Managing a rental from another state can turn small problems into a long to-do list. Maybe the property needs repairs, the tenant has moved out, or you’re tired of coordinating maintenance from a distance. If you’re an absentee landlord ready to sell, you may be able to complete the sale without flying back.
A remote sale still takes planning. You’ll need to organize property and ownership records, agree on written terms, and work with the closing professional handling the transaction. If you want to sell a rental property as-is, a direct sale to a buyer may also let you avoid repairs, cleaning, showings, and no agent commissions or listing fees.
VLD Premier Group buys houses directly. We are the buyer, not an agent or broker, and we consider distressed properties in the Atlanta metro, Phoenix, Arizona, and Louisville, Kentucky.
Start by organizing the property details
Before requesting an offer, collect what you can about the house and its ownership. Having the information ready can make remote conversations and document review easier.
Useful records may include:
- The deed and the name of the person or entity that owns the property
- Mortgage or home-equity loan information
- Property tax bills and any HOA or condo details
- Leases, amendments, rent records, and tenant contact information
- The security-deposit balance and any rent paid in advance
- Repair estimates, insurance claims, and notices about code or municipal issues
- LLC or trust documents, if an entity owns the property
You don’t necessarily need to resolve every maintenance issue before talking with a buyer. For an as-is sale, share what you know about the home’s condition and let the buyer evaluate the property. “As-is” generally means you are not agreeing to make repairs as part of the purchase, but it does not automatically remove disclosure obligations. Ask the closing attorney or title professional what disclosures and records apply to your property.
Get the terms in writing and compare the net
If you’re considering a we buy houses cash offer, review the written purchase terms carefully. Confirm who the buyer is, the proposed price, any inspection or cancellation provisions, who holds earnest money, how tenants and personal property will be handled, and what costs may be reflected on the closing statement.
Compare the estimated amount you would receive, not just the headline price. Consider your mortgage payoff, property taxes, tenant-related credits, agreed repairs or concessions, and any applicable tax consequences. A sale that avoids repairs and repeated trips may suit your needs, while another route may make more sense for your situation. The important thing is to understand the terms before signing.
VLD Premier Group buys properties directly, including homes that need work. If you request an offer, ask questions about the purchase agreement and the steps involved. There is no need to prepare the property for showings or complete repairs before discussing an as-is sale.
Arrange the closing before you travel, or decide not to
The closing professional can tell you which documents are needed and how they must be signed. Depending on the state, property, and document requirements, signing may be arranged through a mail-away package, a local notary, an approved remote online notarization process, or a combination. Confirm the specific method with the closing professional before signing anything; remote options and recording requirements are not identical everywhere.
- Atlanta metro, Georgia: Georgia real-estate closings are attorney-centered. Ask the Georgia closing attorney early how an out-of-state seller can sign and whether a mail-away or video-supported process is available for the transaction. The State Bar of Georgia’s Formal Advisory Opinion 23-1 discusses attorney involvement in real-estate closings, including video conferencing.
- Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona law provides for notarial acts involving a remotely located signer, subject to legal requirements. Ask the title or escrow professional whether remote notarization is suitable for your documents and acceptable for recording. See Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-263.
- Louisville, Kentucky: Kentucky law also addresses notarial acts for remotely located individuals. Your title or closing professional can confirm whether remote signing can be used for your deed and closing documents. See Kentucky Revised Statutes § 423.455.
In any market, provide identification and ownership documents promptly, and ask where original signatures are required. If you receive wiring instructions by email, verify them by calling the closing office at a number you independently know is legitimate. Don’t rely only on a reply to the email containing the instructions.
If the property has tenants, plan for the lease
A tenant-occupied home can still be sold. Share the current lease, amendments, rent ledger, deposit amount, and any relevant notices with the buyer and closing professional. The purchase agreement should clearly address whether the tenant will remain, what happens to the lease, and how rent, deposits, or other agreed adjustments will be handled at closing.
Avoid promising a move-out date or changing lease arrangements based on assumptions. If a tenant’s rights or the terms of a lease are unclear, consult a local attorney. Clear documentation helps everyone understand what is being transferred and what the closing statement reflects.
Know what “as-is” means for your sale
Selling as-is can be useful when you live far away or don’t want to coordinate contractors. It may mean you don’t need to repair a roof, update an older kitchen, remove unwanted items, or make the home ready for listing photos. The buyer can evaluate the property and account for its condition in the offer.
As-is does not mean the buyer should be left to guess about known issues. Be straightforward about problems you know of, such as leaks, damage, past insurance claims, unpaid assessments, or notices from local authorities. Ask the closing professional about any required forms for the property’s location.
Review proceeds, closing costs, and taxes
Before closing, read the settlement statement and ask about any item you don’t understand. VLD Premier Group covers the closing costs on our purchase. The seller pays nothing beyond amounts that come out of a seller’s proceeds, by law or by agreement, as applicable.
A rental-property sale may also have tax effects. The result can depend on your adjusted tax basis, improvements, depreciation, selling expenses, and other details. The IRS explains rules for sales and dispositions in Publication 544. Keep your purchase and improvement records, prior depreciation schedules, and final closing statement, and consult your tax professional about your circumstances.
Sell remotely with a clear plan
You may be able to sell a rental property without returning to town, but start by confirming the signing process with the right local closing professional. Gather the property and tenant records, review the purchase agreement, and make sure you understand estimated proceeds and closing adjustments. That preparation can help you decide whether a direct as-is sale fits your plans.
If you own a distressed rental in the Atlanta metro, Phoenix, or Louisville and want to discuss selling it as-is, contact VLD Premier Group. We buy houses directly, and you can ask questions before deciding whether to move forward.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, financial, or housing advice. Please consult your own attorney, accountant, or housing advisor before making a decision.
Viola DeLaigle
VLD Premier Group LLC
762-429-8537
762-422-1554
info@vldpremiergroup.com
8735 Dunwoody Place, Suite R, Atlanta, GA 30350