5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Wisconsin
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Joseph Gordon Associate EditorJoseph Gordon is an Associate Editor with HomeLight. He has seven years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco.
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.
In Wisconsin, “We Buy Houses” companies offer a straightforward solution for homeowners looking to sell quickly, often making all-cash offers for properties that may require work.
This option is particularly appealing for sellers who need to move on from their property quickly and with minimal hassle due to time constraints, a lack of expertise, or insufficient repair funds.
A cash sale to these companies can be a lifeline in unexpected or urgent situations, allowing you to bypass the traditional real estate market’s uncertainties and delays.
This post will dig into the pros and cons of working with house-buying companies, equipping you with the knowledge to decide whether this route aligns with your selling goals.
Sell Your House Fast in Wisconsin With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Wisconsin.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Wisconsin area “we buy houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Wisconsin
Working with house-buying companies in Wisconsin can simplify the selling process for homeowners looking for a quick, hassle-free sale. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
1. Find reputable companies: Start by researching and identifying reputable cash-for-homes companies in Wisconsin. Look for those with positive reviews and a strong local presence.
2. Submit your property details: Reach out to your chosen company with details about your property. This usually involves completing an online form or making a phone call to provide basic information about your home.
3. Receive an offer: Based on the information you provide, the company will make an initial assessment and present you with a cash offer, often within a few days.
4. Accept the offer: If the offer meets your expectations, you can accept it. Remember, these companies typically present a take-it-or-leave-it deal, with minimal room for negotiation.
5. Undergo a home assessment: The company will likely conduct an in-person assessment of your property to confirm its condition and finalize the offer.
6. Close the sale: Once everything is agreed upon, you can close the sale. The process is usually much quicker than traditional real estate transactions, and you could receive cash for your home in a matter of weeks.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Wisconsin
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Wisconsin 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’ colonial revival or craftsman home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Wisconsin home in as little as a week or two.
Plan B HomeBuyers
This investment company works with buyers, sellers, and real estate investors to connect consumers with solutions. Plan B handles all the paperwork and technical aspects of closing and is ready to do so “within days if necessary.”
Locations: Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Plan B HomeBuyers covers them.
Plan B HomeBuyers has been BBB accredited since 2010. Customer reviews with the BBB and on Google for Plan B HomeBuyers speak to fair offers and supportive office staff. They express appreciation for compassionate and professional transactions.
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Wisconsin (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S. Partner investors have a wide range of investment strategies, including fix-and-flip and buy-and-hold. This enables Simple Sale to provide cash offers for a wide array of properties, even those that need some or a lot of work, in different locations throughout Wisconsin.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Wisconsin
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or fees are charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight was founded in 2012 and is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating. The company has 4.8 stars on Google based on hundreds of user reviews. Below you can hear about how Baohan Wu, a seller who used Simple Sale to sell his high-rise apartment, closed within three and a half weeks and what he thought of the process overall.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Cream City Home Buyers
This small, locally-owned business started in 2016 and is committed to walking its customers through the home-selling process, offering transparency about how their company’s formula generates an offer.
Locations: Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Racine counties
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cream City Home Buyers cover them.
Cream City Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018, with an A+ standing. Google customer reviews for Cream City Home Buyers speak to this company’s professionalism and courtesy. They have a Google rating of 5.0.
Website: creamcityhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-488-0082
Captain Save-A-Home
For sellers who are particularly concerned with speed, Captain Save-A-Home says they can be ready for the closing process in 10 days or less. For some customers, this focus on expediency (combined with consistently strong positive reviews) will make this company extra appealing.
Locations: Wisconsin and surrounding counties
Closing costs: This company factors closing costs into their buying price offer. Captain Save-A-Home does not charge any commissions or fees.
Captain Save-a-Home has been BBB accredited since 2016. Positive customer reviews for Captain Save-A-Home on Google speak to particularly positive working relationships with owners Nick and Rebecca.
Website: captainsave-a-home.com
Phone number: 414-699-5888
414 HomeBuyers, LLC
414 HomeBuyers is a real estate solutions company in Milwaukee that provides a viable alternative to traditional property sales. They offer solutions to homeowners facing various challenges like foreclosure, burdensome properties, probate, or other difficult situations.
Locations: All of Wisconsin, including Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee County.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; 414 Homebuyers cover them.
414 Homebuyers has been accredited by the BBB since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. Google reviews from clients praise the team, describing the staff as communicative, patient, and helpful throughout the entire process. They have a 4.8-star Google rating.
Website: 414homebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-509-0222
Why sell your Wisconsin house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Wisconsin home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. A near-guaranteed sale, speed, and remarkable convenience are the primary reasons why sellers sell their homes for cash.
In Wisconsin, it typically takes around 118 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 71 days on the market plus the typical 47 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin house for cash can be an appealing option for many homeowners, especially when traditional selling methods don’t align with your circumstances or timelines. Here are some common scenarios where choosing a house-buying company might be the right fit:
- Significant repairs: Your home requires major repairs, such as fixing foundation issues or addressing ice dam formation, common in Wisconsin’s harsh winters.
- Quick cash or move: You need to move quickly due to a job relocation, divorce, medical need, or another urgent life change.
- No funds for repairs: Lacking the financial resources or desire to undertake necessary home repairs before selling.
- Avoiding the hassle: Preferring not to deal with the stress of preparing the home, coordinating open houses, and navigating the sales process.
- Desiring privacy: Wishing to sell your property off-market for privacy reasons.
- Facing foreclosure: Wanting to settle debts and avoid further complications with your credit history by selling before foreclosure occurs.
- Inherited property: Selling for cash quick and easy way to sell a property you’ve inherited.
- Rental property issues: Being a landlord who’s ready to move on from managing a rental property or dealing with problematic tenants.
- Downsizing or moving: Transitioning into a retirement community or moving in with family, prompting a swift sale.
- Out-of-state seller: Living out of state and preferring the convenience of a cash sale without the need for travel or coordination.
If you are a homeowner facing any of these situations, considering a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company in Wisconsin might be a sensible option.
Up next, we’ll explore the pros and cons of selling to house-buying companies to help you weigh your options more thoroughly.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Wisconsin
Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits of selling your home for cash:
Pros:
- Quick closing: House-buying companies can often close on a property in as little as a few weeks, offering a rapid solution for sellers needing to move quickly.
- No repairs needed: You can sell your home as-is, avoiding the cost and time associated with repairs or home improvements.
- No real estate commissions: Selling directly to a house-buying company means you won’t pay real estate agent commissions, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
- Simplified process: The sale involves fewer contingencies, making the transaction smoother and more predictable than traditional sales.
However, while there are significant advantages to selling your home to a house-buying company, there are also several drawbacks to consider. The most notable is receiving an offer below market value, which might not be ideal for sellers looking to maximize their return.
Cons:
- Below market value: Offers from house-buying companies are typically below market value, reflecting the trade-off for speed and convenience.
- Limited negotiation: The take-it-or-leave-it offer provides little room for negotiation on price or terms.
- Risk of scams: While many companies are reputable, there’s a risk of falling victim to scams, necessitating due diligence.
- Not for every seller: This selling method best suits those prioritizing speed and convenience over getting the highest price for their property.
As you consider your options, it’s essential to vet cash buyers carefully and understand your home’s worth. The next section will guide you on how to proceed wisely in this market.
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
When deciding to sell your Wisconsin home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, it’s crucial to remember that your experience will largely depend on the integrity and service quality of the company you choose.
The character of the person or group making the offer can significantly influence the smoothness of the transaction and the fairness of the deal you receive. Before committing to a cash offer, take the time to vet the company thoroughly.
Check online reviews, read testimonials from past sellers, and research the company’s presence and performance in the Wisconsin market. This due diligence will help you gauge their reliability and the satisfaction level of their previous clients.
Additionally, ensure you read and understand the buying agreement carefully before signing. Knowing your home’s worth and ensuring you’re working with a reputable buyer will empower you to make informed decisions throughout the sale process.
Other options to sell your Wisconsin home quickly
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer a fast, mostly online selling experience, providing all-cash offers close to market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process is speedy, from offer to closing in days to a few weeks, with service fees around 5%-6%. This option is ideal for sellers in areas with uniform housing markets and well-maintained properties.
Listing with a real estate agent might seem counterintuitive when seeking a quick sale, yet in a seller-friendly market, this path can lead to a swift sale at a higher price, especially with strategic pricing and marketing. Agents provide significant benefits, such as a comparative market analysis (CMA), often free, to help set a competitive listing price.
A top agent might also connect you with cash buyers, ensuring you receive an offer near your home’s market value. For those considering this route, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your area, offering you a chance to sell with confidence after exploring all your options.
FAQs on Wisconsin house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Wisconsin 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.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin colonial revival home could sell for $271,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($271,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $159,700
In this example, a Wisconsin We Buy Houses company might offer you around $159,700 for your home.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more than We Buy Houses companies because iBuyers look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Wisconsin We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-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. Conversely, 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.
1. Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Wisconsin area. Our list above is a good place to start.
2. Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
3. Schedule any required on-site property visits.
4. Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
5. 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 Wisconsin vs. top Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin | Sell with a top Realtor in Wisconsin |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 118 days average; 71 to attract an offer, 47 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
| Inspections / repairs | None | May need to make additional repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
| Appraisal | None | May need to lower your asking price if the appraisal comes in low |
| Title search | Cash-For-Homes companies often handle title issues | Must clear title before you can sell home |
| Financing contingency | None | Mortgaged buyers use a financing contingency that could hold up the deal if the buyer’s loan doesn’t clear |
| Agent commission | None | 5.8% average |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home sale price on top of agent commission |
Example net proceeds
Below, we’ve put together one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in Wisconsin is currently worth about $271,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $296,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Wisconsin | Sell with a top Realtor in Wisconsin | |
| Estimated sale price | ($296,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $182,200 | $271,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,710 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $15,718 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $4,065 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $182,200 | $248,507 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best in your situation will depend on the condition of your property, what level of repairs are needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
Here are the key takeaways from our exploration of selling your home to a Cash-For-Homes company in Wisconsin:
- Quick sale: Selling to a cash buyer can expedite the sale process.
- As-is condition: You can sell your home without making any repairs or improvements.
- Simple process: The transaction process is typically straightforward and involves fewer contingencies.
- Below market value: Be prepared that offers from these companies may be below the market value of your home.
- Research is key: Thoroughly vet any company you’re considering to ensure they’re reputable.
- Explore all options: Don’t overlook the potential benefits of listing your home with a real estate agent.
Sellers in Wisconsin considering a Cash-For-Homes company are encouraged to gather multiple offers and carefully weigh their options before making any commitments. It’s a good idea to consult with a top Wisconsin agent who can provide expert insights on how quickly and for how much your property could sell on the traditional market.
If you’re looking for assistance in navigating your real estate options, HomeLight is here to help. Let us connect you with the resources and expertise you need to make the best decision for your situation.
Header Image Source: (Josh Sorenson/ Unsplash)
