5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Birmingham
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Joseph Gordon, EditorClose
Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
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Sam Dadofalza, Associate EditorClose
Sam Dadofalza Associate EditorSam Dadofalza is an associate editor at HomeLight, where she crafts insightful stories to guide homebuyers and sellers through the intricacies of real estate transactions. She has previously contributed to digital marketing firms and online business publications, honing her skills in creating engaging and informative content.
“We Buy Houses Cash” Birmingham, Alabama, companies offer a viable solution for homeowners seeking a swift and straightforward home sale. These companies stand out for their all-cash offers, which are particularly appealing if your home requires repairs or renovations you’re not equipped to handle.
A cash sale is especially beneficial for those who lack the time, money, or expertise for costly improvements. It’s likewise an ideal solution for unexpected life changes or urgent circumstances, allowing you to access funds and move forward with your life plans quickly. Whether dealing with financial challenges, family changes, or relocation needs, these companies provide a rapid, hassle-free alternative to traditional home-selling methods.
This article aims to guide you through the intricacies of cash-for-homes sales in Birmingham. We will discuss the pros and cons, equipping you with the information necessary to make an informed decision that best suits your unique situation.
Sell Fast in Birmingham With a Cash Offer or Top Agent
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Birmingham home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 10 days with no repairs or showings. You can also request an expert estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Birmingham agent.
Working with house-buying companies in Birmingham
Selling your house in Birmingham to a house-buying company is an excellent option when you need a quick sale. Understanding the steps involved can help you navigate this route with confidence. Here’s an overview of the process of selling your house for cash:
1. Find a company: Research and identify reputable We Buy Houses companies in Birmingham.
2. Contact the company: Reach out to the chosen company and provide details about your property.
3. Schedule a property assessment: The company will evaluate your property, often involving a visit to assess its condition.
4. Receive an offer: Expect to receive a cash offer from the company, usually with a take-it-or-leave-it approach.
5. Accept the offer: If the offer meets your needs, you can accept it to move forward.
6. Close the deal: Complete the necessary documents and move swiftly toward closing and collecting your payment.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Birmingham
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Birmingham sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your or your parents’ property, whether that’s a Craftsman-style or Colonial-revival home. By working with one of these companies, you can sell your Birmingham home in as little as a week or two.
Birmingham Homebuyers LLC
Since 2018, Birmingham Homebuyers has been helping Alabama homeowners by purchasing homes in any condition. It makes offers within 24 hours of receiving key property details.
The company handles all repairs and cleanouts, allowing sellers to leave items behind and close on their preferred timeline. Whether dealing with an inheritance, major repairs, or a life transition, they offer a straightforward, stress-free solution.
Locations: Birmingham
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Birmingham Homebuyers covers them.
Noted for its business integrity, Birmingham Homebuyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2015 and holds an A+ rating. It has a 4.6-star Google review rating, and consistently receives high praise for its professional and efficient service. Clients describe the selling process as fast and hassle-free, with several noting that the team provided superior communication and follow-up throughout.
Many reviewers were impressed by the fair and competitive offers they received, with one client noting Birmingham Homebuyers outbid other companies. The team is frequently recommended for their respectful, accommodating approach and their ability to close deals quickly, often within days, making it a top choice for sellers looking for a smooth, quick transaction.
Website: cashforhousesbham.com
Phone: 205-502-2161
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Birmingham and across the country can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to one of the largest networks 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 locations throughout Birmingham.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 7 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Birmingham
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a platform by HomeLight, a real estate solutions company founded in 2012. Given its strong focus on excellent customer service, it received BBB accreditation in 2019 and now maintains an impressive A+ rating. The company has 4.8 stars on Google based on hundreds of 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Home Buyers of Birmingham
Home Buyers of Birmingham is a family-owned and operated real estate investment company dedicated to providing tailored solutions for homeowners in Birmingham and surrounding areas. It prioritizes genuinely caring for each homeowner, focusing on understanding their unique circumstances and needs.
Whether clients are facing foreclosure, divorce, or other challenges, Home Buyers of Alabama listens closely and guides them toward the best course of action, even if it means referring them to one of their strategic partners. The company specializes in purchasing homes in any condition, relieving sellers of the burden of repairs or clean-up, and offering a hassle-free, fast cash sale process. As part of their customer service, it lets sellers choose their closing date.
Locations: Statewide, including Birmingham, Huntsville, and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Home Buyers of Birmingham covers them.
Thanks to consistent client satisfaction, Home Buyers of Birmingham has earned a 4.7-star Google review rating. Clients commend the team for its professionalism, fair offers, and excellent communication throughout the buying process. They appreciate how responsive the company is and highlight the staff’s trustworthiness and dedication to ensuring a smooth experience.
Many reviewers say they would gladly work with them again, showing that their experience wasn’t just good, but rather, it went above and beyond. Overall, people highly recommend them to anyone thinking of selling their home.
Website: homebuyersofbirmingham.com
Phone: 205-379-8185
New Again Houses®
New Again Houses is a dedicated home-buying company committed to making the selling process seamless and transforming properties into beautifully remodeled homes for families to enjoy. It facilitates cash purchases for houses in any condition and can close in as little as seven days.
Equipped to handle complex selling challenges, New Again Houses specializes in assisting homeowners dealing with inherited properties, probate processes, and properties in need of repairs. Moreover, it eliminates the hassles of cleaning, agent fees, and multiple showings.
Locations: Statewide, including Birmingham
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; New Again Houses cover them.
Although not BBB accredited, New Again Houses secured an A+ rating from the bureau. Its Google Business Profile has a high 4.6-star review rating. Customers appreciate the staff’s family-oriented nature, noting their commitment to excellence and professionalism throughout the process of buying or selling homes.
Many reviewers emphasize the team’s honesty, reliability, and excellent communication skills, making them a trusted choice for real estate transactions. The overall sentiment reflects a strong recommendation for the company, with clients expressing satisfaction and confidence in their ability to handle properties that may require work.
Website: newagainhouses.com
Phone: 800-450-0363
Cahaba Home Buyers
Cahaba Home Buyers is a local, family-owned business dedicated to assisting homeowners in the Greater Birmingham, Alabama, area with their real estate needs. It specializes in purchasing single-family houses and caters to a variety of circumstances, including inherited properties, relocations, downsizing, and financial difficulties.
The team makes competitive cash offers within 24 hours of receiving key property information and allows homeowners to choose their preferred closing date. Committed to helping clients find effective solutions for unwanted properties, Cahaba Home Buyers aims to make the selling process straightforward and stress-free.
Locations: Statewide, including Birmingham and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cahaba Home Buyers covers them.
Cahaba Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2013 and holds an A+ rating. It holds a 5-star rating on Google, as reviewers highlight a consistently positive experience for clients who have sold their homes. Many customers praise the team’s professionalism and knowledge, as they learned valuable options and ideas throughout the selling process.
Clients often mention how quick and easy the team was to talk to, which helped make the whole process feel simple and stress-free. Many were thankful for the company’s genuine support, especially since living in their homes for many years can be a tough and emotional experience.
Website: cahabahomebuyers.com
Phone: 205-390-1050
Why sell your Birmingham house for cash?
If you’ve ever sold your home through the traditional real estate market, you know the process can drag on for months, and there’s no guarantee of a sale. But when you sell to a We Buy Houses company, you’re looking at a guaranteed sale in just a matter of days. Speed, convenience, and certainty are the top reasons many homeowners choose to work with a cash-for-homes firm.
In Birmingham, selling a home on the open market typically takes about 84 days using an agent. That includes an average of 43 days on the market, from listing to signed contract, plus the typical 41 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the usual seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Birmingham, 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.
Choosing a top We Buy Houses for Cash company in Birmingham can be a fitting solution for various scenarios. Homeowners often find this route appealing for its simplicity and speed. Let’s examine some everyday situations where this option might be beneficial:
- Urgent financial needs: Selling to a house-buying company provides instant cash, which can be beneficial when you’re dealing with emergencies like mounting medical bills or financial hardships.
- Relocation demands: If you need to move quickly due to job relocation or personal reasons, a cash-for-homes firm can finalize the sale transaction in as little as a week.
- Divorce settlement: A cash sale is a quick, uncomplicated way to liquidate shared assets during a divorce.
- Foreclosure solution: Selling for cash can help you settle debts and prevent credit damage from foreclosure.
- Unwanted inheritance: A cash sale lets you quickly offload an inherited home you no longer want to maintain or spend money on.
- Remote home sale: If you want to sell a property in Birmingham but live outside Alabama, working with house-buying companies can simplify the out-of-state sale and allow you to skip traveling back and forth.
- Extensive property damage: With a cash deal, you won’t have to worry about fixing roof or foundation problems.
- Discreet home sale preference: By selling to a cash-offer company, you can choose a private, off-market transaction, skipping public listings and open houses.
- Landlord issues: A cash sale is a fast exit strategy for landlords tired of managing rental properties.
- Life transitions: Working with a house-buying company is suitable for seniors who are downsizing, moving to care facilities, or relocating with relatives, as it simplifies the selling process.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Birmingham
Selling your home to a house-buying company in Birmingham can be an attractive option, especially for those seeking speed and convenience. These companies offer quick sales and accept properties in any condition, eliminating the need for repairs or staging.
Pros of house-buying companies
- Fast transactions: Cash sales facilitated by house-buying companies involve a rapid closing process, often within days.
- No repairs needed: These companies let you sell your home as-is, avoiding renovation expenses.
- Ease of process: A cash sale simplifies the selling experience, requiring minimal paperwork.
- No staging or showings: It eliminates the hassle of preparing and showing your home.
However, while there are significant advantages, it’s important to consider the potential downsides. The primary drawback is receiving an offer that’s likely below the market value compared to a traditional sale with a real estate agent.
Cons of house-buying companies
- Lower offers: These firms typically offer below market value to account for the repair costs and boost profits.
- No negotiation: When house-buying companies make an offer, they’re usually fixed with little to no room for bargaining.
- Limited market exposure: When you sell to a cash-for-home company, you may miss out on higher offers available through open market listings.
- Scam risks: Some cash-offer entities may pose as legitimate buyers, but are actually involved in house-buying scams.
As you consider selling your Birmingham home to a cash buyer, the next crucial step is to vet these buyers properly. Understanding your home’s worth is also key. We’ll cover that in the next section.
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
When you decide to work with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Birmingham, it’s important to remember that the level of integrity and service offered can greatly vary. The experience you have largely depends on the character and reliability of the individuals or groups behind the company.
Before committing to any cash offer, ensure you conduct thorough research. Check online reviews, read testimonials from previous clients, and investigate the company’s presence and performance in the Birmingham market. This vetting process is crucial to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable buyer.
Also, take the time to carefully read and understand the buying agreement before signing. It’s essential to know exactly what you’re agreeing to, to avoid any future surprises or misunderstandings.
Consult with an experienced local agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then, compare that with your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Birmingham. You can also try our Home Value Estimator to get an initial estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Birmingham home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, offer a fast, mostly online home sale process. They use automated valuation models to provide instant home value estimates.
iBuyer companies like Offerpad and Opendoor specialize in all-cash offers close to market value for well-maintained homes, with a quick process from offer to closing. However, they typically charge service fees ranging from 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price.
Listing with an agent
Listing with a top real estate agent can also lead to a quick sale, especially in seller-friendly markets. Agents can often secure higher selling prices, with the top agents selling homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
They provide valuable market insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), which helps set a competitive listing price. This service is typically free. Experienced agents might also connect sellers with cash buyers willing to pay closer to market value. HomeLight can assist in finding top-performing agents in your area.
FAQs on Birmingham house-buying companies
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Birmingham 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 legitimate.
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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most Birmingham We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), 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 take a look at an example offer equation. Let’s say your Birmingham Craftsman-style home could sell for $220,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $25,000 of work to get there.
($220,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $129,000
In this example, a Birmingham We Buy Houses company might offer you about $129,000 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 they look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of the market value while charging a fee for their services.
Accepting an offer from a Birmingham We Buy Houses for Cash company presents a double-edged sword: while you won’t incur additional costs since they handle most processes after acceptance, you may receive a lower overall amount 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 is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might affect your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Birmingham area. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few 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 Birmingham vs. a top Birmingham 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 Birmingham | Sell with a top Realtor® in Birmingham |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 84 days average; 43 to attract an offer, 41 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, and stage the home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings on 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 the title before you can sell the 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 | 3% to 6% of the home’s sale price |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home’s sale price on top of the agent’s 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.
Let’s say your home in Birmingham is currently worth about $195,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $220,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Birmingham | Sell with a top Realtor in Birmingham | |
| Estimated sale price | ($220,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $129,000 | $195,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $1,950 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $5,850 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $2,925 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $129,000 | $184,275 |
As this example illustrates, it’s usually in your best financial interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best for your situation will depend on the condition of your property, the level of repairs needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent’s timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Speedy sale: House-buying companies in Birmingham offer a quick way to sell your property, ideal for urgent situations.
- No repairs: They buy homes as-is, saving you the hassle and cost of repairs.
- Simple process: The selling process is straightforward, with minimal paperwork and no need for showings.
- Lower offers: Be prepared to receive less than market value for your home.
- Property value insights: Know your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
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 Birmingham agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Birmingham area “We Buy Houses” companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the home-buying company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Header Image Source: (sepavone / Depositphotos)
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.
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