6 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Alabama

If you need to sell your Alabama home quickly, a We Buy Houses for Cash company could be the best solution. However, before you request a cash offer, it’s important to understand how much an Alabama house-buying company might offer for your home and weigh all your options. Once you’re familiar with the process, you can opt to select a company from our list of some of the top contenders and get moving.

Working with house-buying companies in Alabama

We Buy Houses companies in Alabama typically promise quick, all-cash offers and ultra-fast closings, often in as few as seven days. They tend to target distressed properties in need of repairs, and work with sellers who need to move ASAP.

Here’s how the process generally works:

1. You request an offer and provide the company with some information about your home. Some companies may make a preliminary offer at this stage, but it’s usually subject to change once they’ve inspected your property.
2. The company completes a walk-through of your property, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
3. The company makes a firm offer (usually within 24 hours, sometimes on-site after the walk-through), which you can accept or decline. Most of these companies will not negotiate on price, so the offer is a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
4. If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a contract, and the closing process will begin. Some companies offer a large deposit or moving cost assistance, and a few may even pay for the home upfront.
5. Closing and getting paid is quick, typically 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 Alabama

If the advantages of selling to a house-buying company in Alabama resonate with you, it’s time to find a reputable operation you can rely on.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the leading companies that will pay cash for your parents’ Victorian-era Queen Anne home in Montgomery; after all, old homes need a lot of upkeep. Or, while Roll Tide and ‘Bama will forever hold a special place in your heart, your career has led you to Georgia, and you need fast cash to make the move. Selling to one of these companies could facilitate the sale of your Alabama home within a week or two.

Note: Individual program details frequently change. Please visit a company’s website for the most up-to-date information on each program’s fees, market coverage, business model, and more. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.

Why sell for cash in Alabama?

There are a lot of reasons why an Alabama seller may choose to go the Cash-For-Homes route, speed and certainty being primary factors.

In Alabama, it typically takes around 100 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 57 days on market, plus the typical 43 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.

Compare that to the typical seven days promised by many We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Alabama, and you can see why these companies remain popular, even though they don’t always offer top dollar.

Not every seller has months to prep, market, show, and close. Let’s look at some common reasons Alabama sellers choose Cash-For-Homes companies over listing the traditional way.

• The home has major repair issues common in Alabama such as grading and drainage issues after especially heavy rains in Birmingham or near the many state rivers.
• The seller needs to move or cash in quickly due to divorce, job relocation, medical need, financial stress, etc.
• The seller doesn’t have the means or desire to make repairs.
• The seller doesn’t want to bother prepping the home, dealing with showings, negotiating, or navigating a long sales process.
• The seller prefers the privacy of selling their home off-market to a cash buyer.
• The seller is in the foreclosure process and wants to sell the home and settle up with the lender before it’s too late.
• The seller inherited property and wants to unload it as quickly as possible.
• The seller is a landlord who has problem tenants or no longer wishes to manage a rental property.
• The homeowner is aging and moving into a care facility, prompting their family to sell the home.
• The seller is living out of Alabama and prefers the ease of a cash sale.

If any of these sounds like you, requesting a cash offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company might be a good starting point, though it’s not your only option, and it may not be your best move (we’ll dive into your other options in just a minute!).

Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Alabama

By now, you’ve probably figured out that We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Alabama are a bit of a mixed bag. You get speed and service, but you may pay a sizable premium for that service. Let’s walk through a few pros and cons to consider while weighing your options.

Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash in Alabama

One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Alabama 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.

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 to We Buy Houses for Cash in Alabama

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.

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 a We Buy Houses for Cash company.

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 get a property sold quickly or to access cash for an expected life challenge. On the other hand, the Cash-For-Homes 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, HomeLight suggests you 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.

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.

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Other options to sell your home quickly

iBuyers

Within the Cash-For-Homes industry, you’ll also encounter a particular group of companies known as iBuyers, or instant buyers.

iBuyer companies offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage algorithmic technology, otherwise known as automated valuation models (or AVMs), to make you 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 Alabama.

iBuyers offer all-cash and can close in a matter of days to a few weeks. But unlike more traditional We Buy Houses for Cash companies, iBuyers tend to look for homes in better condition and offer much closer to market value, typically in the 85%–95% range.

However, one thing to note is that major iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad usually charge sizable fees for their services, between 5% and 6%.

Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in Alabama include those who prefer to skip staging and showing their home, who live in an area with somewhat similar housing, and who have a home in relatively good shape.

Listing with an agent

You want to sell your house quickly, not in 100 days. But hear us out! With tight housing inventories in many markets, selling with an agent can still be swift, especially for homes that are priced strategically.

Going with an agent could pay off big time. Selling on the market generally fetches the highest home price, and that’s especially true if you work with a skilled professional. Our internal transaction data at HomeLight shows that the top 5% of Alabama real estate agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.

This is a big financial decision, so it may make sense to consult with a trusted Alabama real estate agent who can complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand your home’s value and how quickly it’s likely to sell.

Your agent may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to offer closer to market value for your home.

Plus, a CMA is usually free, and you’re under no obligation to list with the agent, so this may be a good tool to explore your options. Even if you end up deciding to work with a Cash-For-Homes company, at least you’ll know you’re making a sound financial decision.

Overwhelmed by finding an agent? HomeLight would be happy to connect you with a top performer in your area today.

FAQs on Alabama house-buying companies

Are We Buy Houses for Cash companies legit or scams?

Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legit, and this business model has been around for decades.

However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for scams or anything that just doesn’t seem right. Always thoroughly research companies ahead of time. Verify all professional licenses, check customer reviews, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the Better Business Bureau website.

How much will We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Alabama pay?

Most Cash-For-Homes companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), minus repair costs.

Here’s what that simple formula looks like:

(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs

Now let’s take a look at a practical example. Let’s say your Alabama Craftsman home could sell for $350,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.

($350,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $215,000

In this example, an Alabama Cash-For-Homes company will probably offer you about $215,000 for your property.

However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay closer to 85%-95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.

How much does selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Alabama cost?

Selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company shouldn’t cost you any money, though you’ll likely get less overall for your home.

Since these companies are geared toward distressed homes, they tend to have zero fees, and will even cover your closing costs. That means the offer you get is the price you should walk away with. Make sure to ask about any hidden program fees that could eat into your bottom line.

How do you sell a house for cash in Alabama?

1. Research and vet house-buying companies available in your area. The above list is a great place to start.
2. Submit offer requests to your top few companies.
3. Schedule any on-site visits.
4. Field and compare offers. Choose the best option for you.
5. Close in a week to 30 days and get paid (or you can often choose a later closing date, up to 90 days after receiving the offer)

We Buy Houses for Cash in Alabama vs. top Alabama agent

Wondering how a We Buy Houses for Cash company stacks up against working with a top Alabama real estate agent? We’ve got you covered.

Example net proceeds

Let’s say your home in Mobile is currently worth about $218,000 and needs about $15,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are made, the home should be worth around $233,000.

Obviously, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to go with a top agent, but depending on the condition of your home and any repairs needed, selling on the open market could be challenging.

House-buying companies can be a good alternative for Alabama sellers in need of a quick exit from homeownership, but they’re not without drawbacks. However you choose to sell your home, it’s important to avoid making a hasty decision.

For best results, take the time to weigh your options, gather offers from multiple companies, and consider consulting with a top agent to see how easily your property could sell on the market. Whatever you decide, HomeLight would be happy to help with your Alabama real estate needs!

Writer Chelsea Levinson and Contributing Editor Frances Metz assisted with this post.

Header Image Source: (Nathan Anderson / Unsplash)