No-pressure information
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers before you decide what is right for your property.
Want the details? Read the selling guides.
Getting Started
What do you need to know to make an offer?
Start with the address. I'll also ask about the condition, whether anyone lives there, your timeline, and what you owe, if anything. Photos or a quick walkthrough help me give you a firm written offer instead of a guess.
Do you need to see inside the house?
Usually, yes, or at least photos and a video. A short walkthrough lets me check the condition so my offer is accurate. I'll set a time that works for you, and there are no open houses or repeated showings.
Can you give me a number over the phone?
I can talk through how I'd approach your house, but a firm written offer needs a look at the property and the title. I won't quote a number I can't stand behind.
What happens after I submit the form?
I call you, ask a few questions, and if needed set a time to see the house. Then I give you an offer in writing.
Is there any obligation?
No. Getting an offer is free and you can say no.
Price and Costs
Do I pay commissions or fees?
When you sell directly to me, there's no agent commission on my side and no fee to get an offer. I can also cover the seller's normal closing costs. Your mortgage payoff and prorated property taxes still come out of the sale proceeds. We'll put exactly who pays what in writing before you agree.
How do you decide what to offer?
I look at the home's likely value, the repairs it needs, the market, and the terms we agree on. I explain the numbers so you can compare them to listing.
Will you show me a listing number too?
Yes. If listing would likely bring you more, I'll tell you.
Why is a direct-sale offer lower than a listing price?
You skip repairs, showings, commissions, and months of waiting, and I take on the risk and the work. A fair offer starts from the house's repaired value, then subtracts repairs, holding and closing costs, and my margin. I'll show you my math so you can check it.
Can I negotiate your offer?
Yes. You can ask questions and counter. Tell me what matters most, whether that's the price, the closing date, or how quickly you can be out, and I'll explain what I can and can't do.
Do I owe taxes when I sell?
It depends on your situation, such as how long you owned the home, whether you lived in it, and whether you inherited it. I can't give tax advice, so talk with a tax professional before you sign.
When do I get paid?
At closing. Your mortgage payoff and any agreed costs come out of the proceeds, and the rest goes to you. The title company or attorney handles the funds, and you'll see every number on the settlement statement.
Condition and Repairs
Do you really buy houses in any condition?
Yes. I buy as-is, so you don't have to repair anything. My offer depends on the condition, the location, and the title, and I'll explain how I got to the number.
What if the house has mold, foundation problems, or water or fire damage?
I buy houses in any condition, including these. Tell me what you know about the problems, and I'll look at the property before I make an offer. Problems change the price, not whether we can talk.
Do I need to clean out the house?
You don't need to make repairs. If belongings are left in the house, tell me on our call and we'll agree in writing on what happens to them.
What if there's a code violation or an open permit?
Tell me about it. It can change the offer and the timeline, and your attorney may need to be involved. I'd rather hear it up front than find it in the title work.
Timing and Closing
How fast can you close?
As few as 7 days when title is clear and we're both ready. You choose the closing date, and many sellers pick a later one.
Do I have to move out before closing?
Plan to be out by closing unless we agree otherwise in writing. If you need extra time to move, tell me early. I can often work it into the closing date.
What if I need more time than 7 days?
Then take it. You choose the closing date. Seven days is the fastest I quote, not a deadline, and many sellers pick a later date so they can move, finish probate, or line up their next home.
Can you buy with terms other than cash?
Sometimes. I may offer flexible terms, always in writing and explained in plain language, and you can have your own attorney review them first.
Special Situations
Want more detail? See our Selling Guides.
What if there are liens, back taxes, or the property is in an estate?
Many of these can be handled at closing, but every situation is different. Talk with an attorney about yours.
What if I still owe on my mortgage?
Your payoff is paid from the sale proceeds at closing. If you owe more than the house is worth, call me and we'll talk through your options.
Can I sell an inherited house before probate is finished?
Often, but only after the court has given the executor or administrator authority to sell. Ask a probate attorney first. See our guide to selling an inherited house in Kentucky.
Can I sell a house with tenants in it?
Yes. A fixed-term lease generally stays in place after the sale, and the new owner becomes the landlord. See our guide to selling a house with tenants.
Can I sell my house during a divorce?
Usually with both spouses' agreement, or by court order if you can't agree. Talk to your family law attorney first. See our guide to selling a house during a divorce in Kentucky.
Do you buy from military families with orders?
Yes. I'm a retired Army veteran and a licensed Kentucky broker. Tell me your report date and I'll tell you honestly whether a direct sale or a listing fits. See our guide to selling on military orders.
What if I owe more than the house is worth?
Your mortgage payoff has to be covered at closing. If the sale price wouldn't cover it, talk with your lender and an attorney before you sign anything. Call me and I'll tell you honestly whether a direct sale can work.
Trust and Safety
Are you a real estate agent?
Yes, I'm a licensed Kentucky broker. When I buy from you directly I'm the buyer, not your agent, and you're free to talk to your own attorney or agent first.
What if I'd rather list my house?
I'm a licensed broker, so I can do that too. Listing has commission and costs but can bring a higher price for a home in good shape. See lavelljackson.com.
Do you text me?
Only if you check the optional box on the form. You can reply STOP at any time.
Are you one person or a big company?
KY House Buyers is me, Lavell Jackson, a licensed Kentucky broker. I buy in my own name and I answer my own phone.
Can I look you up?
Yes. My Kentucky license number is 274290, my office is at 830 S. 2nd St, Louisville, and my phone is (270) 312-1369. You can verify my license with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission and read my Google reviews from my work as a Realtor.
Are you asking me for any money up front?
No. I never charge a fee to get an offer or to buy your house. If any buyer asks you for money before closing, walk away.
Can my attorney review your contract?
Yes, and I encourage it. Take the time you need. I'll put the terms in writing before you sign anything.
Do you assign your contracts to other buyers?
No. I buy for myself and do not assign contracts.
Are 'we buy houses' companies legit?
Most are real businesses, but the industry isn't tightly regulated, so check before you sign. Ask about fees, proof of funds, how the offer was calculated, and assignment language. See our guide, Are Cash Home Buyers Legit.
Where I Buy
Which towns and ZIP codes do you buy in?
I focus on Hardin County (Elizabethtown 42701, Radcliff 40160, Vine Grove 40175, Fort Knox 40121, Rineyville 40162, and nearby towns) and Jefferson County (Louisville 40202 and the surrounding ZIP codes, Jeffersontown 40299, Shively 40216, Valley Station 40272, and more). See the county pages for the full lists, or send me your address.
Which areas do you buy in?
Kentucky only. I'm focused on Hardin and Jefferson counties and will consider nearby Kentucky communities.
Do you buy outside Hardin and Jefferson counties?
Possibly. I'm focused on those two counties, but I'll look at nearby Kentucky communities. Send me the address and I'll tell you.
What if my property is in another state?
I buy Kentucky property only, because that's where I'm licensed. I'm sorry I can't help with properties in other states.
Ready when you are