5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Harrisburg
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Joseph Gordon Associate EditorJoseph Gordon is an Associate Editor with HomeLight. He has seven years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco.
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.
In Harrisburg, We Buy Houses companies offer a unique solution for homeowners in need of a quick sale. These companies specialize in making all-cash offers for homes, particularly those that may need a bit of work. If you’re facing a situation where time, expertise, or funds for repairs are limited, a cash sale could be your ticket to swiftly moving on with your life.
Selling your Harrisburg home for cash might seem like a straightforward decision, especially in urgent or unexpected circumstances. It’s an avenue that provides immediate financial relief without the hassles of traditional home-selling processes. But, like any significant decision, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.
This article is designed to guide you through the intricacies of working with cash-for-homes companies. We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages, helping you weigh your options to make an informed choice.
Sell Your Harrisburg House Fast With an All-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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Disclaimer: This post is meant for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Harrisburg area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Harrisburg
Selling your Harrisburg home to a house-buying company can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Understanding these steps for homeowners needing a rapid sale can make the journey smoother and more transparent.
- Research companies: Begin by researching reputable house-buying companies in Harrisburg. Look for ones with positive reviews and a strong presence in the local market.
- Contact the company: Reach out to your chosen company. This initial contact typically involves providing basic information about your property, like its location, size, and condition.
- Home assessment: The company will then conduct an assessment of your home. This might be a physical visit or a virtual assessment, depending on the company’s process and your preference.
- Receive an offer: Based on the assessment, the company will present an all-cash offer for your home. Remember, these offers are usually non-negotiable.
- Review and decide: Take your time to review the offer. Consider your financial needs and the speed of the transaction.
- Close the sale: If you accept the offer, the company will handle most of the paperwork. The sale can often be completed in a matter of days, leading to a quick and straightforward closing process.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Harrisburg
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Harrisburg sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some top companies that will pay cash for you or your parents’ Colonial or Bungalow. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Harrisburg home in as little as a week or two.
Safe Home Offer
Kyle McCorkel, founder of Safe Home Offer, transitioned from an industrial engineer to a house flipper in 2015. With years of expertise, he has been instrumental in dozens of quick real estate transactions across Harrisburg and neighboring regions.
Locations: Harrisburg and surrounding areas in Central Pennsylvania
Closing costs: Safe Home Offer often pays for closing costs.
Safe Home Offer has been BBB accredited since 2021 and holds an A+ BBB grade rating. Reviewers appreciated the company’s fair offers based on market conditions and the convenience of skipping the usual “market-ready” preparations. They have a Google review rating of 5.0.
Website: safehomeoffer.com
Phone number: 717-489-2849
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg.
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 [assigned city]
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 4.8 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
Riverwalk Property Solutions
Founded by Dylan Thomas, Riverwalk Property Solutions specializes in providing mutually beneficial solutions for homeowners in challenging situations like foreclosures, probate, or the burden of property ownership.
Locations: Harrisburg and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Riverwalk Property Solutions often pays for closing costs.
Clients consistently express satisfaction with Riverwalk Property Solutions, flexibility in accommodating homeowners’ schedules and timelines is highly valued, as is the company’s commitment to staying true to its word. They have a Google review rating of 5.0.
Website: selltorw.com
Phone number: 717-200-8875
Stefanie Buys Houses
Stefanie Buys Houses, based in Harrisburg, offers support for homeowners navigating challenging circumstances, such as pre-foreclosure or inheriting unwanted properties, or a variety of other situations.
Locations: Harrisburg and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Stefanie Buys Houses often pays for closing costs.
Customers appreciate Stefanie Buys Houses’ professional and compassionate home-selling approach. Many recommend the company as a trustworthy choice for homeowners seeking a smooth and fair sale. They have a Google review rating of 5.0.
Website: stefaniecashoffer.com
Phone number: 717-974-4114
First Choice Home Buyers
First Choice Home Buyers touts itself as a trusted, local home-buying authority. With three owners at the helm, this company prides itself on offering solutions catering to varied homeowner needs.
Locations: Harrisburg and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; First Choice Home Buyers cover them.
First Choice Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2022 and holds an A BBB grade rating. Customers of First Choice Home Buyers consistently praise the company for their professionalism, dependability, and responsiveness. They have a Google review rating of 4.8.
Website: firstchoicehomebuyers.com
Phone number: 717-744-9113
Why sell your Harrisburg house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Harrisburg home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. The primary benefits are speed, sale certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Harrisburg, selling a home on the market typically takes around 64 days using an agent. That includes an average of 19 days on the market plus the typical 45 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 Harrisburg, and it’s clear why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t offer top-dollar for the homes they purchase.
Selling your Harrisburg home for cash can be an ideal solution in various situations. These companies are increasingly popular, especially for those who can’t afford the time and effort required for a traditional home sale. Here are some scenarios where opting for a cash sale might make sense:
- Urgent financial need: If you’re facing immediate financial strains or debts, selling for cash offers a quick way to access needed funds.
- Relocation demands: For those relocating for a job or personal reasons, a fast cash sale simplifies the moving process.
- Avoiding repair costs: If your home requires significant repairs you can’t afford or manage, selling for cash bypasses these issues.
- Desiring simplicity: For those who prefer not to deal with the stress of showings, negotiations, and a long sales process, a cash sale is straightforward..
- Facing foreclosure: To avoid the complications of foreclosure and protect your credit, selling for cash can be a quick resolution.
- Inheritance management: Dealing with an inherited property can be simplified by opting for a quick, cash sale.
- Rental property issues: Landlords looking to offload rental properties, especially those with tenant challenges, can benefit from cash sales.
- Downsizing: For seniors moving to assisted living or with family, a cash sale eases the downsizing transition and aids in financing the move.
- Out-of-state sellers: If you’re selling from out of state, We Buy House companies offer convenience and speed.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, considering a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company in Harrisburg might be a viable option. However, it’s essential to view this as a starting point. Understanding other available selling methods is crucial to determine if a cash sale is your best choice, which we will delve into in the upcoming section on pros and cons.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Harrisburg
Selling your home to a house-buying company in Harrisburg offers several advantages, particularly in terms of speed and ease. These companies buy houses in any condition, eliminating the need for repairs or preparations. Let’s look at the key benefits of opting for this route:
- Speedy transaction: Offers are typically made quickly, and the closing process can be completed in a matter of days.
- No repairs needed: Sell your house as-is, without investing in costly repairs or upgrades.
- Simplified process: Avoid the complexities of traditional selling, like staging, showings, and continuous negotiations.
- Cash payment: Receive a straightforward cash payment, which can be crucial in urgent financial situations.
However, it’s important to consider the drawbacks. The most significant con is receiving an offer below the market value, which is often lower than what you might achieve with an experienced real estate agent. Here are some key downsides to consider:
- Lower offers: Expect offers below the current market value of your home.
- Limited negotiation: Offers are typically non-negotiable, leaving little room for bargaining.
- Potential for scams: Be on the lookout for fraudulent companies.
- Loss of market exposure: Selling off-market means missing out on potential higher offers from the open market.
Understanding these pros and cons is crucial in making an informed decision. Next, we’ll guide you on how to vet cash buyers effectively and understand the true worth of your home, ensuring you make the best choice in your unique 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 you decide to work with a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company in Harrisburg, remember that the level of integrity and service you receive can vary greatly. Your experience depends largely on the character of the individual or group making the offer. Before you commit to any cash offer, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet the company.
Take the time to check reviews, read testimonials, and research their presence and performance in the Harrisburg market. This due diligence helps ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable buyer. Additionally, be sure to read the buying agreement carefully before signing. Understanding every clause protects your interests and ensures a transparent and fair transaction.
Other options to sell your Harrisburg home quickly
Selling your home quickly can also be achieved through options like iBuyers or listing with an agent.
iBuyers: These instant buyers use automated valuation models to offer quick, all-cash deals, usually closer to market value, for homes in good condition. The process from offer to closing can be as short as a few days. However, iBuyers, such as Offerpad or Opendoor, often charge service fees of around 5%-6%. They are most suitable for sellers with homes in areas with uniform housing and properties in relatively good shape.
Listing with an Agent: While seeking fast sales, don’t overlook listing with a top real estate agent, particularly in a seller-friendly market. A strategically priced and well-marketed property can sell swiftly. Top agents often secure higher selling prices and can provide valuable insights through a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This report, often provided for free, compares your home with similar recently sold properties to help set a competitive price.
Experienced agents might connect you with buyers offering cash deals close to market value. Exploring this option through HomeLight can ensure you make an informed decision, whether you eventually choose an agent or a house-buying company.
FAQs on Harrisburg house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg Bungalow could sell for $284,298 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($284,298 x .70) – $30,000 = $169,008
In this example, a Harrisburg We Buy Houses company might offer you around $169,008 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg vs. top Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg | Sell with a top Realtor in Harrisburg |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 64 days average; 19 to attract an offer, 45 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 Harrisburg is currently worth about $284,298 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $309,298.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Harrisburg | Sell with a top Realtor in Harrisburg | |
| Estimated sale price | ($309,298 x .70) – $25,000 = $191,508 | $284,298 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,842 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $16,489 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $4,264 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $191,508 | $260,703 |
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
- Speed and simplicity: Selling to a cash buyer in Harrisburg means a fast, straightforward process without the need for repairs or staging.
- Lower offers: Be prepared to receive offers below market value compared to traditional sales.
- No repairs required: These companies buy homes as-is, eliminating the need for costly repairs.
- Quick closings: Sales can often close in just days, providing immediate financial relief.
- Research is key: Thoroughly vet the house-buying company to ensure a fair and transparent deal.
- Other options: Consider alternatives like iBuyers or listing with an agent, especially if your home is in a seller-friendly market.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand in navigating your real estate journey. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer through a trusted platform like Simple Sale or seeking to consult with a top Harrisburg agent.
Header Image Source: (christianhinkle / DepositPhotos)
