5 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Boulder
- Published on
- 15 min read
- Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorCloseKelsey Morrison Former HomeLight Editor
Kelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
If you own a home in Boulder, Colorado that needs some work — maybe there are cracks in the foundation or the roof is due to be replaced — selling the traditional way can prove challenging. Additionally, if you can’t afford to wait weeks or months for your home to go under contract, you may be looking for faster alternatives to the open market. Enter “We Buy Houses” companies; cash buyers who purchase properties in any condition, on a short timeline.
Because they pay all cash, “We Buy Houses” companies in Boulder can typically close sales in seven days to two weeks. Their services are often free for sellers — many companies will cover closing costs, and there are no agent commissions or fees to worry about. The catch is that cash-for-homes companies often pay less than market value to guarantee a profit when they resell.
In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Boulder. We’ll highlight some of the most reputable companies in the local market, and share other methods for selling your home quickly when time is of the essence. These insights will make it easy to pick the option that best fits your situation and financial goals.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Boulder area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with We Buy Houses companies in Boulder
Partnering with a “We Buy Houses” company in Boulder simplifies the sales process, making it straightforward and quick. Here’s what to expect if you decide to go this route:
- Find a company: Research and select a reputable house-buying company in Boulder. Look for those with positive reviews and a proven track record.
- Inquire and provide details: Contact your chosen company to express your interest in selling. You’ll need to provide them with basic information about your property, such as its location, size, and condition.
- Receive an offer: The company will likely conduct a brief evaluation of your home, either virtually or in person, and then present you with a cash offer, typically within a couple of days.
- Accept the offer: If the offer meets your expectations, you can accept it. Remember, these offers are usually non-negotiable.
- Close the sale: After accepting the offer, closing is usually quick. The company handles most of the paperwork, and you’ll receive your cash via wire transfer.
- Move out: Once everything is settled, you’ll finalize your move-out date. The quick process gives you the flexibility to move on to your next phase in life without the usual delays of selling a home.
Popular We Buy Houses companies in Boulder
If you’re intrigued by the speed and ease of selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Bouler, the next step is to find a reputable one you can trust.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your or your parents’ midcentury modern or Craftsman-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Boulder home in as little as a week or two.
Boulder Home Buyers
Boulder Home Buyers is a real estate solutions company based in Boulder. The company pays cash for houses in Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville, Colorado. Sellers can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer within 24 hours of filling out Boulder Home Buyers’ online form or giving them a call. Deals can close in as few as three days, or on the date of your choosing.
Locations: Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville, Colorado
Closing costs: Boulder Home Buyers often pays for the seller’s closing costs
Boulder Home Buyers does not appear to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but it maintains a 4.9-star rating on Google. Previous sellers have praised the company for its efficiency, professionalism, and fairness of offers. “We didn’t want to perform any repairs or renovations — we just wanted to sell as-is for cash,” wrote one reviewer. “We were able to walk away with a great cash price just six days after contacting Boulder Home Buyers.”
Website: boulderhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 303-442-0505
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Boulder (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the US. 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 Boulder.
With Simple Sale, 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 Boulder
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight was founded in 2012 and is BBB-accredited with an 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.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Watson Buys
Watson Buys is a Denver-based home-buying company owned and operated by a husband-and-wife duo. They buy homes, duplexes, apartments, mobile homes, and condos in and around Denver, including Boulder. Sellers can reach out online or over the phone to arrange a tour of the property and will receive a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Deals can close incredibly quickly, and sellers are invited to choose a date that works best for them. There’s no need for repairs or clean-up, and Watson Buys will even pay 100% of the seller’s closing costs.
Locations: Statewide, including Boulder
Closing costs: The seller pays no closing costs; Watson Buys covers them.
Watson Buys has been BBB-accredited since 2023 and holds an A+ rating. It also has a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Reviews highlight owner Shaun’s prompt communication skills, in-depth knowledge of the local market, and reputation for offering fair cash deals. “Shaun didn’t pressure us, he really understood our situation and gave us an offer that made sense,” wrote a former seller.
Website: watsonbuys.com/sell-my-house-fast-boulder-co
Phone number: 720-418-8670
HBR Colorado
HBR Colorado is a home-buying company based in Colorado Springs that pays cash for houses all over the state, including Boulder. You can request a fair cash offer by filling out the form on their website or giving them a call to speak directly with the owner, Brian. HBR Colorado purchases homes in any condition, or facing any situation, from mold damage to squatters.
Deals can close in as little as seven to 10 days, or on a date chosen by the seller.
Locations: Statewide, including Boulder
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; HBR Colorado covers them.
HBR Colorado’s website links to a Better Business Bureau page under a different company name with the same owner. That business is not BBB-accredited, but it does have an A+ rating. There are no Google reviews to pull from. Customer testimonials on HBR Colorado’s website mention owner Brian’s professionalism, willingness to take on tough projects, and quality work.
Website: hbrcolorado.com/co/boulder
Phone number: 719-286-0053
Cash for House Pro
Cash For House Pro is a family-owned, Denver-based company serving Boulder and other major Colorado cities. They buy houses, condos, and townhomes for cash in any condition. To get started, fill out the form on their website, give them a call, or send a text. They’ll provide you with a no-pressure cash offer as soon as possible. Closings can take place in as few as seven days, and there are no closing costs, fees, or realtor commissions involved.
Locations: Major Colorado cities, including Boulder
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cash For House Pro covers them.
On its homepage, Cash For House Pro claims to have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, but we were unable to verify this information. The company does have a 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Former clients praise the owners’ responsiveness, genuine care, and transparent approach. “Brett was easy to work with,” reads one review. “He is honest and transparent, very professional throughout the whole process.”
Website: cashforhousepro.com/we-buy-houses-in-boulder-co
Phone number: 303-565-8966
Why sell your Boulder house for cash?
Selling your Boulder house for cash can be a great option, especially if you need to move quickly and avoid the usual headaches of selling on the open market. This way, you get a fast and easy sale without all the back-and-forth negotiations and showings.
In Boulder, it typically takes around 76 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 34 days on the market plus the typical 42 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 Boulder, and it’s easy to see why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always pay top-dollar for the homes they purchase.
These companies are particularly popular among sellers who don’t have weeks or months to prepare, market, and close on a traditional home sale. Let’s explore some common situations where working with a house-buying company in Boulder could be beneficial:
- Job relocation: If you’re moving for work and need to sell quickly, a cash offer allows you to relocate without the burden of a pending home sale.
- Divorce: Selling your home for cash can simplify the division of assets in a divorce.
- Inherited property: Dealing with inherited homes can be complicated and costly; cash buyers provide a quick resolution.
- Downsizing: If you’re looking to move to a smaller home or a retirement community, selling for cash makes the transition smoother.
- Major repairs needed: Selling a house that requires significant repairs, such as foundation issues, can be easier with a cash sale.
- Avoiding open houses: If you prefer not to have open houses or routine showings, selling for cash offers privacy and convenience.
- Facing foreclosure: Quick cash sales can help you avoid foreclosure and its impact on your credit score.
- Problematic tenants: Selling a rental property with tenants can be streamlined with a cash offer.
- Out-of-state seller: Cash sales are ideal if you’re managing the sale from another state and don’t want to travel back and forth.
If you can relate to any of these situations, considering a cash offer might be a strategic choice. But remember, it’s just one option out of many.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Boulder
Selling to a house-buying company in Boulder has its pros and cons. It can be a good fit if you need to move quickly and want to avoid the hassle of repairs or showings. On the other hand, these companies tend to offer less than what you could get on the open market. Looking at both sides of the coin will help you decide whether a cash sale is the right move for you.
Pros
- Quick closing: House-buying companies often close within days, which is ideal for sellers needing fast cash.
- No repairs needed: You can sell your home in its current condition, saving on renovations and repairs.
- No real estate agents: Avoiding agent commissions can save you a considerable amount of money.
- Simple process: The sale involves fewer steps and contingencies, making it less stressful than traditional sales.
Cons
- Lower offers: Offers from house-buying companies are typically below market value, which could mean less profit.
- Limited negotiation: These companies usually make take-it-or-leave-it offers with little room for bargaining.
- Potential for scams: It’s important to vet companies thoroughly to avoid falling victim to scams.
- Quick decision required: The fast-paced process might pressure you into making a quick decision without exploring other options.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When you decide to sell your Boulder home to a cash-buying company, it’s important to remember that the quality of service and integrity can differ greatly. The experience you’ll have largely depends on the character and reliability of the company you choose. Before agreeing to sell, take the time to thoroughly vet potential buyers.
Start by checking out online reviews and reading testimonials from other sellers who have worked with them. Research their market presence and track record to ensure they’re reputable. Additionally, make sure to carefully read through the buying agreement before signing on the dotted line.
HomeLight suggests you 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 it to your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Boulder. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Boulder home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, utilize automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer a quick, mostly online home-selling experience. They provide near-instant, all-cash offers close to market value and can close the deal in just a few days to two weeks. Note that major players in the industry, like Opendoor and Offerpad, typically charge service fees of 5%–6%. The iBuyer route is best suited for sellers with homes in good condition, in areas with homogenous housing.
Listing with an agent
Listing your property with a real estate agent might not be as fast as selling to a house-buying company, but it can still be quick, particularly in a seller-friendly market. An agent will often provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) for free to help set a competitive list price for your home. Experienced agents may also connect you with cash buyers willing to pay close to market value. If you’re keen to explore this route, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Boulder.
FAQs on Boulder house-buying companies
By and large, most “We Buy Houses” companies in Boulder 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 solid 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 Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Boulder “We Buy Houses” companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value 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 split-level home in Boulder could sell for $800,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($800,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $530,000
In this example, a Boulder “We Buy Houses” company might offer you around $530,000 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 iBuyers 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 Boulder “We Buy Houses” company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-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 it is accepted. Conversely, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because “We Buy Houses” 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 will be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, asking the company if any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line is always a good idea.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve Boulder. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few of the 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 Boulder vs. top Boulder agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a “We Buy Houses” 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 company in Boulder | Sell with a top Realtor in Boulder |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 76 days average; 34 to attract an offer, 42 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings 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 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 | 5.8% average |
Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home sale price on top of agent commission |
Example net proceeds
Below, we’ve compiled one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a “We Buy Houses” company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in Boulder is worth about $725,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $750,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Boulder | Sell with a top Realtor in Boulder | |
Estimated sale price | ($750,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $500,000 | $725,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $7,250 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $42,050 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $10,875 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $500,000 | $664,825 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best in your situation will depend on the condition of your property, what level of repairs are needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Selling your Boulder home to a cash buyer is quick and straightforward, and there is no need for repairs or preparations.
- Understand that you might receive less than market value compared to traditional market sales. That’s why it’s important to know your home’s worth before agreeing to sell.
- Thoroughly research house-buying companies to avoid scams and ensure fair treatment.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform presents no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in virtually any condition in Boulder. With a range of partner investors across the region, it’s an ideal starting point if you’re unsure who might buy your home.
Selling your Boulder home for cash can be tempting, especially if you need a quick and hassle-free sale. “We Buy Houses” companies offer that, but before diving in, take some time to explore your options. Get quotes from several cash buyers to compare their offers and closing timelines.
Consulting an experienced Boulder realtor is also crucial. They can provide expert insights on the traditional market, like how fast your home could sell and for how much. After weighing all available options, you’ll be able to make a decision that’s right for you. If you need help finding an agent or cash buyer, HomeLight can connect you with top professionals and useful resources.
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