5 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Alabaster
- Published on
- 15 min read
-
Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorClose
Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorKelsey 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.
Are you considering selling your Alabaster, Alabama home but don’t have the time, money, or know-how to make necessary repairs? Has life thrown you a curveball, requiring you to sell in days or weeks rather than months? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, a “We Buy Houses” company in Alabaster could be your perfect solution.
These companies pay cash for homes in any condition, meaning there are no repairs, cleaning, or open houses needed. Deals can close in as little as a week or two, and sellers often aren’t on the hook for any fees. The catch is that “We Buy Houses” companies tend to present offers that are below market value to turn a profit. Selling on the open market with a real estate agent could potentially net you more money, although the timeline tends to be longer.
In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of working with a “We Buy Houses” company in Alabaster. We’ll highlight some of the most credible companies in Greater Birmingham and share alternative methods for a quick home sale. With these insights, you’ll be able to confidently decide which home-selling route best suits your needs.
Sell Your House Fast in Alabaster 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 Alabaster.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Alabaster area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with We Buy Houses companies in Alabaster
If you’re looking to sell your house quickly, working with a house-buying company in Alabaster might be your best bet. These companies simplify the selling process, letting you bypass many of the traditional hurdles. Here’s a brief overview of how it works:
- Research companies: Look up reputable cash-for-homes companies that operate in Alabaster. Check their reviews and past client testimonials to gauge their reliability.
- Contact the company: Reach out to the company to express your interest in selling. They typically respond quickly to inquiries.
- Schedule a visit: Allow a company representative to visit your home. They will assess the property and determine its value based on its current condition.
- Receive an offer: Expect to receive a cash offer from the company shortly after their assessment. Remember, this offer is usually non-negotiable and reflects the as-is value of your home.
- Accept the offer: If the offer meets your expectations, you can accept it to move forward with the sale.
- Close the sale: Closing is generally fast with these companies. Once you accept the offer, you can close the deal, often within a week, and receive your cash via check or wire transfer.
Popular We Buy Houses companies in Alabaster
If selling your home fast and hassle-free sounds appealing, finding a legitimate home-buying company in Alabaster is the next step.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your or your parents’ ranch or Craftsman-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Alabaster home in as little as a week or two.
Cahaba Home Buyers
Cahaba Home Buyers is a local, family-owned business that purchases single-family homes in Greater Birmingham, including Alabaster. They buy homes in any condition, or facing any situation. After reviewing your property information, they can present you with a fair cash offer within 24 hours. You can even choose the closing date, which can occur in as little as seven days.
Locations: Greater Birmingham, including Alabaster
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cahaba Home Buyers covers them.
Cahaba Home Buyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Previous sellers praise owner Jason’s professionalism, quick responses, and reliability. “Cahaba Home Buyers were the best way to go!” wrote one reviewer. “They sold my dad’s house in 3 weeks — no hassle! They handled everything for me from the beginning to the day of closing.”
Website: cahabahomebuyers.com
Phone number: 205-390-1050
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Alabaster (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 US. 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 Alabaster.
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 Alabaster
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or fees 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
Birmingham Homebuyers LLC
Birmingham Homebuyers LLC was founded by Birmingham natives in 2018. To date, the company has acquired over 1,000 properties in Birmingham and Central Alabama, including houses, apartment buildings, and land. To get started, fill out the short questionnaire on their website, and you’ll receive a fair, no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. The closing can take place on your timeline, in as little as seven days.
Locations: Alabaster, Birmingham, Huntsville, Hoover, Trussville, Hueytown, and Gardendale
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Birmingham Homebuyers LLC covers them.
Birmingham Homebuyers LLC has been BBB-accredited since 2016 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a 4.5-star rating on Google. Previous sellers praise the team’s friendly and helpful approach, along with their competitive offers and streamlined selling process. “We met with three homebuyers in the Birmingham area and chose Birmingham Homebuyers,” reads a recent review. “The process was very professional, quick, efficient, and non-intrusive.”
Website: cashforhousesbham.com
Phone number: 205-502-2161
River Region Home Buyers
River Region Home Buyers is a cash home-buying company based in Prattville. In addition to single-family homes, they purchase mobile homes, apartments, duplexes, vacant land, and condos. After you’ve provided them with information about your property, River Region Home Buyers will decide whether it’s a good fit and reach out to arrange an appointment. They’ll then present you with a no-obligation cash offer, and if you accept, closing can occur within two weeks.
Locations: Statewide, including Alabaster
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; River Region Home Buyers covers them.
River Region Home Buyers is not BBB-accredited; however, they maintain an A+ rating. They also boast a 5-star rating on Google. Clients say the team is easy to work with, flexible on scheduling, and trustworthy. “Working with River Region Home Buyers was easy and accommodating,” wrote a former seller. “They work on your schedule and respond very quickly.”
Website: riverregionhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 334-380-0015
Chase Pays Cash, LLC
Chase Pays Cash, LLC is a family-owned business based out of Trussville. They buy real estate in any condition throughout Greater Birmingham, including houses, condos, apartments, and even commercial properties. Once they have inspected your property, Chase Pays Cash, LLC will present you with a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. If you accept, the closing can take place in as little as a week.
Locations: Greater Birmingham, including Alabaster
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Chase Pays Cash, LLC covers them.
Chase Pays Cash, LLC does not appear to be BBB-accredited; however, they boast a 5-star rating on Google. Customers praise their professionalism, efficiency, and competitive cash offers. “Chase and his team were so helpful and professional,” wrote a former seller. “They were able to buy my property on short notice and with enough money to put me in the home of my dreams.”
Website: chasepayscashforhouses.com
Phone number: 205-500-1784
Why sell your Alabaster house for cash?
Selling your Alabaster home for cash can offer a fast, hassle-free alternative to the traditional real estate market, especially when certain conditions complicate or slow down the usual selling process.
In Alabaster, it typically takes around 90 days to sell a home using an agent. That includes an average of 48 days on the market plus the typical 42 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 Alabaster, 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.
Many Alabaster homeowners choose “We Buy Houses” companies over traditional listings for several reasons. Let’s explore the most common ones:
- Job relocation: If you’re relocating for work, selling your home for cash can fast-track your move.
- Divorce: Simplify the division of assets during a divorce by opting for a quick, cash home sale.
- Inherited property: Do you have inherited property you can’t or don’t wish to maintain? Sell it for cash to quickly offload it.
- Downsizing: Transition smoothly to a smaller home or retirement community by closing a cash sale in just days or weeks.
- Major repairs needed: Avoid the hassle and expense of major repairs by selling your home as-is for cash.
- Avoid open houses: Skip the stress and inconvenience of preparing for and hosting open houses with a direct cash sale.
- Facing foreclosure: Quickly settle debts and potentially avoid foreclosure through a straightforward cash sale.
- Problematic tenants: Resolve difficulties with tenants by selling your rental property for cash.
- Selling from out of state: Manage the sale of your Alabaster property from anywhere in the country with a simple cash transaction.
If you need to sell your Alabaster home fast and avoid the traditional selling process, a cash offer from a local home-buying company might be a good fit. Think of it as a first step in exploring solutions that fit your specific needs.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Alabaster
“We Buy Houses” companies in Alabaster simplify the selling process by offering speed and accepting homes in any condition. This means no need for repairs or preparations, which can be a major relief for many sellers. However, the most significant downside is receiving an offer that’s below market value, which might not match what you could earn on the open market.
In this next section, we’ll break down the pros and cons of working with a “We Buy Houses” company in Alabaster:
Pros
- Quick closing: Transactions can close in as little as a week, which is ideal for sellers needing to move quickly.
- No repairs needed: Companies buy homes as-is, allowing you to skip the stress and cost of home improvements.
- No real estate fees: Selling directly to a cash buyer means no real estate agent fees, which can save you thousands of dollars.
- Avoid contingencies: Typically, there are no contingencies related to financing or home inspections, simplifying the process even further.
Cons
- Lower offers: Expect offers to be below market value as these companies need to profit from the eventual resale.
- Limited negotiation: The offered price is often “take-it-or-leave-it,” offering little room for negotiation.
- Potential for scams: It’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of the company to avoid scams.
- Less market exposure: By selling directly to a buyer, you miss out on potential higher offers that might come from listing on the open 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 you decide to sell your Alabaster home to a cash buyer, remember that the quality of service and integrity can vary greatly depending on who makes the offer. It’s essential to thoroughly vet the cash-buying company before proceeding. Take time to check online reviews, read testimonials from past sellers, and research the company’s track record in the market.
Before you commit to any cash offer, make sure to carefully read through the buying agreement. Understand the terms and conditions to avoid any surprises down the road. This careful review ensures that you know exactly what you’re agreeing to and helps protect your interests throughout the sale process.
HomeLight suggests you 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 it to your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Alabaster. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Alabaster home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models to quickly offer a fair price for homes in good condition. The iBuying process is mostly conducted online, and sales are closed in just a few days to two weeks. Major players in the industry, like Opendoor and Offerpad, tend to target homes in areas with homogenous housing stock and charge service fees of 5%–6%.
Listing with an agent
If you’re not racing to sell your home, listing with a skilled real estate agent might yield a higher profit, especially with strategic pricing and marketing. A top agent can also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often free and helps set the right price based on market conditions. Working with an agent can sometimes lead to a fast sale, and may even attract cash offers close to market value. If you’re considering this route, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent today.
FAQs on Alabaster house-buying companies
By and large, most “We Buy Houses” companies in Alabaster 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 Alabaster “We Buy Houses” 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 Alabaster ranch-style home could sell for $315,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($315,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $190,500
In this example, an Alabaster “We Buy Houses” company might offer you around $190,500 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 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 an Alabaster “We Buy Houses” 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 it is accepted. Conversely, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because “We Buy Houses” 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 Alabaster. 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 Alabaster vs. top Alabaster agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a “We Buy Houses” 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 company in Alabaster | Sell with a top Realtor in Alabaster |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 90 days average; 48 to attract an offer, 42 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 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 | 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 compiled one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a “We Buy Houses” company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in Alabaster is worth about $340,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $370,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Alabaster | Sell with a top Realtor in Alabaster | |
| Estimated sale price | ($370,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $229,000 | $340,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $3,400 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $19,720 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $5,100 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $229,000 | $311,780 |
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
- Selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Alabaster can significantly speed up the process, ideal if you need to sell quickly.
- You can sell your home as-is, avoiding the time and expense of making repairs.
- The selling process is straightforward, with fewer steps and no need for open houses or staging.
- Be prepared to receive offers below market value, as these companies aim to profit from the resale. It’s important to know your home’s value to avoid accepting a lowball offer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform extends no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in any condition in Alabaster. This service connects you with a diverse pool of investors, making it an ideal starting point for those who are unsure about their home’s target market.
As you consider selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Alabaster, gather multiple offers and weigh your options carefully. Consulting with a top Alabaster agent can provide expert insights into how quickly and for how much your property might sell on the open market. Whether you’re looking for a seasoned real estate agent or a trustworthy cash buyer, HomeLight can connect you with the professionals and resources you need to make the best decision for your circumstances.
Header Image Source: (Unsplash / Ann Wallace)
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.
