5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Auburn
- Published on
- 15 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.
Living in Auburn, Alabama, and need to sell your house fast? Maybe you’ve accepted a job at another university or purchased a new house before selling your current one. Whatever the case may be, “We Buy Houses” companies in Auburn might be worth looking into.
These companies buy homes directly, in cash, even if they’re in need of a little TLC. For homeowners who don’t have the time, money, or know-how to prepare their properties for sale, an offer from a house-buying company can be a great way to cash out quickly and move on. The downside to this arrangement is that “We Buy Houses” companies tend to present offers that are lower than what you might fetch on the open market.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Auburn, highlight some of the most reputable companies serving eastern Alabama, and share alternative methods for a speedy home sale. We’ll break down everything you need to know so you can confidently choose the option that best aligns with your situation and selling goals.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Auburn area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with We Buy Houses companies in Auburn
Partnering with a house-buying company in Auburn can streamline the sale of your home. There is no clean-up or repair required, and the closing can happen in days or weeks. Here’s how the process generally works:
- Contact a buyer: Reach out to a local cash-for-homes company to express your interest in selling. Provide basic information about your property to get the process started.
- Schedule a visit: A representative of the company will likely request to tour your home in person to assess its condition and potential market value.
- Receive an offer: After reviewing your home’s details, the company will typically present a no-obligation, all-cash offer. These offers are typically take-it-or-leave-it, leaving little room for negotiation.
- Review the offer: Take some time to consider the proposed price and terms. If the offer meets your needs, you can accept it to move forward.
- Close the sale: The closing process is quick with cash buyers, often wrapping up in a few days to a couple of weeks. During closing, all necessary paperwork is signed, and you will receive the cash for your home via wire transfer or check.
Popular We Buy Houses companies in Auburn
Intrigued by the idea of selling to a house-buying company in Auburn? The next step is finding a reputable one.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your or your parents’ contemporary-style home or brick-clad ranch. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Auburn home in as little as a week or two.
We Buy Houses In Bama
Based in Huntsville, We Buy Houses In Bama is owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team who have been flipping houses for the past four years. They pay cash for houses, apartments, and condos all over the state, including Auburn. After conducting a walkthrough of your property, they’ll present you with a no-obligation cash offer within one hour. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for the seller, and sales typically close within 7 to 14 days.
Locations: Statewide, including Auburn
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Houses In Bama covers them.
We Buy Houses In Bama has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2021 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Customers praise the team’s professionalism, honesty, and excellent customer service. “Jordan and William are very trustworthy gentlemen,” wrote a former seller. “They made a fair offer on our property and were very helpful during a difficult time.”
Website: webuyhousesinbama.com
Phone number: 256-607-4109
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Auburn (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 Auburn.
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 Auburn
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
River Region Home Buyers
River Region Home Buyers is a family-owned company based in Prattville. They operate statewide and purchase all types of real estate, including single-family homes, mobile homes, condos, apartments, duplexes, and vacant land. After sharing some basic information about your property, they’ll provide you with a fair cash offer. You can choose the closing date, which can occur in as little as five to seven days. If a cash offer isn’t a good fit, River Region Home Buyers will work with you to find other solutions for your real estate needs.
Locations: Statewide, including Auburn
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; River Region Home Buyers covers them.
River Region Home Buyers is not currently BBB-accredited, but the company maintains an A+ rating. They also have an impressive 5-star rating on Google. Reviewers commend the staff for being easy to work with, communicative, and transparent. “Dealt with River Region Home Buyers in order to help a family member with a quick sale of their house,” reads a recent review. “Derrick and Chase couldn’t have been more friendly. The entire process was quick and easy, and the closing date is set on your timeline.”
Website: riverregionhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 334-380-0015
TK Properties
TK Properties purchases homes all over Alabama and is locally branded as Sell My Auburn House Fast. After providing information about your property online or over the phone, the company will decide whether it fits their buying criteria. If it does, they’ll present you with a fair, all-cash offer within 24 hours. You can choose your closing date, which can occur in as little as seven days. TK Properties purchases homes in any condition, or facing any situation, and their services are 100% free for sellers.
Locations: Statewide, including Auburn
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; TK Properties covers them.
TK Properties is not BBB-accredited; however, they do hold an A rating. They boast a perfect 5-star rating on Google, with reviewers consistently praising the team’s ability to find win-win solutions, responsiveness, and commitment to integrity. “Despite a couple of snags, the sale of my home was conducted in an efficient, professional manner,” wrote a former seller. “Everyone I dealt with was helpful and very friendly. Can’t sing their praises enough.”
Website: sellmyauburnhousefast.com
Phone number: 334-423-4747
Rapid Fire Home Buyers
Rapid Fire Home Buyers is a real estate investment firm based in Montgomery. They buy homes in Auburn and across the state of Alabama. After filling out the company’s online form or giving them a call, they will arrange a meeting at your property to assess its condition. From there, they will present you with a personalized cash offer, typically within 24 hours. If you accept the offer, they can finalize the closing process in as little as seven days, or longer if you need more time to move.
Locations: Alabama (including Auburn), Kentucky, and Georgia
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Rapid Fire Home Buyers covers them.
Rapid Fire Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2021 and holds an A+ rating. They also tout a 4.7-star rating on Google based on over 100 reviews. Former sellers appreciated the team’s availability, found the selling process quick and easy, and were pleased with the competitive offers. “I live out of state, and Rapid Fire Home Buyers made the entire process painless,” wrote one reviewer. “They kept me well informed from beginning to end. The few questions I had were explained thoroughly.”
Website: rfhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 334-310-3079
Why sell your Auburn house for cash?
For Auburn homeowners, selling to a “We Buy Houses” company offers several benefits, primarily speed, certainty, and unmatched convenience.
In Auburn, it typically takes around 131 days, or about four months, to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 89 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 Auburn, and it’s easy to see why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top dollar for the homes they purchase.
Here, we outline common situations where opting for a house-buying company might make sense for you:
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job, selling for cash can speed up the transition.
- Divorce: During a divorce, quickly liquidating shared assets can simplify proceedings.
- Inherited property: Selling an inherited home for cash can resolve estate settlements quickly without the hassle of traditional selling.
- Downsizing: As you transition to a smaller home or retirement community, a fast cash sale removes the burden of a traditional sale.
- Major repairs needed: If your home needs significant repairs you cannot afford, selling for cash might be the best solution.
- Avoid open houses: Selling for cash eliminates the need for multiple showings and open houses.
- Foundation issues: Homes with structural problems like foundation issues can still be sold quickly to cash buyers.
- Facing foreclosure: To avoid the consequences of foreclosure, a quick cash sale can provide an immediate financial resolution.
- Problematic tenants: For landlords tired of managing or dealing with difficult tenants, selling for cash offers a straightforward exit.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from another state is complex; cash sales simplify this process significantly.
If you’re facing any of these situations, a cash offer from a “We Buy Houses” company could help you sell quickly and move on. However, it’s just one of several options to consider.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Auburn
When considering selling your Auburn home to a house-buying company, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. These companies offer a speedy transaction and purchase homes in any condition, but often at a price below what you might get on the open market.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons associated with selling to a “We Buy Houses” company:
Pros
- Quick sale: The primary advantage is the speed of the transaction. Companies often close within days, allowing you to move on quickly.
- Buy as-is: You can sell your home in its current state without repairs, which is ideal if you cannot afford or manage renovations.
- No showings: Avoid the inconvenience of staging, showing, and ongoing maintenance of your property.
- Simple process: The sale process is straightforward with fewer contingencies, making it less stressful compared to traditional real estate sales.
Cons
- Below market value: Offers from house-buying companies are typically below market value, meaning you might receive less money than selling through traditional channels.
- Limited negotiation: The offers are usually firm, giving you little room to negotiate a better price.
- Potential for scams: It’s important to vet companies thoroughly, as the quick cash sale market can attract scams.
- Impact on net proceeds: Even though the process is quicker, the lower price can significantly affect the total profit from your home sale.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When selling your Auburn home to a “We Buy Houses” company, remember that the level of integrity and service can vary significantly. Your experience will largely depend on the professionalism and reliability of the company you choose. Before you commit to any cash offer, take the time to thoroughly vet the buyer. Check online reviews, read testimonials from other sellers, and research the company’s track record in the market.
Read the buying agreement carefully before signing to ensure that you fully understand what you’re agreeing to. Knowing your home’s worth and the reputation of the cash buyer will help you make a well-informed decision that protects your financial interests.
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 Auburn. 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 Auburn home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make fast, all-cash offers close to market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process is efficient and usually completed within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, major players in the industry, like Opendoor and Offerpad, typically charge service fees of around 5%–6%. The iBuyer route is best suited for sellers in markets with standardized housing.
Listing with an agent
Despite the quick-sale appeal of cash-for-homes companies, listing with an agent could also result in a fast sale if your property is competitively priced and well-marketed. Agents can provide a valuable comparative market analysis (CMA), often for free, to help set the right price and gauge the selling timeline. A well-connected agent may even be able to find you a cash buyer willing to pay close to market value. HomeLight can connect you with top real estate professionals in Auburn if you’re interested in exploring this option.
FAQs on Auburn house-buying companies
By and large, most “We Buy Houses” companies in Auburn 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 “We Buy Houses” companies in Auburn 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 Auburn Colonial Revival could sell for $400,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($400,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $250,000
In this example, an Auburn “We Buy Houses” company might offer you around $250,000 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 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 Auburn “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 Auburn. 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 Auburn vs. top Auburn 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 Auburn | Sell with a top Realtor in Auburn |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 131 days average; 89 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 Auburn is worth about $450,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $475,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Auburn | Sell with a top Realtor in Auburn | |
Estimated sale price | ($475,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $307,500 | $450,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,500 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $26,100 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,750 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $307,500 | $412,650 |
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 your home to a “We Buy Houses” company in Auburn can significantly speed up the process, allowing you to move on quickly.
- You can sell your house in as-is condition, without needing to invest in repairs or upgrades.
- The sales process with cash-for-homes companies is streamlined, with fewer contingencies and no need for showings.
- Be prepared that these companies often present offers that are below market value. That’s why it’s important to know your home’s worth before agreeing to sell.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in any condition in Auburn, connecting you with a wide range of investors to suit different selling needs.
Selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Auburn can be a practical option, especially if you’re in a hurry or want to avoid the complexities of a traditional sale. However, it’s a good idea to collect multiple offers and carefully consider all your options before making a final decision.
Consulting with a top Auburn agent can provide expert insights into how quickly and for how much your property might sell in the current market. Let HomeLight assist you with your real estate needs to ensure you make the best choice for your situation.
Header Image Source: (Ann Wallace / Unsplash)