5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Columbus
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Richard Haddad, Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive 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.
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Sam Dadofalza, Associate EditorClose
Sam Dadofalza Associate EditorSam Dadofalza is an associate editor at HomeLight, where she crafts insightful stories to guide homebuyers and sellers through the intricacies of real estate transactions. She has previously contributed to digital marketing firms and online business publications, honing her skills in creating engaging and informative content.
Navigating the home-selling landscape in Columbus can be daunting, especially when time is of the essence. Fortunately, “We Buy Houses” Columbus companies have carved a niche in the market, offering all-cash deals for homes that may be showing their age or needing a little TLC.
For homeowners who are short on time, expertise, or funds for repairs, these cash offers present an enticing path forward. You can pocket the proceeds swiftly and move on to the next chapter.
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Selling to a “We Buy Houses” Columbus company makes sense in various life scenarios. The quick transaction and cash payment you get can help you relocate to a new job fast, avoid foreclosure, and dispose of an inherited property without going through the hassle of repairs and showings that come with a traditional home sale.
There will be no inspections, financing delays, or lengthy negotiations that you can close in as little as a week. But while an offer from a “We Buy Houses” Columbus company provides convenience, it’s important to be familiar with its ins and outs to make an informed decision.
This article aims to equip you with the knowledge to decide if selling to a Cash-For-Homes company might be the right solution for your situation. We’ll explain the process, break down the key pros and cons, and review other speedy sale options in Columbus.
Working with house-buying companies in Columbus
Selling your home can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you need a fast sale. If you’re considering requesting a cash offer from a house-buying company in Columbus, here’s a step-by-step guide showing how the process of selling your home for cash typically works:
- Research reputable companies: Before diving in, do your homework. Identify reputable Columbus house-buying companies by checking reviews, company histories, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Reach out to the company: Contact your chosen company, usually via phone call or online form, to provide details about your property and express your interest in selling.
- Schedule a home assessment: The company will likely send a representative to evaluate your home’s condition and calculate an offer based on the property’s current state.
- Review the offer: After the assessment, you’ll receive a formal cash offer. Take your time to consider whether it aligns with your needs and expectations.
- Accept or reject: If you’re satisfied with the offer, you can accept it. Otherwise, you are under no obligation to take any further steps.
- Close the deal: If you accept the offer, you’ll move to the closing phase. Unlike traditional real estate transactions, these closings often happen quickly, sometimes within a week, allowing you to move forward with your future plans.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Columbus
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Columbus sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate business you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your Modern-style house or your parents’ Craftsman home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Columbus home in as little as a week or two.
Sell House Columbus
Sell House Columbus is a reputable real estate investment firm based in Central Ohio. Founded in 2005, it directly purchases homes in any condition from homeowners needing swift sales, presenting offers within 24 hours of receiving property information and often closing deals as quickly as seven days.
The company’s proven record in the market and dedication to aiding property owners burdened by unwanted real estate establish them as a top house-buying group in Columbus. Its services include a hassle-free three-step offer process and no added fees.
Locations: Columbus and nearby areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. Sell House Columbus covers them.
Sell House Columbus holds a 4.7-star Google review rating, thanks to numerous positive customer testimonials. Clients express immense satisfaction with the services provided by the team. Individual staff members are recognized as experts in the field, displaying passion and extensive knowledge.
Some appreciate the team’s genuine and straightforward approach, noting their desire to assist people. Others readily share that they look forward to future business dealings with the company due to its exceptional services and genuine demeanor. Although not BBB accredited, the company earned an A+ rating from the bureau.
Website: sellhousecolumbus.com
Phone number: 614-300-5151
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Columbus (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to one of the 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, even those that need some or a lot of work, in different locations throughout Columbus.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 7 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Columbus
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no 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 focus on excellent customer service, it received BBB accreditation in 2019 and now proudly maintains an impressive 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Easton Buys Houses
Easton Buys Houses is a family-owned business in Columbus, Ohio, that distinguishes itself from large corporations by providing personalized assistance to homeowners. Its unique approach involves cash purchases, no extra fees, and quick closings.
The company aims to find mutually beneficial solutions for property owners, covering situations like foreclosures, burdensome properties, and probate cases. Prioritizing exceptional customer service and striving to create a positive selling experience, Easton Buys Houses presents offers within 24 hours of receiving property details and lets clients choose their closing date.
Locations: Columbus and the surrounding areas of Franklin County, including Delaware County
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. Easton Buys Houses covers them.
Based on a limited number of reviews, Easton Buys Houses holds a 5.0-star rating on Google. Some clients highlight the company’s integrity and reliability, sharing the smooth transaction they experienced selling their loved one’s property from abroad.
They were impressed by the team’s transparent and honest guidance and praised the quick 10-day process. They ultimately recommend the company’s services.
Website: eastonbuyshouses.com
Phone: 614-504-4360
We Buy Houses Columbus
Founded in 1998, We Buy Houses is a national homebuying network with independent franchise offices in Columbus. It buys single-family homes, condos, land, and other types of real estate. It accommodates various selling challenges, from foreclosures and sellers behind on payments to short sales, landlord-tenant situations, and vacant properties.
The straightforward process includes the seller providing initial information on the property, sending a representative out to view the home, and making an offer. Once an offer is accepted, the company sets the closing date, and sellers can expect to close within 7 to 14 days on average.
Locations: Nationwide, including Columbus
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. We Buy Houses covers them.
Since 2020, We Buy Houses has maintained BBB accreditation and currently holds an A+ rating. The Columbus office has a 4.0-star Google review rating. Customers highlight the company’s reliability, responsiveness, and fairness. They share that the selling process was quick and easy, and an overall great experience.
Website: webuyhouses.com/OH/Columbus
Phone number: 614-389-9111
Express Home Buyers Ohio
Founded in 2003 by Judson Allen and Brad Chandler, Express Homebuyers addresses challenges in home selling, such as divorce, foreclosure, and inherited property, by offering a simple three-step process. It provides fair cash offers within 24 hours of receiving important property information, eliminating broker commissions and long closing processes.
Covering closing costs and offering moving assistance, the company’s personalized service simplifies home sales, aiding sellers in moving forward hassle-free.
Location: Throughout Ohio
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. Express Home Buyers covers them.
Since 2004, Express Homebuyers has been BBB accredited and now holds an A+ rating from the bureau. Its Google Business Profile reflects 5 stars, with customers noting the team’s professionalism and integrity.
Some clients mention that the entire staff was extremely helpful in selling their rental property. Despite having a tenant in place, Express Homebuyers efficiently moved up the closing when the renter left early. The customers appreciated the quick and easy process, recommending the company to anyone planning to sell their home as-is.
Note: The BBB site reports a resolved complaint brought against Express HomeBuyers by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG). The lawsuit alleged that the company sent letters to DC homeowners falsely claiming that they owed past due property taxes and urging them to act quickly so they would not lose their homes to a tax sale or foreclosure. In December 2022, Express Homebuyers paid a fine and entered into a Consent Order with the OAG that settled the allegations.
Website: expresshomebuyers.com
Phone: 877-804-5252
Why sell your Columbus house for cash?
If you’ve ever sold your home through the traditional real estate market, you know the process can drag on for months, and there’s no guarantee of a sale. But when you sell to a We Buy Houses company, you’re looking at a guaranteed sale in just a matter of days. Speed, convenience, and certainty are the top reasons many homeowners choose to work with a cash-for-homes firm.
In Columbus, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes around 67 days. That includes a median of 26 days on the market, from listing to signed contract, plus the typical 41 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 Columbus, 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.
Let’s take a quick look at some scenarios where selling your Columbus house for cash might be a fitting solution.
- Immediate relocation: You’ve landed a job in another city and need to move swiftly, leaving no time for traditional house sale processes.
- Financial distress: When you’re dealing with cash flow issues, bankruptcy, or a loss of income, getting quick cash from selling your home can be a lifesaver.
- Estate settlement: You’ve inherited a house in Columbus and would rather transform it into liquid assets quickly than deal with the cost and hassle of maintenance.
- Extensive property damage: Your home needs significant repairs or upgrades that you can’t afford or don’t have the energy to manage.
- Looming foreclosure: Rather than letting the bank take your house through foreclosure, you choose to sell it and clear the debt before your credit score takes a hit.
- Rental property woes: You may be tired of managing a property or dealing with problematic tenants and want an out.
- Health concerns: A health crisis demands a quick sale to pay for medical expenses or to move closer to treatment centers.
- Life changes: Divorce, retirement, or other significant shifts in life circumstances can make a rapid sale more desirable.
- Traditional sale hassle: You prefer to sidestep the stress and time commitment of home staging, open houses, and prolonged negotiations.
- Privacy preference: Rather than broadcasting your sale, you opt for the confidentiality of an off-market, direct cash transaction.
If you’re facing a similar home-sale challenge, turning to a We Buy Houses For Cash company could be the answer you need. But to ensure you’re making an informed decision, let’s weigh the pros and cons and explore other options available in the Columbus housing market.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Columbus
If you’re thinking about working with a house-buying company in Columbus, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons. While their speed and convenience can be appealing, the financial return might not always be as strong as a traditional sale.
Pros
The benefits of a cash sale are compelling: the allure of speed and the promise of accepting your home as is without making any preparations stand out for many homeowners. Here’s a quick look at the major pros:
- Fast transactions: House-buying companies often finalize deals in mere days, compared to the weeks or even months traditional sales can take.
- No repairs required: Your house will be purchased in its current state, eliminating the need for renovations or upgrades.
- Simple process: With straightforward steps, homeowners avoid complex real estate negotiations, staging, and multiple showings.
- Immediate cash: If you’re in a financial pinch, these companies can offer an immediate influx of cash, allowing quick settlement of debts or other obligations.
Cons
On the flip side, the key drawback remains clear: sellers will likely not fetch the full market value for their homes, especially when contrasted against offers facilitated by seasoned real estate agents. Here are some cons to consider:
- Lower offers: These companies tend to propose offers below the market rate to ensure profitability after repairs and resale.
- Missed competition benefits: Opting for this route might mean missing out on the potential for bidding wars or favorable market conditions.
- Scam risks: As with any fast-cash business, there’s always the risk of falling prey to house-buying scams. It’s important to vet companies thoroughly.
- Possible pressure tactics: While most house-buying companies in Ohio have earned trustworthy reputations, there are unscrupulous players who may apply pressure tactics to take advantage of your urgent situation.
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
When considering a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Columbus, remember that not all cash buyers are created equal. The quality of service and integrity you experience hinges significantly on the character and professionalism of the individual or group behind the offer.
Before you commit, take these proactive steps:
- Research the buyer: Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the company’s reputation. A reliable buyer should have a solid track record and positive feedback from previous sellers.
- Understand market value: Know your home’s market value by comparing it with similar properties in Columbus. This knowledge will help you assess whether the cash offer is fair.
- Examine the agreement: Read the buying agreement carefully before signing. Ensure you understand all terms and conditions to avoid any surprises later.
- Seek professional advice: Consider consulting with a real estate attorney or an experienced agent to review the offer and agreement. This step can provide an extra layer of security and ensure that your interests are protected.
An experienced local agent can give you a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. With this, you can compare your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market. You can also try our Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Columbus home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, use automated valuation models to provide near-instant home estimates and typically make all-cash offers through a mostly online experience. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad focus on homes in good condition.
While their offers can be closer to market value, they charge service fees of around 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. Working with iBuyer companies is ideal for sellers in areas with similar housing types and well-maintained properties.
Listing with an agent
Enlisting a top real estate agent can be effective even in a quick-sale context. If your home is in a seller’s market and well-presented, a strategic price and excellent marketing can expedite the sale. More importantly, you could sell for more money. According to HomeLight data, top Columbus agents can fetch up to 10% more for homes than average agents.
Performance-proven agents also offer invaluable insights, like a comparative market analysis (CMA), to help determine your home’s value and potential selling speed. This tool can be crucial in understanding the local market and can often be obtained for free.
Some agents even have connections to cash buyers, potentially netting you an offer near market value. Considering all avenues ensures you make the most informed decision for your circumstances. If you’re leaning toward a top agent, HomeLight can introduce you to leading agents in your vicinity.
FAQs on Columbus house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Columbus 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 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 Columbus 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). They then deduct 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 Columbus Craftsman or Modern homes could sell for $280,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $25,000 of work to get there.
($280,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $171,000
In this example, a Columbus We Buy Houses company might offer you around $171,000 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 the of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Columbus 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 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 Columbus 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 Columbus vs. top Columbus agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a Columbus 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 Columbus | Sell with a top Realtor in Columbus |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 67 days average; 26 to attract an offer, 41 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 Columbus is currently worth about $255,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $280,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Columbus | Sell with a top Realtor in Columbus | |
| Estimated sale price | ($280,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $171,000 | $255,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,550 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $7,650 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $3,825 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $171,000 | $240,975 |
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
- Quick cash offers: Selling to a house-buying company in Columbus lets you receive a quick all-cash offer, which is particularly helpful in urgent situations.
- Lower offers: While the speed and convenience are tempting, remember these companies often offer below market value for your property. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
- Due diligence: Thoroughly vet any cash buyer in Columbus by checking reviews, testimonials, and market presence. Your experience will largely depend on the company’s reputation and professionalism.
- Other selling avenues: Consider other options like iBuyers and traditional real estate agents. The latter can provide crucial market insights, potentially leading to a better sale price.
- Property value estimate: Use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator or get a CMA from a real estate agents to know your home’s value and avoid extremely low offers.
If you’re contemplating selling to a Columbus Cash-For-Homes company, it’s prudent to collect multiple offers and diligently assess your options.
At HomeLight, we’re here to assist you with your real estate needs, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer or seeking to consult with a top Columbus agent to help you sell your house quickly and at the best price. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Columbus 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: (Ellie Brown/ Unsplash)
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.
