5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Iowa
- Published on
- 15 min read
-
Kelsey Morrison EditorClose
Kelsey Morrison EditorKelsey Morrison is an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She brings six years of editorial experience covering real estate, home design, cooking, crafting, and pet care. With a background as a commerce editor at World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and an associate editor at Livabl, Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.
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.
If you’re an Iowa homeowner with an inherited property you don’t wish to keep or own a home with a leaky roof you can’t afford to replace, a “We Buy Houses” company could help you sell quickly and move on.
Selling your Iowa house for cash can be a great option if you’re short on time or lack the resources for repairs. These companies simplify the real estate process by removing common roadblocks like financing delays and appraisal issues. You can sell your house in a few days or weeks, rather than the three months it typically takes on the open market.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of selling your Iowa house to a cash-for-homes company. We’ll highlight some of the most reputable cash buyers in the state, and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your situation.
Sell Your House Fast in Iowa 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 Iowa.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Iowa “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Iowa
Thinking about selling your home to a “We Buy Houses” company? This straightforward process might be the quick solution you’re seeking. Here’s how it typically works:
- Find a reputable company: Research house-buying companies in Iowa that have a strong track record. Look for reviews and testimonials to ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy partner.
- Submit your property details: Reach out to the chosen company with information about your home. This usually involves filling out a form on their website or making a phone call.
- Set up a walk-through: A representative from the company will likely want to view your property in person to assess its condition and market value.
- Receive an offer: The company will present you with an all-cash offer based on the information you’ve provided and the results of the walk-through. This typically occurs within a few days.
- Accept the offer: If the offer aligns with your expectations, you can accept it. Remember, these are no-obligation cash offers, so don’t feel pressured to continue if it doesn’t sit right with you.
- Close the sale: Upon accepting the offer, you’ll work towards closing the sale. The process is usually much faster than traditional real estate transactions, sometimes closing in as little as a week.
- Receive your cash: At the closing, you’ll receive the agreed-upon cash amount, allowing you to move forward with your life plans without the hassle of repairs or waiting for the right buyer.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Iowa
While a quick sale may be tempting, finding a reputable “We Buy Houses” company is paramount.
We’ve outlined some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ colonial revival or craftsman-style house. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Iowa home in as little as a week or two.
Lane Investments
Founded by Mark Lane in 2010, Lane Investments is a locally-owned real estate company in Des Moines, Iowa. The company prides itself on fast responses, professional experience, and simplified solutions to meet the unique needs of every client.
Locations: Des Moines and surrounding areas.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs except taxes; Lane Investments covers them.
The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB and has been accredited since 2018. They also have a 3.4-star rating on Google. “Very easy to work with,” wrote a recent customer. “Got a fair price and [were] able to close on our timeline.”
Website: dsmhousebuyer.com
Phone number: 515-329-3262
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Iowa (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 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 cities and towns across Iowa.
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 Iowa.
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 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.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Sell Now Iowa
Sell Now Iowa purchases homes in any condition and any price range throughout Central Iowa. Based in Des Moines, the family-owned company guarantees closing on every offer they make. They will extend a cash offer within 24 hours of the first meeting with a client, and typically close deals in 2–4 weeks.
Locations: Central Iowa
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sell Now Iowa covers them.
Sell Now Iowa has been BBB-accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. They also boast a 4.9-star rating on Google. Customers highlight the company’s efficient service, fair offers, and knowledgeable staff. “Mitch and Bob made us feel very comfortable,” reads one review. “I really appreciated their honesty, how they treated us, and their results.”
Website: sellnowiowa.com
Phone number: 1-515-531-2274
Omaha Homes For Cash
Omaha Homes For Cash purchases properties in any condition in Western Iowa. Beyond single-family homes, they buy condos, townhomes, duplexes, mobile homes, and small multifamily properties. The family-owned and operated business has been around for six years and can close sales in as little as seven days.
Locations: Western Iowa
Closing costs: Omaha Homes For Cash pays for all closing costs.
Omaha Homes For Cash has been BBB-accredited since 2020 and touts an A+ rating. They have a 5-star rating on Google and reviews mention the easy process, honest and fair offers, and flexible closing dates. “The Watson crew is top notch, it was like working with your own good brother figuring out the fairest way to handle the situation,” wrote a recent client.
Website: omahahomesforcash.com
Phone number: 402-226-8963
Sold to Simple
Sold to Simple is based in Des Moines and purchases homes across the state of Iowa. They extend cash offers within 24 hours and allow the seller to choose the closing date that best fits their schedule. Sold to Simple can complete transactions in as little as seven days, and they also pay 100% of closing costs.
Locations: Sold to Simple buys houses throughout Iowa.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sold to Simple covers them.
Sold to Simple has been BBB-accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating, as well as 4.8 stars on Google. Customer reviews speak to a smooth, transparent, and up-front process without pressure or surprises. “Clint and Sarah made the whole house-selling experience quick and stress-free,” wrote a recent customer. “They took care of everything, and I feel I got a fair offer.”
Website: soldtosimple.com
Phone number: 515-329-7105
Why sell your Iowa house for cash?
Selling your Iowa home for cash might not be the first solution that comes to mind, but for those on a tight timeline, it can be the most practical.
In Iowa, it typically takes 52 days for a single-family home to go from “active” to “pending” on the open market, plus an additional 44 days, on average, for a buyer to close on a purchase loan. Compare that to the 7–14 days it often takes to close when selling to a “We Buy Houses” company, and you can see why many homeowners take this path.
Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected life event or simply looking for a hassle-free sale, these companies offer an alternative to the traditional market. Here are a few situations in which selling your house for cash makes sense:
- Job relocation: If you’re moving for a new job opportunity and need to sell quickly, a cash sale can offer the speed you need.
- Divorce: During the tough times of a divorce, selling your home for cash can simplify splitting assets.
- Inherited property: If you’ve inherited a property and prefer not to manage it, selling for cash is a fast way to deal with the estate.
- Downsizing: For those looking to downsize, selling your current home for cash can make the transition smoother.
- Major repairs needed: If your home requires significant repairs, like a new roof or foundation work, selling for cash might be more viable.
- Avoiding open houses: If the idea of staging your home and hosting open houses is unappealing, a cash sale eliminates this step.
- Facing foreclosure: To avoid foreclosure and its impact on your credit, selling for cash offers a way out.
- Problematic tenants: Selling a rental property with difficult tenants becomes easier with a cash offer.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar is complex; cash sales simplify this process significantly.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, considering a cash offer from a house-buying company in Iowa might be worth exploring. It’s a good starting point, offering a simple solution when you’re pressed for time or want to avoid traditional selling hassles.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Iowa
House-buying companies can be a lifeline for homeowners needing a quick sale. They’ll buy your house in any condition, eliminating the hassle of repairs and showings. Speed and convenience come at a price, however. Offers from these companies are typically below market value, sometimes significantly depending on your home’s condition and the current housing market.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of selling to an Iowa house-buying company:
Pros
- Fast closing: Companies can often close on your house in a matter of days, which is significantly quicker than the traditional market.
- No repairs needed: You can sell your home as-is, avoiding the cost and time involved in making repairs.
- Simplicity: The process eliminates many of the complexities of traditional sales, such as staging and hosting open houses.
- No contingencies: Offers from house-buying companies typically don’t include common sale contingencies, streamlining the process further.
Cons
- Below market value: You’ll likely receive less than what your home is worth on the open market, impacting your potential profit.
- Limited negotiation: Offers from these companies are typically non-negotiable, giving you less flexibility on price.
- Risk of scams: It’s essential to research and verify the credibility of the company to avoid falling victim to scams.
- Less profit: The convenience of a fast sale often comes at the cost of earning less from your home sale.
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 selling your Iowa home to a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company, it’s important to remember that not all companies are created equal. The quality of service and ethical standards can vary greatly from buyer to buyer.
Before accepting any cash offer, take the time to thoroughly vet the company by checking online reviews, reading testimonials, and researching their market presence and performance to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable buyer.
You should also have a general idea of your home’s worth before signing any buying agreement. Read the agreement carefully, paying close attention to the terms and conditions. This due diligence will help you avoid any potential pitfalls and ensure you’re making a decision that aligns with your best interests.
HomeLight suggests you 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 Iowa. 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 Iowa home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make all-cash offers, typically closer to market value, for homes in good condition. This process is efficient, spanning just a few days to two weeks, but it often includes service fees of 5%–6%. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad are notable players in this space, ideal for sellers in areas with uniform housing types.
Listing with an agent
Although it seems counterintuitive, listing with a real estate agent can also result in a speedy home sale, especially in seller-friendly markets. Top agents can leverage strategic pricing and marketing to attract offers quickly, potentially near your home’s market value. An added benefit is the comparative market analysis (CMA), which agents often provide for free to help price your home effectively. HomeLight can connect you with top-performing agents in Iowa, offering a comprehensive approach to selling your home quickly and for a competitive price.
FAQs on Iowa house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Iowa 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 Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Iowa 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 Iowa farmhouse could sell for $215,500 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($215,500 x .70) – $30,000 = $120,850
In this example, an Iowa We Buy Houses company might offer you around $120,850 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 Iowa 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 are active in the state of Iowa. 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 Iowa vs. top Iowa 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 Iowa | Sell with a top Realtor in Iowa |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 96 days average; 52 days to attract an offer, 44 days 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 Iowa is currently worth about $215,500 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $240,500.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Iowa | Sell with a top Realtor in Iowa | |
| Estimated sale price | ($240,500 x .70) – $25,000 = $143,350 | $215,500 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,155 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $12,499 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $3,232 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $143,350 | $197,614 |
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
- Iowa cash-for-homes companies can close quickly, helping you move on faster.
- Selling your home as-is means no repair or renovation costs.
- The transaction is straightforward, with fewer steps than traditional sales.
- Expect offers below the market value of your home. It’s a good idea to know your home’s value before entering into an agreement.
- Vet any company you’re considering to avoid scams.
- iBuyers and real estate agents offer different benefits worth exploring.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers no-obligation cash for Iowa homes in almost any condition. Their wide network of investors allows you to gauge whether a cash sale is the right choice for you.
Homeowners in Iowa considering a Cash-For-Homes company should gather multiple offers and carefully evaluate all their options before making a decision. Selling your home is a major financial transaction, and you want to achieve the best possible outcome.
Consulting with a top Iowa agent can provide expert insights into how quickly and for how much your property might sell on the open market. HomeLight is here to assist you in finding the right path to meet your needs and goals, whether you’re looking to sell for cash or partner with an experienced real estate agent.
Header Image Source: (Curtis Adams / Pexels)
