5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Waco
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- 15 min read
- Meaghan Hunt, Contributing AuthorCloseMeaghan Hunt Contributing Author
Meaghan Hunt is a writer and editor based in Oklahoma City. She has over a decade of experience writing and editing for the web, magazines, and print publications, and has spent the last several years focused on personal finance topics including real estate. She is a contributing writer for HerMoney Media. Hunt holds an MLIS degree and believes in empowering homebuyers and sellers by connecting them with accessible, digestible, and authoritative information.
- Richard Haddad, Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
“We Buy Houses” Waco companies make all-cash offers for homes that often need some work. This enables sellers who lack the time, expertise, and money for repairs to move quickly and receive the cash proceeds from their homes sooner if they need it.
You may want to sell an inherited property but live outside the region. Perhaps you are going through a divorce and need to offload your property quickly. Whatever your reasons for wanting a fast sale, a We Buy Houses for Cash company can help you.
However, before requesting a cash offer, it’s important to understand how much a Waco house-buying company might offer for your home and weigh your options. Once you’re familiar with the process, you can opt to select a company on our list of some of the top contenders and get moving.
Working with house-buying companies in Waco
We Buy Houses companies in Waco typically promise to give home sellers quick, convenient all-cash offers, and exceptionally speedy closings, often wrapping up the property sale in as few as seven days. These house-buying companies have polished their processes to help sellers who need to move ASAP, and tend to target distressed homes in need of repairs.
Here’s an overview of the process of selling your house for cash:
- You request an all-cash offer. The company will ask you to provide information about your house and property. Some We Buy Houses groups will make a preliminary offer shortly after you submit the request. However, the initial offer is typically subject to change after they have inspected your home.
- The company performs a walk-through. This on-site property visit is typically completed within 24 to 48 hours. The timeframe may vary depending on the company and market.
- You receive a firm offer. Your official cash offer is typically received within 24 hours of the on-site visit, but can sometimes be presented at the end of the walk-through. At this point, you can accept or decline the offer. The majority of house-buying companies do not negotiate. They usually present a take-it-or-leave-it sale price.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a sales contract. With a signed sales agreement, the closing process will begin. Some house-buying companies will initially provide a large deposit or funds to assist the seller with moving costs. Others will pay for the property upfront.
- Close the sale and get paid quickly. We Buy Houses companies can typically close your home sale within seven days to a few weeks. This can vary by company, and sellers who work with a house-buying company often enjoy flexibility in selecting a move-out date that works for them.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Waco
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Waco 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 parents’ property, whether that’s a ranch or a Spanish revival house. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Waco home in as little as a week or two.
Waco First Home Buyers
Waco First Home Buyers is a locally owned real estate solutions company with over 12 years of experience helping homeowners sell their properties with ease. Known for its honest and transparent approach, the team has assisted hundreds of families in reaching their real estate goals.
It specializes in buying homes as-is, eliminating the need for repairs and expenses. Sellers receive a cash offer within 24 hours and have the flexibility to close in just a few days.
Locations: McClennan and Bell Counties
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Waco First Home Buyers covers them.
Recognized for its ethical business practices, Waco First Home Buyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. On Google, it earned 4.9 stars, as previous clients highlight a team that is extremely knowledgeable about the local market and responsive to customer needs. They express appreciation for this buyer’s low-pressure offers and courteousness.
Website: wacofirsthomebuyers.com
Phone: 254-272-0685
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Waco (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 different locations throughout Waco.
With the platform, you can get an all-cash offer in as little as 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 Waco, Texas
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 holds an impressive A+ rating. The company has 4.6 stars on Google based on hundreds of 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
Rudolph the Home Buyer
Rudolph the Home Buyer purchases both residential and commercial properties in Waco and surrounding Texas markets. This local, veteran-owned business specializes in distressed properties and those that require fast sales, focusing on revitalizing and beautifying communities.
The house-buying company presents cash offers within 24 hours of receiving property information. It closes in as little as 7 days.
Locations: Offices in Waco, buying in various Texas markets, including San Antonio, Round Rock, and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Rudolph the Home Buyer covers them.
Although not BBB accredited, Rudolph the Home Buyer maintains an A+ rating from the bureau. Its Google Business Profile has a high average review score of 5 stars.
Clients consistently describe the company as honest, efficient, and easy to work with. Many highlight the fast closing process and the straightforward communication throughout. For those needing to sell a home quickly, this team is often the first choice.
Website: rudolphthehomebuyer.com
Phone: 254-307-2891
We Buy Waco Houses
We Buy Waco Houses is a community-focused real estate investment company helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and easily. It’s committed to offering straightforward, cash-based solutions that remove the stress of traditional selling.
Sellers can skip repairs and avoid agent commissions. With a passion for revitalizing neighborhoods, the company aims to create win-win outcomes for both homeowners and the broader Waco area.
Locations: Office in Waco, serving Bellmead, China Springs, and Hewitt
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Waco Houses covers them.
Thanks to positive customer testimonials, We Buy Waco Houses has a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Previous sellers say working with the company is a smooth and efficient experience.
The team is praised for clear communication, quick answers to questions, and a fast closing process. Many recommend them for making the home-selling journey hassle-free and straightforward.
Website: webuywacohouses.com
Phone: 254-272-3743
Cash Home Buyers Texas
Cash Home Buyers Texas is a trusted real estate investment company offering homeowners across the state a quick and dependable way to sell their properties. They provide no-obligation cash offers within 48 hours, regardless of the home’s condition or location.
The company allows clients to choose a customized closing timeline that works best for their needs. Whether facing financial challenges or simply seeking convenience, homeowners can count on a straightforward sale experience.
Locations: Throughout Texas, including Waco
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cash Homebuyers Texas covers them.
Cash Homebuyers Texas earned a perfect 5-star rating on Google, as previous clients praised its professional homebuying services. Sellers especially commend how the team handled their situations with both empathy and speed, especially during emotionally difficult times like divorce.
Many appreciate the streamlined process, noting that sales were completed in under a week with prompt payment after closing. The team’s professionalism and care leave a strong impression, leading to enthusiastic recommendations.
Website: cashhomebuyerstexas.com
Phone: 281-524-3901
Why sell your Waco 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 Waco, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes around 95 days. That includes an average of about 54 days listed on the market, plus the 41 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 Waco, 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.
These companies are growing in popularity, especially for sellers who do not have the typically required long weeks or months to prepare, market, and close on a traditional home sale. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons Waco sellers decide to use a We Buy Houses for Cash company over listing a property the traditional way.
- Extensive property damage: The property has significant problems that are common in Waco, such as faulty air conditioning systems and foundation damage, which can turn off traditional homebuyers.
- Expensive repairs: The seller doesn’t have the necessary funds or desire to make home repairs.
- Sudden life change: The seller needs to cash in quickly or move ASAP due to a divorce, medical need, financial strain, job relocation, or some other pressing family or life change.
- Traditional sale inconveniences: The seller doesn’t want the stress, work, or headaches of prepping the home, coordinating showings, negotiating, or navigating a lengthy or complex sales process.
- Discreet sale preference: The seller desires the privacy of selling their property quietly off-market to a cash buyer.
- Foreclosure solution: The seller is facing foreclosure and just wants to sell the home and settle their debts with the lender before the situation (or credit history) gets worse.
- Unwanted inheritance: The seller wants a convenient and fast way to unload an inherited property.
- Landlord exit: The seller is a landlord who no longer wants to manage a rental property, or wants to relieve themselves of a problem tenant.
- Downsizing transition: The aging homeowner decides to downsize and move in with a relative or into a care facility, prompting their family to sell the property for convenience or to help fund the move.
- Remote sale: The seller is living out of state and desires the benefits of an easy, quick cash sale without the hassle of traveling back and forth.
If you are a homeowner facing any of these circumstances, requesting a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company might be a good option to consider. However, it’s prudent to think of this as a starting point in your search for solutions. You won’t know if it’s your best move until you know more about other options available to you, which we’ll help you review in a minute.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Waco
You’ve probably noticed that We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Waco can trigger a mixed bag of thoughts that can be difficult to sort. You may like the idea of speed and convenience, but you might be having trouble balancing these with the premium you might pay for a cash-offer service.
In this next section, we’ll walk you through some of the pros and cons of using a We Buy Houses company so you can better weigh your options.
Pros of We Buy Houses for Cash in Waco
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Waco is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required, and they’ll buy homes in any condition.
If your home was severely damaged in a weather event, or you’ve fallen years behind on routine maintenance, you can still sell without needing to make the extensive repairs that financed buyers may require.
Here are some other pros to consider:
- Speedy transaction: You can typically sell your house in as few as seven to 10 days. This is especially beneficial if you need to move quickly.
- More certainty: With a pre-offer walk-through, a house-buying company can provide a firm cash offer with few or no contingencies. We Buy Houses companies have refined their transaction methods to clear away many traditional roadblocks so sellers can plan with more confidence.
- No repairs: Again, if your home is in need of repairs you can’t afford, you can skip them altogether. Or, if you don’t have the desire or time to tackle repairs, a We Buy Houses company can be a fitting solution to sell a home in poor condition.
- Less hassle: You won’t need to worry about showings, open houses, multiple offers, negotiations, low appraisals, or the risk of the buyer’s financing falling through. When you work with a reputable We Buy Houses for Cash company in Waco, you’re likely going to experience a smooth journey from offer to close.
That all may sound pretty great to you as a seller if you’re looking to move within weeks rather than the months it might take you to list and sell your home on the market with an agent. However, there are downsides to working with Cash-For-Homes companies. Namely, they typically offer substantially below market value for your home.
Cons of We Buy Houses for Cash in Waco
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses site, remember that these are house-buying companies, which means they’re ultimately trying to make a profit. They plan to fix up your home and either resell it or rent it out. That takes considerable time, skill, and investment.
Here are some potential downsides to weigh:
- Lower-priced offers: Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), the value that your house could sell for on the market once it’s all fixed up, and deduct repair costs. This means the cash offer you receive may be markedly lower than what you could get for your home on the market.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: There can be a vast difference in a house-buying company’s knowledge of a market. One may have localized information, such as specific neighborhood data, which enables the company to leverage that knowledge into more competitive cash offers. A company without this expertise may give you a lowball offer.
- Scam risks: As with any industry, there’s a risk of falling in with a less trustworthy company. Some companies posing as cash-for-homes firms may engage in fraud tactics, though it’s rare.
- Pressure tactics: We Buy Houses for Cash companies know that homeowners in need of a quick sale are often facing a desperate situation. While many offer real solutions, some companies take advantage of this urgency by applying pressure tactics. If you feel pressured to accept an offer, step away and reassess your options. There are a good number of established We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Waco to choose from.
Your home is more than a place where you make memories with family, it’s also likely your biggest asset. Sure, you want to sell quickly, but you could be leaving major money on the table if you choose to work with one of these We Buy Houses for Cash companies.
Always do your research, compare your options, and consult with a trusted advisor before accepting any offer.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
For many home sellers, We Buy Houses for Cash companies can be a solid solution to sell a property quickly or access cash for an unexpected life challenge. On the other hand, the cash-for-your-home rehabbing business model has also led to what some housing advocates call predatory tactics.
The level of integrity and customer service you experience can vary, even within an established house-buying company that strives to maintain consistent business standards. This is because many We Buy Houses for Cash companies are franchises and often use independent investors or local wholesaling outfits. Your experience greatly depends on the character of the person or group making the offer.
If you are considering a cash offer, vet the company thoroughly. Check reviews, read testimonials, and research its presence and performance in the market. And, of course, read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
Get a home value estimate
Before committing to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, consult with a top agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then compare cash offers to what a top agent might be able to get for your home.
HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market. You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Within the Cash-For-Homes industry, you’ll also encounter a particular group of companies known as instant buyers or iBuyers.
iBuyer companies offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage automated valuation models (AVMs), which use algorithmic technology to apply historic and current market data to their estimates. These allow iBuyers to make a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home sale experience.
iBuyers have only been around since the mid-2010s, but are now widely available across Texas. They provide all-cash offers for homes and can close a sale in a matter of days to a few weeks.
However, unlike typical We Buy Houses for Cash companies, iBuyers generally seek out homes that are in better condition and usually provide cash offers that are closer to market value, typically in the 90% range.
When considering the iBuyer option, it’s important to note that major companies like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge sizable service fees that can range between 5% and 6% of the home’s sale price.
Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in Waco include those who prefer to skip staging and showing their home, live in an area with somewhat similar housing, and have a home in relatively good shape.
Listing with an agent
It might be surprising to see this agent option included in our story about Cash-For-Homes businesses. Most homeowners seeking information about house-buying companies want to sell a home quickly, not in 95 days. But it’s wise to consider all your options.
If your home is in a housing market that’s seller-friendly, listing your property with a top real estate agent can result in a fast sale, especially if the house is strategically priced and superbly marketed.
Depending on the property and local market conditions, using an agent could pay off. Selling on the market typically yields the highest selling price, even more so if you partner with a proven professional. HomeLight’s internal real estate transaction data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Another significant benefit of consulting with a trusted agent is the insight they can provide through a comparative market analysis (CMA). This market report helps calculate the home’s value, evaluating the property’s size, features, location, age, and other details in relation to similar properties that have recently sold in the area.
A CMA can help you determine an appropriate listing price, which can help estimate how quickly it might sell. In addition, an experienced agent who knows your market may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to pay closer to your home’s market value.
Many agents will provide a CMA for free, with no obligation to list your home with them. It can be a valuable tool to weigh your options. If, in the end, you decide to sell to a house-buying company, you can proceed with more confidence, knowing you fully examined your options and made a sound financial decision.
If you are interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
FAQs on Waco house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies 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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most 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 Waco Spanish revival home could sell for $245,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $25,000 of work to get there.
($245,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $146,500
In this example, a Waco We Buy Houses company might offer you around $146,500 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 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.
When you accept an offer from a 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. On the other side, 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 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 flat-out ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your 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 Waco vs. top Waco 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 Waco | Sell with a top Realtor in Waco |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 95 days average; 54 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 and 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 ranch home in Waco is currently worth about $220,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $245,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Waco | Sell with a top Realtor in Waco | |
Estimated sale price | ($245,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $146,500 | $220,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,200 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $6,600 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $3,300 (1.5% of the sale price |
Estimated take-home for seller | $146,500 | $207,900 |
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
- Quick, convenient sale: We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Waco can help you sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, open houses, or showings.
- Due diligence: There are a number of reputable Cash-For-Homes companies serving Waco, but it’s important to vet each firm thoroughly to ensure they align with your selling goals.
- Selling alternatives: Using a We Buy Houses company could mean leaving a significant amount of money on the table compared to an agent-assisted or iBuyer sale.
- Legitimate cash buyers: HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Waco. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the region, it can be a great starting point if you aren’t sure who would buy your home.
House-buying companies can be a good alternative for Waco sellers in need of a quick home sale, but it’s important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to selling your home, it’s wise to avoid making any hasty decisions.
Before making a commitment to a Cash-For-Homes company, gather multiple offers and take the time to weigh your options. Consider consulting with a top agent for expert insights on how soon and for how much your property might sell on the market. Whatever you decide, HomeLight would be happy to help with your real estate needs.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Waco 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: (trongnguyen / Unsplash)