5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Charleston
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Richard Haddad Managing EditorRichard Haddad is the managing 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.
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
Selling a home in Charleston can be a daunting task, especially if your property requires significant repairs or if you’re racing the clock and need a fast sale. You may have seen those “We Buy Houses” signs and wondered if they’re a fit for your situation. We Buy Houses companies in Charleston present an intriguing option: they make all-cash offers for homes in any condition.
If you’re a homeowner facing an urgent need to sell due to an unexpected life event or you simply lack the time, expertise, or funds to spruce up your home, these companies may be a lifeline.
In this post, we provide an overview of how Cash-For-Homes companies work in Charleston. From the process to the pros and cons, we aim to provide a handy guide to help you weigh your options wisely.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Charleston area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Charleston
When you’re pressed for time and need a fast or simple resolution, working with a house-buying company in Charleston can be your saving grace. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Initial contact: Reach out to the company expressing your interest in selling. Most Charleston house-buying companies have a straightforward online form or a direct phone line for inquiries.
- Home assessment: After initial contact, the company will schedule a visit to assess your property. They typically look at the condition, location, and market trends in Charleston to make an offer.
- Receive an offer: Based on their assessment, the company will provide you with a no-obligation, all-cash offer. This usually comes quickly, sometimes within 24 hours of the home visit.
- Review terms: Ensure you read and understand all terms of the offer. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. There’s value in having an experienced professional review the purchase contract.
- Accept or decline: Once you’ve reviewed the terms, decide whether to accept or decline the offer. You should not feel pressured; choose what’s best for your situation.
- Close the sale: If you accept, the company will handle most of the paperwork and can often close in a matter of days. Once everything is finalized, you’ll receive your cash and can move forward with your plans.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Charleston
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Charleston sounds good to you, it’s time to find an established operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your Greek revival house or your parents’ Lowcountry cottage-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Charleston home in as little as a week or two.
Palmetto State Home Buyers
Palmetto State Home Buyers is a local team of four dedicated women. Their genuine approach extends to homeowners, offering win-win solutions for various situations like foreclosure, burdensome properties, and more. Operating out of Charleston, Palmetto Home Buyers is known for their timely cash offers within 24 hours and flexible closing schedules, providing a simple process for sellers.
Locations: Charleston and surrounding areas.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Palmetto State Home Buyers covers them.
Palmetto State Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2019 and holds an A+ rating. On Google, they have an average rating of 5 stars. They receive high praise for their compassionate and efficient service and their dedication to helping clients navigate challenging situations, such as probate issues. Clients appreciate the seamless process and fair offers, making the experience stress-free.
Website: palmettostatehomebuyers.com
Phone number: 843-790-4689
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Charleston (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 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 Charleston.
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 Charleston, SC.
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no 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 4.6 stars on Google based on more than 500 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
Charleston House Buyers
Charleston House Buyers is a family-owned and operated real estate company based in Charleston. They have served over 400 families in real estate transactions since they started in 2019. They provide an offer and explain the current market conditions and reasoning that led to their home valuation. Their no-pressure approach and dedication to offering the best cash offer possible have made them a reputable choice for homeowners looking to sell their houses.
Locations: Goose Creek, North Charleston, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Charleston House Buyers covers them.
Charleston House Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating, and maintains a 5-star rating on Google. Customer reviews for Charleston House Buyers speak to their professionalism, efficiency, and exceptional customer care. They demonstrate great attention to detail and follow through on their promises, making clients feel confident in their services. Their ability to present fair and competitive offers, along with their smooth and easy transaction process, receives high commendations from sellers.
Website: chshousebuyers.com
Phone number: 843-800-2039
TurnPro Properties
TurnPro Properties, a family-owned real estate solutions company in North Charleston, helps homeowners navigate challenges like foreclosure and probate. With deep community roots, they’ve helped more than 150 homeowners, offering professional support and tailored solutions. Their compassionate approach prioritizes individual circumstances, providing strategic partnerships and flexible closing options for a stress-free experience.
Locations: All around the Carolinas.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; TurnPro Properties covers them.
TurnPro Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2017 and holds an A+ rating. Clients praise the company for their professionalism, honesty, and efficiency. Reviewers highlight the team’s ability to close deals swiftly and make the process remarkably easy. The staff is commended for their willingness to work through complex situations, like property damage and legal hurdles. The company holds a 5-star rating on Google.
Website: turnprobuyshouses.com
Phone number: 843-900-4663
Fast Charleston House Buyer
Fast Charleston House Buyer is a family-owned business with a solid track record, having purchased, sold, and rented over 50 houses in the Charleston area since 2007. Fast Charleston House Buyer is led by a third-generation real estate investor, ensuring local expertise. The company differentiates itself by offering transparent and math-based offers, factoring in both the value of the property if completely updated and the cost of renovations, which they handle in-house through their team of full-time renovators.
Locations: Charleston and the surrounding area, specifically Dorchester, and Berkeley County, SC.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Fast Charleston House Buyer covers them.
Fast Charleston Home Buyer has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. It has a 4.4-star rating on Google and receives positive reviews from clients who have sold their properties to the company. Clients appreciate the knowledgeable, honest, and respectful approach of the team. The company is praised for providing regular updates and working with clients even when they are in different states, accommodating their needs throughout the selling process.
Website: fastcharlestonhousebuyer.com
Phone number: 843-920-5696
Why sell your Charleston house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Charleston home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Charleston, it typically takes around 79 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 36 days on the market, plus the typical 43 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 Charleston, and it’s clear why these We Buy Houses groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top dollar for the homes they purchase.
Let’s take a quick look at the key reasons some Charleston homeowners might opt for a cash sale.
- Immediate financial challenges: If you’re facing sudden financial issues, a cash sale in Charleston can provide quick financial relief.
- Avoiding home repair: Charleston homes can have expensive mold or storm issues; if repairs are daunting, a cash sale offers a way out.
- Life changes and relocations: For sudden job transfers, divorce, or family emergencies, selling for cash can expedite the relocation.
- Bypassing traditional sale hassles: Selling for cash sidesteps the demands of home staging, open houses, and prolonged negotiations.
- Privacy concerns: If you value discretion, selling off-market to a cash buyer ensures a more private sale.
- Foreclosure looming: Facing potential foreclosure? A swift cash sale can help you settle debts and safeguard your credit.
- Inherited properties: For those burdened with an inherited Charleston home, a cash sale provides a hassle-free liquidation.
- Rental property issues: For landlords weary of management or troublesome tenants, a cash sale can be the exit door.
- Aging homeowners: For elderly individuals downsizing, moving in with family, or relocating to a care facility, a cash sale simplifies the transition.
- Out-of-state homeowners: If managing a Charleston property from a distance is challenging, selling for cash is a convenient option.
If any of these situations resonate with you, considering a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company in Charleston might be a logical solution. However, before making a decision, it’s wise to weigh the benefits and drawbacks and review all your options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Charleston
Navigating the decision to work with a house-buying company in Charleston can be complex, but it doesn’t need to feel like a gamble. Understanding the pros and cons can help clarify your choices.
Pros
Charleston homeowners often turn to house-buying companies for their speed and willingness to purchase homes in any condition. Here’s a snapshot of the primary benefits:
- Speedy sales: House-buying companies often close deals in days or weeks, eliminating the waiting game associated with traditional sales.
- No repairs needed: They typically buy “as is,” so you won’t have to invest time or money in home repairs or improvements.
- Simple process: With fewer parties involved and no need for open houses or staging, the sale process becomes straightforward.
- Avoiding contingencies: Most sales don’t depend on factors like the buyer securing financing, reducing potential obstacles to closing.
Cons
The most significant trade-off with these companies is that you will likely be receiving less than your home’s market value. Here are some drawbacks to consider:
- Lower offers: House-buying companies look for profit and usually offer below market value to ensure a good margin. For more offer details, see the FAQ section below.
- Less control over terms: The company typically dictates the terms, potentially giving you less flexibility in the sale. The offers are usually take-it-or-leave-it.
- Possible pressure tactics: While most house-buying companies in Charleston have worked to earn trustworthy reputations, there are unscrupulous players who may apply pressure tactics to take advantage of your urgent situation.
- Potential for scams: While many companies are legitimate, the industry isn’t devoid of fraudulent buyers. Due diligence is essential.
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.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Selling to We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Charleston can be a mixed experience. The level of integrity and service you’ll encounter is closely tied to the character of the individual or group behind the offer.
Before saying “yes” to a cash proposal, it’s essential to vet the company thoroughly. Check online reviews, sift through testimonials, and delve into its market presence, reputation, and track record. Read the buying agreement carefully and ensure you understand every clause and term before committing.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced Charleston agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then compare your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing local agent in your area. 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 Charleston home quickly
iBuyers
Large iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, offer a mostly online home sale experience using automated valuation models (AVMs) for near-instant home value estimates. Originating in the mid-2010s, these companies provide speedy all-cash offers, usually at prices closer to market value, for homes in good condition.
But it’s important to note, their service fees can be around 5%-6%. iBuyers are ideal for Charleston sellers with homes in areas made up of uniform housing and well-maintained properties.
Listing with an agent
While selling through house-buying companies is speedy, don’t overlook the value of a top Charleston real estate agent. In a seller-friendly market, an agent can achieve quick sales, especially with strategic pricing and top-tier marketing. Homes sold this way often fetch the highest price; in fact, top agents typically sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
An added perk: seasoned agents can give you a comparative market analysis (CMA). This report helps determine your home’s value by comparing it to recent local sales, guiding your pricing decision. Some agents will provide a CMA for free, with no obligation to list your home with them.
An established agent will also have connections. They might even find cash buyers ready to pay closer to market value. Before deciding, get a CMA and understand your choices. Interested in this route? HomeLight can connect you with a leading agent in your Charleston area.
FAQs on Charleston house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Charleston 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 Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Charleston We Buy Houses for Cash 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 Charleston Colonial Revival home could sell for $405,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($405,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $253,500
In this example, a Charleston We Buy Houses company might offer you around $253,500 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 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 Charleston 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 Charleston area. 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 for Cash in Charleston vs. top Charleston agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a Charleston We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a local 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 Charleston | Sell with a top Realtor in Charleston |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 79 days average; 36 to attract an offer, 43 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 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 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 Charleston is currently worth about $405,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $430,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Charleston | Sell with a top Realtor in Charleston | |
| Estimated sale price | ($430,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $276,000 | $405,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $4,050 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $23,490 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $6,075(1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $276,000 | $371,385 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced Charleston 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
- Speed and convenience: Cash-For-Homes companies in Charleston can offer a quick sale, especially if you’re looking to sell without major renovations or repairs.
- Lower offers: Typically, these companies offer less than market value, which can be a trade-off for the speed and convenience.
- Vetting is crucial: Not all house-buying companies are created equal. Ensure you research and review any company you’re considering.
- Know your home’s worth: Before accepting an offer, it’s vital to understand your home’s market value.
- Consider other options: Consider alternatives like iBuyers or traditional real estate agents, which can offer different advantages based on your situation.
- Consultation benefits: Engaging with a trusted real estate agent can provide clarity, especially with tools like a comparative market analysis.
In the world of selling homes, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re thinking about partnering with a Charleston Cash-For-Homes company, it’s a good practice to gather multiple offers and weigh each one against the others.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand in navigating 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 Charleston agent.
Header Image Source: (Mliss / Deposit Photos)