Find Cash Home Buyers in Charlotte to Sell Your Home Fast
- Published on
- 11 min read
-
Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorCloseKelsey Morrison Former HomeLight Editor
Kelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
If you’re looking to sell a property in Charlotte, North Carolina, without the difficulties that come with listing on the open market, securing a cash buyer could be a quick and streamlined solution. The Queen City’s thriving economy, population growth, and high housing demand continue to attract local and national investors alike.
In 2023, cash sales accounted for 18.7% of all real estate transactions in the city, according to Canopy MLS. Despite high interest rates, Charlotte’s real estate market remains highly competitive as supply has struggled to keep up with demand. Over the past few years, all-cash offers from institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals have made Charlotte one of the hottest housing markets in the country.
In this guide, we’ll outline how to connect with reputable cash home buyers in Charlotte and break down the cash-purchasing process. With this information, you’ll be better equipped to sell your urban condo or ranch-style home fast and hassle-free.
Disclaimer: As a friendly reminder, this blog post is meant to be used for educational purposes, not legal or tax advice. HomeLight always encourages you to reach out to your own advisor.
How to find cash home buyers in Charlotte
Need to sell your Charlotte property fast and with minimal fuss? Cash buyers offer a quick closing process and fewer contingencies; plus, some will even purchase your house as-is without the need for repairs. Below, we’ve outlined several strategies to help you find reliable cash home buyers in Charlotte who may be willing to offer a fair price for your property.
Work with a reputable local real estate agent
Opting for a cash sale doesn’t mean you should forego the expertise of a local real estate agent. Agents frequently have direct connections to cash buyers who are actively searching for properties like yours. By leveraging a Charlotte agent’s network, you can skip the considerable amount of time and effort it takes to vet cash buyers yourself.
Working with an agent-referred buyer also reduces the risk of encountering home-buying scams. If you don’t have an agent yet, HomeLight can connect you with top agents in Charlotte. Even though you’re selling for cash, standard real estate commissions will apply unless you’re taking the for-sale-by-owner route or working with a “We Buy Houses” company. That said, an agent’s services are often well worth the investment for the benefits received.
Focus on investors rather than owner-occupiers
Charlotte has seen a notable influx of institutional buyers who purchase homes outright for cash. Investor activity has cooled since peaking in 2021, when nearly 20% of all home sales were attributed to institutional investors, but remains robust compared to other U.S. real estate markets.
To catch the eye of these investors, consider marketing your property on platforms that cater to the investment community, or by attending local real estate investing meet-ups. You could also request no-obligation cash offers from “We Buy Houses” companies in Charlotte. Keep in mind that these cash-for-homes companies often present offers that are below market value to turn a profit and cover their expenses.
Do your due diligence
It’s important to verify whether the cash-for-homes company you’re considering is legitimate. Utilize resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check the credibility of these firms. You can also reach out to your local chapter, BBB of Southern Piedmont and Western N.C.
Read through online reviews on platforms such as Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Trustpilot. Check out each company’s track record, make sure they’re properly licensed, and ask for customer referrals. This will help you get a feel for how reliable they are and if they treat sellers fairly.
Before signing an offer, ask for proof of funds
Before finalizing any deal, confirm that your potential cash buyer has the necessary funds available. Requesting proof of funds — a bank statement or a letter from a financial institution confirming their ability to complete the purchase — is a standard practice. If a buyer hesitates to provide this proof, consider it a red flag. Taking this precaution helps prevent any unforeseen delays and keeps the sale on track.
Inside the Charlotte cash home buyers market
Charlotte’s cash home-buying market is largely driven by real estate investors, but other groups may be willing to buy your bungalow mortgage-free. Let’s take a closer look at these cash buyers and what motivates them.
New residents
The Charlotte region has gained more than 127,000 new residents since 2020. In the past two years alone, the population has grown by 1.6% — a higher rate than Nashville, Tampa, and Atlanta. Newcomers are drawn to Charlotte for its economic opportunities, lower cost of living, and mild temperatures.
High-net-worth individuals moving to North Carolina from more expensive states may be willing to pay cash for their new homes. Purchasing a home without a mortgage means fewer contingencies and possible delays, which appeals to out-of-state buyers looking to move quickly as well as sellers seeking a straightforward sale.
Baby Boomers
In March 2024, 28% of all U.S. home sales were paid for in cash. These types of transactions are primarily made by Baby Boomers, who make up 11% of Charlotte’s population. This generational cohort, aged 60 to 78, often has substantial savings or equity from previous homes.
Nationwide, 51% of Older Boomers (born 1946–1954) paid all cash for home purchases they made in 2023, as did 32% of Younger Boomers. Many in this demographic, valuing comfort and convenience, prefer homes that offer easy living features like first-floor primary suites and low-maintenance exteriors. Highlighting these features in your listing description can attract more Baby Boomer buyers, who are likely to pay cash and are typically looking for a home to enjoy their retirement years.
Property investors
In the competitive Charlotte market, homeowners might find more success selling to property investors than to traditional buyers. Investors such as institutional buyers, house flippers, buy-and-hold investors, wholesale investors, and iBuyers are common in the Charlotte region.
While investment activity has tapered off in recent years, it’s still making an impact. In 2021, 25% of all houses sold in Charlotte were snatched up by investors, compared to 17% in 2023. These cash buyers often look for properties they can quickly turn around for profit or hold for rental income. With Charlotte’s strong rental market and economic growth, real estate investors remain active and are prepared to pay in cash.
Pros of working with a Charlotte cash home buyer
Cash offers can be an attractive option for Charlotte homeowners seeking a streamlined sales process. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of working with a cash home buyer:
- Quick closings: Cash transactions can significantly speed up the closing process. Without the need for mortgage approvals and bank appraisals, you can often close within a week or two, compared to the typical 30–40 days for traditional sales.
- No contingencies: Cash offers often come without contingencies, such as those for financing or home inspections. This means a lower risk of deals falling through and a smoother path to closing.
- As-is purchase: Selling as-is means you can sell your home in its current condition without making repairs. This can be particularly beneficial if you cannot or will not invest in home improvements before selling.
- Simplified process: A cash sale involves less paperwork and fewer administrative tasks. With no lender involved, the process is generally more straightforward.
- No appraisal needed: With cash buyers, the need for a property appraisal is often waived. This eliminates a common hurdle in the selling process, where deals can fall apart if the appraisal does not meet the agreed-upon sale price.
How to request a cash offer in Charlotte
If you’re looking for a more straightforward way to receive a cash offer for your home, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform could be the answer. This platform connects you with the largest network of pre-screened, reliable investors across the U.S., ensuring you receive a credible cash offer quickly.
After filling out some basic details about your property, HomeLight will provide you with a no-obligation, all-cash offer within 24 hours. Accepting this offer means you could close on your home in as little as 10 days. Simple Sale allows you to bypass many of the traditional selling hassles, such as repairs, staging, and showings, and even lets you choose a convenient move-out date up to 30 days post-closing.
While opting for a cash buyer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale can make for a faster closing with fewer complications, it’s important to note that these offers are generally lower than what you might get in the open market. Although selling the traditional way might net you a higher sale price, remember that associated fees, including agent commissions and closing costs, can absorb 9%–10% of the selling price. However, the trade-off in price might be well worth it for those who prioritize a fast and secure sale with a cash buyer.
How much are Charlotte cash home buyers willing to pay?
In Charlotte’s active real estate market, cash home buyers typically offer a price that reflects the speed and convenience they provide. Cash buyers, particularly house flippers, usually adhere to the 70% rule, which suggests that investors pay no more than 70% of the after-repair value (ARV) of the home minus any necessary repair costs. This ensures they can profit from the resale while covering purchasing and renovation expenses.
The competitiveness of Charlotte’s market can influence cash offer amounts. In a hot market, cash offers may approach closer to market values due to higher demand and less inventory. In a slower market, cash offers might dip even further below market value, reflecting the reduced competition among buyers and the increased risk assumed by the investor.
What’s the process of selling to a Charlotte cash home buyer?
If you’re looking for speed and simplicity, a cash home sale may be right for you. Here’s an overview of how the process generally works:
Complete the North Carolina Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement
In North Carolina, sellers are required to complete the Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement. In this document, sellers are asked to disclose specific details about the property’s condition, including any known issues or defects, which helps protect buyers from unforeseen complications. North Carolina is not a caveat emptor (aka “buyer beware”) state, so these disclosures are a critical part of the selling process. Mandated disclosure laws ensure that all parties are fairly informed.
If you’re working with a Charlotte “We Buy Houses” company, they typically prepare all necessary documents for you, including the disclosure statement. However, completing this document ahead of time can speed up the sale process. These companies usually conduct their own inspections and are willing to purchase homes in any condition, so from their perspective, submitting the disclosure statement is more about legal compliance than property evaluation.
The buyer runs a title search on the property
The cash buyer will verify the property’s title to ensure that you have legal ownership and that there are no liens, claims, or other issues that could complicate the sale. A thorough title search checks for common problems such as boundary disputes, unknown easements, undisclosed heirs, public record errors, and potential forgeries. Property title verification is a standard step in all real estate transactions, protecting both the buyer and the seller.
The seller pays any associated fees
Although a cash sale typically involves fewer closing costs, sellers still need to cover some expenses. These can include transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fees, and sometimes attorney fees. In North Carolina, the transfer tax, also known as the excise tax, is typically $1 per $500 of the property value. Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, is not one of the seven North Carolina counties that levies an additional local transfer tax.
Transfer taxes and other closing costs are important considerations when calculating your net proceeds from a home sale. If you’re looking to avoid these costs altogether, many “We Buy Houses” companies will cover them in exchange for a purchase price that’s below market value.
Deciding to sell to Charlotte cash home buyers
Homeowners in Charlotte have a solid opportunity to sell for cash, given the city’s appeal as a prime real estate investment location. Whether you choose to compare cash buyers on your own, seek assistance from a real estate agent, or request an offer through Simple Sale, HomeLight is here to connect you with top professionals and essential resources. We specialize in making the home sale process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Charlotte boasts an active investor market, and we’ll leverage that to find a fast, efficient solution that meets your needs.
Header Image Source: (Kevin@collegevibe.com / Deposit Photos)
- "All-cash offers make Charlotte’s residential real estate out of reach for many," Axios (May 2023)
- "Charlotte real estate market expected to have strong year in 2024," The Carolina Journal (March 2024)
- "Charlotte's housing market remains strong but here's why the Queen City slipped from No. 1," WCNC Charlotte (January 2024)
- "What Happens When Wall Street Buys Most of the Homes on Your Block," The New York Times (September 2023)
- "Is cash still king in Charlotte? Here's how we compare for all-cash home sales," Charlotte Business Journal (March 2023)
- "Population boom | Census data show Charlotte Region among fastest growing metros in US," Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (March 2024)
- "REALTORS® Confidence Index," National Association of Realtors (March 2024)
- "QuickFacts Charlotte city, North Carolina," United States Census Bureau (2023)
- "Cash Rules," National Association of Realtors (April 2023)
- "Investors grab homes with cash offers. Charlotte buyers can do the same - for a price," Charlotte Observer (July 2022)
- "US leaders exploring ways to ban Wall Street-backed firms from buying more houses," WCNC Charlotte (April 2024)
- "10 Best Cities to Invest in Real Estate Right Now [2024]," District Lending (January 2024)