How to Sell my House for Cash in Columbus
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Alexandra Lee Associate EditorClose
Alexandra Lee Associate EditorAlexandra is an associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.
If you’re looking to sell a house for cash in Columbus, chances are you’re seeking a quick, uncomplicated sale. With this type of transaction, you can skip home prep, avoid repairs and showings, and close on your own timeline.
The three big questions on your mind might be:
The three big questions on your mind might be:
- How do I sell a house for cash in Columbus?
- What does this convenience cost?
- How much more can I get for my Columbus house if I make repairs?
In this post, we’ll explain the two most common options for receiving an all-cash offer in Columbus and break down what your offer might look like, depending on who you sell to and whether you make repairs or sell as-is.
Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Agent
No staging, no open houses, no repairs. Request a cash offer from HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform and close in as little as 10 days. You can also receive and compare an estimate of what a top agent might be able to get for your house.
Options to sell my house for cash in Columbus
Homeowners typically have two primary ways to sell for cash in Columbus: by working directly with a house-buying company or investor or hiring a real estate agent who can attract a cash offer from a traditional buyer. Each option can provide varying levels of proceeds.
Before we get into the details, try out the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how a cash offer in Columbus might compare depending on your selling method.
As demonstrated above, your cash offer amount will be significantly higher if your Columbus home is in good condition. However, not every homeowner has the time, resources, or desire to take on major repairs. For those facing an impending life or job change, financial strain, or the need to sell an inherited property from out of state, the speed and convenience of an all-cash offer sometimes can’t be beat.
Let’s break down what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Columbus.
Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Columbus
House-buying companies and investor groups specialize in purchasing homes for cash. Many buy properties in “as-is” condition, meaning you don’t need to clean, make repairs, or stage your Columbus home before selling. They are commonly known as “We Buy Houses” companies.
Other house-buying companies that serve Columbus, known as iBuyers, only purchase homes in good condition or move-in-ready “turnkey properties.” The most well-known iBuyers are Opendoor and Offerpad, which pay higher cash offers but charge a fee of around 5% of the home’s price.
We Buy Houses companies in Columbus typically follow a similar streamlined process:
- You submit information about your Columbus property online or over the phone.
- They assess the home’s value using local market data and an on-site visit.
- You receive a no-obligation cash offer, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you accept, they can close in as little as 7 to 14 days.
Some Columbus cash buyers fix and flip homes, while others rent them out or hold them as investments. Typically, they aim to purchase below market value to allow room for more profit.
Most We Buy Houses investors in Columbus follow the 70% rule of house flipping, which suggests that the purchase price should not exceed 70% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV) minus the estimated cost of repairs. Our comparison calculator above applies a formula to show a range of the 70% rule, as well as an 80% guideline used by many rental property investors.
Keep in mind that these are general rules, and some Columbus cash-for-homes companies may offer more or less depending on the property’s location and condition.
»Learn more: 5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Columbus
Pros and cons of selling to a Columbus cash buyer company
| Pros | Cons |
| Speed: Close and have cash in hand within a matter of days, not months | Lower sale price: Cash offers are typically below market value |
| No repairs required: Sell your Columbus home in its current condition, without repairs | Take-it-or-leave-it offer: Companies typically present a non-negotiable cash offer |
| Convenience: Skip showings, open houses, or drawn-out negotiations | Less competition: By selling off-market, you’re not exposing the home to multiple buyers |
| No fees or commissions: Most companies cover closing costs and eliminate commissions | Not suitable for all situations: An agent-assisted sale can make more sense in certain circumstances |
| Certainty: There’s less risk of a deal falling through due to contingencies or loan issues | Unscrupulous buyers and scams: Not every cash buyer is trustworthy |
While many legitimate investors operate in Columbus, it’s important to keep an eye out for red flags, such as a company that pressures you into making quick decisions or lacks an established track record and online presence. Instead, search for companies with verified reviews, local market knowledge, and clear communication.
»Learn more: We Buy Houses Pros and Cons: Make an Informed Decision
A better way to find trusted cash buyers in Columbus
HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of pre-vetted cash buyers in Columbus and throughout the U.S., helping you review offers without navigating the investor world on your own.
Here is the 4-step Simple Sale process:
To get started, you’ll enter a few details about your Columbus home and receive a no-obligation offer within 24 hours. If you accept, you can close in as few as 7 days or select your preferred move-out date. In addition, you’ll also receive a professional estimate of what your home could sell for using a top Columbus real estate agent, so you can easily compare your options.
Option 2: Attract a cash buyer with a top Columbus agent
Not all cash offers come from investors or companies. In Columbus’s competitive housing market, many individual buyers come prepared with cash, whether downsizing, relocating after selling a home in Florida, or looking for a second home to capitalize on the local rental market. A top Columbus real estate agent can help position your home to attract these kinds of buyers.
»Learn more: Why Hire a Real Estate Agent When You’re Selling or Buying
Pros and cons of selling with a top Columbus agent
| Pros | Cons |
| A higher sale price: Agents can increase your listing’s exposure to attract multiple offers | Longer timeline: A traditional listing in Columbus can take weeks or even months to close |
| Professional guidance: Pricing, marketing, and negotiations are handled for you | Prep work required: You may need to clean, stage, or make repairs before listing |
| Broad market access: Reach more cash buyers through the MLS and agent networks | Showings and disruptions: Selling with an agent can involve more disruptions to your schedule |
| Reduced stress: Agents handle complex tasks, freeing your time and removing pitfalls | Commission fees: You’ll need to account for agent fees as a percentage of the sale price |
| Legal protection: You’ll receive professional guidance on disclosures and federal fair housing laws | Uncertainty of sale: Even with an agent, there’s no guarantee of a quick sale, and offers can fall through |
»Learn more: Should I Sell to a Home Investor or List With an Agent?
The easy way to find top-rated Columbus agents
If you’re leaning toward working with an agent, HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with Columbus’s top-performing agents based on real transaction data. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.
Whether you’re aiming to attract a cash offer or want to explore all your options, the right Columbus agent can help you maximize your sale. For a no-obligation consultation with a trusted agent, share a little about your selling goals and timeline.
Which cash sale option is right for you?
If speed, simplicity, and hassle-free experience are your top priorities, selling to a vetted Columbus cash buyer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform could be the right fit.
If you’re willing to invest more time for a potentially higher offer — and don’t mind preparing your home for the market — working with a top Columbus agent may be the best choice.
When you request a Simple Sale offer, you’ll also receive an expert estimate of what your Columbus home could sell for with a top agent, so you can confidently compare both options.
Still on the fence about selling a house for cash in Columbus? Use our Home Cash Offer Comparison Calculator above to get a sense of what your home could sell for, depending on which approach you take. Then, request a no-obligation offer or consult with a trusted Columbus expert.
While there’s no universal answer, the right tools and expert guidance can help you make a confident, fully informed decision.
Heaer Image Source: (Chelaxy Designs/ Unsplash)
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