5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Wauwatosa
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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 EditorCloseSam Dadofalza Associate Editor
Sam Dadofalza is an associate 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 house in Wauwatosa can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re looking to secure funds quickly to move forward in life. The good news? There’s a modern solution: working with a “We Buy Houses” Wauwatosa company. Whether you’re navigating an unexpected job loss, facing costly repairs, or managing an inherited property, these companies can make a cash offer on your home quickly.
Or, maybe you’re pressed for time, given the mounting bills or a pending divorce. These house-buying companies often close in days, not months, giving you the cash you need to move on with your life.
In this guide, we’ll review the pros and cons of working with a house-buying company in Wauwatosa, ensuring you have all the information you need to weigh your options. Whether you’re short on time or money for repairs, understanding the ins and outs of cash-for-homes transactions will empower you to make the best decision for your circumstances.
Working with house-buying companies in Wauwatosa
House-buying companies in Wauwatosa offer cash deals and quick closings, making the selling process much simpler. Here’s a quick overview of how selling your home for cash typically works:
- Research local companies: Start by searching for reputable “We Buy Houses” companies in Wauwatosa. Look for reviews, ratings, and any local testimonials to ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy buyer.
- Get an initial offer: Reach out to your chosen company with details about your property. Based on this, they’ll provide you with a preliminary cash offer, often within a day or two.
- Schedule a home assessment: If you’re satisfied with the initial offer, the company will likely send a representative for a home assessment to ascertain its condition and finalize the offer. The offer may change after the onsite inspection.
- Review the final offer: Post-inspection, you’ll receive a formal, no-obligation cash offer. Take your time to evaluate it and ensure it aligns with your expectations.
- Handle paperwork: If you decide to proceed, the company will manage most of the paperwork, simplifying the administrative side of the sale for you.
- Close the deal: Finally, select a closing date that works for you. On this day, you’ll sign the necessary documents and receive your cash payment, allowing you to quickly move on to your next chapter.
Each house-buying company might have its nuances, but the steps listed above provide a general framework for swiftly selling your home in Wauwatosa.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Wauwatosa
If you’re considering taking the first step to research local house-buying companies in Wauwatosa, you’ll want to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ Tudor Revival-style house or your Bungalow. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Wauwatosa home in as little as a week or two.
414 HomeBuyers, LLC
414 HomeBuyers, LLC is a real estate solutions company in Milwaukee that provides a viable alternative to traditional property sales. It buys properties in as-is condition, accommodating homeowners facing various challenges, such as foreclosure, burdensome properties, probate, or other difficult situations.
It presents fair cash offers within 24 hours and closes in as little as three days. As a family-owned business, 414 HomeBuyers focuses on understanding homeowners’ unique needs to tailor effective solutions.
Locations: Southeast Wisconsin region, including Wauwatosa
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; 414 Homebuyers, LLC covers them.
Recognized for its integrity and professionalism, 414 Homebuyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2022 and currently holds an A+ rating. On Google, it has a 4.8-star Google rating from more than a hundred reviews.
Clients praise the team, describing the staff as communicative, patient, and helpful throughout the entire process. Company representatives didn’t pressure them into making decisions right away, but it provided clear, step-by-step explanations throughout the process. Past sellers value the team’s compassionate and competent nature, as they provide realistic expectations and make the selling process comfortable.
Website: 414homebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-207-9075
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Wauwatosa (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 Wauwatosa.
With the platform, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in as little as 24 hours and close the sale in 7 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Wauwatosa, WI.
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 received BBB accreditation in 2019 and now maintains an impressive A+ rating. The company has 4.6 stars on Google based on more than 500 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
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer is a family-owned company offering a straightforward and quick process to homeowners looking to sell their houses for cash. To initiate the process, homeowners fill out an online contact form and call or message the company to schedule a convenient inspection.
After a quick assessment, Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer provides a cash offer within 24 hours, and if accepted, they proceed with the necessary paperwork, aiming to close the deal within two weeks.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas, including Wauwatosa.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer covers them.
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer has been accredited by the BBB since 2018, and it holds an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile features a perfect 5-star rating, with clients describing the team as professional, helpful, and responsive throughout the process, which makes transactions easy and painless.
Past customers appreciate the fair offers they receive, especially when selling as is. Metro Milwaukee Home Buyers is also commended for accommodating unique situations and being honest and considerate of clients’ interests.
Website: metromilwaukeehomebuyer.com
Phone number: 414-435-2888
Plan B HomeBuyers, LLC
Plan B Homebuyers, LLC, a family-owned real estate solutions company in Milwaukee, buys houses in any condition and offers quick and convenient cash sales. It strives to assist homeowners facing financial problems, foreclosure, and other challenges.
Its transparent process includes a pledge of a fair offer delivered in 24 hours and fast closing in as little as seven days, without listing fees or commissions. The company’s goal is to provide win-win solutions for clients and make the selling process easier and stress-free.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas, including Wauwatosa
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Plan B HomeBuyers, LLC covers them.
Accredited by the BBB since 2010, Plan B HomeBuyers, LLC earned an A+ rating from the bureau. Thanks to positive customer testimonials, it has a high average review score of 4.7 stars on Google.
Reviewers praise the team for being responsive and accessible throughout the process. They appreciate the support and assistance provided, especially during difficult times and when dealing with administrative work. Past customers highly value the company’s ability to navigate the closing process and accommodate various schedules.
Website: planbhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-431-2650
Cream City Home Buyers LLC
Cream City Home Buyers LLC, a local real estate investment firm in Milwaukee, aims to provide reliable solutions to homeowners facing difficult situations, including foreclosure, delinquent taxes, code violations, or inherited properties. It buys houses, fixes them up, and rents them out at affordable rates, helping neighborhoods and communities thrive.
The company’s core principles are honesty, fairness, and transparency, ensuring every homeowner is treated respectfully. Sellers can expect to receive a fair offer within 24 hours and have the flexibility to choose a closing date that works best for them.
Locations: All over the greater metropolitan area, including Wauwatosa
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cream City Home Buyers LLC covers them.
Cream City Home Buyers LLC has been accredited by the BBB since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. On Google, it earned a perfect review score of 5 stars from past clients. Sellers praise the staff for being polite, patient, and accommodating throughout the process. They commended the company’s fair pricing and excellent service. Moreover, clients appreciate the easy paperwork completion and streamlined as-is sales.
Website: creamcityhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-488-0082
Why sell your Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa, selling a home on the open market using an agent takes around 19 days from listing to signed contract, with an additional 41 days for lender-backed buyers to finalize their purchase loans. This means it can take approximately 60 days in total to fully close a sale.
Contrast this with the impressive seven to 10-day timeline that many house-buying companies in Wauwatosa offer. The allure of such speed is evident, even if the trade-off is not always fetching the highest possible price for the home.
Many homeowners are leaning toward these cash-for-homes companies, particularly when they don’t have the luxury of weeks or months for a conventional home sale process. Here are some more reasons Wauwatosa sellers opt for cash-buying companies over traditional property listings:
- Extensive property problems: The property has common Wauwatosa issues, such as damage from extreme cold snaps that cause burst pipes, problems that tend to deter traditional buyers.
- Costly, time-consuming repairs: The homeowner is not in a position or does not wish to fund and conduct home repairs.
- Sudden life change: Sellers need an expedited sale due to life events such as divorce, medical emergencies, financial hurdles, or job transfers.
- Traditional sale inconveniences: The seller wants to avoid the hassles of preparing the home for showings, negotiations, or wading through a lengthy sales process.
- Off-market sale preference: Some sellers like the allure of a discreet sale that keeps the property off public listings.
- Foreclosure prevention: There’s an imminent foreclosure threat, requiring the homeowners to quickly liquidate assets and settle outstanding debts.
- Unwanted inheritance: The seller needs a swift method to dispose of an inherited property so they won’t have to worry about the cost of maintaining it.
- Landlord exit: If you’re a landlord aiming to step back from property management or looking to address problematic tenants, partnering with a house-buying company simplifies the sale process and lets you move on quickly.
- Downsizing transition: Elderly homeowners who decide to downsize and transition to live with family or move into assisted living facilities can opt for a cash sale for a speedy, practical solution.
- Remote sale: If you’re planning to sell from out of state, a cash sale with a house-buying company can make the transaction easy and hassle-free, eliminating the need to travel back and forth.
If these scenarios resonate with your situation, seeking a cash offer from a We Buy Houses entity could be an avenue worth exploring. Nevertheless, always approach with an open mind, weighing this option against others, which we’ll dive into shortly.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Wauwatosa
We Buy Houses for Cash companies prioritize speed and convenience, often closing deals in a matter of days. This can be a huge relief if you’re facing a tight timeline or just want a hassle-free sale. However, the tradeoff is that you’ll likely walk away with less money than you would through a traditional sale. That’s why it’s worth taking a moment to weigh the pros and cons before moving forward.
Here’s an overview of the key advantages and challenges to consider:
Pros
The standout advantage of these companies lies in their flexibility: They will purchase your home in its current state, with no repairs needed, regardless of its condition. This is especially beneficial if your property has taken a hit from rough weather, has structural issues, or just hasn’t been maintained properly over the years.
Here are some pros to ponder:
- Speedy process: Transactions are fast, often wrapping up within a week or slightly more.
- More certainty: After a walkthrough assessment, these companies can provide an all-cash offer, usually without any contingencies. Their streamlined processes sidestep conventional transactional delays, giving sellers more predictability.
- No repairs: If your home needs repairs you can’t afford, you can skip them altogether. Or perhaps you don’t have the time or desire to fix and prepare the house.
- Less hassle: You can avoid concerns related to appraisals, open houses, negotiations, or the uncertainty of a buyer’s financing. This allows a more seamless transition from the offer stage to closing.
These benefits may sound great to you as a seller if you’re looking to move within weeks rather than the months it might take you to list and sell your home on the market with an agent. But it’s vital to recognize the potential pitfalls when considering Cash-For-Homes companies, primarily their tendency to quote significantly under a home’s market valuation.
Cons
When considering the drawbacks of the “We Buy Houses” industry, it’s prudent to remember that they work from a profit-driven business model. Their strategy involves buying homes that they will later sell or rent to make a financial return. This requires a substantial investment in terms of money and effort.
Here are some of the potential cons:
- Lower-priced offers: Most house-buying companies are guided by the 70% rule, in which they typically offer around 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), the value that your house could sell for on the market once it’s all fixed, minus repair costs. This means the cash offer you receive will likely be significantly lower than what you could get if you sell on the open market.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: The depth of market knowledge varies across companies. While some will be in tune with local insights like neighborhood trends, which can generate a more competitive offer, others may be unaware of what’s happening in your area, resulting in a lowball offer.
- Dishonest businesses: As with other industries that handle large financial transactions, there’s a risk of doing business with a less trustworthy company. Some might exploit homeowners with unfair, low offers or questionable tactics. While it’s rare, house-buying scams and fraud schemes do occur.
- Pressure tactics: Aware of the urgency homeowners might feel, some companies resort to high-pressure sales techniques. If you feel pressured into a hasty decision, it’s best to reconsider your options. You’ll find many reputable We Buy Houses Wauwatosa companies that won’t be pushy in their approach.
A home isn’t just a place of cherished memories. It’s likely your largest financial asset. While a swift sale is tempting, you’ll want to carefully evaluate the trade-offs. If you decide a cash offer is the best solution for your situation, the next step is to find a company you’re comfortable doing business with.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Remember, not all cash buyers are created equal. The integrity and service you receive will hinge heavily on the character of the individual or group extending the offer. Before you dive into a cash deal, ensure you’re making an informed choice. Vet the company diligently: pore over reviews, check testimonials, and research its market presence and track record.
Any agreement you sign should reflect the value you expect or need for your circumstances. Don’t rush — scrutinize the buying agreement with a discerning eye before making a commitment.
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 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, like Opendoor and Offerpad, use automated valuation models to provide quick, mostly online, cash offers for homes in good condition. These businesses emerged in the mid-2010s, presenting offers closer to market value. Transactions are fast, spanning days to two weeks.
However, be mindful of their service fees that range from 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. iBuyer companies are ideal for sellers with a more standardized home that’s in fairly good shape.
Listing with an agent
Considering an agent might seem counterintuitive when seeking a quick sale. But in favorable markets, a top real estate agent can secure a rapid, strategically priced sale. Our data shows that top agents achieve up to 10% higher sale prices than average.
Agents offer valuable insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), a tool indicating your home’s worth based on recent local sales of similar properties. A comprehensive CMA lets you set a competitive listing price and, therefore, help you gauge how quickly it will sell. Many agents provide a free CMA, which can empower your decision-making, ensuring you’ve explored every avenue.
On top of that, some Realtors might even link you with cash buyers ready to give an offer near your home’s market value. If you’re interested in this option, HomeLight can introduce you to a top agent in Wauwatosa today.
FAQs on Wauwatosa house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies 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 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 Wauwatosa Bungalow could sell for $430,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $25,000 of work to get there.
($430,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $276,000
In this example, a Wauwatosa We Buy Houses company might offer you around $276,000 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 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 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 Wauwatosa vs. top Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa | Sell with a top Realtor in Wauwatosa |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 60 days average; 19 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 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 | 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 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 Wauwatosa is currently worth about $405,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $430,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Wauwatosa | Sell with a top Realtor in Wauwatosa | |
Estimated sale price | ($430,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $276,000 | $405,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,050 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $12,150 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,075 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $276,000 | $382,725 |
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. Selling on the open market could be a challenge in your area, or the agent’s timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Quick, convenient sale: Selling through a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Wauwatosa allows homeowners to complete a sale in as few as seven days without the hassle of repairs or open houses.
- Due diligence: A number of reputable Cash-For-Homes businesses serve the Wauwatosa area. To find a partner that suits your needs, you must carefully research the company, verifying its professional licenses and track record.
- Quick sale alternatives: Opting for a house-buying company typically results in a lower sale price than if using an iBuyer or agent-assisted route.
- Legitimate cash buyers: HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Wauwatosa. With a network of partner investors, this platform offers a trusted starting point for sellers uncertain about potential buyers.
For those in Wauwatosa needing a swift sale, house-buying companies present a viable option. Still, assessing the pros and cons is crucial to making an informed choice.
Before you commit to a Cash-For-Homes company, it’s wise to request multiple offers and compare them. It’s also worth seeking advice from a top Wauwatosa agent to gain expert insights on local selling timelines and home prices. HomeLight stands ready to assist with all your real estate needs.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Wauwatosa 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: (Todd Kent / Unsplash)