5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Columbus
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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.
Navigating the home-selling landscape in Columbus can be daunting, especially when time is of the essence. “We Buy Houses” companies have carved a niche in the Columbus market, offering all-cash deals for homes that may be showing their age or in need of a little TLC.
For homeowners who find themselves short on time, expertise, or funds for repairs, these cash offers present an enticing path forward, letting you pocket the proceeds swiftly and get on with your next chapter.
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.
Sell Your House Fast in Columbus With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Columbus.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Columbus area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
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 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.
- Initiate contact: Reach out to your chosen company, usually via a phone call or online form, to provide details about your property and to 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 Central Ohio-based real estate investment firm founded in 2005. It directly purchases homes from those needing swift sales, 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 establishes them as a top house-buying group in Columbus. They buy homes in any condition. Their services include a hassle-free 4-step offer process, efficient closings, and no added fees.
Locations: Columbus and nearby areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. Sell House Columbus covers them.
Sell House Columbus is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. The company holds a 4.9-star Google review rating. Clients express immense satisfaction with the services provided by Dave and his team. Dave is recognized as an expert in the field, displaying both passion and extensive knowledge. Clients appreciate his genuine and straightforward approach, noting his desire to assist people. The reviewer looks forward to future business dealings with Dave and his team due to their exceptional services and genuine demeanor.
Website: sellhousecolumbus.com
Phone number: 614-665-8264
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. 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 Columbus.
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 Columbus
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
Easton Buys Houses
Easton Buys Houses is a family-owned business in Columbus, Ohio, distinguishing itself from large corporations by providing personalized assistance to homeowners. Their unique approach involves cash purchases, no extra fees, and quick closings. They aim to find mutually beneficial solutions for property owners, covering situations like foreclosures, burdensome properties, and probate cases. Their commitment to exceptional customer service sets them apart in the local market.
Locations: Columbus and surrounding areas of Franklin County, including Delaware County
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. Easton Buys Houses covers them.
Easton Buys Houses holds a 5.0-star rating on Google. A client’s experience highlights the company’s integrity and reliability. Tasked with urgently selling their uncle’s house from abroad, the client encountered challenges. After extensive research, they connected with Easton Buys Houses and were impressed by the owner’s hour-long transparent and honest conversation, setting the company apart. The client sold the property to them and praised the superior deal, quick 10-day process, and highly recommended their 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. They buy single-family homes, condos, land, and other types of real estate. The process includes the seller providing initial information on the property, then they send a representative out to view the home and make an offer. Once an offer is accepted, the company sets the closing date, and sellers can expect to close within 7-14 days on average. We Buy Houses also works with foreclosures, sellers behind on payments, short sales, landlord-tenant situations, and vacant properties.
Locations: Nationwide, including Cleveland
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. We Buy Houses covers them.
We Buy Houses has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. National customer reviews for We Buy Houses speak to reliability, responsiveness, and fairness. They express that it was a quick and easy process and an overall great experience. The Columbus office has a 3.4-star Google review rating.
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 like divorce, foreclosure, and inherited property by offering a simple 3-step process. They provide fair cash offers, eliminating broker commissions and long closing processes. Covering closing costs and offering moving assistance, the company’s experience and personalized service simplify selling homes directly, aiding sellers in moving forward hassle-free.
Location: Throughout Ohio
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Express Home Buyers covers them.
Express Homebuyers is a BBB accredited company with a rating of 4.2 stars on Google based on 114 reviews. One satisfied customer had a great experience with the company, mentioning that the entire staff was extremely helpful. They sold their rental property to Express Homebuyers. Despite having a renter in place, Express Homebuyers efficiently moved up the closing when the renter left early. The customer appreciated the quick and easy process and recommends Express Homebuyers 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 home 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/Ohio
Phone: 877-804-5252
Why sell your Columbus house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Columbus 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 Columbus, it typically takes around 71 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes a median of 28 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 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: Cash flow problems, bankruptcy, or loss of income make quick cash from a home sale essential for stabilizing your finances.
- Estate settlement: You’ve inherited a house in Columbus and would rather transform it into liquid assets quickly.
- Property condition: Your home needs significant repairs or upgrades that you can’t afford or don’t have the energy to manage.
- Foreclosure looming: Rather than letting the bank take your house, you choose to sell it and clear the debt before your credit score takes a hit.
- Rental property woes: As a landlord, you’re tired of managing a property, or perhaps you’re 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.
- Avoiding traditional sale hassles: 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 a 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
Making a confident decision about using a We Buy Houses company in Columbus requires an understanding of both the upsides and downsides of taking this route.
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 on their end after repairs and resale. For more offer details, see the FAQ section below.
- Missed competition benefits: Opting for this route might mean missing out on the potential for bidding wars or favorable market conditions.
- Potential for scams: As with any fast-cash business, there’s always the risk of 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 proactive steps: scour reviews, read testimonials, and gauge the company’s reputation and track record in the Columbus market.
Moreover, understanding the real value of your home is paramount. Even with the promise of a quick sale, you should be well informed about what your property is worth in the current market. Always scrutinize the buying agreement in detail before placing your signature, ensuring there are no hidden pitfalls or unfavorable conditions.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced Columbus real estate 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 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 Columbus home quickly
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.
iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad focus on homes in good condition, and while their offers can be closer to market value, they charge service fees of around 5%-6%. They’re ideal for sellers in areas with similar housing types and well-maintained properties.
Listing with an agent
Even in a quick-sale context, enlisting a top real estate agent can be effective. If your home is in a prime market and is well-presented, a strategic price and excellent marketing can expedite the sale. Top Columbus agents, according to HomeLight data, 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 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 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, 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 Columbus Craftsman or Modern homes 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 Columbus 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 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 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 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 Columbus 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 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 | 71 days average; 28 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 Columbus is currently worth about $290,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $315,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Columbus | Sell with a top Realtor in Columbus | |
| Estimated sale price | ($315,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $195,500 | $290,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,900 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $16,820 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $4,350 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $195,500 | $265,930 |
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
- Quick cash offers: Selling to a house-buying company in Columbus provides the benefit of receiving a quick all-cash offer, particularly helpful in urgent situations.
- Pros and cons: 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.
- Research is essential: Thoroughly vet any cash buyer in Columbus by checking reviews, testimonials, and their 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.
- Consultation is key: A comparative market analysis (CMA) offered by real estate agents can be invaluable in determining your home’s value and potential selling speed.
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.
Header Image Source: (Ellie Brown/ Unsplash)
