Restaurant operators expanding into unfamiliar markets routinely misjudge neighborhood dynamics, resulting in poor location choices that undermine otherwise promising ventures, according to ...
Pensacola Investor Reveals Hybrid Strategy Offering Both Cash and Listing Options to Sellers




Pensacola-based real estate investor Mike Hamby says his dual role as both cash buyer and licensed agent allows him to offer sellers a more transparent choice, though most still opt for speed over maximum price in today’s market.
“What I do is different because I’m also a real estate agent. I present both options to sellers,” explains Hamby, owner of Hamby Housing. “Here’s my cash price if you want to close in 30 days or less. Or if you want to make more money, I can represent you as a real estate agent, and I would suggest a list price of X amount, and it’s usually about 20% higher.”
According to Hamby, despite the potential for higher returns through a traditional listing, approximately 60-70% of sellers still choose the cash offer route. He attributes this to various forms of distress that prompt sellers to prioritize speed and certainty over maximum price.
“Most people that I’m marketing to, we’re reaching out to them because of some kind of distress or signal that has become public knowledge,” Hamby says. “If there’s any kind of lien or foreclosure tax lien, we’re sending them marketing.”
Hamby notes he’s particularly focused on two growing segments: inherited properties and homes with code enforcement liens. These situations often involve out-of-state owners who prefer a quick cash settlement over a prolonged traditional sale process.
While direct marketing to distressed properties remains core to his business, Hamby says referrals from other real estate agents have become an increasingly important source of deals since joining Keller Williams six months ago.
“The leadership has been really pivotal in helping push my name out there,” Hamby explains. “Now, a lot of the leads I get are from other agents that come across these beat-up houses, and they just want to see what I can do.”
Despite operating in what many consider a crowded “we buy houses” space, Hamby maintains his transparent dual-option approach and growing network of professional referrals helps him stand out while serving sellers’ best interests.
“At the end of the day, I just want to present all options to them and let them make the best decision for their family,” Hamby concludes.
This article was sourced from a live expert interview.
Every month we conduct hundreds of interviews with
active market practitioners - thousands to date.
Similar Articles
Explore similar articles from Our Team of Experts.


Construction cost inflation has been a central concern for the industry over the past three years. Still, Jim Roland, Senior Vice President of Arizona Operations at Alcorn Construction, says...


Minneapolis eliminated single-family zoning citywide, allowing duplexes and triplexes in neighborhoods previously limited to detached homes. This change led to more construction and kept ren...


Memphis has a homeownership problem that goes far deeper than affordability, according to one local real estate professional who says the majority of renters in the city could actually quali...


A Texas developer is challenging traditional measures of master-planned community success, arguing that human-centric metrics may be better indicators of long-term value than conventional fi...


