, disclosure documents, and title transfer paperwork. Don’t wing this. In Utah, working with a reputable title company or attorney is the safest way to go.
4. Handle Disclosures Honestly
You’re still legally required to disclose known issues with the home, like a leaky roof or foundation problems, even if the buyer says they’re taking it as is. Selling a house privately doesn’t mean skipping your obligations.
5. Be Clear About the Terms
Is the sale contingent on financing? Are you including appliances? Who pays closing costs? Spell it all out in writing to protect both sides. If you need help navigating that, call me here.
When It Makes Sense to Sell Privately
Here are some situations I want to highlight where selling your house privately might be the best move for you:
- You’ve received a legitimate offer from a serious buyer (like a neighbor, investor, or family friend).
- You want to avoid showings, repairs, and delays.
- You’re trying to sell quickly because of divorce, inheritance, job relocation, foreclosure etc.
- You’re okay with a slightly lower price in exchange for a fast, hassle-free deal.
When You Should Think Twice
As much as I love private sales, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re chasing the absolute top dollar it may be worth considering a traditional route.
What If You’re Approached Out of Nowhere?
This is more common than you think. Someone knocks, calls, or leaves a note saying, “I want to buy your house privately.” Before you panic, or get too excited, consider…
- Ask how they got your information and why they’re interested.
- Get their full name, business name (if any), and verify online reviews or company website.
- Request proof of funds or a pre-approval letter before continuing the conversation.
- Get a second opinion; contact me for a no-pressure offer or market analysis so you know what you’re working with.
Utah Specific Insight
Utah’s market is competitive and full of private buyers looking for homes they can invest in, rent out, or flip. If someone wants to buy your house directly from you in Utah, chances are they see value and want to move quickly. Just make sure you know what you’re agreeing to. You’re not obligated to sell just because someone asked.
And yes you can sell your home privately in Utah even if your home was previously listed with a realtor, as long as your listing agreement has expired or you’re not bound by a contract.
Benefits of Working With a Private House Buyer Like Me
Here’s where I come in. I buy houses privately in Utah all the time…fast, fair, and no drama. Here’s what working with me looks like:
- No commissions or fees
- Buy as-is
- Customize the selling process for your unique situation
- Always put your best-interest 1st
- Close quickly if desired
If you’ve been approached and are asking yourself, “someone wants to buy my house privately” I can help you make that decision with clarity and confidence.
Common Questions/Answers
Can I sell my house privately in Utah?
Yes, absolutely. Private sales are legal and common in Utah. Just make sure to use a proper purchase contract and work with a title company or attorney.
Do I need a realtor to sell my house privately?
No, you do not. But having someone experienced (like me) guide you can help you avoid major pitfalls and paperwork errors.
How do I find a buyer for my house?
You can list it online, use word-of-mouth, or connect with local investors like me who are actively buying properties in Utah.
What is a private sale of a house?
A private sale is when you sell your house directly to a buyer without listing it through a real estate agent or MLS.
What are the risks of selling privately?
The biggest risks are dealing with unqualified buyers, missing legal disclosures, and undervaluing your property. Always do your due diligence, or call someone who will.
Where to go From Here
If someone wants to buy your house privately, that’s not a red flag, it’s an opportunity. But it’s only a smart move if you know how to protect yourself and get a fair deal. I’ve helped hundreds of Utah homeowners navigate private sales, and I’d be happy to help you too.
Want a free, no-obligation cash offer or just want to talk through your options? Contact me here today. Let’s make sure your private sale is a win…not a regret.