Okay, so you’re tired of puttering along in that same 1996 Honda Civic with which you picked up your Homecoming date during your senior year of high school. How do you even begin? No doubt, you’ll have questions to ask when buying a used car. Well, first, you need to narrow it down to which car you want, what options you want/can live without, your budget, etc. Once you’ve gotten that down and have taken a few cards for a spin, it’s time to get down to business.
I bought my first car just about ten years ago and have bought and sold seven cars within that time frame. Except for one, I made a profit off every single one of them. For example, My INFINITI G37 just stole my heart. I got such a good deal on it (I bought it for $4,700 under dealer internet price) that I made the conscious decision to take a loss by keeping it longer and thus having to deal with depreciation.
However, it never needed any maintenance for the six years I had it other than $40 oil changes periodically. So, considering all costs (parking, annual registration, gas, car insurance, and depreciation), the car probably cost me $150 per month over those six years. That’s well below what some friends spent on the luxury of ride-sharing.
What to Ask When Buying a New Car
When you’re ready to buy a used car, you want to come armed with questions. Ensure you’re informed, and then you come across as a knowledgeable buyer and ward off any unscrupulous sales tactics.
#7. When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?
We’ve all seen those charts on the best time to buy everything from winter apparel to laptops. But did you know there is a sweet spot for buying cars, as well? Buying towards the end of the month and even the end of the year is your best bet. Why? Because dealerships have quotas to meet, salespeople are hungry to get one last commission for their paycheck.
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As far as the end of the month, most dealerships close the books, project that month’s sales amounts, and try to move inventory to keep the interest fresh. You may know that when new models come out and leases get returned, the used car market is usually more flexible, which means more selection and a better price for you.
If you’re daring, go into the dealership on a Sunday evening during unpleasant weather when they’re hungry to meet quotas. If you’re paying cash, and you’re there with money in hand, they’re much more likely to get you a good deal. Make sure you come with evidence of comparable models elsewhere.
#6. Why Is Buying Used Better Than New?
While many people justify their decision to buy new as having a more reliable vehicle and spending less on repairs than an older car, cars have markedly improved their dependability over the last 10-15 years.
Plus, many online tools help you with price transparency, find service records, and owner/expert reviews. You’ll find anything you want to know about the car you’re considering over the last decade.
According to a recent report, new cars lose up to 20% of their value after the first year. And then they depreciate more than HALF their value after five years. On a $32,000 car, that’s almost a $7,000 hit after just a year of driving! On the other hand, you can easily buy a car that’s just a few years old and let someone else take the depreciation hit.
Besides houses, cars are generally the most expensive purchases you’ll make. Buying used enables you to strategically get a reliable vehicle that can last you years without breaking the bank. My neighbor once bought a 4-year-old Honda Accord for $12,000 and still drives it ten years and 90,000 miles on the odometer later!
#5. Why Is Buying Better Than Leasing?
According to Consumer Reports’ comparison for buying versus leasing, the average cost of a new car has now topped $38,000. You might think to yourself, “I don’t have $38,000 laying around!” Well, take a step back and a deep breath, realizing this is average. Meaning, you can easily find cars for less than this amount. Plus, just another reason to look at a mint used car!
Leases can be appealing because they enable the consumer to drive a new car for a monthly lease payment. Lenders are happy to collect the interest! And then, you return the vehicle at the end of the lease without worrying about maintenance or repairs. Leasing is ideal for people who like to have the newest car (and can afford it) or deduct leasing expenses like realtors. And yes, if you’re wondering about this question, you can lease a used car as well. However, there are mileage limits, and if you lose your job or have a child, you typically can’t just hand the keys back without penalty.
Buying a car means you can drive it freely and have something of value that you can sell when the need arises. With leasing a vehicle, you typically have to either return it, have nothing at the end of the lease, or pay off the car at an agreed-upon amount when you lease the vehicle. For these reasons, buying a car is the best option for most people.
#4. How Many Miles Should a Used Car Have?
Congratulations, we’ve convinced you to buy used! Well, hopefully, you’re empowered to ask questions and find and buy a quality used car, over lining the dealership’s pockets with a new one. Mileage is an essential factor to consider, and the lower mileage, the better. Think about it, cars don’t run forever. So, there’s a cap on mileage before the vehicle is pretty much worthless. (though if you want to see some impressive machines with millions, yes millions of miles, check out this car.)
Most people drive about 10-12,000 miles per year. And with ever-changing technology, it might be best to keep it under 100,000 if you plan to keep the car for a while. After 100,000 miles, more expensive servicing like timing belt change, transmission replacement, and electrical repairs come along.
Consumers who question a used car’s value can turn to The Kelley blue book as an excellent resource when buying or selling. I have found that buying cars with low-mileage, i.e., under 30,000, is the sweet spot if you can snag a good deal because it still feels new. These cars usually come with the balance of a new or extended warranty and yet have decent value locked in. Bonus points if you flip it a year later for a profit as I did!
#3. What Are the Benefits of Buying a Used Car from a Dealer?
You can compare buying a certified pre-owned (aka used car) from a dealer instead of a private party to purchasing a laptop from the store versus a seller on Amazon. You typically get more hand-holding and a concierge process with inspection of the car, service and registration assistance, etc. Yet, that comes with a price.
Buying a used car from a dealer means there’s no question: they have to stand behind that car and not sell you a lemon because their reputation lies on that. So, peace of mind is a big plus when it comes to buying from a dealer. Also, you can typically find more variety in what you want and have someone reach out to you when they get something closer to what you’re looking for. You can also negotiate free service for a year, a multi-point inspection, printouts of service records, and things like replacing the tires at a reduced cost. Moreover, suppose haggling, negotiations, or dealing with salespeople make your stomach churn. In that case, you can always pay a slight premium for peace of mind by using a service like Carvana or Carmax.
Buying from a dealer can also help you make sure you get your title and tag done correctly. One thing to look out for is some dealerships charge a Dealer or “Document Preparation” fee, which can be hundreds of dollars in some states. Be sure to understand what value they’re providing for that fee and where it goes. Few waive them and even charge their employees that fee.
#2. What Are the Benefits of Buying a Used Car Privately?
How do you save the MOST amount of money when buying a car? Well, you buy a pre-owned vehicle that already got whacked with depreciation and cut out the middleman. By middleman, I mean the dealership.
Now, you read about the perks of buying through a dealer and all the peace of mind it brings. So, why bother dealing with the hassle and uncertainty of a private party? Well, the significant cost savings, of course! There’s no dealer doc prep fee, no markups to pay for payroll or overhead, and no burdensome certification process. Buying a used car privately gives you the best chance of getting a great deal if you ask the right questions.
In simpler times, a handshake and trust were all we had to go off before things like CARFAX reports and AutoCheck. When you find a private seller, you can find out the vehicle history. For example, if they were the original owner, who drove the car, why they bought it, and how it’s been treated over the years. Also, you’ll have to make sure they have the title free and clear. Otherwise, you’ll want to go to the bank and have them call the company that holds the title to make sure the loan gets paid off before any other money changes hands.
#1. What Are the Best Ways to Find a Used Car?
Now how do you go about finding a used car? There are many more online tools at our disposal than ever before. Do you remember the times when you would flip to the classified section of the newspaper to find boxes of 6 point font describing a car for sale? Or you saw a car parked on the road with a “For Sale” sign? How times have changed.
Now, you can easily find any car you want online, know everything about it, see high-resolution pictures of its every angle. And you don’t even have to limit yourself to your geographic area!
The thing to know is most private-party sellers will usually try to sell their car for free or cheaply. So, be sure to start your search by scanning Craigslist, Cars.com, and Facebook Marketplace.
Expand Your Search
Now, if you’re looking to expand your search across the state or nation, check out cars.com, Cargurus.com, and Truecar.com. All of these sites provide decent vehicle descriptions and history, such as accident reports.
Cars.com has a very user-friendly interface and easy navigation filters for color, features, cloth/leather, etc. It also has a price analysis tool to let you know if that particular car is a “good” or “great price” as compared to other vehicles for sale.
CarGurus is also user-friendly and has a similar price comparison tool. Also, it’s got a cool little “negotiation” section in the description. It tells you how long the car has been on the market and its different price changes. It can give you a glimpse of how motivated the dealer is to get rid of the vehicle. I love CarGurus because it answers the most basic questions I’d ask about the used car I’m thinking about buying.
Finally, TrueCar has a unique pricing analytics report that will tell you what you can expect to pay based on what similar vehicles have sold for. They also can offer a unique “personalized offer” on a car, which might be lower than other sites, in exchange for inputting your contact information. It might be an easy trade to shave a few hundred off your car purchase!
Final Thoughts about Buying A Used Car
Consumers looking to buy a used car certainly have to ask a lot more questions than when buying new. But, the extra work will save them thousands in unnecessary depreciation. The key is to do your homework and get the car inspected. That way, you’ll come out ahead by knowing the car’s history. And don’t be afraid (ever) to walk away from a bad deal!
U.S. home values fell a staggering 9.9 percent year-over-year in the second quarter, the largest drop in the past 12 years, according to Zillow.
The median home value is now at its lowest point since the fourth quarter of 2004, leaving nearly 30 percent of borrowers who purchased a home during the past five years underwater.
The highest rate of negative equity is among buyers who purchased a home in 2006, with nearly half (45 percent) upside down, largely because the median down payment was only 10 percent and prices were peaking.
Over the past year, roughly 25 percent of homes sold nationwide were at a loss and 15 percent of sales were foreclosures.
In some regions of hard-hit California, more than 60 percent of home sales were at a loss and foreclosures sales exceeded 50 percent.
The New York- Northern New Jersey-Long Island MSA had the lowest rate of foreclosure, with just 8.8 percent of home sold at a loss over the past year, and only three percent foreclosure sales.
“The second quarter is the sixth consecutive quarter of home value declines and we see little promise of turnaround in the short-term as the rates of decline have yet to slow and, in fact, actually accelerated in many markets,” said Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow’s vice president of data and analytics.
“The high rates of negative equity are having a direct effect on home sales figures as we’ve seen considerable growth in foreclosure transactions and homes selling for a loss.”
While it may seem as if the sky is falling, 90 percent of markets covered by Zillow returned positive annualized appreciation over the past five years, and all markets improved over the past decade.
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The U.S. looks to be headed for a “mild recession” in the first half of next year, but continued strength in the economy could keep mortgage rates from coming down as much as previously expected, economists at mortgage giant Fannie Mae said in a forecast released Monday.
While the Federal Reserve isn’t expected to raise rates when policymakers wrap up a two-day meeting Wednesday, persistent inflation could still prompt the Fed to hike rates later this year, or implement a “higher for longer” rate strategy.
The good news is that even though mortgage rates have settled in above 7 percent, the risk that rates will do even more damage to home sales is limited, as the share of cash purchases remains high and sales are now driven more by life events than discretionary move-up buys, Fannie Mae forecasters said.
Nevertheless, Fannie Mae economists forecast that home sales will drop by 14.7 percent this year, and stay at about the same level next year.
“We expect that total housing market activity will remain at a low level into 2024 as the Federal Reserve continues to hold the line on interest rates against inflation,” Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan said, in a statement.
Last month, economists at Fannie Mae were expecting rates for 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgages would peak at 6.8 percent during the third quarter of this year before retreating to an average of 6 percent during the final three months of 2024. Forecasters at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) were even more optimistic, predicting mortgage rates would drop to an average of 5 percent by Q4 2024.
Mortgage rates projected to ease next year
Source: Fannie Mae, Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts.
That was before strong economic data sent rates on the popular 30-year fixed-rate conforming loans soaring to a 2023 high of 7.30 percent, according to rate lock data tracked by the Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices, which show rates have only pulled back slightly since then.
With the economy cooling more slowly than expected, Fannie Mae analysts now see mortgage rates peaking at 7.1 percent during the final three months of 2023, before easing to 6.3 percent by Q4 2024. In releasing their latest forecast Monday, MBA economists predicted mortgage rates will start coming down this year, but remain well above 5 percent next year.
Home sales projected to drop 17.4% this year
Source: Fannie Mae Housing Forecast, September 2023.
Fannie Mae is forecasting 4.8 million total home sales in 2023, which would be a 17.4 percent drop from last year and the slowest annual pace since 2011. Next year isn’t expected to be much different, with sales expected to bounce back by less than 1 percent.
“While the additional downside risk from rate movements to date is minimal, the prospects of a recovery in existing sales in the near future is unlikely given strong mortgage rate ‘lock-in’ effects and stressed affordability,” Fannie Mae economists said in commentary accompanying their September forecast.
New home sales are expected to grow by more than 6 percent this year, as builders race to complete homes in markets where the lock-in effect — reluctance on the part of homeowners to give up the low rate on their existing mortgage — has made listings scarce.
“New home sales were surprisingly strong in the first half of the year, due partly to homebuilder rate buydowns, which become more expensive when mortgage rates rise,” Duncan noted. But he said Fannie Mae forecasters expect new home sales to pull back slightly next year, “due to the higher mortgage rate environment and recent decline in homebuilder confidence.”
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, a gauge of builder confidence, dipped six points in August and another five points in September, to 45. It was the first time the index has been below 50 in five months, which indicates more builders view conditions as poor than good.
The recent rebound in mortgage rates “is making homebuilders nervous,” Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Economist Ian Shepherdson said in a note to clients Monday.
“To be clear, the impact of mortgage rates returning to 7-1/4 percent from their recent 6-1/2 percent lows will be nothing like as bad as the initial surge from 3 percent to 7-1/4 percent in the year to September 2022,” Shepherdson said. “But it ought to be enough to quash the nonsensical media/Fed narrative that the housing market is starting to recover. It isn’t.”
Large pipeline of multifamily housing coming online
Source: Fannie Mae Housing Forecast, September 2023.
Fannie Mae economists expect single-family housing starts to plateau at 910,000 next year, and for multifamily construction to slow by 22 percent, to 389,000 units.
“With sluggish rent growth on a national level, more normalized vacancy rates, and tighter construction and development loan lending standards, we expect multifamily construction starts to continue to slow,” Fannie Mae forecasters said. “These dynamics may also play into softening demand for single-family housing: There is a large pipeline of multifamily housing coming online, and the rent-to-buy calculus for prospective homebuyers may tilt a little more in favor of renting for longer.”
Mortgage lending expected to grow by 20% next year
Source: Fannie Mae Housing Forecast, September 2023.
With home prices holding firm and mortgage rates expected to ease next year, Fannie Mae forecasters expect mortgage originations will grow by 20 percent next year. The slight uptick in home sales projected for next year would boost purchase loan originations by 9.4 percent, to $1.433 trillion, while lower mortgage rates are expected to boost refinancing by 76 percent, to $442 billion.
Mild recession seen as ‘likeliest outcome’ of Fed tightening
Fannie Mae economists have been predicting that the U.S. was headed for a recession since April 2022, after the Fed began raising interest rates and the impact of stimulus measures introduced during the pandemic faded.
While mixed economic data continues to “muddle the near-term outlook,” Fannie Mae economists say they continue to expect a “mild recession” in the first half of 2024, based on the belief that consumers will need to rein in spending in order to live within their means.
“Fundamentally, personal consumption remains at what we believe to be an unsustainable level relative to incomes, and the full effects of monetary policy tightening are still working through the economy,” Fannie Mae forecasters said.
In their weekly brief on the U.S. economy, Shepherdson and his Pantheon Macroeconomics colleague Kieran Clancy noted three potential wildcards on the economic horizon: A strike launched last week by the United Auto Workers targeting the big three automakers, next month’s resumption of federal student loan payments, and a “likely” government shutdown.
“An all-out strike lasting a month could be expected to depress quarterly GDP [gross domestic product] growth by about 1.7 percentage points, before taking account of the hit to the supply chain,” the Pantheon Macroeconomics team said. “The problem for the Fed is that it would be impossible to know in real time how much of any slowing in economic growth could confidently be pinned the strike, and how much could be due to other factors, notably the hit to consumption from the restart of student loan payments. The latter already is making itself felt in falling restaurant diner and airline passenger numbers.”
Fannie Mae economists agree that a sustained strike could “drive a negative payroll report in October, as well as dampen the GDP measure,” but that a short-lived strike “would likely be followed by a rebound in auto manufacturing output thereafter.”
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The housing market will remain subdued until the Federal Reserve starts cutting rates next year, according to economists and housing pros following the central bank’s Wednesday announcement to leave the benchmark rate unchanged in the target range of 5.25%-5.5%.
Until interest rates come down, affordability challenges will continue to put first-time buyers on the sidelines, housing industry observers said. Real estate experts reiterated caution against further rate increases.
While Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized incoming data will determine whether the central bank will raise its federal funds rate at its next FOMC meeting in November, the “dot-plot” of rate projections showed policymakers foresee one more hike by the year-end. The bulk of central bank officials expect to have interest rates finishing the year at around 5.6%.
In an elevated rate environment, the lack of inventory continues to be the biggest challenge for many potential buyers, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.
“While homebuilder sentiment is clearly impacted by the recent surge in mortgage rates, permits for single-family homes provide a positive outlook for the pace of construction in the year ahead. If mortgage rates trend down in 2024 as we anticipate, the combination of more homes for sale and somewhat lower rates should support stronger purchase volume,” Mike Fratantoni, SVP and chief economist at the MBA.
The MBA expects mortgage rates should begin to reflect that the Fed’s moves in 2024 will be cuts – not further increases. MBA’s mortgage finance forecast projected the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to decline to 5.4% in 2024 and 5.1% in 2025.
Powell also noted in a press conference that because people locked in “very low rate mortgages, even if they want to move now, that would be hard because the new mortgage would be so expensive.”
Rates are most likely to stay elevated until 2024, said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com,thus putting a damper on the number of home sales transactions.
“Higher mortgage rates have radically altered homebuyer purchasing power and have been a key factor in existing home sales dropping from a more than 6.5 million unit pace in early 2022 to the roughly 4 million unit pace in recent months,” Hale said.
More importantly, higher mortgage rates continue to keep existing homeowners sidelined, with as many as one in seven buyers out of the market because they don’t want to borrow at today’s much higher rates, Hale noted.
Short-term mortgage rate movement
In the short-term, mortgage rates are likely to bounce around a bit as the markets digest upcoming economic data, Melissa Cohn, regional vice president of William Raveis Mortgage, said.
Incoming data of job and CPI reports next month will provide more clarity on how strong the economy is. Reports on jobs and inflation will be released on October 6 and October 12, respectively.
“If the data reveals that inflation remains elevated and employment is still growing, then mortgage rates are likely to move up and we can look for what we hope to be the last rate hike of this cycle,” Cohn said.
The rapid ascent is mostly behind us but it will be a while before the economy sees any sign of a gradual descent, Marty Green, principal at mortgage law firm Polunsky Beitel Green, added.
“In my view, this means the mortgage interest rate environment will continue to bounce sideways through the next several months,” Green said.
Mortgage rates have been on an upward trend this year with rates in August surging to 7.23%—the highest since 2001.
Fed officials expect interest rates to be at 5.1% in 2024, up from the 4.6% projected in June. Officials expect fewer cuts in 2025 with the median estimate for the benchmark rate to be at 3.9%, up from 3.4%.
The committee raised its projections for growth, and is looking for a better-than-expected labor market as well, with the jobless rate peaking at 4.1%, rather than 4.5%.
Pushback against further rate increases
With two more scheduled FOMC meetings in November and December, housing experts cautioned against further rate increases.
The Fed must consider the potential economic damage arising from any future rate hikes, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at National Association of Realtors, reiterated his position.
“Commercial real estate has come under stress from higher interest rates, which will further negatively impact community banks due to their large exposure to the sector. Therefore,the Fed needs to wait and not raise rates. Possible interest rate cuts then need to be considered once inflation is fully under control,” Yun said.
Overall data point to an accelerating slowdown but continues to be mixed because of some lagging indicators, Green noted.
Unemployment rates and the CPI component lags measures of market rents by around a year.
“With rates elevated into restrictive territory, I expect the Fed to be patient and hold off on any additional increases until it becomes clearer that an additional rate hike is warranted,” Green said.
Mortgage rate cut quantum will vary depending on clients, cities
Bank exec: rate cut conducive for easing prepayment pressure
Chinese banks will also cut some deposit rates by 10-25 bps
$5.3 trillion mortgage book accounts for 17% of banks’ loan
BEIJING, Aug 29 (Reuters) – Some Chinese state-owned banks will soon lower interest rates on existing mortgages, three sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday, as Beijing ramps up efforts to revive the debt crisis-hit property sector and bolster a sputtering economy.
The quantum of the cut on existing mortgages, which, if implemented, will be the first such move in China since the global financial crisis, would be different for different types of clients and in different cities, said the sources.
The reduction could be as much as 20 basis points in some cases, said the sources, who declined to be named as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
The country’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment after business hours.
The reduction in existing mortgage rates will come amid several other property, economic and market support measures Beijing has announced over the past few weeks, as concerns mount about the health of the world’s second-largest economy.
The property sector, which accounts for roughly a quarter of the economy, has lurched from one crisis to another since 2021, and contagion fears deepened this month after liquidity stress in leading developer Country Garden (2007.HK) became public.
Chinese lenders were widely expected to cut interest rates on existing mortgages after the PBOC earlier this month said that it would guide commercial banks to do so.
The central bank’s proposal to cut rates, which came after a wave of early repayments of mortgage debt, aims to reduce the interest rate costs for homebuyers and to boost consumption in a slowing economy.
China has been cutting new mortgage rates since last year to boost sales in its moribund property market, but the main result so far has simply been a rush by households paying off existing mortgages early, squeezing banks’ profits.
Lowering existing mortgage rates is expected to further weigh on the banking sector’s net interest margin (NIM) – a key gauge of profitability – which fell to a record low at the end of the second quarter, official data showed.
DEPOSIT RATES
Chinese banks have been battling headwinds such as lower lending rates and pressure from the government to prop up the economy, as well as bad debt related to property developers and local government financing vehicles (LGFV).
China’s mortgage loans totalled 38.6 trillion yuan ($5.29 trillion) at the end of June, representing 17% of banks’ total loan books.
Zhu Qibing, chief macro analyst at BOC International China, estimates the weighted average rate of new mortgages is 4.11%, while the average rate on all existing mortgages is at least 100 basis points higher.
Citigroup in a note this month said that the repricing of existing high-yielding mortgages would further add to Chinese banks’ NIM pressure and dampen their profitability and lending capability.
Adjusting existing mortgage rates is conducive to easing pressure on banks from mortgage prepayment, Lin Li, vice president of Agricultural Bank of China Ltd (601288.SS), the country’s No.3 lender by assets, said earlier on Tuesday.
The bank would draft detailed implementation rules on rate cuts after policies on this become clear, he said. The lender reported a drop in its NIM to 1.66% at the end of June from 1.7% at the end of March.
Chinese banks’ net interest margin would face downward risks in the second half of this year, Fu Wanjun, Agricultural Bank of China’s president, said.
To soften the hit on the margins, the three sources said that major state banks would also lower interest rates on some fixed-term deposits, and the quantum of cuts would range from 10 basis points to 25 basis points.
Cutting deposit rates could help banks to maintain a proper level of NIM, one of the sources said.
Analysts have said China last week did not opt for a broad rate cut that would further depress banks’ narrow net interest margins, instead deferring to banks to cut their deposit rates and give themselves room to cheapen mortgages.
($1 = 7.2916 Chinese yuan renminbi)
Reporting by Xiangming Hou, Rong Ma, Ziyi Tang and Ryan Woo in Beijing, Selena Li in Hong Kong; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee, Alex Richardson and Sharon Singleton
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
In August, 66% of consumers reported that it’s a good time to sell a home, compared to only 18% who said it was a good time to buy a home. Additionally, despite the significant rise in rates over the last couple of years, only 18% expect mortgage rates to go down in the next 12 … [Read more…]
One interesting aspect of the home loan process is the sheer number of individuals you’ll work with along the way.
You don’t just speak to a salesperson and call it a day. Lots of people are involved in what is a very complex transaction.
Aside from salespeople, there are loan underwriters, processors, appraisers, escrow officers, real estate attorneys, and more.
Let’s discuss the roles these people hold to help you better understand what it takes to get a mortgage.
Remember, you’re asking to borrow a large sum of money, so it’s going to take time and energy (and lots of people) to get to the finish line.
The Sales Rep/Loan Officer/Mortgage Broker
The first step in the home loan process typically involves a sales person, which can be a banker at your local branch or credit union, a loan officer, or a mortgage broker.
If we’re talking about a purchase, this may come before/during your home search or after you’ve found your property with the assistance of a real estate agent.
If it’s a mortgage refinance, you’d simply jump right to this step to rework the details of your existing home loan if you wanted a rate and term refinance or a cash out refi.
You might be referred to an individual/company, or you might do your own discovery to find a suitable partner. Either way, always look beyond the referral you were given.
Your real estate agent might know a great lender, but you your own research as well.
It’s important to gather multiple quotes from different companies to ensure you get the best deal.
Now, this individual will be your main point of contact during the loan process, and perhaps most importantly, will provide you with pricing.
Bankers and loan officers work at the retail level, while mortgage brokers offer wholesale rates from their lender partners.
You can read more about the differences (banks vs. brokers) but either way they’ll likely be the person you speak with most.
Aside from providing pricing, these individuals can help get you pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage, discuss different loan scenarios, and guide you on loan choice.
If you have mortgage questions, they should be able to provide answers and give you guidance.
They may make certain recommendations, such as down payment amount, loan type, or provide an opinion about paying discount points or when to lock your rate.
This individual will be with you from start to finish, but doesn’t work alone. They’ve got an entire team to help you close your loan in a timely fashion.
FYI, you may also come across a “mortgage planner,” which is an individual who may assist a busy senior loan officer.
They can communicate loan status, provide follow-up, collect conditions, and perform other tasks if the LO is unavailable or simply needs a hand.
The Loan Processor
Once you’ve spoken to a sales representative (or LO/broker) and have decided to move forward, you’ll be in put in touch with a loan processor.
The main goal of the processor is to put together a clean loan file that can be submitted to the underwriting department.
This means collecting key documents, ensuring there are no red flags, double-checking everything, and making any necessary corrections.
The processor may also reach out after the loan is approved to collect additional documents to satisfy any outstanding conditions.
They will also provide updates to the loan officer or broker, who will then keep you in the loop about where you’re at in the process.
The processor essentially acts as a liaison between the underwriter and sales rep/LO/broker.
This ensures things move along smoothly and any hiccups can be resolved quickly without delay.
The Loan Underwriter
The loan underwriter probably holds the most important role in the home loan process.
They decide if the mortgage is approved, declined, or potentially suspended pending further explanation.
It’s for this reason that the loan processor only sends the loan package to the underwriter once everything has been thoroughly checked.
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so it’s imperative to get it right. Otherwise you could face delays or simply get flat out denied.
Aside from approving the loan, the underwriter will also provide a list of conditions needed to close the loan.
Most mortgage approvals are conditional, meaning you might need to furnish additional information or documentation to obtain your final approval.
Once these documents are provided, whether it’s another bank statement or letter of explanation, the underwriter will clear the outstanding conditions and move the loan to the funding department.
The Home Appraiser
While your loan is being reviewed by the underwriter, an appraisal will be ordered to determine the value of the underlying property.
Remember, aside from determining your ability to repay the loan, the bank also needs to ensure the collateral for the loan is valued properly.
This individual will visit the property to assess its condition, take photographs, and determine recent sales comparisons.
They will formulate a valuation based on the property details, such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, amenities, location, lot size, condition, and so on.
The value they come up with, known as the appraised value, is used as the basis for the loan-to-value ratio.
Generally, the goal is for the appraiser to support the purchase price of the property or the value declared for a refinance.
If the value is lower, the details of the loan may need to be reworked, such as a higher down payment.
For certain types of loans, such as FHA loans and VA loans, the home appraiser will also ensure that certain Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) are met.
This ensures the property is safe for the occupants, that there are adequate living conditions, and no major hazards, such as lead paint or termites.
The Home Inspector
If we’re discussing a home purchase, you’ll want to get an inspection done. And you’ll want to do it ASAP while any contingencies are still in place.
While a home inspection typically isn’t required, they’re generally a good idea.
Aside from finding out what’s potentially wrong with the property, you can ask for credits from the seller if the inspector finds any significant issues.
As the name suggests, a home inspector will come out to the property and assess the condition of the structure itself, the foundation, the interior, the roof, the electrical, HVAC, and more.
Some may also inspect the pool and spa, if one exists, though you could be charged extra.
They’ll make notes as they survey the property and issue a formal report afterwards. This can be used to negotiate with the seller if anything material comes up.
The Notary Public
Once it’s time to sign your loan documents, you’ll need to make an appointment with a notary public.
This individual serves “as an impartial witness” when signing important documents, such as those related to a home purchase or mortgage loan.
Your settlement agent should organize a time to meet with this individual to conduct your signing.
The notary may come to your home or meet you somewhere else to review and sign documents.
The main job of the notary is to verify the identity of the signer and ensure they are willing to sign the documents “without duress or intimidation.”
This requires you to furnish identification, such as a driver’s license, during the signing appointment.
The Escrow Officer
Another very important individual in the transaction is the escrow officer, a third-party who facilitates the loan closing and collects/disburses funds to the appropriate parties.
Some of their key roles include preparing final statements for the buyer, such as cash required to close, and determining costs such as property taxes, insurance, prepaid interest, and loan payoffs.
The escrow officer will send you a settlement statement that lists all the fees and closing costs associated with your loan, along with any lender credits and loan payoffs and funds required.
They will also liaise with a title company and forward necessary documents for loan recording.
Importantly, they’ll provide wiring instructions to all parties, including the buyer, so you know where to send funds (cash to close).
If you have questions about things like prepaid items, mortgage impounds, and loan payoffs, they can be particularly helpful.
The Title Agent
To ensure the property is free of any liens, encumbrances, or defects, a title insurance policy is usually required in order to take out a mortgage.
A title agent is the individual who conducts a title search, orders a preliminary title report, and eventually issues title insurance on the subject property. This makes them a licensed insurance agent
They are also in charge of recording the deed and loan documents with the county once the loan has funded.
You might hear the words title and escrow used interchangeably, but title has to do with property ownership/lien history, while escrow is about the calculation, collection, and disbursement of funds.
However, they may perform other settlement tasks beyond just title depending on the state where they’re located.
The Loan Closer/Funder
If you’ve made it this far, it means the loan is almost funded. But there’s still work to be done.
The loan closer/funder has to review the file to ensure everything is accurate and complete, and if not, address and fix any errors or outstanding issues.
They must ensure all prior to funding (PTF) conditions are satisfied and work with the settlement agent to prepare funding figures and timing of disbursement.
This includes the review of signed closing documents and items like hazard insurance and the preliminary title report.
And if everything looks good, request the wire instructions from escrow after a thorough review.
The Real Estate Attorney
Note that in certain states, a real estate attorney could be required to prepare certain documents and/or to conduct the loan closing.
This individual may order and certify a title report, review loan documents, and advise you if necessary.
Beyond that, they can ensure the interests of all parties are protected, and handle any legal issues or disputes that may come up.
One last thing. You may find that there is some overlap with a title company and escrow company, as the former can also provide escrow and notary services as well.
So depending on where you live, you could have one company or individual handle several tasks.
As you can see, there are quite a few people involved in the funding of a home loan, which explains why they take a month or longer to close.
Once you know more about each person’s role, it should be easier to navigate the home loan process and make better sense of it all.
And perhaps adjust your expectations that there isn’t a same-day mortgage and likely won’t be for the foreseeable future.
Alterra Home Loans, a Nevada headquartered retail lender and a Panorama Mortgage Group company, has promoted Fernando Ospina to president.
Ospina, who has worked for the firm since 2018, formerly served as Alterra’s SVP of national production for the last year. He originated more than $46 million in loans in 2022, the company said.
Ospina will oversee the firm’s strategic direction, operational activities, and growth initiatives while ensuring Alterra provides accessible and tailored mortgage solutions to the Hispanic and underserved communities, the company said in a release.
“The industry is volatile today and requires a more unique leader who can navigate and adapt in the most difficult markets while also embracing innovation – such as Fernando’s efforts to help accelerate our operational center in Mexico, which has given us a competitive edge,” Jason Madiedo, co-founder and CEO of Panorama Mortgage Group, said in a statement.
Prior to Alterra Home Loans — where Ospina spent five years starting out as a branch manager in 2018 — he was a sales manager at Paramount Residential Mortgage Group and loan originator at MLB Residential Lending.
Panorama Mortgage Group — doing business as Alterra Home Loans — has 155 sponsored mortgage loan originators and 28 active branches across the country, according to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
The company originated $1.23 billion across 3,900 loans in 2022, data from mortgage data platform Modex showed.
Alterra, a minority-owned lender, is committed to helping consumers of all cultures attain financial security and create a better life for themselves and their children by achieving the American dream, the company said.
Collecting and trading Pokémon cards has been a popular hobby since the 1990s for both children and adults. In fact, as a kid, I was obsessed with Pokémon cards. I enjoyed opening new packs, collecting cards, and trading with my friends. And, I know I’m not alone. So many people have enjoyed Pokémon cards over…
Collecting and trading Pokémon cards has been a popular hobby since the 1990s for both children and adults.
In fact, as a kid, I was obsessed with Pokémon cards. I enjoyed opening new packs, collecting cards, and trading with my friends. And, I know I’m not alone. So many people have enjoyed Pokémon cards over the years as well.
As the value of certain cards continues to rise, finding the best places to sell your collection of Pokémon cards is more important than ever.
Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash, simply downsize your Pokémon card collection, or if you are decluttering everything you own and find a long lost box of childhood mementos, knowing where and how to sell your Pokémon cards can be important to make the most money.
In this article, I’ll discuss some of the best places to sell Pokémon cards online and locally and provide tips on how to price and present your cards in the best way.
Quick Summary
Identify and evaluate the value of your Pokémon cards before selling. Some cards are worth way more than others. For example, one card may be worth $0.10, and another may be worth over $100,000.
Look at your different selling options to see how you can get the most money.
Learn effective selling tips and strategies for presenting your cards to potential buyers.
How To Sell Pokemon Cards
Selling your Pokémon cards can be an exciting and profitable way to make money, especially if you have rare, holographic, or near-mint-condition cards in your collection.
To help you make the most profit, follow these tips to find the best places to sell your Pokémon cards. Before starting your Pokémon cards selling journey, it’s important to know your cards’ condition, rarity, and type.
Related: How I Made $40,000 In One Year Selling Items
Near-mint cards with no creases, scuffs, or whitening edges tend to have a higher value. Also, rare and holographic cards, like the famous Charizard, are highly wanted by fans, collectors, and trading card game enthusiasts, making them valuable in the Pokémon card market.
To figure out how rare your Pokémon card is, look for the symbols in the bottom right corner of your card and if you have a lot of cards, then you should become familiar with the Pokémon card rarity indicators, as well as the different sets and booster packs in which your cards were released.
For more accurate valuations, you may even look for professional grading services, such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). They evaluate and grade cards based on their condition, ensuring buyers of their authenticity and quality.
If you’re selling Pokémon cards online, make sure to take clear, high-quality pictures that showcase your cards’ condition, as this will give potential buyers a better idea of what they’re purchasing.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be prepared to sell your Pokémon cards and get the most amount of money.
Best Places To Sell Pokemon Cards Online
There are many ways to sell Pokémon cards online. Here are some Pokémon selling sites to start with:
1. eBay
eBay is one of the most popular marketplaces for selling Pokémon cards due to its large reach of customers around the world.
I did a quick search on eBay and there are currently over 160,000 Pokémon cards for sale – so they definitely have a huge market!
You can choose to sell your cards through auctions or fixed price listings. When selling on eBay, be mindful of the seller fees and PayPal fees that will be deducted from your earnings. Shipping will also be another cost.
eBay is especially good for selling valuable cards, such as holographic cards or rare Charizard cards. To reach a wider audience and increase the chances of a successful sale, make sure you write detailed descriptions and add high-quality photos of your cards so that people are more likely to click on your listing.
2. Troll and Toad
Troll and Toad is an online store that specializes in collectible card games, such as selling Pokémon cards and they have been around for over 25 years.
They offer a buy list where you can sell your cards for cash or store credit. To sell on Troll and Toad, simply use their search bar to find the cards you want to sell, add them to your cart, checkout, and then ship your cards to them.
This is a great feature of Troll and Toad – the fact that you can see the exact cards they will accept and the exact amount that they will pay you for each Pokémon card. As you will learn below, many of the Pokémon card selling websites have this same feature, which is so helpful!
After you complete the list of cards that you plan on selling to them, you will print out an invoice that they give you, and then choose a payment method. Then, you will ship your box of Pokémon cards to them. Once they receive the package, they will verify the cards that you have sent to make sure they are in the correct condition as you stated. After that, they will pay you.
Troll and Toad also accepts Pokémon cards in bulk.
Keep in mind that they may be selective about the cards they accept, so it’s important to research and determine the value of your cards beforehand.
3. Mercari
Mercari is a site where you can quickly set up an account and start selling your used items, such as Pokémon cards. This site is not dedicated to just Pokémon cards, but they do have many listed and it is an easy option for Pokémon collectors.
There are well over 1,000 Pokémon cards listed on Mercari.
It’s important to create persuasive listings with photos and a relevant, detailed description, and include relevant keywords related to Pokémon cards. (Remember, they don’t just sell Pokémon cards, they also sell clothes and other items, so keywords are important!). Also, Mercari takes a minimum 10% fee from each sale you make on their platform.
4. TCGplayer
TCGplayer is a popular site with card game collectors in the U.S. and Europe.
People love selling on this site because they say it’s easy to use and they have great customer service.
To sell Pokémon cards on TCGplayer, simply list your cards on the TCGplayer marketplace, set your prices, and wait for potential buyers to purchase them. The marketplace handles the transactions, making the selling process easy.
Note: You will have to pay a commission fee of around 12–13% for each sale you make on TCGplayer, and you might also have shipping costs.
Here’s a quick guide on how to sell Pokémon cards on TCGplayer:
Create a seller account – You will need an account to get started selling Pokémon cards.
Set up your inventory – Once your seller account is created, you can start listing your Pokémon cards for sale. Enter details like the card’s name, set, condition, and quantity available.
Pricing your cards – Decide on the prices for your Pokémon cards. You can either manually set the prices or use TCGplayer’s automated pricing tool to match the market rates. TCGplayer has a pricing algorithm to help sellers be competitive and adjust prices based on the market demand.
Shipping options – Decide on the shipping options you will have for buyers.
Receiving payments – TCGplayer usually collects payments from buyers, processes the orders, and then deposits the money into your seller account. From there, you can withdraw your funds.
Maintain your inventory – Keep your inventory up to date. Remove sold items and add new ones to reflect the current availability of your Pokémon cards.
5. Card Cavern
Card Cavern is an online store that specializes in buying and selling Pokémon cards.
They have a straightforward buylist system where you can quickly find the cards they’re interested in and the prices they’re willing to pay.
Then, you ship your cards to them (they recommend purchasing tracking and insurance).
If you choose to sell your cards to Card Cavern, you’ll receive payment through PayPal or receive store credit, depending on your preference.
Their buy rates only apply to near-mint, English, tournament legal cards. You can send as many or as little Pokémon cards as you want to Card Cavern.
6. Dave & Adam’s
Dave & Adam’s is an online store for trading cards, including Pokémon cards, and it has been around for over 30 years.
They offer a buy list where you can see which cards they’re currently interested in purchasing. If your cards match their buy list, you can submit a sell request, ship your cards to them, and receive payment via check, PayPal, or store credit.
If you have a big collection, they will even travel to you.
7. Pokémon Facebook Groups
Pokémon Facebook Groups are communities of Pokémon card collectors and enthusiasts who use the platform to buy, sell, and trade cards. Pokémon Facebook Groups are exactly what you think – Facebook groups for Pokémon card collectors.
This can be a great place to sell your Pokémon cards because these groups are filled with people who are very interested in buying Pokémon cards.
These groups allow you to talk directly with fellow collectors and cater to various interests, such as specific regions, sets, or rarity levels.
To sell your Pokémon cards in these groups, make sure you follow group rules, post clear photos, and respond quickly to potential buyers’ inquiries.
8. CCG Castle
CCG Castle is a website that specializes in games since 2007.
They buy Pokémon cards that you no longer need and have a buy list on their site that will tell you exactly what they are accepting and how much they will pay you for it. They pay in either PayPal cash or store credit.
Best Places To Sell Pokemon Cards Near Me
If you’re looking to sell your collection or particular Pokémon cards, there are several options near you to consider. This section will cover the best local places where you can sell your cards, such as Facebook Marketplace, comic book stores, pawn shops, and Craigslist.
9. Facebook Marketplace
A popular and easy way to sell your Pokémon cards is through Facebook Marketplace. Nearly everyone has a Facebook account, so it can be easy for you to get started, and it allows you to connect with local buyers who might be interested in your cards.
Posting on Facebook Marketplace is simple, and you can include photos, descriptions, and set your price. Also, you can communicate with potential buyers through Facebook Messenger, making it easy to negotiate and set up a meeting location.
There are no listing fees when selling on Facebook Marketplace, which means that you get to keep everything you earn. But, you do have to handle everything yourself.
10. Local comic book stores
Comic book stores, particularly those that specialize in trading cards, card games, and board games, can be a great place to sell your collection.
Many local comic shops are interested in buying Pokémon cards to stock their inventory for other gamers and collectors.
You can visit stores in your local area, ask if they purchase Pokémon cards, and provide the store owner with a list or photos of your cards. They may make an offer on the spot or ask you to come back later. Remember, each comic store is different, so it’s a good idea to try a few stores near you to compare offers and don’t stop at just one.
11. Pawn shops
Another option to consider is pawn shops.
Pawn stores are known for buying various items, including sports cards and collectibles like Pokémon cards. Take your cards to a few pawn shops near you and see if they’re interested in buying your collection.
Keep in mind that pawn shops usually offer lower prices than other options (this is because selling Pokémon cards is not their sole business), but they can be a quick and convenient way to sell more popular cards.
12. Craigslist
Craigslist is a site for buying and selling various items locally – I’m sure you’ve heard of it. You can create a detailed listing for your Pokémon cards, including pictures, descriptions, and asking prices.
Interested buyers in your area can contact you, allowing you to arrange a meetup in a safe and convenient location.
Craigslist is usually a little more difficult to sell Pokémon cards on and that is because this site does not specialize solely in Pokémon cards and is very localized.
Where to Sell Pokemon Cards in Bulk
Selling your Pokémon cards in bulk may be something that you are interested in if you simply don’t have the time to look each one up.
When selling your Pokémon cards in bulk, it’s important to find the right platform. In this section, we’ll focus on three popular options: Full Grip Games, Safari Zone, and Sell2BBNovelties. With their unique offerings and easy-to-sell process, these companies can help you get the most value for your collection if you simply don’t have the time or have too many cards to sort through.
13. Full Grip Games
Full Grip Games is a local game shop in Ohio that buys bulk Pokémon cards online and in person.
At Full Grip Games, they make it easy for you to sell your bulk cards in increments of 100 or 1,000. Also, they accept rares and other card types as well. To make things simpler for you, their website has a bulk buy list that breaks down all the packs and cards they accept along with individual prices.
To get started, follow these easy steps:
Click on the “Buylist Instructions” link on their website.
Choose their full singles buylist or their bulk buylist.
Select the cards in your collection according to the buylist.
Review the pricing and total value of the cards submitted.
Once done, send the cards following their shipping instructions.
Once they receive your bulk cards, it will take them around one week to go through them. For the cards they accept, you can get paid via PayPal, store credit (you will get a 30% bonus if you choose the store credit option), or check via USPS mail.
14. Safari Zone
Safari Zone is another great option to consider for selling your Pokémon cards in bulk. They accept a wide range of cards, but they do need to be in near-mint condition.
Here’s what you should do to sell your cards on Safari Zone:
Create an account on the Safari Zone website.
Review the cards they purchase on their buy list.
Enter the card details.
After submitting the card information, you’ll receive a quote for your collection.
Ship your cards to Safari Zone, and they will process your payment after validating the cards.
Safari Zone only pays via store credit.
15. Sell2BBNovelties
Sell2BBNovelties is a website that has been around since 1999 that specializes in toys and collectibles, such as Pokémon cards.
They have an easy platform to sell your Pokémon cards in bulk and accept various card types, including rares, holographic, and common/uncommon cards.
To sell your Pokémon cards on Sell2BBNovelties, simply:
Go to their website and click on the “Buying Prices” tab.
Select the cards you’re selling according to their buying list.
When you’re ready, submit the form. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the total value of the cards and further instructions.
Ship your cards to Sell2BBNovelties, and they will process your payment upon receiving and verifying your cards.
You can receive payment for the cards they accept in either PayPal cash or store credit.
How to Make a Website to Sell Pokemon Cards
If you have the time and a lot of cards, you may even be interested in starting a website to sell your Pokémon cards.
Creating a website to sell your Pokémon cards is a great idea to reach a wider audience and have lower fees. Of course, there will be more work in this because you will be managing everything yourself.
Choose a platform and create your design – Look for an easy-to-use platform to build your website – my favorite is WordPress. You will want to pick a clean looking design that customers can look at on both computer and phone. Most platforms have a variety of premade themes that you can use. You can also personalize your website by adding your logo, choosing colors that represent your brand, and adding images.
Organize your products – Categorize your Pokémon cards by sets, rarity, or other criteria that make sense for your target audience. Clear product descriptions and high-quality images of each card will help potential buyers too.
Set up payment and shipping – Choose a payment gateway to securely process transactions. Options like PayPal, Stripe, or Square are widely used and reliable. Choose shipping options and rates based on your preferred carriers and shipping destinations.
Create valuable content – In addition to listing your Pokémon cards, consider creating helpful content such as blog posts or videos that add value to your website and attract more readers and buyers. Providing informative content will establish you as an expert in the field and help drive traffic to your site.
Promote your website – Use social media, search engine optimization (SEO), or even paid advertising to increase page views to your website.
Related: How To Start A Website Free Course
Pokemon Card Selling Tips and Strategies
Selling your Pokémon cards can be an exciting way to make extra money, but it’s important to have a little strategy so that you can make the most money and find the most buyers.
Here are some tips for selling your Pokémon cards successfully.
Determine the value of your cards. You should research how rare the card is, the origin, and the condition of your cards, as these factors will affect their worth. Keep an eye out for rare and valuable cards (such as first edition cards and illustrations), as these will attract more interest from collectors. Grading your cards can help with this process – professional grading services can rate the condition of your cards and encapsulate them in a case, increasing their value.
Consider where to sell your cards.There are numerous platforms for selling Pokémon cards online, such as eBay, where you can list your cards as single items or in an auction format. There are also more specialized Pokémon selling websites which are dedicated to trading cards. These sites often have dedicated communities of potential buyers who are very interested in Pokémon cards.
Write clear and accurate descriptions of your cards.You should always be clear and honest about your card’s condition. For example, are there any scratches or bends? Is there a tear or water damage?
Ship your cards carefully.Carefully package your Pokémon cards to protect your cards from damage during transit. You will want to keep your cards waterproof and not use rubber bands (rubber bands can damage the cards). Also, consider offering a tracking number and insurance to your buyer as an additional layer of security. Many of the Pokémon selling sites above have a very exact way they want you to ship the cards to them to prevent any damage, so be sure to see what their rules are.
By following these Pokémon card selling tips and tricks, you can increase the chances of finding the best places to sell your Pokémon cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about selling Pokémon cards.
How do I know if my Pokemon cards are worth money?
So, how do you know if the Pokémon cards that you have are worth anything? Many people have Pokémon cards, probably stuffed in a box somewhere, or maybe you came across some.
Whatever your reason is, yes, your Pokémon cards may be worth something.
Knowing the value of your Pokémon cards is important before selling, and there are a few key things to think about.
First, look at the rarity symbols on your cards: a circle indicates a common card, a square represents an uncommon card, and a star denotes a rare card. These symbols help you determine the rarity of your cards and their potential worth.
The condition of your cards also plays a big role in their value. Cards in mint condition, meaning they have no visible wear or damage, are worth more than cards with minor imperfections. Holographic cards, especially in mint condition, can be more valuable.
To take it a step further, you could even get your Pokémon cards professionally valued and graded by a reputable company like PSA. Grading involves a professional inspection of your card’s condition, assigning a numerical grade based on factors such as centering, corners, edges, and surface. The higher the graded number, the better the condition and, often, the higher the value.
Keep in mind that while Pokémon cards typically have higher values, other trading card games like Yu-Gi-Oh can also be valuable. Make sure to research the prices of similar cards sold recently, and compare the condition of your cards to decide if they’re worth selling.
How do I sell Pokemon cards for cash?
To sell your Pokémon cards for cash, first organize your cards by set and look for rare ones to see what you have. Once you’ve prepared your collection, follow the selling instructions on your chosen platform.
You can sell your Pokémon cards online, locally near you, and even in bulk.
Where can I find buyers for my Pokemon cards?
You can find buyers for your Pokémon cards on online marketplaces, local card shops, and social media groups. Websites like eBay and TCGplayer are popular places for selling Pokémon cards, as well as community forums and local collector’s events.
What are some reputable websites to sell Pokemon cards?
There are many reputable sites to sell Pokémon cards as we discussed above, such as:
eBay
Troll and Toad
Mercari
TCGplayer
Card Cavern
Dave & Adam’s
Pokémon Facebook Groups
Full Grip Games
Safari Zone
Sell2BBNovelties
Where is the best place to sell Pokemon cards?
The best place to sell your Pokémon cards depends on your preferences. eBay gives you a worldwide market and you are probably already familiar with their platform.
TCGplayer and Troll and Toad specialize in trading card sales and have a lot of Pokémon cards for sale.
Pokémon Facebook Groups are a great way to connect with those interested in Pokémon cards, and there are no listing fees – but you would be dealing with people on your own and handling everything yourself.
Are there any local stores that buy Pokemon cards?
Some local stores, like comic book shops, game stores, and pawn shops, may buy Pokémon cards. You can call local stores to see if they buy cards before bringing your collection in person.
Can you sell Pokemon cards on Etsy?
Etsy is generally geared towards handmade and vintage items, so it’s not an ideal platform for selling Pokémon cards. It’s best to stick with platforms like eBay, TCGplayer, or Troll and Toad for selling trading cards.
I did a search for Pokémon cards on Etsy and it said there were 43,326 results, but I think many of these are for custom art, in that they would be turning a picture of you or your pet into a Pokémon card. So, not the same thing.
Can I sell Pokemon cards on eBay?
Yes, you can sell Pokémon cards on eBay. It is one of the most popular sites for selling Pokémon cards and it gives you control over pricing and listing options.
Can you sell Pokemon cards at GameStop?
GameStop typically does not buy or sell individual Pokémon cards.
Do pawn shops buy Pokemon cards?
Some pawn shops may buy Pokémon cards, especially if they are valuable or rare. Call your local pawn shops or visit them in person to inquire about their interest in buying Pokémon cards. Remember, they do not specialize in Pokémon cards and have a smaller market, so you may not get as much for your Pokémon cards at a pawn store.
What does TCG and CCG mean?
As you’re going through the sites above looking for one of the best places to sell your Pokémon cards, you may come across these two terms. CCG means collectible card game and TCG means trading card game.
How can I determine the value of my Pokemon cards?
Figuring out the value of your Pokémon cards involves considering factors like:
rarity
condition
age
Websites like TCGplayer and Troll and Toad provide price guides and historical sales information to help you estimate the value of your cards.
How do I check the value of my Pokemon cards?
Check the value of your Pokémon cards by researching on websites like TCGplayer, eBay, and Pokémon Price. These platforms can give you a good idea of the current market value for individual cards.
Do you need a license to sell Pokemon cards?
You generally do not need a license to sell Pokémon cards, unless you’re planning to sell them by opening an in-person store. Check your local regulations to make sure you’re following any required guidelines.
How much is Charizard Pokemon card worth?
Charizard cards vary widely in value and can be worth anywhere from $25 to over $50,000. The Charizard Pokémon card that is worth the most is typically a mint condition 1st Edition from the base set.
What Pokemon cards are worth more than $100?
Some Pokémon cards worth more than $100 include rare Pokémon cards, such as first edition holographic cards from the original sets, high-grade cards, misprints, and promotional cards like the Pokémon Illustrator card.
What is the most expensive Pokemon card?
The most expensive Pokémon card varies over time; some examples include the Pokémon Illustrator card, the 1st Edition Charizard, or unique, one-of-a-kind promo cards handed out during official Pokémon events. The rarest Pokémon cards obviously cost more money and sell for more.
According to TCGplayer, the most expensive Pokémon cards include:
Pokémon World Championships No. 2 Trainer Promo
No. 2 Trainer Toshiyuki Yamaguchi (2000)
Neo Genesis 1st Edition Lugia (2000)
Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer (1999)
Family Event Trophy Kangaskhan (1998)
Test Print Blastoise Gold Border (1998)
Tsunekazu Ishihara Signed Promo (2017)
Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze (1997)
Commissioned Presentation Blastoise Galaxy Star Holo (1998)
First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4 (1999)
Illustrator Pikachu (1998)
These were all sold for over $100,000 each.
Best Places To Sell Pokemon Cards – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best places to sell Pokémon cards and how to sell Pokémon cards for cash.
If you have Pokémon cards that you no longer want, there are many ways you can sell them. And, they may be worth a lot of money!
To figure out the value of the Pokémon cards that you want to sell, you’ll want to look at their rarity symbols, Pokémon card condition, grading (if applicable), and market comparisons. Understanding these factors will help you decide if your cards are worth selling and where to find the best prices.
Once your cards are sorted and evaluated, it’s now time to choose the best places to sell your Pokémon cards. Here are some popular options:
eBay – This site has millions of Pokémon cards sold every year. It’s a great place to find a worldwide audience, but remember to factor in shipping costs and eBay fees.
Facebook Marketplace and Pokémon Facebook Groups – Connect with local collectors or fans without worrying about shipping fees. This option may mean that you will meet the buyer in person.
Local comic shops – These stores can be an easy place to sell your cards, especially if they specialize in Pokémon cards or trading card games.
TCGplayer – Catering specifically to trading card game fans, this site has a dedicated space for buying and selling Pokémon cards.
Other options include Troll and Toad, Card Cavern, Dave & Adam’s, Sell2BBNovelties, pawn shops, and more.
Good luck selling your Pokémon cards!
What do you think is the best place to sell Pokemon cards for cash?
Homebuilders are to blame for the current housing and mortgage crisis, according to a report released by the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).
The group’s report focuses on mortgages originated between 2005 and 2006 in Maricopa County, Arizona by the lending units of three of the nation’s largest homebuilders, including Richmond American, Lennar, and KB Home.
More than one-third of the mortgages originated by these homebuilders in the county are five-year adjustable-rate mortgages expected to reset between 2010 and 2011, and with many of these homeowners now underwater, they could face serious payment shock.
Per the report, in just the last year the value of Lennar homes has declined $61,600, KB Home values have sunk $55,600, and Richmond American Homes are worth $49,500 less.
In the KB Home Santarra Development in Buckeye, Arizona, home values have dropped a staggering $78,800 in the last year, troubling because 55 percent of mortgages held are five-year ARMs, and 63 percent of purchase loans have a second mortgage.
“Former Countrywide-KB Home Loans Regional Vice President Mark Zachary has said in court that KB Home pressured its lending joint venture to engage in systematic mortgage fraud to drive sales, including encouraging inflated appraisals, assisting buyers in supplying false income information, and approving loans without review or documentation,” the release said.
LIUNA, which earlier this year exposed the homebuilder tax break in the Foreclosure Prevention Act, is calling on agencies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to place greater scrutiny on the mortgages originated by homebuilders and their mortgage lender partners.