Question 1

How do you decide what to offer?

Accepted Answer

For houses: after-repair value from neighborhood comparables, minus a real contractor repair budget, minus holding and resale costs of roughly 10% of that value, minus a margin of about 10 to 12%. For land: comparable parcel sales, minus access, utility and survey costs, minus holding costs and margin. You get it itemized in writing.

Question 2

How long is the offer good for?

Accepted Answer

Seven days. If the market or your situation changes after that we will re-run it, but we do not use expiring offers as a pressure tactic.

Question 3

Can I negotiate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have information we did not have — a newer roof, a recent survey, a comparable sale down the road — send it and we will re-price. What we will not do is quote high to win the contract and then cut the price during inspection.

Question 4

Do you charge anything for the offer?

Accepted Answer

No. No fee, no application, no obligation.

Question 5

Do I need to make any repairs?

Accepted Answer

None. Roof, HVAC, plumbing, foundation, mold, fire damage — all of it is priced into the offer and handled by us after closing.

Question 6

Do I need to clean the property out?

Accepted Answer

No. Take what you want and leave the rest. We remove everything, including vehicles, appliances, and the contents of outbuildings.

Question 7

What if the house has been condemned or has code violations?

Accepted Answer

We buy those. Open code cases and condemnation orders transfer with the property and we resolve them with the city or county after closing.

Question 8

What if I owe back property taxes?

Accepted Answer

The trustee's payoff is settled at closing from the purchase price. You do not bring money to the table as long as the payoff is less than the sale price.

Question 9

What if there are liens or judgments?

Accepted Answer

The title company identifies every lien in the search and obtains payoffs. Some liens are stale or already satisfied and just never released — clearing those is routine title work.

Question 10

What if the property is in probate?

Accepted Answer

We buy through executors and administrators. The court's schedule sets the timeline, and the creditor notice period is usually what determines the earliest closing date.

Question 11

What if several heirs own it?

Accepted Answer

Everyone on title signs. We prepare one document set, coordinate remote notarization for out-of-state heirs, and the title company can cut a separate check to each heir at closing.

Question 12

Do I need a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

You are never required to have one, and you are always welcome to. For probate, contested heirs, or a complicated lien picture, we recommend it and can suggest local attorneys.

Question 13

How fast can we close?

Accepted Answer

As fast as 7 days on clear title, 14 to 21 days typically. Probate or title problems take longer, and you always choose the date within what the title work allows.

Question 14

How do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Wire transfer the day of closing, or a check at the closing table if you prefer.

Question 15

Who pays closing costs?

Accepted Answer

We pay the standard closing costs. Prorated property taxes, existing loan payoffs, and liens come out of the price, as they would in any sale.

Question 16

Can I close remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mail-away closings and remote notarization are common for us — many of our sellers live in another state.

Question 17

What is the monthly payment option?

Accepted Answer

An installment sale: a down payment at closing plus fixed monthly payments with interest for a term you help set, secured by a deed of trust recorded against the property.

Question 18

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

The recorded deed of trust gives you enforcement rights against the property if payments stop, the same security a lender holds. A Tennessee closing attorney prepares and records the documents.

Question 19

Will it lower my taxes?

Accepted Answer

It may change when gain is recognized rather than eliminate it. Your basis, other income, and the property type all matter. Ask a CPA before you decide.

Question 20

Are you a local company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WC Atlas LLC buys in Knox County and the surrounding East Tennessee counties. We are not a national lead network reselling your information.

Question 21

Do you assign contracts to other buyers?

Accepted Answer

We buy with our own funds and close in our own name.

Question 22

Are you licensed real estate agents?

Accepted Answer

We are buyers, not your agent. A member of WC Atlas LLC does hold a Tennessee real estate license, and we disclose that in every transaction.

Questions sellers actually ask us

The offer

Condition and cleanout

Title, taxes, and legal

Closing and money

Monthly payments

About WC Atlas

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