We Buy Houses Washington: Top 5 Companies
- Published on
- 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.
Fast facts about We Buy Houses companies in Washington:
- Your home will sell quickly: House-buying companies offer a fast, hassle-free sale, often closing within a week.
- It’s an “as-is” purchase: This means you can sell your home without making repairs or preparing it for showings.
- Cash offers are below market value: “We Buy Houses” companies pay less than market value for your property in exchange for a fast sale.
If you need to quickly sell your home in the Evergreen State, a “We Buy Houses” Washington company might be the answer you’re looking for. These companies offer all-cash deals for homes, even ones needing extensive repairs.
Selling to a cash-for-homes company is great for urgent situations like financial difficulties, relocation, or inherited property. They offer a fast, convenient way to sell your home and get the proceeds quickly, avoiding market delays.
This post will discuss the pros and cons of working with house-buying firms in Washington. We will provide you with a list of companies that will buy your property, give you insight into how the process works, and provide you with some alternatives.
Working with house-buying companies in Washington
A cash sale through a house-buying company in Washington can be completed quickly and with minimal hassle. These companies handle most of the paperwork and often buy homes in any condition. Here’s an outline of the process of selling your home for cash:
- Contact a house-buying company: Find a reputable cash-for-homes company in Washington and tell them you’d like to sell your home.
- Schedule a home evaluation: Arrange for a representative to visit your property and assess its condition to determine the cash offer.
- Receive a cash offer: After evaluating your home, the company will present you with a no-obligation, all-cash offer, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- Review the offer: Take the time to carefully review the terms and conditions of the offer to ensure it meets your needs and expectations.
- Accept the offer: If you’re satisfied with the offer, sign the agreement to proceed with the sale.
- Close the sale: Complete the necessary paperwork and close the sale, often within a few days, allowing you to receive your cash payment quickly.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Washington
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Washington 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 or Contemporary home.
By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Washington home in as little as a week or two.
253 Houses
253 Houses, a property investment and solutions firm founded in 2004, is committed to assisting homeowners in selling difficult or unwanted properties quickly. The company provides a fair, all-cash offer within 24 hours of receiving property details, streamlining the process for those in need of a swift sale.
With experience handling homes in various conditions, including those that are vacant or affected by mold, pests, fire, or storms, they offer a practical alternative to the traditional market. Sellers have the flexibility to close in as little as seven days or choose a date that fits their schedule.
Locations: Throughout Washington
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; 253 Houses cover them.
Commended for conducting business with transparency, 253 Houses has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2021 and proudly maintains an A+ rating. On Google, past clients gave it an average score of 4.7 stars. Clients appreciate the clear communication, responsiveness, and honest guidance provided throughout the process, even in complex situations.
Website: 253houses.com
Phone number: 253-330-8228
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Washington (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 Washington. 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 Washington
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 proudly maintains 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Kind House Buyers
Kind House Buyers is a local home-buying company serving Tacoma, WA, with a mission to make selling your house as simple and stress-free as possible. Known for fair pricing and straightforward deals, the team avoids lowball offers and focuses on providing real value to homeowners.
They extend cash offers within 24 hours and give sellers full control over the closing timeline. Whether you’re dealing with repairs, a tight schedule, or simply want to skip the hassle of listing, Kind House Buyers offers a reliable solution.
Locations: Tacoma and other key areas, including Seattle, Spokane, and Olympia
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Kind House Buyers cover them.
Accredited by the BBB since 2018, Kind House Buyers holds a high A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile earned 4.8 stars, as several clients gave stellar reviews of its services.
Past sellers commend the team’s dependability, attention to detail, and genuine desire to help. Their professionalism and commitment leave a strong impression, leading many to recommend the company and express interest in future deals.
Website: kindhousebuyers.com
Phone number: 253-352-3594
Highest Offer Real Estate
Highest Offer Real Estate is a family-owned real estate company based in Tacoma, WA, with more than 30 years of industry experience. Over the decades, they’ve assisted homeowners through a wide range of situations, offering guidance and support with empathy and professionalism.
They provide cash offers within 24 hours and allow sellers to choose a closing date that fits their needs. With a personalized, step-by-step approach, Highest Offer Real Estate ensures each homeowner feels confident and satisfied throughout the entire sale.
Locations: Throughout Washington
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Highest Offer Real Estate covers them.
Highest Offer Real Estate has been BBB accredited since 2021 and currently maintains an A+ grade. On Google, it earned a high review score of 5 stars from satisfied clients. Reviews praise the staff for their efficiency and knowledge in making home buying and selling seamless, solid communication, and a stress-free process.
Website: highestoffer.com
Phone number: 425-600-2550
NW Home Buy
NW Home Buy, established in 2005, has purchased homes across Washington, helping hundreds of homeowners navigate challenging situations with ease. Known for their local expertise and fair dealing, they’ve built a strong reputation for creating tailored solutions that align with each seller’s goals.
The team presents no-obligation offers within 24 hours and can complete the closing process in as little as seven days. Their commitment to speed, transparency, and personalized service makes them a trusted option for those looking to sell quickly without hassle.
Locations: Greater Seattle and the Eastside Washington area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; NW Home Buy covers them.
Formally recognized by the BBB since 2023, NW Home Buy has earned an A+ grade from the bureau. Its Google Business Profile reflects a high rating of 4.8 stars, thanks to several positive customer testimonials.
Reviewers note how intentional the team is when it comes to helping clients through the home-selling process. Sellers appreciate the genuine care and effort shown throughout, describing the experience as reassuring, smooth, and handled with sincere attention to their needs.
Website: nwhomebuy.com
Phone number: 206-203-1064
Why sell your Washington 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 Washington, selling a home on the open market using an agent takes around 62 days. That includes an average of 21 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 Washington, 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.
Selling your Washington home for cash can be an attractive option for various reasons. When time, convenience, and simplicity are your priorities, working with a house-buying company offers a streamlined solution. Here are some common scenarios where this might be the right choice for you.
- Job relocation: You need to move quickly for a new job and can’t wait for the traditional home sale process.
- Divorce settlement: You’re going through a divorce and want to sell the house quickly to move on with your life.
- Unwanted inheritance: You’ve inherited a property and want to sell it without the hassle of repairs or finding a real estate agent.
- Downsizing transition: You’re ready to downsize and prefer a fast sale to free up funds for your next move.
- Costly repairs: Your home needs extensive repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to deal with.
- Open house inconvenience: You prefer to avoid the stress and intrusion of preparing your home for multiple open houses and showings.
- Foundation damage: Your home has major issues, such as foundation problems, that make it difficult to sell on the open market.
- Foreclosure solution: You’re facing foreclosure and need to sell your home quickly to settle your debts.
- Problematic tenants: You have tenants in your rental property, and selling to a cash buyer is easier than coordinating showings with them.
- Remote home sale: You’re selling from out of state and want the convenience of a quick, hassle-free sale that removes the need to travel back and forth.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Washington
When considering selling your Washington home to a house-buying company, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons.
A house-buying company lets you make a fast sale and will buy your house in any condition without needing repairs or preparations. Here are some key benefits:
- Speedy process: Cash transactions can be completed quickly, often within a week, providing fast relief for sellers in urgent situations.
- As-is condition: These companies let you sell your home as-is, eliminating the need for you to make costly repairs or improvements.
- No contingencies: Sales typically don’t include contingencies, reducing the risk of the deal falling through.
- Convenient transaction: The process is straightforward, with minimal paperwork and no need for staging or showings.
While these companies offer several advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The biggest trade-off is that they may offer you less than you’d earn by listing with an experienced real estate agent, potentially resulting in lower profit. Here’s a breakdown of some disadvantages to consider:
- Lower offers: Cash offers are typically below market value, meaning you may receive less money than if you sold traditionally.
- Scam risks: Some dishonest buyers may try to exploit sellers in difficult situations, so it’s important to watch out for house-buying scams.
- Lack of competition: Selling to a single buyer doesn’t generate bidding interest, which means you might miss out on a higher sale price.
- Limited negotiation: These companies often present take-it-or-leave-it offers, leaving little room for negotiation.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When working with a house-buying company in Washington, it’s important to be vigilant of any shady tactics. Here are some brief guidelines to follow:
- Verify credentials: Confirm that the company is licensed and has a track record of successful transactions.
- Research market presence: Investigate the company’s presence and performance in the market to ensure stability and reliability.
- Check reviews: Look for reviews and ratings online to see what other sellers have experienced.
- Read the agreement carefully: Before signing, make sure you understand all terms and conditions in the buying agreement.
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 your cash offer.
HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Washington. You can also use our free Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Washington home quickly
If you’re looking to sell your Washington home quickly, here are a few other options to consider:
- Working with iBuyers: Instant buyers or iBuyers use automated valuation models to provide near-instant cash offers for homes in good condition. The homebuying process is fast, taking a few days to two weeks, but comes with service fees of 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. Major iBuyer companies include Opendoor and Offerpad.
- Listing with an agent: Selling with a top real estate agent can yield a higher price, even in a fast sale. Agents provide valuable services like a comparative market analysis (CMA), often free, to help price your home accurately. HomeLight can connect you with top-performing agents in Washington.
FAQs on Washington house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Washington 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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most Washington 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 Washington Contemporary house could sell for $635,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($635,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $414,500
In this example, a Washington We Buy Houses company might offer you around $414,500 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 the market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington vs. top Washington 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 Washington | Sell with a top Realtor in Washington |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 62 days average; 21 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 Washington is worth about $605,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $635,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Washington | Sell with a top Realtor in Washington | |
Estimated sale price | ($635,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $414,500 | $605,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $6,050 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $18,150 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $9,075 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $414,500 | $571,725 |
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 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
Here are the key points to remember when considering selling your home to a cash-for-homes company in Washington:
- Quick process: Cash-for-homes companies can close on your property quickly, often within days.
- No repairs needed: You can sell your house as-is, avoiding the cost and hassle of making repairs.
- Simple transaction: This method eliminates the need for showings, staging, and lengthy negotiations.
- Selling alternatives: Weigh other selling options, such as working with iBuyers or listing with an agent, to potentially get a higher price for your home. Home valuation: Know your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to help you navigate 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 Washington agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Washington 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: (Zac Gudakov / Unsplash)