5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Durham
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Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Considering selling your North Carolina home fast? “We Buy Houses” Durham companies could be what you need. These businesses make all-cash offers for homes, typically for properties that require some renovations.
This post will explore the pros and cons of selling your Durham home to cash-for-homes companies, giving you insight into how the process works and providing you with some alternatives so you can make the best decision possible for your home.
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 Durham.
Sell Your House Fast in Durham With a Cash Offer
Working with house-buying companies in Durham
Working with a house-buying company is an ideal option for selling quickly. Here’s an overview of the process of selling your home for cash:
- Research local companies: Look up reputable cash-for-homes companies in Durham. Check their reviews and track record to ensure they are trustworthy.
- Contact the company: Reach out to your chosen company to express interest in selling your home. Provide them with basic details about your property.
- Receive an offer: The company will likely conduct a brief assessment of your home and then present an all-cash offer. This is usually a non-negotiable, as-is offer.
- Review the offer: Consider the terms of the offer. It’s important to understand what you’re agreeing to without the expectation of negotiating the price.
- Accept the offer: If the offer aligns with your needs, you can accept it to move forward with the sale.
- Close the sale: The final step involves closing the transaction, which can often be completed in a matter of days. The company will handle most of the paperwork, making the process smoother for you.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Durham
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Durham sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your or your parents’ property, whether that’s a Colonial or a Cape Cod. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Durham home in as little as a week or two.
Green Street Home Buyers
Green Street Home Buyers operates across North Carolina, offering direct, all-cash purchases to homeowners. With a focus on client-centered solutions, the company assists sellers facing complex situations such as foreclosure, tax complications, or inherited properties.
After a brief property assessment, Green Street Home Buyers provides a competitive cash offer within 24 hours. Closings are completed within 10 to 14 days, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction.
Locations: Durham and surrounding areas, including Raleigh, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Rocky Mount, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, and Fayetteville.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Green Street Home Buyers covers them.
Trusted for consistently ethical performance in the house-buying business, Green Street Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. Clients appreciate the company’s convenient, smooth, and rapid process, highlighting their adeptness at handling complex sales scenarios, like selling rental properties. The company’s Google rating is 4.7.
Website: greenstreethomebuyers.com
Phone number: 919-926-1791
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Durham (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 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 Durham.
With the platform, 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 Durham
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or 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 has received BBB accreditation in 2019 and now holds an impressive A+ rating. The company has 4.8 stars on Google based on hundreds of user reviews.
Below, you can hear about how Baohan Wu, a seller who used Simple Sale to sell his high-rise apartment, closed within three and a half weeks, and what he thought of the process overall.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Vets Buy Houses NC
Vets Buy Houses is a veteran-owned real estate solutions company based in North Carolina, serving both North and South Carolina. It buys, sells, and rents real estate, specializing in distressed properties that need work.
The company accommodates various seller situations, from divorce to landlord exit to unwanted inheritance. Prioritizing fast, efficient transactions, Vets Buy Houses can close in as little as 10 days.
Locations: Throughout North Carolina, including Durham, Fayetteville, Cameron, Raleigh, and Charlotte
Closing costs: Seller pays no closing costs; Vets Buy Houses in NC will cover closing costs.
Vets Buy Houses NC boasts a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Past customers express appreciation for the company’s professionalism, timeliness, and ease of service. They noted the fairness in the pricing offered and the team’s capacity to handle transactions swiftly and smoothly, which offered a stress-free selling experience.
Website: vetsbuyhousesnc.com
Phone number: 919-410-7263
NC HomeBuyers
NC Cash Home Buyers purchases homes throughout North Carolina for cash. Backed by deep knowledge of the local market, it specializes in helping homeowners navigate tough situations, whether the property needs extensive repairs or hasn’t been touched in years.
Their process is simple, direct, and designed to relieve stress. Sellers can expect a swift closing in as little as three days, making it easy to move on without delays.
Locations: Durham and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; NC HomeBuyers covers them.
NC HomeBuyers has been BBB accredited since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. Reviews highlight the company’s professionalism, honesty, and effective communication. Customers particularly appreciate the seamless, stress-free experience of selling their homes with this company.
On Google, the company earned a high Google rating of 4.7. Clients note how the team stands out for being transparent, respectful, and easy to work with. Sellers appreciate the fair offers and how the entire process is handled smoothly and professionally.
Website: nccashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 919-283-5585
We Buy Houses, Durham
A pioneer in the house-buying industry, WeBuyHouses.com operates in more than 200 markets across 30 states. Through the years, it has gained prominence for its longstanding reputation and dependable service.
The company matches motivated homeowners with experienced local buyers, streamlining the sale process for speed and convenience. With a straightforward approach and a commitment to transparency, WeBuyHouses.com provides a reliable alternative to the traditional real estate market.
Locations: Nationwide, including Durham
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; WeBuyHouses.com covers them.
Reputation can vary widely among We Buy Houses companies, with BBB and Google ratings differing from office to office. This specific location, accredited by the BBB since 2020, maintains a strong A+ rating.
Clients consistently highlight the team’s patience, clear communication, and supportive approach. Many felt well-guided and informed from the first consultation to closing.
Website: webuyhouses.com
Phone number: 877-932-8946
Why sell your Durham 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 house buying company.
In Durham, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes around 67 days. That includes an average of 27 days on the market, from listing to signed contract, plus the typical 40 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 Durham, 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.
Here are some situations where you might want to sell to a cash-for-homes company.
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job, selling your home for cash can simplify the transition.
- Divorce settlement: During a divorce, you might want to liquidate shared assets swiftly and without complications.
- Unwanted inheritance: Selling an inherited home for cash can avoid the lengthy probate process and maintenance hassles.
- Downsizing transition: As you look to move to a smaller, more manageable living space, a quick cash sale can be convenient.
- Major repairs: If your home is in poor condition and requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or manage, a cash offer might be ideal.
- Open house stress: Selling your home for cash means you can skip the stress and invasion of privacy from numerous open houses.
- Structural damage: Homes with foundation problems can be hard to sell traditionally, but cash buyers often buy homes as-is, including those with structural damage.
- Foreclosure solution: If you’re at risk of foreclosure, a quick cash sale can help settle debts efficiently.
- Problematic tenants: Selling for cash offers an easy exit for landlords tired of managing or dealing with difficult tenants.
- Remote home sale: Cash sales simplify the process of managing a property sale from another state, enabling you to skip frequent travels.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Durham
Selling your Durham home to a house-buying company can be a fast and convenient option, particularly if you need to avoid lengthy preparations and repairs. The caveat is that the offers may be lower than what you’d get on the open market.
Before committing to a cash sale, know the pros and cons of this transaction.
Pros:
- Quick sale: House-buying companies often close the deal within days, allowing you to move on with your plans quickly.
- As-is purchase: These companies will buy your home through an as-is home sale, no matter the condition, so you don’t need to worry about fixing anything.
- No open houses: You avoid the hassle and invasion of privacy associated with showings and open houses.
- Fewer contingencies: Selling to a cash buyer typically involves fewer hurdles, like financing or home sale contingencies.
Cons:
- Lower offers: These companies usually offer below market value to account for their risk and repair costs.
- Scams: Be cautious, as the industry has its share of fraudulent players operating different kinds of house-buying scams. Always verify the legitimacy of the company.
- Less profit: You might receive less than you would from a traditional sale, even after factoring in repairs and agent commissions.
- Limited negotiation: Offers from cash-buying companies are typically non-negotiable, giving you little room to maneuver.
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.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering a cash offer for your Durham home, it’s important to thoroughly vet the house-buying company to ensure a fair and honest transaction. Here are the key steps to help you make an informed decision:
- Check reviews: Look for feedback from previous sellers to gauge the company’s reputation and reliability.
- Research their market presence: Investigate how long the company has been in business in Durham and their activity level. A well-established presence usually indicates a serious buyer.
- Review the agreement: Carefully read the buying agreement before signing. Understand all terms to ensure there are no unfavorable conditions.
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 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 Durham home quickly
- Working with iBuyers: Instant buyers, or iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to quickly offer fair market prices for homes in good condition. These online-centric transactions can close in days, though major iBuyer companies typically include service fees of 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price.
- Listing with an agent: Selling through an agent may likewise result in a quick sale, and more importantly, yield higher returns, especially in seller-friendly markets. Agents provide valuable market insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), often for free, helping set competitive prices. HomeLight can directly connect you with top agents.
FAQs on Durham house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Durham 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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most Durham 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) 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 Durham Cape Cod could sell for $440,000 after repairs, but it will need $25,000 of work to get there.
($440,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $283,000
In this example, a Durham We Buy Houses company might offer you around $283,000 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 Durham We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-edged sword. On the one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once it is accepted. Conversely, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because We Buy Houses 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 will be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, asking the company if any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line is always a good idea.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Durham 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 Durham vs. top Durham 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 Durham | Sell with a top Realtor in Durham |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 67 days average; 27 to attract an offer, 40 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 / 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 compiled 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 Durham is worth about $415,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $440,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Durham | Sell with a top Realtor in Durham | |
| Estimated sale price | ($440,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $283,000 | $415,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $4,150 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $12,450 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $6,225 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $283,000 | $392,175 |
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
- Speedy sale: Cash-for-homes companies in Durham offer a rapid sale process, which is ideal if you need to move quickly.
- As-is convenience: You can sell your home as it is, without the need for repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The selling process is straightforward, with minimal paperwork and no need for open houses.
- Lower offer: Typically, the offer will be below market value, as house-buying companies take into account the cost of repairs.
- Home value: Know your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to help you navigate 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-performing agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Durham 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: (sepavone/ Depositphotos)
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.