6 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Missouri
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- 14 min read
- Richard Haddad, Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard Haddad is the executive 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.
- Sam Dadofalza, Associate Refresh EditorCloseSam Dadofalza Associate Refresh Editor
Sam Dadofalza is an associate refresh 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.
Selling your home in Missouri doesn’t always mean lengthy listings, meticulous renovations, or unpredictable wait times. We Buy Houses Missouri companies offer an enticing alternative, presenting all-cash offers, especially for homes that might be a little rough around the edges.
For homeowners who lack the resources, expertise, or simply the time to get their property market-ready, these cash buyers can be a godsend, providing a swift ticket to move forward with their next life chapter.
However, is selling your home for cash always the right decision? While it might be an ideal solution for those in a pinch or facing urgent circumstances, there are pros and cons worth considering. In this post, we’ll help you navigate your choices, ensuring you make an informed decision about your Missouri home sale.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Missouri “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Missouri
For those Missouri homeowners seeking a quick, hassle-free sale, here’s a succinct breakdown of how the process typically unfolds with these all-cash buyers:
- Research potential buyers: Before diving in, do your due diligence. Investigate reputable house-buying companies that serve your Missouri market, reading reviews and checking their standing with the Better Business Bureau.
- Reach out with details: Contact your chosen company and provide them with basic information about your property. They’ll likely ask about its size, condition, and location. This is often done through an online form.
- Schedule a property visit: Most companies will want to inspect your home in person. This isn’t a detailed inspection, but rather a quick walkthrough to assess its value.
- Receive an offer: After assessing your property, the company will present a cash offer. Remember, these offers are typically take-it-or-leave-it, leaving minimal room for haggling.
- Accept or decline: If the offer aligns with your expectations, you can choose to accept. If not, there’s no obligation; you can simply decline and explore other options.
- Close the deal: Once you’ve agreed to sell, the company will handle most of the paperwork. You’ll be able to finalize the sale, often in a matter of days, and receive your cash payout.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Missouri
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Missouri 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 parents’ red brick bungalow or your Atrium ranch home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Missouri home in as little as a week or two.
Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis
Founded in 2016, Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis is a locally owned and operated house-buying company. Beginning as a two-person operation focused on flipping properties, the firm has become one of the area’s leading home buyers and purchases an average of 10 to 15 houses per month, according to the business’ official website. The platform also states that it will evaluate your home’s value and make you a cash offer within just seven minutes. On its “About Us” page, Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis says it strives to pay more than other house-buying companies with the help of its network of contractors that provide discounted rehab services.
Locations: Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis pays cash for properties in the St. Louis metro area, including St. Louis North, St. Louis West, St. Charles, and Jefferson counties. Missouri locations include Affton, Arnold, Barnhart, Berkeley, Clayton, Concord, Florissant, Kirkwood, Manchester, and Webster Groves. You can see a full list of locations on the company’s website.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis covers them.
Chris Buys Homes in St. Louis has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. Customer reviews for the company speak to the “very seamless and stress-free” selling process navigated with the help of professional and responsive company representatives. They describe their experience as easy and smooth without hassles or issues.
Website: chrisbuyshomesstl.com
Phone number: (314) 887-7894
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Missouri (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 Missouri.
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 Missouri
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
KC Property Connection
KC Property Connection is a family-owned home-buying company that began operations in 2009. The firm’s website emphasizes its goal of making the “process of selling your home completely stress-free and hassle-free” while striving for professionalism and transparency in its transactions. The company offers a flexible closing date to work with the seller’s schedule. Closing usually occurs within two to four weeks.
Locations: KC Property Connection provides house-buying services throughout most of Missouri and Kansas.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; KC Property Connection covers them.
KC Property Connection has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating as well as 4.8 stars on Google. Customer reviews on Google recommend KC Property Connection for “the most prompt, fair, and efficient experience.” They praise the company for its professionalism and easy, hassle-free selling process.
Website: kcpropertyconnection.com/mo
Phone number: 816-600-4417
Ozarks House Buyers
Andrew Newlon turned his passion for remodeling homes into a business that helps local homeowners out of difficult situations when he founded Ozarks House Buyers in 2013. The company’s website states that they give a no-obligation cash offer typically within 24 hours. Closing usually takes place within two to three weeks, but can be scheduled in as few as seven days or at a later date to accommodate the seller’s timeline. There’s no need to make any repairs or get rid of furnishings you don’t want to take with you, as the company can handle these.
Locations: Ozarks House Buyers serves homeowners in Springfield, Missouri, and surrounding areas.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Ozarks House Buyers covers them.
Ozarks House Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. Customer reviews for Ozarks House Buyers commend the company for its professionalism and responsiveness. They express appreciation for the firm’s help during extreme hardships and for the fast, easy, and smooth closing process.
Website: missouricashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 417-323-2611
Core Properties
Founded in 2009, Core Properties is a locally owned home-buying company specializing in the St. Louis market. Closing over 100 transactions per year, the firm attributes its success to its network of title companies and attorneys providing needed services. On its website, Core Properties states that it generally rehabs houses and then sells them, thus enabling the firm to offer the highest investor price. The company typically pays a $500 referral fee to sellers who refer other homeowners pursuing a cash offer.
Locations: Core Properties pays cash for homes in St. Louis, Missouri, and the following counties: St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Madison, and St. Clair.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Core Properties covers them.
Core Properties has been BBB accredited since 2014 and holds an A+ rating. Customer reviews for Core Properties speak to a less stressful selling process and timely closings handled in a very professional manner. While several customers mention receiving a fair offer, a couple of complaints note that the company lowered the offer after a contract was signed.
Website: corepropertiesstl.com
Phone number: 314-710-2328
St. Louis Homebuyers
St. Louis Homebuyers has been providing real estate solutions since it began operations in 2009. The company provides a cash offer within 24 hours and completes closings within 9 days or on the seller’s timeline. For properties that are in foreclosure, St. Louis Homebuyers assists homeowners in stopping foreclosure in as few as seven days and negotiates with the bank to reduce debt. The firm may pay up to $1,000 for referrals of prospective sellers looking for a cash sale.
Locations: St. Louis Homebuyers serves customers in Missouri’s greater St. Louis and St. Charles areas, including Ballwin, Brentwood, Clayton, Ferguson, Hazelwood, Overland, Rock Hill, and Shaw Park. The website provides a complete list of locations.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; St. Louis Homebuyers covers them.
St. Louis Homebuyers has been BBB accredited since 2013 and holds an A+ rating in addition to 4.3 stars on Google. Customer reviews on Google commend St. Louis Homebuyers for exceptional attention to detail, quick closings, fair offers, and excellent customer service. They describe its representatives as professional, knowledgeable, and responsive.
Website: stlouishomebuyersllc.com
Phone number: 314-227-4669
Why sell your Missouri house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Missouri 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 Missouri, it typically takes around 72 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 29 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 Missouri, 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 why a We Buy Houses for Cash company might be an apt fit for your unique circumstances in Missouri.
- Aging or problematic homes: Missouri properties can face challenges such as termite infestations, mold, and structural or foundation problems. Selling traditionally might mean expensive repairs.
- Relocation due to urgent life events: Whether it’s a sudden job change, health issues, or personal transitions like divorce, sometimes you just need a quick sale without delay.
- Lack of funds for upgrades: Not everyone has the cash on hand to update an older home to make it market-ready, making cash buyers an appealing route.
- Avoiding selling complexities: Preparing your home, hosting viewings, and dealing with back-and-forth negotiations can be overwhelming. A direct sale cuts out these stressors.
- Privacy priority: For those who value discretion, selling off-market to a cash buyer ensures your home sale remains confidential.
- Foreclosure dilemma: If you’re on the brink of foreclosure, a quick sale can provide a way out, protecting your credit and bringing some financial relief.
- Inheritance complications: Inheriting a property can bring unexpected responsibilities. Selling for cash can simplify the process and offer swift closure.
- Landlord fatigue: Managing a property or dealing with problematic tenants can wear on even the most seasoned landlords. A cash sale offers an exit strategy.
- Aging and lifestyle changes: For older homeowners downsizing their home and transitioning to assisted living or moving in with family, a hassle-free sale can be a blessing.
- Out-of-state living: Managing a property sale from afar can be complex. Cash buyers provide a straightforward and expedited solution.
For homeowners in Missouri facing any of these situations, a We Buy Houses for Cash company might be just the solution you need. However, while these companies offer extraordinary convenience, it’s crucial to be well informed about both the advantages and disadvantages of working with these cash-buying entities and to know all your options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Missouri
When considering a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Missouri, understanding the pros and cons can guide your decision-making process. While they can offer speed and convenience, there are some trade-offs to keep in mind.
Pros
Selling your home in its current condition without pouring money into repairs can be tempting. Couple this with a rapid sale process, and the appeal of house-buying companies in Missouri becomes clear.
- Speedy sale process: These companies often close deals in a matter of days, making them a go-to for urgent or convenient sales.
- No repairs required: They’ll buy your home as-is, eliminating the need for any costly fixes or upgrades.
- No commissions or closing costs: Unlike traditional real estate sales, there aren’t any agent commissions. And most We Buy Houses companies cover closing costs.
- Predictable outcome: With a fixed cash offer, there are fewer uncertainties compared to the traditional housing market. You can make plans with confidence.
Cons
This convenience comes at a cost. The biggest drawback? You will likely receive an offer below the market value you’d achieve with a seasoned real estate agent.
- Lower offers: These companies need to profit from their investment, so they typically present offers below the home’s market value.
- Little or no negotiations: Unlike traditional sales, there’s typically minimal wiggle room to counter their initial offer.
- Chance of pressure tactics: While most We Buy Houses companies in Missouri strive for a win-win solution, there is a chance of getting involved with a group that applies pressure tactics to take advantage of your urgent situation.
- Potential for scams: Like any industry, there are unscrupulous players that trick buyers. Ensure you’re working with a reputable company.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Just as the integrity and service can vary in any industry, your experience with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Missouri will largely depend on the character of the individual or group behind the offer. It’s crucial to perform due diligence. Vet potential buyers by checking online reviews, reading testimonials, and researching their track record in the Missouri market.
Moreover, never rush into a decision. While the allure of a fast sale can be tempting, remember that the buying agreement you sign binds you legally. Always read every clause and term meticulously, ensuring you understand every aspect before committing to the sale.
Before committing to a house-buying company, HomeLight suggests you consult with a top agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then compare cash offers to what a top agent might be able to get for your home. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your Missouri market.
You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Missouri home quickly
iBuyers
Emerging within the Cash-For-Homes realm, iBuyers, or instant buyers, combine the swift sale approach with technology. These companies, active since the mid-2010s in Missouri, use algorithm-based automated valuation models (AVMs) to estimate property values. This results in rapid offers for sellers. Typically, iBuyers focus on better-condition homes, often presenting offers close to market value.
It’s important to note that leading iBuyer firms like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge service fees ranging from 5%-6%. Missouri sellers might find iBuyers appealing if they favor a mainly online, hassle-free sale. This method best suits sellers with well-maintained homes in uniform housing areas.
Listing with an agent
Considering traditional agents alongside Cash-For-Homes options might seem counterintuitive. However, in a seller-favoring market, a top-tier agent can facilitate swift sales with strategic pricing and adept marketing. Selling through agents generally ensures higher returns. For instance, HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more compared to average agents.
A seasoned Missouri Realtor can also provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA), a report that can guide your pricing strategies, influencing sale speed. Many agents will offer a CMA for free.
A local agent with connections might even link you to cash offers nearing your property’s market value. Explore this avenue further with a top-ranking HomeLight agent.
FAQs on Missouri house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Missouri 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.
Most Missouri 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 Missouri Atrium ranch home could sell for $255,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($255,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $148,500
In this example, a Missouri We Buy Houses company might offer you around $148,500 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs. top Missouri 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 Missouri | Sell with a top Realtor in Missouri |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 72 days average; 29 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 | 3%-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 Missouri is currently worth about $255,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $280,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Missouri | Sell with a top Realtor in Missouri | |
Estimated sale price | ($280,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $171,000 | $255,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,550 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $7,650 (3% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $3,825 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $171,000 | $240,975 |
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 Missouri 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
- Swift sales: House-buying companies in Missouri offer a rapid solution for homeowners needing to sell quickly without making repairs.
- Pros and cons: While these companies promise speed and ease, they typically offer less than market value for your home.
- Vet your buyer: Your experience with a We Buy Houses for Cash company depends on its integrity. Thoroughly review the company and the buying agreement before committing.
- iBuyers: A tech-driven subset of house buyers, iBuyers provide near-instant offers, usually focusing on homes in better condition.
- Traditional agents: Even when exploring quick sale options, consider traditional agents. In a favorable market, they can offer fast sales and potentially higher returns, with the added advantage of professional insights through tools like a CMA.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
In conclusion, if you’re considering a Missouri Cash-For-Homes company, it’s prudent to gather multiple offers and thoughtfully consider your choices.
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 Missouri agent.
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