We Buy Houses Cambridge: 5 Top Companies
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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.
Home to prestigious universities, a bustling startup scene, and notable architecture, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a competitive market for home buyers. While selling the traditional way can yield higher profits, some homeowners simply lack the time, expertise, or funds to get their homes into listing shape. In these instances, working with a “We Buy Houses” company in Cambridge could prove beneficial.
Whether you’ve accepted a new job in another state or inherited a house from a deceased loved one, there are plenty of reasons why you may need to sell a house quickly. Additionally, if your Cambridge home or rental property needs significant work, selling it as-is to a cash buyer can be a relief. The downside to this arrangement is that these companies tend to present offers that are below market value.
In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Cambridge. We’ll also highlight some of the most reputable companies serving the Boston area. By considering all the available options, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your situation and selling goals.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Cambridge area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with We Buy Houses companies in Cambridge
Need to sell your house quickly in Cambridge? Working with a “We Buy Houses” company streamlines the process, making it straightforward and less stressful. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
- Contact a company: Reach out to a reputable house-buying company in the Boston area to express your interest in selling your home. They will likely request some basic information about your property to begin their assessment.
- Schedule a visit: The company will arrange a time to visit your home. This visit allows them to evaluate the property’s condition and any factors that might affect their offer.
- Get an offer: After assessing your home, the company will make an all-cash offer. Remember, these offers are usually non-negotiable, so what you see is typically what you get.
- Review the offer: Take some time to consider the offer. It’s important to ensure it aligns with your needs and expectations without the pressure of immediate decision-making.
- Close the sale: If you accept the offer, the company will handle most of the closing formalities. Closing can often be completed in as little as a week, allowing you to access your funds quickly.
Popular We Buy Houses companies in Cambridge
If selling to a house-buying company in Cambridge appeals to you, the first step is to find a cash buyer you can trust.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your or your parents’ duplex condominium or brick Colonial. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Cambridge home in as little as a week or two.
Sell Fast Boston
Sell Fast Boston is based in Dorchester and purchases various types of property in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. The company will buy houses, condos, land, duplexes, triplexes, and commercial properties, regardless of condition. Sellers can request a no-obligation cash offer by giving them a call or filling out the form on their website. Sell Fast Boston can close a sale in as few as seven days, but ultimately, that decision is up to the seller.
Locations: Statewide, including Cambridge
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sell Fast Boston covers them.
Sell Fast Boston is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but they maintain an A+ rating. They also have a 4.5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Customers praise their low-pressure sales tactics, down-to-earth attitude, and willingness to answer questions. “Mike and Will made selling my house stress-free, they handled all the paperwork and made the transaction very simple,” wrote a former seller.
Website: sellfastboston.com
Phone number: 857- 930-4091
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Cambridge (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 in different locations throughout Cambridge, even those that need some or a lot of work.
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 Cambridge.
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
Pavel Buys Houses
Pavel Buys Houses is a family-run real estate investment company based in Boston. They have been in business for over seven years and buy houses in as-is condition throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Tampa, Florida. The company can quickly present sellers with a no-obligation cash offer and close deals in 10–14 business days, or longer if needed. There’s no need to worry about repairs, clean-up, or out-of-pocket expenses — the service is 100% free to sellers.
Locations: Massachusetts (including Cambridge), New Hampshire, and Tampa, Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Pavel Buys Houses covers them.
Pavel Buys Houses has been BBB accredited since July 2019 and holds an A+ rating. It also has a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Former sellers praise the employees’ responsiveness, market knowledge, and professionalism. “I couldn’t speak highly enough about Pavel and his team,” reads a recent review. “I had a house in MA that I needed to get rid of, and these guys made it so quick and easy for me because I am out of state.”
Website: pavelbuyshouses.com
Phone number: 781-309-7085
New England Home Buyers
New England Home Buyers is a local home-buying company based in Haverhill. The company buys houses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. After touring your property in person, they’ll make an all-cash offer within 24 hours. As a seller, you don’t have to worry about cleaning or repairs, and New England Home Buyers will even cover your closing costs. They can close deals within 48 hours if you’re on a tight timeline, but seven days is typical.
Locations: Massachusetts (including Cambridge), New Hampshire, and Maine
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; New England Home Buyers covers them.
New England Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2020 and boasts an A+ rating. They also have a 5-star rating on Google based on dozens of reviews. Previous sellers commend the employees for their honesty, helpfulness, and market expertise. “Everyone we spoke to and met in person was excellent — very professional, upfront, and most importantly honest!” wrote one reviewer. “Kyle was a pleasure to work with and made the process go smoothly and much quicker than anticipated.”
Website: webuyhouseshere.com
Phone number: 978-228-1068
Mass Property Buyers
Mass Property Buyers is a local family-owned company based in western Massachusetts. They buy houses in any condition throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. You can request a no-obligation cash offer by giving them a call or filling out the form on their website. If your property fits their buying criteria, they’ll set up an appointment to see it in person. After that, Mass Property Buyers can typically present you with a fair cash offer within 24 hours and close the sale in as few as seven days.
Locations: Massachusetts (including Cambridge) and Connecticut
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Mass Property Buyers covers them.
Mass Property Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2018 and touts an A+ rating. They also have a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Reviews mention the employees’ responsiveness, professionalism, and honesty. “I was looking for a company to buy my mother’s house, and it needed repairs,” wrote a former client. “I reached out to several We Buy Houses-type companies, and most of them didn’t respond. Mass Property Buyers was very responsive, fair, and honest.”
Website: masspropertybuyers.com
Phone number: 413-455-0008
Why sell your Cambridge house for cash?
Selling your Cambridge home for cash can be a great choice in many situations. It’s a fast and simple way to sell, avoiding many of the usual hassles that come with selling a house on the open market.
In Cambridge, it typically takes around 62 days to sell a home using an agent. That includes an average of 20 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 Cambridge, and it’s easy to see why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always pay top dollar for the homes they purchase.
These companies are growing in popularity, especially for sellers who do not have the typically required long weeks or months to prepare, market, and close on a traditional home sale. Here are several scenarios where opting for a house-buying company might make sense for you:
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job opportunity, selling your home for cash can expedite the process.
- Divorce: Simplify the division of assets by quickly liquidating shared property during a divorce.
- Inherited property: Selling an inherited home for cash helps avoid the complexities of managing or renovating a property you weren’t prepared to handle.
- Downsizing: Ideal for those looking to move to a smaller home or a retirement community without the delay of a traditional sale.
- Major repairs needed: Avoid the cost and time of major repairs by selling a home as-is, particularly if facing foundational or structural issues.
- Avoid open houses: Skip the stress and invasion of privacy that come with multiple showings and open houses.
- Foreclosure looming: Quickly offload your property to settle debts and avoid the repercussions of foreclosure.
- Problem tenants: Selling a rental property for cash can resolve issues with difficult tenants without lengthy evictions.
- Out-of-state owner: Manage the sale of a Cambridge property remotely, simplifying the process without needing to travel.
Selling your home to a cash-for-homes company in Cambridge offers a quick, efficient alternative to the traditional market. It’s particularly useful in situations where speed and simplicity are top priorities.
Pros and cons of We Buy Houses companies in Cambridge
Deciding to sell your Cambridge home to a “We Buy Houses” company in Cambridge can come with significant advantages and drawbacks. These companies offer a quick and hassle-free sale, which can be crucial when you’re on a short timeline. On the other hand, they tend to present offers that are below market value to turn a profit.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of this arrangement:
Pros
- Speed of sale: Selling to a house-buying company can be much faster than the traditional market, often closing within a week.
- Buy as-is: These companies typically buy homes in any condition, allowing you to avoid the cost and time involved in making repairs.
- No open houses: You won’t need to organize open houses or showings, saving you time and preserving your privacy.
- Fewer complications: The sale is not contingent on appraisals, loans, or other common hurdles, which simplifies the process.
Cons
- Below market value: Offers from these companies are typically below market value, which might not be ideal if your goal is to maximize profit.
- Limited negotiation: The price offered is usually take-it-or-leave-it, with little room for negotiation.
- Potential for scams: It’s crucial to verify the credibility of the house-buying company to avoid scams.
- Less local market leverage: You might miss out on potential bidding wars or higher offers that could come from listing your property 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 Cambridge home to a cash-buying company, it’s crucial to remember that the quality of service and integrity can significantly vary depending on the company or individual making the offer. Before committing to a cash offer, take the time to thoroughly vet the company. Check online reviews, read testimonials from other sellers, and research how long they have been active in the Cambridge market.
Knowing the value of your property in the current market can help you determine whether the offer you receive is fair. Before signing anything, ensure you understand the buying agreement by giving it a close read.
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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, offer a modern approach to selling your home quickly. Utilizing automated valuation models (AVMs), they provide near-instant estimates and typically make all-cash offers closer to market value. The entire iBuyer process, from receiving an offer to closing, takes as little as a few days to two weeks. However, keep in mind that major players in the industry, like Opendoor and Offerpad, often charge service fees of 5%–6%. This route is best suited for sellers with homes in good condition and in areas with uniform housing.
Listing with an agent
While not the fastest in every case, listing your home with a real estate agent could be a viable option, especially in a seller’s market. An agent can provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often compiled for free, to set a competitive list price. They might also connect you with cash buyers willing to pay closer to market value. If you decide to explore this route, HomeLight can put you in touch with a top-performing agent in Cambridge.
FAQs on Cambridge house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Cambridge 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 solid 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge Colonial Revival home could sell for $845,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($845,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $561,500
In this example, a “We Buy Houses” company in Cambridge might offer you around $561,500 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 a Cambridge “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 the Boston area, including Cambridge. 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 Cambridge vs. top Cambridge 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 Cambridge | Sell with a top Realtor in Cambridge |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 62 days average; 20 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 Cambridge is worth about $845,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $870,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Cambridge | Sell with a top Realtor in Cambridge | |
| Estimated sale price | ($870,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $584,000 | $845,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $8,450 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $49,010 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $12,675 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $584,000 | $774,865 |
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 house-buying company in Cambridge can be much faster than the traditional market.
- You can sell your home in its current condition without tackling any repairs.
- The sale involves fewer steps and less paperwork than traditional selling methods.
- When selling to a cash buyer, expect offers below market value. Knowing your home’s true worth beforehand is crucial.
- Before moving forward, carefully vet any house-buying company.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform presents no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in nearly any condition in Cambridge, making it an ideal starting point for those unsure of who might buy their home.
As you consider selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Cambridge, it’s wise to gather multiple offers and carefully weigh your options before making a commitment. Consulting with a top Cambridge agent can provide you with expert insights on how soon, and for how much, your property might sell on the market.
If you need assistance finding a credible cash buyer or an experienced real estate agent, HomeLight can connect you with the professionals and resources you need for a profitable home sale.
Header Image Source: (appalachianview / Deposit Photos)
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