We Buy Houses Dothan, AL: 5 Top Companies
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- 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.
- Sam Dadofalza, Associate EditorCloseSam Dadofalza Associate Editor
Sam 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.
For some Alabama homeowners looking to sell, speed is sometimes the top priority. Life circumstances such as a job relocation, financial struggles, divorce, or the loss of a loved one may prompt the need to bypass the slow, traditional home-selling process. In these cases, a cash offer from a “We Buy Houses” Dothan, AL, company can provide a fast, efficient solution to help close the deal without delays.
These “We Buy Houses” businesses pay cash for homes in any condition and under any circumstances, whether the property requires extensive repairs or is facing foreclosure. They provide an easy exit for homeowners who need to move quickly and lack the time or resources to list on the open market.
However, cash buyers typically offer less than a home’s market value, which can result in reduced net proceeds.
In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of partnering with a local “We Buy Houses” company and highlight some of the most reputable cash buyers serving the Dothan, AL market. We’ll also look into other options for selling your home quickly. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that aligns with your home-selling goals.
Working with house-buying companies in Dothan
When you need to sell your house fast in Dothan, a house-buying company can offer a straightforward solution. Here are the steps involved in selling your house for cash:
- Contact the company: Find well-reviewed Dothan cash home buyers online. Narrow down your choices to a few that seem reliable, then contact them directly to begin the process.
- Give them the details: You’ll likely be asked to fill out an online form to share details about your property, including its address, condition, age, and size.
- Schedule a walkthrough: A company representative might arrange an inspection of your property to better determine its condition and market value.
- Receive a cash offer: Once the evaluation process is complete, you’ll receive a no-obligation cash offer for your house.
- Accept or decline the offer: Decide whether to accept the offer or explore other avenues.
- Close the deal: If you accept the offer, you’ll work with the company to schedule a closing date. They take care of most of the paperwork, and you’ll receive your payment at the time of closing, usually via bank transfer.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Dothan
If the convenience of selling your house to a homebuying company appeals to you, the next step is finding a trustworthy company to work with.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ home, whether that’s a brick-clad ranch or a Cape-style home. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Dothan home in as little as a week or two.
Heritage Home Buyers
Heritage Home Buyers, a family-owned company based in Enterprise, buys houses at any price and in any condition in the Wiregrass region of Alabama, which includes Dothan. It makes an initial cash offer within 24 hours of receiving a homeowner’s property information and can close a deal in as little as seven days.
The team accommodates various seller scenarios, from those facing foreclosure or managing an unwanted rental property to those navigating a divorce and wanting to relocate quickly. On top of this, they let sellers choose the closing date.
Locations: Alabama Wiregrass region, including Dothan
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Heritage Home Buyers covers them.
While not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Heritage Home Buyers has a high A+ rating with the organization. Moreover, it has earned a 4.7-star Google rating.
Previous clients have said that the employees are easy to work with, always available to answer questions, and true to their word. They commended how the team facilitated a fast closing process, finalizing the transaction in less than 30 days.
Website: heritagebuys.com
Phone number: 334-463-6955
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Dothan (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to one of the largest networks of cash buyers in the 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 neighborhoods throughout Dothan.
With this platform, 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 Dothan
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a platform designed by HomeLight, a real estate solutions company founded in 2012. Given its strong focus on excellent customer service, it has been BBB accredited since 2019 and now maintains an impressive A+ rating. Based on hundreds of user reviews, it has 4.8 stars on Google.
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
We Buy Houses® Dothan, AL
We Buy Houses is a national company that has been in business since 1997. It buys homes, condos, land, and all types of real estate, regardless of condition or price range. It currently operates in 30 states and over 200 markets, including Dothan.
After an in-person inspection, We Buy Houses can provide homeowners with a no-obligation cash offer within 24 to 48 hours. Once the offer is accepted, the closing process typically takes just seven to 14 days.
Locations: Nationwide, including Dothan
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Houses covers them.
Recognized by the BBB since 2020, We Buy Houses has an A+ grade from the bureau. Its Google Business Profile earned 3.7 out of 5 stars. The client feedback on the company is varied. Many rave about the excellent service and give high ratings, praising the overall experience.
Others, however, raise concerns about how they were contacted, especially when callers didn’t introduce themselves. While some transactions go smoothly and professionally, others highlight uneven communication and a less consistent customer experience.
Website: webuyhouses.com
Phone number: 877-932-8946
River Region Home Buyers
River Region Home Buyers purchases homes in as-is condition and typically provides a cash offer within 48 hours of receiving property details. Once an offer is accepted, the team works to close quickly, often finalizing the sale within 14 days. They specialize in buying homes in challenging situations, including foreclosure, divorce, major repairs, and inherited properties.
Locations: Throughout Alabama, including Dothan
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; River Region Home Buyers covers them.
River Region Home Buyers isn’t accredited by the BBB, but it holds a strong A+ rating from the organization. The company also maintains a 5-star average on Google, highlighting its commitment to excellent customer service.
Clients say the team is timely, professional, and easy to work with. One seller shared that after receiving a mail offer, the process moved quickly and smoothly, from scheduling the initial walkthrough to receiving a fair cash offer that matched expectations. The sale closed within a month, with no added costs or stress, making for a positive overall experience.
Website: riverregionhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 334-380-0015
Yellowhammer Home Buyers
Yellowhammer Home Buyers specializes in purchasing properties directly from homeowners, offering a fast and hassle-free alternative to the traditional selling process. It buys houses in as-is condition, so sellers don’t need to worry about repairs, cleaning, or staging.
After evaluating a property, the company typically extends a cash offer within 24 hours. Sellers have the flexibility to choose a closing date that works for them. Sellers who need to move quickly can close in as little as seven days, while those who need more time have the flexibility to wait up to 90 days.
Locations: Throughout Alabama, including Dothan and Huntsville
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Yellowhammer Home Buyers covers them.
Trusted for its transparent services, Yellowhammer Home Buyers earned an A rating from the BBB. Its Google Business Profile reflects a high customer review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Clients say the team stands out in the real estate industry for their reliability, professionalism, and strong follow-through. Many express confidence in recommending the company to others, noting that the service consistently meets or exceeds expectations.
Website: yellowhammerhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 256-795-3014
Why sell your Dothan 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 Dothan, selling a home on the open market using a real estate agent typically takes around 84 days. That includes an average of 42 days on the market (from listing the property to a signed contract) and 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 Alabama, and it’s easy to see why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top dollar for the homes they purchase.
We Buy Houses firms are especially popular among sellers who don’t have weeks or months to wait for their homes to go from “active” to “pending.” Here are some common scenarios where selling your Dothan home for cash might make sense:
- Job relocation: If you need to move for work, selling your house for cash can speed up the transition, allowing you to focus on your new gig.
- Divorce settlement: Selling your house fast during a divorce can make dividing assets more efficient and offer both individuals a smoother path to moving on.
- Inherited property: Selling an inherited property for cash can relieve you of the responsibilities associated with ownership, like property taxes and maintenance.
- Downsizing transition: If you’re downsizing in retirement, selling your house for cash can streamline the process and provide funds for your next chapter.
- Extensive repairs: Avoid the hassle of costly repairs by selling your house for cash in its current condition.
- Foreclosure solution: Selling your house for cash can help you avoid foreclosure and settle your debts with the lender.
Going the cash buyer route can be tempting, especially if you’re in a pinch. But before jumping in, it’s important to explore all of your options to ensure you’re making the best decision for your financial future.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Dothan
“We Buy Houses” companies promise a quick sale and the ease of selling “as-is” without the need for repairs. But the catch is their offers will likely be lower than market value, which could mean less money in your pocket.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide whether working with a cash-for-homes company is right for your situation.
Pros
- Speedy transactions: House-buying companies in Dothan offer fast closings, allowing you to sell your house quickly and move on with your life.
- As-is purchases: You can sell your house in its current condition, saving time and money on repairs and renovations.
- No contingencies: Unlike traditional sales, house-buying companies don’t require inspections or appraisal contingencies, streamlining the process.
- Convenient process: Selling your house to a cash buyer eliminates the hassle of professional staging, routine showings, and back-and-forth negotiations.
Cons
- Below-market-value offers: House-buying companies typically offer less than market value for your house, so you might not get the best price.
- Scam risks: Some entities may pose as legitimate cash buyers but are actually involved in house-buying scams. Conduct thorough research to ensure you’re working with a reputable company.
- Lack of negotiation: You have little to no room for negotiation with house-buying companies. It’s often a take-it-or-leave-it offer.
- Minimal market exposure: Selling to a cash buyer means your house won’t be listed on the open market, potentially reducing visibility and competition.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering a cash offer from a “We Buy Houses” company in Dothan, it’s crucial to vet the buyer thoroughly. Your experience will depend on the integrity and service of the company, so read online reviews, check testimonials, and verify its track record.
Take time to understand the buying agreement before committing to ensure you’re comfortable with the terms and conditions. By doing your due diligence, you can protect yourself and your investment.
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 Dothan, AL. You can also use our Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Dothan home quickly
Working with iBuyers
iBuyers, short for instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to provide near-instant cash offers for homes in better condition, typically closer to market value. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad provide a quick sales process, usually within a few days to two weeks.
However, major iBuyer companies often charge service fees of 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. Moreover, they’re best suited for sellers in markets with homogeneous housing.
Listing with an agent
Listing with a top real estate agent can yield quick results in seller-friendly markets. Agents often provide comparative market analysis (CMA) reports for free, helping sellers determine an appropriate listing price.
An experienced agent can also leverage their network to connect you with a cash buyer willing to purchase your home for close to market value. If you’re interested in this route, HomeLight can put you in touch with a top-performing agent in Dothan.
FAQs on Dothan house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Dothan 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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most Dothan “We Buy Houses” companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), then deduct 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 Dothan split-level home could sell for $240,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
The computation may look like this:
($240,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $138,000
In this example, a Dothan “We Buy Houses” company might offer you around $138,000 for your home. However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes.
As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more than We Buy Houses companies because they look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of the market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Dothan We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these firms make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. On the other hand, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because We Buy Houses for Cash companies tend to focus on distressed homes, they typically have zero fees. Many will even cover your closing costs.
In most cases, this means that the cash offer you receive is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to flat-out ask the company if any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Dothan 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 Dothan vs. top Dothan agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a real estate agent. Let’s take a glance at how different aspects of the sale might look and compare possible proceeds.
Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Dothan | Sell with a top Realtor in Dothan |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 84 days average; 42 to attract an offer, 42 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, and stage the home |
Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
Inspections and 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 Dothan is currently worth about $210,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $240,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Dothan | Sell with a top Realtor in Dothan | |
Estimated sale price | ($240,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $138,000 | $210,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,100 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $6,300 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $3,150 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $138,000 | $198,450 |
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, convenient sale: “We Buy Houses” companies offer a fast and hassle-free selling process without the need for repairs, open houses, or showings.
- Due diligence: It’s important to research each company thoroughly and understand your home’s market value before making a decision.
- Lower offers: With “We Buy Houses” companies, expect to sell for less than market value compared to what you might get with a top real estate agent or iBuyer.
- Legitimate cash buyers: Try HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform for an easy, no-obligation cash offer on homes in any condition in Dothan. With a range of partner investors, it’s an ideal place to start if you’re unsure who might be interested in buying your home.
If you’re a homeowner in Dothan and looking for a speedy sale, working with house-buying companies can be a great option, but it’s crucial to think this decision through. Rushing into selling your home isn’t always the best move.
Shop around for various cash offers and thoroughly consider what’s on the table. Consult a top Dothan agent so you can get valuable insight into how quickly and for how much your home could sell on the open market. No matter what route you take, HomeLight is ready and able to support you on your home-selling journey.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Dothan 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.
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