How it works

From first call to closing.

Every property is different. Here is what to expect, and the terms you're likely to hear along the way.

The process

Four steps

A conversation
You tell us about the property, who owns it and what's in the way. We listen first and ask questions second.
Research
We search the county deed, probate, court and tax records. If there are heirs or co-owners, we identify each of them.
A written offer
We send a written cash offer with our math. The agreement includes an option period to research the title, and we keep you posted the whole time.
Closing
A title company insures the sale, pays off liens and taxes, and sends each owner their share.

Your options

A direct sale isn't right for every property. Here's an honest comparison.

	Selling to Nova	Listing with an agent
Best for	Title problems, several heirs, liens, back taxes, major repairs	Homes in good condition with a clear title
Repairs	None. We buy as-is	Usually expected before or during the sale
Title problems	We research and cure them as part of the purchase	Must be fixed before most buyers can close
Showings	One walkthrough	Showings and open houses
Commission	None	Paid from your proceeds
Price	Reflects the property as it stands, the title work and our margin	Often higher for a ready-to-sell home

Plain-language glossary

Chain of title: The record of every transfer of a property from one owner to the next. A missing link stops a sale.
Curative title work: The documents and filings that fix gaps or errors in the title so a title company will insure the sale.
Affidavit of heirship: A sworn statement, recorded in the county, that identifies the heirs of someone who died without probate.
Lis pendens: A recorded notice that a lawsuit involving the property is pending.
Abstract of judgment: A recorded court judgment that becomes a lien on the debtor's non-exempt real property in that county.
Release of lien: A recorded document confirming that a loan or lien has been paid or no longer applies.
Undivided interest: A share of ownership in the whole property, such as one heir's 25 percent, rather than a specific part of the land.
Quiet title: A lawsuit asking a court to confirm who owns a property when the records leave it in doubt.
Option period: Time written into a purchase agreement for the buyer to research the property before committing to close.

Start a conversation

Tell us what you know about the property, even if it's incomplete. We'll call you to understand the situation before we make any offer.