Have you used any of those "we buy ugly houses" companies, such as HomeVestors?

Unless you are in a bind and need quick money or need to sell your house in a week, you should definately not use one of those services. Their business is based on buying homes under market value, making some repairs upgrades (like "Flip this House") and reselling at a profit. The best thing for you to do is consult several Realtors and have them give you a Comparitive Market Analysis on what they think your home would sell for--they will do that for free--or hire an appraiser $300-$400. Then call one of the "we buy houses" people and have them give you a bid. I guarantee their offer will be significantly less.

I got a quote for a place I was selling in the San Antonio area last year. It was an insult! I sold it a few months later for $25,000 more than they offered.

If you have plenty of equity and absolutely, positively MUST close quickly it might be worth considering. If you're over a barrel it can be a way out without trashing your credit but you WILL lose a chunk of equity.

I buy houses in the same manner and I agree with your first response. Some even take it a step further and ask you to commit mortgage fraud by asking you to give money back at closing in exchange for allowing you to live in the home.

Regards

yes i have scam artists