4 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Columbia MO
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Joseph Gordon Associate EditorJoseph Gordon is an Associate Editor with HomeLight. He has seven years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco.
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
In the heart of Columbia, We Buy Houses companies offer a beacon of hope for homeowners looking to sell quickly. These companies provide all-cash offers for homes needing a touch of TLC, appealing to you if time, expertise, or budget constraints challenge traditional home selling.
The prospect of a quick cash sale means advancing to the next chapter of your life without delay. It’s a path that offers simplicity and speed, but is it right for you?
This post is crafted to guide you through the intricacies of cash-for-homes sales in Columbia. We’ll explore the advantages and potential drawbacks, equipping you with the knowledge to weigh your options and make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Sell Your House Fast in Columbia With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Columbia, Missouri.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Columbia area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Columbia
Are you looking to sell your home quickly in Columbia? House-buying companies can streamline your journey from listing to closing. Here’s how you can transition from homeowner to seller with ease:
- Research companies: Look into reputable We Buy Houses companies in Columbia. Ensure they have a solid track record and positive reviews from past sellers.
- Submit details: Provide the company with information about your property. This typically involves filling out a form on their website or making a phone call to initiate the process.
- Receive offer: Expect to get a cash offer quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. The offer should be straightforward, with no obligation for you to accept.
- Review offer: Take your time to consider the offer. Assess how it aligns with your need for speed and the value you expect from your property.
- Accept offer: If the offer meets your expectations and you decide to proceed, confirm your acceptance with the company.
- Close the sale: The company will handle the paperwork and closing details after acceptance. You could close and receive cash for your home in as little as a week.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Columbia
If selling to a house-buying company in Columbia sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ Colonial or Craftsman Bungalow. You can sell your Columbia home in as little as a week or two by selling to one of these companies.
Missouri Valley Homes
Missouri Valley Homes, led by founder Yancy Forsythe, guarantees a cash offer within 24-48 hours based on a home’s condition and market value, with the ability to finalize sales in 7-10 days.
Locations: Columbia and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Missouri Valley Homes covers them
Reviews highlight the company’s professionalism, attentiveness, and expertise in the real estate realm. Many appreciated the team’s guidance, especially those navigating home sales for the first time. They have a Google review rating of 5.0.
Website: missourivalleyhomes.com
Phone number: 660-466-2600
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Columbia (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S. Partner investors have a wide range of investment strategies, including fix-and-flip and buy-and-hold. This enables Simple Sale to provide cash offers for a wide array of properties, even those that need some or a lot of work, in different locations throughout Columbia.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Columbia
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight was founded in 2012 and is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating. The company has 4.8 stars on Google based on more than 500 user reviews. Below, you can hear about how Baohan Wu, a seller who used Simple Sale to sell his high-rise apartment, closed within three and a half weeks and what he thought of the process overall.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Evervest Home Buyers
Evervest is owned by Scott Dolson and David M. Long, two Missouri natives. They’ve been in the home buying and selling industry since 1996. Scott is a licensed Real Estate Broker, while Dave has 30 years of hands-on construction experience.
Locations: Columbia and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Evervest often pays for closing costs.
Evervest has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ BBB grade rating. Customers praise Evervest Home Buyers for their professionalism, honesty, and compassion. They have a Google review rating of 5.0.
Website: evervesthomebuyers.com/cash-for-homes/city-of-columbia-mo/
Phone number: 573-367-5767
Stewardship Properties
Stewardship Properties was established in 1989 by Bill Syrios, they specialize in transforming distressed properties into quality affordable housing. They also engage private lenders, ensuring consistent funding and rewarding them generously for their trust.
Locations: Columbia and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Stewardship Properties often pays for closing costs.
Customers appreciate the ease of communication through both phone and text. A standout feature for clients is the company’s fair cash offers for houses, complemented by their thorough explanation of how they arrive at their offer figures. They have a Google review rating of 5.0.
Website: stewardshipproperties.com/missouri/columbia/
Phone number: 573-405-1520
Why sell your Columbia house for cash?
In Columbia, selling a home on the market typically takes around 74 days using an agent. That includes an average of 29 days on the market plus the typical 45 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Columbia, and it’s clear why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top-dollar for the homes they purchase.
Homeowners seeking a straightforward, quick transaction is where cash-for-homes companies come in. Let’s look at situations where turning to one of these companies might be your best bet.
- Repair concerns: If your Columbia home requires significant repairs, like roof or HVAC fixes, selling for cash can bypass renovations.
- Urgent need for cash: Whether due to divorce, health issues, or job changes, a cash sale can provide the quick financial relief you need.
- Limited resources: If you need more funds or desire to repair your home, a cash offer allows you to sell as-is, avoiding the need to prepare to sell.
- Avoiding hassle: To dodge the stress of showings, negotiations, and a long sales process, a cash sale offers simplicity.
- Privacy preference: Opting for a cash buyer can keep the sale of your Columbia home off-market and discreet, avoiding open houses and showings.
- Foreclosure avoidance: Facing foreclosure? Selling for cash might settle debts faster and preserve your credit score.
- Inheritance: Unloading an inherited house quickly is possible with a cash offer, eliminating the usual selling duties.
- Rental woes: A cash sale can be a clean break for landlords tired of management duties or problematic tenants.
- Senior transition: If you’re moving in with family or to a care facility, selling your home for cash simplifies the process, easing the downsizing.
- Out-of-state owner: Living elsewhere can complicate a traditional sale, making a cash offer more appealing for its ease, especially when selling from out of state.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Fully understanding your options, including the upcoming pros and cons, is essential to making an informed decision for you and your home.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Columbia
Choosing a house-buying company in Columbia offers distinct advantages, particularly in speed and convenience. These entities shine for sellers prioritizing a fast, as-is sale.
Pros:
- Quick sale: Companies typically close within days, offering a speedy alternative to traditional market sales.
- As-is purchase: No need for repairs or upgrades; companies will buy your Columbia home in its current state.
- No staging or showings: You bypass the stress and intrusion of prepping and presenting your home to potential buyers.
- Simplified process: The sale involves less paperwork and fewer steps than conventional real estate transactions.
Conversely, working with these companies may not maximize your home’s financial potential.
Cons:
- Lower offers: Expect offers below market value, as these companies aim to profit from the future sale of your home.
- Investor focus: These buyers are investors first, meaning they’re driven by profit, not your best interest.
- Limited negotiation: The take-it-or-leave-it approach gives you little room to negotiate a better deal.
- Potential for scams: It’s vital to research thoroughly, as not all house-buying companies are trustworthy.
As you consider these points, it’s also crucial to understand the true value of your Columbia home. Our next section will guide you on how to vet cash buyers and accurately assess your property’s worth.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Remember that experiences with We Buy Houses for Cash companies can differ significantly. Much depends on the integrity and service level of the individual or group behind the offer. Before you commit, it’s crucial to do your due diligence.
Vet the company meticulously—scour reviews, sift through testimonials, and investigate their market presence and track record. This research is your safeguard. Furthermore, ensure you read the buying agreement thoroughly. Every clause matters, and understanding each one protects your interests before you sign on the dotted line.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced local agent to better understand what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then, compare your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator for an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Columbia home quickly
iBuyers: iBuyers utilize technology to offer quick, all-cash purchases for homes in good condition, with valuations based on market data. While their process is quick, service fees can reach 5%-6%. They’re ideal for uniform housing markets and well-maintained properties.
Selling with an Agent: Listing with an experienced real estate agent may take longer but has the potential for higher sale prices, particularly in seller-friendly markets. Agents provide insights with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to price homes competitively and may even find cash buyers, offering a balance between speed and value.
FAQs on Columbia house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Columbia are legitimate businesses. Their services and transaction fees may differ, but the business model has been around for decades. If you use an established group with a track record, you can be fairly confident that it’s legit.
That said, as with any financial transaction, it’s a good idea to be on the alert for scams. Always research companies before you sign a contract. Check customer reviews, look at their online presence, verify professional licenses, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Columbia We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value minus their estimated repair costs.
Here’s an example of what a simplified formula might look like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
To see how this might work in a real-world scenario, let’s look at an example offer equation. Let’s say your Columbia bungalow could sell for $315,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($350,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $190,500
In this example, a Columbia We Buy Houses company might offer you around $190,500 for your home.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more than We Buy Houses companies because iBuyers look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Columbia We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On the one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. Conversely, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because We Buy Houses for Cash companies tend to focus on distressed homes, they typically have zero fees. Many will even cover your closing costs. In most cases, this means that the cash offer you receive will be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to flat-out ask the company if any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Columbia area. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
- Schedule any required on-site property visits.
- Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
- Close the sale in a week to 30 days and get paid. (Some companies will let you choose a closing date up to 90 days after accepting the offer, which can be helpful when planning a move.)
We Buy Houses for Cash in Columbia vs. top Columbia agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a real estate agent. Let’s take a glance at how different aspects of the sale might look and compare possible proceeds.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Columbia | Sell with a top Realtor in Columbia |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 74 days average; 29 to attract an offer, 45 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
| Inspections / repairs | None | May need to make additional repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
| Appraisal | None | May need to lower your asking price if the appraisal comes in low |
| Title search | Cash-For-Homes companies often handle title issues | Must clear title before you can sell home |
| Financing contingency | None | Mortgaged buyers use a financing contingency that could hold up the deal if the buyer’s loan doesn’t clear |
| Agent commission | None | 5.8% average |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home sale price on top of agent commission |
Example net proceeds
Below, we’ve put together one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Suppose your home in Columbia is currently worth about $315,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $340,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Columbia | Sell with a top Realtor in Columbia | |
| Estimated sale price | ($340,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $213,000 | $315,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $3,150 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $18,270 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $4,725 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $213,000 | $288,855 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best in your situation will depend on the condition of your property, what level of repairs are needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be challenging in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Speed: ‘We Buy Houses’ companies in Columbia can close on your home quickly, often in days.
- Convenience: Selling your home as-is means no repairs or staging is required.
- Simplicity: Transactions with cash buyers are typically straightforward with less paperwork.
- Market value: Offers from these companies are generally below market value.
- No negotiations: Prices are usually non-negotiable, presenting a take-it-or-leave-it offer.
- Research: It’s essential to thoroughly vet the house-buying company before proceeding.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand in navigating your real estate journey. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer through a trusted platform like Simple Sale or seeking to consult with a top Columbia agent.
Header Image Source: (Mshake/ Depositphotos)
