We Buy Houses Roanoke, VA: Top 5 Companies
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- 15 min read
- Joseph Gordon EditorCloseJoseph Gordon Editor
Joseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Selling your home in Virginia can be overwhelming when you’re on a tight deadline. Fortunately, “We Buy Houses” Roanoke, VA, companies offer a solution. These businesses pay cash for homes, regardless of the condition, often in a matter of days.
A cash sale is ideal when time is a factor, whether it’s a job relocation, financial strain, or an inherited property. In this post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of working with a We Buy Houses company in Roanoke, explain how the process works, and provide some alternatives worth considering.
Working with house-buying companies in Roanoke
If you want to sell your Roanoke home quickly, working with a house-buying company is a good solution. These companies specialize in making all-cash offers on homes as-is, which means you can skip the repairs and move on faster. Here’s an overview of the basic steps involved in the process of selling your home for cash.
- Contact the company: Contact a local house-buying company and provide details about your home.
- Schedule a home visit: The company will arrange a time to visit and assess your property’s condition.
- Receive an offer: After reviewing your home, the company will present you with a no-obligation, all-cash offer.
- Accept the offer: If you agree, the sale will go through without negotiations.
- Complete paperwork: The company will guide you through signing the necessary documents to finalize the sale.
- Close the sale: Typically, closing can happen within days, and you’ll receive your cash payment shortly after.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Roanoke
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Roanoke 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 revival or a craftsman bungalow. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Roanoke home in as little as a week or two.
Journey Home Buyers
Journey Home Buyers is a respected home-buying company committed to making the selling process as straightforward as possible. Specializing in fast, all-cash purchases, they buy houses in any condition and assist numerous homeowners in Roanoke with a seamless selling process.
Within 24 hours of evaluating a property, the team presents a competitive cash offer, and once accepted, the closing process begins immediately. With the ability to close in as little as seven days, Journey Home Buyers delivers a reliable and stress-free selling experience.
Locations: Roanoke and the surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Journey Home Buyers covers them.
Respected for upholding ethical values in its business operations, Journey Home Buyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2022 and now holds an A+ rating. It has a 4.9-star rating on Google.
Clients report that the team provided a prompt, no-pressure estimate and allowed them to determine a closing date at their own pace. They valued the constant communication and reassuring approach, which made what could have been a stressful experience much easier. Reviewers commend the company for making it possible to sell without a realtor, home prep, or property showings
Website: journeyhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 540-296-2607
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Roanoke (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It features 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 Roanoke. With the 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 Roanoke
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 been BBB accredited since 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
Quick Fix Real Estate
Quick Fix Real Estate provides straightforward solutions for homeowners in Charlotte, Roanoke, and Columbia. It purchases properties in any condition for cash, allowing sellers to bypass the usual pre-sale home preparation process.
Within 24 hours of assessment, they present a fair, no-obligation offer. For those needing a rapid sale, transactions can be completed in as little as seven days, putting cash in the seller’s hands quickly.
Locations: Roanoke and the surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Quick Fix Real Estate covers them.
Quick Fix Real Estate, accredited by the BBB since 2021, holds an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile reflects an average customer review score of 4.3 stars. Clients say the team delivered a smooth, fast, and worry-free sale, handling every detail from start to finish.
Some particularly commend the consistent updates and compassionate approach in navigating sensitive selling situations. Others note that the process moved more quickly than expected, with minimal effort on their part.
Website: quickfixrealestate.com
Phone number: 540-324-4346
Prime Home Buyers
Backed by over a decade of expertise, Prime Home Buyers delivers an efficient cash purchase transaction for Roanoke home sellers. The team quickly assesses each homeowner’s needs and crafts tailored solutions.
They prioritize transparency and efficiency, ensuring sellers know right away if moving forward is the right fit. The company presents cash offers within 24 hours or less, and sellers have the flexibility to choose their own closing date.
Locations: Roanoke and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Prime Home Buyers covers them.
Recognized for its integrity-driven approach, Prime Home Buyers maintains an A+ rating from the BBB. It has a 4.7-star rating on Google, with many praising its seamless sale process.
Several note that selling their Roanoke rental was straightforward and stress-free, even without making repairs. Others value the fair offer, absence of fees or closing costs, and the quick turnaround, often receiving payment in less than three weeks, making the company a popular recommendation.
Website: primehomebuyers.net
Phone number: 540-440-5939
540 Home Buyers
As a trusted cash home buyer in Roanoke, VA, 540 Home Buyers provides homeowners with a fast and hassle-free alternative to the delays of traditional bank financing. With a strong understanding of the local real estate market, they present fair cash offers for properties in any condition.
Sellers can bypass lengthy processes and sell directly without worrying about mortgage approvals or inspections. Closings are completed in as little as seven days, offering both speed and certainty.
Locations: Roanoke and the surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; 540 Home Buyers covers them.
Backed by strong client reviews, 540 Home Buyers has earned a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Most clients share that the team made selling their home simple and stress-free, with quick responses to questions and minimal intrusion during the process. Others emphasized the company representatives’ respectful approach and fair pricing, making the experience far better than with other cash-buying companies.
Website: 540homebuyers.com
Phone number: 540-349-6446
Why sell your Roanoke house for cash?
Selling your home for cash isn’t for everyone, but when you need to sell your Roanoke property quickly, a We Buy Houses company in Roanoke is a good alternative to the traditional market.
In Roanoke, selling a home on the open market using an agent takes around 71 days. That includes an average of 30 days on the market, from listing to signed contract, plus the typical 41 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the usual seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Roanoke, 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.
Below are some common scenarios where selling for cash might make sense.
- Job relocation: If you need to move fast for a new job, a cash sale can help you avoid delays and close quickly.
- Divorce settlement: Selling your home for cash can simplify the process of dividing real estate assets and help both parties move forward without lengthy delays after a divorce.
- Unwanted inheritance: If you’ve inherited a house and don’t want the responsibility, a cash sale allows you to sell it as-is without repairs or updates.
- Downsizing transition: If you’re moving to a smaller home, selling for cash can fund the transition, while letting you avoid the hassle of preparing the property for sale.
- Costly repairs: When your home is in poor condition, selling for cash lets you skip the burden of fixing foundation or structural issues.
- Foreclosure threat: If you’re facing foreclosure, selling quickly for cash can help you settle debts and avoid damage to your credit.
- Problem tenants: If managing tenants has become overwhelming, a cash buyer can purchase your rental property, even with renters still living there, solving your tenant issues.
- Remote home sale: If you own a property in Roanoke but live elsewhere, a cash sale can save you the hassle of managing a sale from out of state.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Roanoke
If you’re considering selling your Roanoke home to a house-buying company, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. These companies offer convenience and speed, but you may need to sacrifice some value to achieve a fast, hassle-free sale. Let’s take a closer look.
Pros
A major advantage of working with a house-buying company is the speed of the sale and the ability to sell your home in as-is condition without making repairs or preparations. Here are some of the key benefits to consider.
- Fast sale: You can close in as little as a week, allowing you to move on with your life quickly.
- No repairs: You won’t need to spend time or money fixing up your home before selling.
- No contingencies: Cash buyers typically don’t require contingencies like financing or inspections, which can speed up the process.
- Less stress: Skip open houses, showings, and negotiations, allowing you to avoid the stress of traditional sales.
Cons
The biggest drawback is that you may earn less than you would by selling through an agent. Here’s a summary of the downsides.
- Lower offer: Expect an offer lower than what your home could sell for on the open market with an agent.
- Scams: Some companies may engage in scams, so you need to be cautious and vet the buyer carefully.
- Limited options: These companies usually present take-it-or-leave-it offers with no room for negotiation.
- Less marketing exposure: Selling off-market means fewer potential buyers, which could reduce your chances of a higher offer.
In the next section, we’ll explore how to vet cash buyers and ensure you know your home’s worth before accepting an offer. This step is crucial to avoid lowball offers and scams.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Before committing to a cash offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Roanoke, it’s important to vet the buyer and know your home’s worth. Here are a few tips:
- Research the company: The level of integrity and service can vary. See how long they’ve served clients and if they’re known for smooth, timely closings.
- Evaluate their market presence: Find out if they’ve built a proven record of successful deals in your specific area.
- Read the buying agreement carefully: Before you sign anything, thoroughly review the terms of the offer to ensure you understand the details.
- Know your home’s worth: Research your home’s market value before accepting an offer to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
Other options to sell your Roanoke home quickly
Working with iBuyers: Instant buyers or iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make nearly instant all-cash offers, often for homes in good condition. The process is mostly online and quick, often taking just a few days to two weeks.
But while iBuyer companies provide offers closer to market value, they often charge service fees of around 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. This option suits sellers with homes in good condition in regions with homogeneous housing.
Listing with an agent: Even if speed is a priority, listing with an agent can still be a fast option, particularly in a seller-friendly market. A top agent can price and market your home effectively, often resulting in a quick sale. Consulting an agent also gives you access to a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often free and helps estimate your home’s market value and potential sale speed.
Moreover, they may have a network of cash buyers willing to pay closer to market value. Use HomeLight’s Agent Match tool to connect with a top-performing agent in your area.
FAQs on Roanoke house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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), 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 Roanoke colonial revival could sell for $295,000 after repairs, but it will need $25,000 of work to get there.
($295,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $181,500
In this example, a Roanoke We Buy Houses company might offer you around $181,500 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 they 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 Roanoke We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once it 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 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke vs. top Roanoke 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 Roanoke | Sell with a top Realtor in Roanoke |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 71 days average; 30 to attract an offer, 41 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, and stage the home |
Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings on 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 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 Roanoke is worth about $270,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $295,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Roanoke | Sell with a top Realtor in Roanoke | |
Estimated sale price | ($295,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $181,500 | $270,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,700 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $8,100 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $4,050 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $181,500 | $255,150 |
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
- Fast closing: Cash-for-homes companies can close in as little as a week, helping you sell your home quickly.
- No repairs: You can sell your home as-is, avoiding the need to make any repairs or updates.
- Lower offers: Expect offers to be below market value, as cash buyers factor in their costs and the convenience they provide.
- Limited negotiation: These offers are often take-it-or-leave-it, with little room for negotiation.
- Home valuation: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company to avoid extremely low offers.
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 Roanoke agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Roanoke 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 / Deposit Photos)