We Buy Houses Bellevue: 5 Top Companies
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Joseph Gordon EditorCloseJoseph Gordon Editor
Joseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
“We Buy Houses” Bellevue companies offer a unique solution for homeowners who need to sell quickly. These businesses make all-cash offers, which can be great for sellers without the time, money, or desire to wade through the traditional home-selling process. This option is especially ideal for properties that require extensive repairs.
This post will explore both sides of the coin, presenting the pros and cons of a cash-for-homes sale and explaining how the process works to help you make an informed decision about selling your Bellevue home.
Working with house-buying companies in Bellevue
A cash-for-homes company facilitates a simple, no-fuss transaction ideal for selling fast. With no repairs, showings, or long waits, it’s a quick and convenient way to move on to what’s next. To understand how it works, here’s an overview of the process of selling your house for cash:
- Research companies: Start by identifying reputable house-buying companies that operate in Bellevue. Look for those with positive reviews and a solid track record to ensure a smooth transaction.
- Submit your details: Contact your chosen company with information about your property. This typically involves filling out a form on their website or making a direct call to provide details about your home’s condition, location, and size.
- Receive an offer: After reviewing your home’s information, the company will likely present you with a cash offer. This usually happens quickly, often within a few days of your initial inquiry.
- Accept the offer: If it aligns with your expectations, you can accept the offer. Remember, these offers are usually non-negotiable, but aim for a fair valuation based on your home’s current state and market conditions.
- Close the sale: After accepting the offer, you’ll move to close the sale. The company takes care of most of the paperwork and closing details, working to wrap things up quickly based on your timeline. Depending on your agreement, closing can happen in as little as a week.
- Receive your cash: After closing, you will receive the cash for your home, allowing you to move forward with your plans without the wait or uncertainty of the traditional market.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Bellevue
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Bellevue 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 you or your parents’ property, whether that’s a split-level or a ranch home. By selling to one of these companies, you can sell your Bellevue home in as little as a week or two.
Blue Bird Buyers
Blue Bird Buyers specializes in providing fair, all-cash offers to homeowners across Nebraska. It purchases properties as-is, eliminating the need for repairs, cleaning, or staging.
The team operates swiftly, presenting a cash offer within 24 hours of contact. The property inspections are quick and efficient, typically completed in under 60 minutes. By purchasing directly from homeowners, Blue Bird Buyers removes the complications of traditional listings.
Locations: Throughout Nebraska, including Bellevue
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Blue Bird Buyers cover them.
Blue Bird Buyers has a 5-star Google review rating. Customers have shared their positive experiences, mentioning the company’s quick response, fair pricing, and overall satisfaction with the service. One reviewer noted that the process was smooth and straightforward, and another mentioned that the company was very helpful and made the sale process easy.
Website: bluebirdbuyers.com
Phone number: 531-201-1414
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Bellevue (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 in different locations throughout Bellevue, even those that need some or a lot of work.
With this platform, 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 Bellevue
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or 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 emphasis on excellent customer service, it has received its BBB accreditation and now holds 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
Bigger Equity
BiggerEquity, a nationwide house-buying company that began operations in 2016, is committed to making the home-selling process timely and stress-free. The team understands that parting with a property, especially during challenging times, can be difficult, which is why they aim to provide a supportive and efficient solution.
Homeowners can expect a prompt cash offer within seven minutes and a closing timeframe of approximately one week. By eliminating the uncertainty of traditional listings and buyer delays, Bigger Equity offers a more reliable alternative.
Locations: All 50 U.S. states, including Nebraska
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; BiggerEquity covers them.
BiggerEquity has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile has 4.8 stars on Google, with most reviewers describing their selling experience as overwhelmingly positive.
Some emphasize the team’s professionalism and reliability, while others express confidence in referring others, especially those needing a fast home sale. Overall, past clients note how easy and pleasant the entire process felt from beginning to end.
Website: biggerequity.com
Phone number: 866-333-8377
Anna Buys Houses
Since 2020, Anna Buys Houses has been purchasing different types of homes, helping those who are facing a range of personal, property, or financial challenges. Whether dealing with job relocation, burdensome rental properties, or the threat of foreclosure, the team offers compassionate and efficient solutions.
The team is composed of certified senior transition specialists, bringing both formal training and personal experience to assist seniors and their families during the sale of long-held homes. Known for their professionalism and integrity, Anna Buys Houses provides fair, no-obligation offers within 24 to 48 hours and closes deals within 7 to 10 days.
Locations: Throughout Nebraska, including Bellevue
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Anna Buys Houses covers them.
Anna Buys Houses has been BBB accredited since 2021 and currently holds an A+ rating. Earning several positive testimonials from past clients, its Google Business Profile reflects a perfect 5-star rating.
Clients often highlight the team’s approachable and collaborative nature, noting how they take the time to meet in person and understand each seller’s unique situation. Many say the company is a pleasure to work with, praising the professionalism and warmth shown throughout the process.
Website: annabuyshouses.com
Phone number: 402-313-8700
Omaha Homes for Cash
Omaha Homes for Cash specializes in buying homes in as-is condition. It approaches each homeowner with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to clear communication. Their team ensures clients are fully informed throughout the process, offering thoughtful guidance and detailed explanations of each proposal.
Recognizing that circumstances vary, they tailor their services to fit each client’s timeline and goals. Integrity is at the heart of every offer, with no hidden terms or pressure. Moreover, the closing schedule is entirely up to the seller.
Locations: Omaha and surrounding areas, including Bellevue
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Omaha Homes For Cash covers them.
Omaha Homes For Cash has been BBB accredited since 2020 and has earned an A+ rating from the bureau. It boasts a 5-star rating on Google, where many clients highlight the team’s professionalism and honesty.
Some shared having a seamless selling experience, while others noted how attentive the staff was to their concerns. Overall, the company was highly recommended by past clients.
Website: omahahomesforcash.com
Phone number: 402-226-8963
Why sell your Bellevue house for cash?
There are several reasons why sellers choose to sell their properties for cash. The main drivers are often the speed and ease of the transaction and a near-guaranteed sale.
In Bellevue, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes around 58 days. That includes an average of 18 days on the market plus the typical 40 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 Bellevue, 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.
Here are some of the most common scenarios where contacting a house-buying company in Bellevue might be your best option:
- Job relocation: If you’re relocating for a job, selling your home for cash can simplify your move by ensuring a quick sale without the need for travel back and forth.
- Divorce settlement: During a divorce, selling your home for cash offers a fast and uncomplicated way to divide marital assets and start anew.
- Unwanted inheritance: Inheriting property often comes with financial and emotional burdens; a cash sale can quickly resolve these issues.
- Downsizing transition: For those looking to downsize, selling for cash facilitates a smoother transition to your next home or retirement community.
- Major repairs needed: If your home is in poor condition requiring significant repairs, a cash sale can save you from the daunting costs and efforts involved.
- Open house stress: Selling for cash means no open houses, offering privacy and convenience during the sale process.
- Foundation issues: Houses with foundation problems can be difficult to sell traditionally; cash buyers often purchase such homes as-is.
- Looming foreclosure: Selling for cash might provide a way out for homeowners facing foreclosure, potentially salvaging credit and offering a fresh start.
- Problematic tenants: If you’re dealing with difficult tenants, selling your rental property for cash can be a clean break from landlord responsibilities.
- Remote home sale: Managing a sale from out of state is challenging; a cash sale eliminates the need for long-distance coordination.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Bellevue
Selling to a We Buy Houses company can be a great option for homeowners who need a quick and hassle-free sale, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Like any selling method, it comes with its own set of pros and cons that are worth weighing before you decide. Here’s a quick look at the primary ones you should consider:
Pros:
- Speedy sale: The most significant advantage is the rapid sale process. It often closes within a week, allowing you to move on with your life quickly.
- As-is purchase: These companies buy your home as-is, meaning you won’t have to spend time or money on repairs, staging, or cleaning.
- Zero real estate fees: Selling to a cash buyer eliminates the need for real estate agent commissions, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
- No contingencies: Cash sales typically bypass many of the contingencies that can slow or complicate traditional sales, like financing approval or home inspection issues.
Cons:
- Below-market-value offers: The most significant drawback is that these companies often purchase homes at below market value, which means you might receive less than if you sold traditionally.
- Limited negotiation: Offers from house-buying companies are typically non-negotiable, leaving you with a take-it-or-leave-it decision.
- Scam risks: Although many companies are reputable, there’s a risk of falling victim to scams, necessitating thorough research and caution.
- Missed market premium: In a seller’s market, you might miss out on receiving premium offers that come from multiple interested buyers in a competitive environment.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company in Bellevue, remember that your experience can significantly vary based on the company’s integrity and service quality. It’s essential to thoroughly vet the person or company making the offer on your home.
This means checking reviews, reading testimonials, and researching their market presence and performance. A trustworthy company should have a transparent process and a solid record of fair dealings with homeowners.
Before you commit to a cash offer, carefully read the buying agreement. Understanding every term and condition is vital to avoid surprises down the line.
HomeLight suggests consulting with an experienced local agent to gauge your home’s worth on the open market. This comparison can help you decide whether the cash offer represents fair value for your home.
Connect with a top-performing agent in Bellevue and try our Home Value Estimator for an initial estimate of your home’s worth in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Bellevue home quickly
Exploring quick sale options beyond traditional cash-for-homes companies can lead you to iBuyers and real estate agents, each offering unique advantages.
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make instant, near-market-value offers for homes in good condition. The house-buying process is streamlined and primarily online, offering a quick close. However, iBuyer companies charge service fees of 5% to 6%.
On the other hand, listing with a real estate agent might seem counterintuitive when seeking speed. However, in a seller’s market, a well-priced and marketed home can sell quickly, potentially at a higher price.
Agents provide valuable insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often free, helping you to set a competitive price and understand your home’s market value. For those open to exploring this avenue, HomeLight can connect you with top-performing agents in your area, possibly even finding cash buyers willing to meet or exceed market value.
FAQs on Bellevue house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Bellevue 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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue split-level could sell for $290,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($290,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $173,000
In this example, a Bellevue We Buy Houses company might offer you around $173,000 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 market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Bellevue We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On the one hand, 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 hand, 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 for any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Bellevue 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 Bellevue vs. top Bellevue 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 Bellevue | Sell with a top Realtor in Bellevue |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 58 days average; 18 to attract an offer, 40 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 Bellevue is currently worth about $260,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $290,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Bellevue | Sell with a top Realtor in Bellevue | |
Estimated sale price | ($290,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $173,000 | $260,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,600 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $7,800 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $3,900 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $173,000 | $245,700 |
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, convenient transaction: Selling your Bellevue home to a house-buying company offers unparalleled speed and convenience, making it ideal for urgent or complex situations.
- As-is sale: You can sell your home as it stands, avoiding the cost and time associated with repairs and upgrades.
- No agent fees: By bypassing traditional selling methods, you save on real estate agent commissions.
- Below-market-value offers: Be prepared for offers below market value, which is a common trade-off for the convenience of a quick sale.
- Home value: Always know your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to help you navigate 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-performing agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Bellevue 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: (Tim Umphreys/Unsplash)