4 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in St. Louis
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard 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.
Selling a home in Missouri can feel overwhelming, especially if your property needs significant repairs. Fortunately, We Buy Houses St. Louis companies provide a fast and convenient solution with cash offers, helping homeowners move on without the hassle of costly renovations or drawn-out sales processes.
A cash sale offers more than just speed; it’s a stress-free option for homeowners who may lack the time, money, or desire to renovate their property. This approach allows you to quickly access your funds, empowering you to move forward to the next chapter of your life with ease.
Is selling to a cash-for-homes company the right choice for your situation? This option can be a valuable solution for unexpected or urgent challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision that’s best for your situation.
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Working with house-buying companies in St. Louis
Selling a home is often an emotional journey, particularly when you need a quick transaction in St. Louis. House-buying companies simplify the process, enabling you to transition smoothly. Here are the essential steps to navigate your sale to a cash-for-homes company in the Gateway City:
- Research potential companies: Start by researching and shortlisting reputable house-buying companies that operate in St. Louis. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any red flags.
- Contact the company: They typically will ask for basic information about your property and the reason for selling.
- Arrange a property assessment: The company will schedule an on-site visit to evaluate the condition and value of your home. This helps them make a fair cash offer.
- Receive an offer: Based on the assessment, you’ll receive a no-obligation cash offer. Consider the terms and amount carefully.
- Accept or decline: If the offer meets your expectations, proceed. If not, you can explore other options.
- Close the deal: Once you accept, the company handles most of the paperwork, and you often can choose your closing date. After closing, you receive your cash payment.
- Move on: With the sale finalized, you can transition confidently to your next chapter, free from the burdens of a traditional home sale process.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in St. Louis
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in St. Louis 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’ property, whether that’s a bungalow or a mid-century modern home. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your St. Louis home in as little as a week or two.
STL Pro Home Buyers
STL Pro Home Buyers is a reputable family-owned real estate solutions company committed to assisting homeowners in challenging situations like foreclosure, probate, or ownership of burdensome properties. Its primary objective is to provide homeowners with practical options, allowing them to move forward and enjoy life without the hindrance of property-related dilemmas.
The team’s approach is rooted in understanding and offering a tailored experience for each client. Whether you’re uncertain about selling your house or seeking advice on avoiding foreclosure, STL Pro Home Buyers prioritizes transparency and is always ready to assist.
Locations: St. Louis and other parts of Missouri
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; STL Pro Home Buyers covers them.
Past clients highly recommend STL Pro Home Buyers for its professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional service. Google reviewers give the company a 4.8-star rating, with many highlighting the outstanding assistance provided and emphasizing the team’s expertise in the real estate market.
Clients appreciate the seamless and comforting process when selling their homes, noting that the staff ensures sellers get the best value for their properties. The company’s caring approach and commitment to finding solutions regardless of challenges have earned it a strong recommendation from many.
Website: stlprohomebuyers.com
Phone: 636-400-6060
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in St. Louis 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 St. Louis.
With the platform, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in as few as 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 St. Louis
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no 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 accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 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
Evervest Home Buyers
Evervest, co-owned by Scott Dolson and David Long, is a reputable home-buying company that buys homes as-is in the St. Louis area. These seasoned business partners, native Missourians with more than 30 years of collaboration, have been in the home-buying and selling arena since 1996.
They’ve successfully provided as-is selling solutions for more than 700 homeowners, handling challenges ranging from fire and tornado damage to faulty roofs and undesirable neighborhoods.
As a locally operated company, Evervest is deeply rooted in the St. Louis community, committed to simplifying the home-selling process and ensuring a hassle-free experience for homeowners. The company provides a same-day offer and can close as-is home deals within 30 days.
Locations: Missouri, including St. Louis
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Evervest covers them.
Recognized for its ethical business practices, Evervest Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018 and now maintains an A+ rating. It has a 5-star rating on Google, having received praises from clients that emphasize the staff’s professionalism, honesty, and compassionate approach, particularly during challenging situations such as the loss of a loved one.
Clients appreciate the company’s ability to quickly evaluate homes and offer fair prices, regardless of their condition. Many clients emphasized the ease and speed of the entire process, from evaluation to closing. The team’s additional efforts to alleviate moving-related stresses further highlight their commitment to delivering an exceptional, hassle-free experience for St. Louis sellers.
Website: evervesthomebuyers.com
Phone: 314-730-0366
House Sold Easy
House Sold Easy has firmly established itself as a reliable home-buying company with more than a decade of experience in the industry. Its straightforward approach involves a transparent valuation method, drawing comparisons from recent area sales and providing prospective sellers with detailed repair estimates.
Offering cash payments and swift closings, often within two weeks, their team of professionals facilitates convenient transactions and ensures sellers feel supported, regardless of the home’s condition or appearance.
Locations: St. Louis and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; House Sold Easy covers them.
Although not BBB accredited, House Sold Easy earned an A+ rating from the bureau. It earned a solid 4.5-star rating on Google, as clients shared positive experiences working with the staff.
Reviewers say they appreciate House Sold Easy’s services, often emphasizing the team’s commitment to going above and beyond to assist. Notable qualities mentioned include their ability to offer fair valuations, even in challenging situations like incomplete rehabs, and their dedication to revitalizing the local St. Louis community.
Customers also highlight the company’s swift action, transparency, and consistent communication. Many clients feel relieved of burdens and stress when selling their properties, praising the professionalism and efficiency of the House Sold Easy team.
Website: housesoldeasy.com
Phone: 636-525-1566
Why sell your St. Louis 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 cash-for-homes firm.
In St. Louis, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes about 64 days. That includes an average of 24 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 St. Louis, 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.
What might motivate a St. Louis homeowner to opt for a cash sale instead of the traditional route of listing their property?
- Job relocation: You need to move quickly for a new job and can’t wait for a traditional home sale.
- Divorce settlement: You want to quickly divide assets during a divorce and move on with your life.
- Unwanted inheritance: You’ve inherited a house and prefer a quick sale to dealing with maintenance or renting.
- Downsizing transition: You’re looking to move into a smaller home or a retirement community without the hassle of prepping and showing your current home.
- Expensive repairs: Your home is in poor condition and requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to manage.
- Open house stress: You prefer to avoid the stress and inconvenience of multiple showings and open houses.
- Structural damage: Your home has foundation issues, making it less attractive to traditional buyers.
- Foreclosure solution: You’re facing foreclosure and need to sell quickly to settle your debts.
- Problem tenants: You’re a landlord tired of managing tenants and want to sell your rental property quickly.
- Remote home sale: You own a property in St. Louis but live elsewhere and want the ease of a fast sale from out of state.
If you face one of the above scenarios, consider a cash offer from one of the top We Buy Houses for Cash companies in St. Louis. However, this is merely a first step in your home-selling journey. Let’s review the pros and cons of this approach.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in St. Louis
While house-buying companies provide clear benefits like speed and convenience, there are also some downsides to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at both perspectives.
Pros
The allure of quick transactions and selling homes as-is has driven many to explore the cash-for-home route. Most prominently, these companies promise speed and accept homes in any condition.
Here’s a brief overview of the notable benefits:
- Speedy process: These companies can often close deals in as few as seven days, freeing you from a lengthy waiting period.
- No repairs required: Say goodbye to repair bills or staging hassles. These companies buy your home in its current state.
- No-fail deal: Unlike traditional sales where deals can fall through, here you get a guaranteed sale.
- Simple transactions: Streamlined paperwork and straightforward terms make the process less cumbersome.
Cons
The most prominent drawback is the potential loss of proceeds that’s part of the trade-off for speed and convenience. Typically, cash buyers offer less than the market rate, especially when compared to sales facilitated by seasoned real estate agents.
Here’s a quick look at the key drawbacks:
- Lower offers: These companies aim to make a profit, which often means offering less than your home’s potential market value.
- Fewer buyer protections: Traditional sales routes come with certain protections and regulations that might be absent here.
- Scam risks: As with any industry, there are unscrupulous players. It’s important to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate company.
- Lack of personal touch: The transaction can feel more commercial and less tailored to individual seller needs.
As we continue this discussion, it’s clear that understanding your prospective buyer’s credibility and knowing your home’s value are both crucial.
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
Navigating the quick-sale landscape in St. Louis requires more than just the desire to sell, as it demands diligence. Remember, the integrity and quality of service you’ll receive from a We Buy Houses for Cash company can vary, and much of your experience hinges on the character of the individual or group behind the offer.
Take these important steps before accepting an offer:
- Research the buyer: Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the company’s reputation. A reliable buyer should have a solid track record and positive feedback from previous sellers.
- Understand market value: Know your home’s market value by comparing it with similar properties in St. Louis. This knowledge will help you assess whether the cash offer is fair.
- Examine the agreement: Read the buying agreement carefully before signing. Ensure you understand all terms and conditions to avoid any surprises later.
- Seek professional advice: Consider consulting with a real estate attorney or an experienced agent to review the offer and agreement. This step can provide an extra layer of security and ensure that your interests are protected.
An experienced local agent can give you a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. With this, you can 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 home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to give near-instant home value estimates, streamlining the home sale process online. These all-cash offers are often closer to market value and are ideal for homes in good condition.
However, major iBuyer companies like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price as service fees. This option best suits properties in regions with uniform housing and in good condition.
Listing with an agent
Although it may seem unconventional when aiming for a quick sale, listing with a top agent can result in a fast transaction if the property is priced strategically and marketed effectively. HomeLight data indicates that top agents will get you a higher selling price, as much as 10% more than average agents.
A performance-proven Realtor® will provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA), which helps set the right price. This analysis, often free, helps you understand market value, potentially drawing offers closer to your home’s worth.
A well-connected St. Louis real estate agent might also be able to connect you with existing cash buyers in the area and find you a cash offer closer to market value. If you’re considering this route, HomeLight can connect you with leading agents in your community.
FAQs on St. Louis house-buying companies
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in St. Louis 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 legitimate.
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 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 St. Louis bungalow could sell for $220,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $25,000 of work to get there.
($220,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $129,000
In this example, a St. Louis We Buy Houses company might offer you about $129,000 for your home.
However, different types of St. Louis 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.
Selling to a We Buy Houses for Cash company comes with a trade-off. On the one hand, you won’t face extra costs because they handle nearly everything after making an offer. On the other hand, you’re likely to receive less money for your home overall.
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 ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might affect your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your 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. Consider 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 St. Louis vs. a top St. Louis 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 St. Louis | Sell with a top Realtor® in St. Louis |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 64 days average; 24 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 on 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 | |
| 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 put together one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a top We Buy Houses for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in St. Louis is currently worth about $195,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $220,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in St. Louis | Sell with a top Realtor in St. Louis | |
| Estimated sale price | ($220,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $129,000 | $195,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $1,950 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $5,850 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $2,925 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $129,000 | $184,275 |
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
- Quick sale: We Buy Houses for Cash companies in St. Louis offer the advantage of a swift, hassle-free sale, often in just a week, without the usual headaches of repairs, open houses, or showings.
- Due diligence: The St. Louis market boasts several trustworthy cash-for-homes companies ready to serve sellers. But it’s important to vet each potential buyer to ensure you’re working with an entity that can deliver what they promise.
- Lower offers: Opting for a We Buy Houses company likely will mean sacrificing potential profit, especially when compared to sales facilitated by top agents or iBuyers.
- Legitimate cash buyers: HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform extends no-obligation, all-cash offers for St. Louis homes in almost any condition. With a wide array of investor partners with varied purchasing criteria, it’s a prime starting point if you’re uncertain about potential buyers.
While house-buying companies are a viable choice for those in St. Louis seeking a fast sale, it’s crucial to consider the pros and cons. Rushed decisions during home sales often lead to regrets.
Before sealing the deal with any cash-for-homes company, make sure you’ve looked at multiple cash offers and weighed the convenience and speed against the potential trade-offs, like a lower sale price. It’s always beneficial to seek insights from a leading St. Louis agent to understand potential sale timelines and prices.
No matter the route you choose, HomeLight stands ready to assist in all your real estate endeavors.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of St. Louis 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: (Kenny Nguyễn / Unsplash)
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.
