Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
Straight answers about selling your house to JLS Realty. If your question isn’t here, call Jesse at 860.990.4509.
About your offer
How do you come up with your offer?
There’s no secret formula. We look at what similar homes nearby have sold for. Then we subtract what the house needs, like a roof, electrical work, a new kitchen or a cleanout. Then we leave a fair margin for us, because we’re a business and the project has to be worth doing. We’ll walk you through the number and how we got there.
Will I get a fair price?
We’ll show you exactly how we got to our number, and you can ask us anything about it. Jesse is on our job sites every day, so he knows what repairs really cost. That means we don’t have to pad our offer to cover guesses.
Can the price change after I sign?
No. Our offer has no inspection contingency. We walk through the house before we make our offer, so there’s nothing to “discover” later. Once we agree on a price, that’s the price. Read more about how our offers work.
What if another buyer offers more?
Ask them a few questions first. Does the offer include an inspection period? Can the price change after you sign? Are they paying cash? Then compare what you’ll actually walk away with. If their offer is better for you, we’ll understand. One family chose our offer over a higher one because they trusted we would follow through. Read their story.
What if my house would sell for more on the open market?
Then we’ll tell you. If your house is in good shape and ready to list, you’ll likely get more by listing it. We’d rather you hear that from us. If we can’t make it work, we’ll tell you straight.
Do I have to accept your offer?
No. There’s no pressure and no obligation. If our offer doesn’t work for you, that’s okay.
The process
How do I get started?
Share your property address on our contact page, or call Jesse at 860.990.4509. You’ll talk to us, not a call center.
What should I tell you about the house?
Start with the address, the condition of the house, your timing and anything about your situation you’d like us to understand. You don’t need to gather documents or fix anything before you reach out.
Why do you need to walk through the house?
It gets you a better number. When we can see the inside, we can price the house for what it actually needs. When we can’t, we have to plan for the worst, and that means a lower offer. It’s one visit. No second walkthroughs and no inspection crews.
Do I need to make repairs?
No. We buy houses as-is, including houses with work that isn’t up to code. Selling a house that needs repairs →
Do I need to clean out the house?
No. Take what matters to you and leave the rest. We’ve cleared out full houses, barns and yards. Selling with belongings →
How soon could I sell?
As soon as the title search and paperwork are done, or on whatever timeline you need. We’ve closed in a matter of days, and we’ve worked with one seller for two years. Tell us what works for you.
Can you wait while I sort things out?
Yes. If you need time to go through belongings, settle an estate or find your next place, we can work around that.
How do you pay?
We buy with cash, so there’s no bank loan approval holding up your sale.
Can my attorney review the agreement?
Yes. The written agreement spells out the price, timing and terms. You’re welcome to have your attorney review it before you sign, and you can ask us about anything that’s unclear.
Hard situations
Can you help with an inherited house?
Yes. Let us know the house was inherited and where you are in the process. We can talk about the house with you and work alongside your attorney. Questions about the estate itself, like who can sign or probate timing, belong with your attorney. Read how we helped two brothers sell an inherited house.
Can I sell a rental with a tenant still living there?
Yes. We buy rentals with tenants in place, including tenants who have stopped paying or won’t leave. Once we own the house, the tenant situation is ours to handle. Read how we helped an out-of-state owner sell a rental with a difficult tenant.
What if I’m facing a tax sale or foreclosure?
Call us as early as you can. The more time there is before a deadline, the more options you have. A sale still needs time for a title search and paperwork, so don’t wait until the last few days. Read how we helped one owner close three days before a tax auction.
I live out of state. Can we still do this?
Yes. We’ve worked with owners who live out of state. Most of the conversation can happen by phone. Selling from out of state →
About us
Who will I be working with?
Jesse and Erica Schneider, the couple behind JLS Realty. You’ll talk to us directly, from the first call through closing. Read our story.
Are you local?
Yes. We were both born and raised in Ellington, and we’re raising our family here. We buy and restore houses in the same towns where we live.
Where do you buy houses?
Mostly in Tolland and Hartford Counties, including Ellington, Vernon and Rockville, South Windsor and Manchester. See Areas We Serve. If your house is somewhere else in Connecticut, call us and ask.
What kinds of properties do you buy?
Single-family homes, multifamily buildings and rentals. We value each a little differently, and we’ll explain how it applies to yours.
What happens to the house after you buy it?
Usually, we restore it. Jesse and our crew do the work, and Jesse is on the job site every day. We love bringing neglected houses back, and we know one good house can lift a whole street.
Where can I see your work?
Visit Our Projects for real before-and-after photos from Dart Hill, Tolland Stage and Main Street in Ellington, plus the Waterford kitchen.
Let’s talk about your next chapter
Tell us about your home. We’re here to listen.
Call Jesse at 860.990.4509 or start with your address below.