6 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Minneapolis
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- 15 min read
- Meaghan Hunt, Contributing AuthorCloseMeaghan Hunt Contributing Author
Meaghan Hunt is a writer and editor based in Oklahoma City. She has over a decade of experience writing and editing for the web, magazines, and print publications, and has spent the last several years focused on personal finance topics including real estate. She is a contributing writer for HerMoney Media. Hunt holds an MLIS degree and believes in empowering homebuyers and sellers by connecting them with accessible, digestible, and authoritative information.
- Richard Haddad, Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
We Buy Houses companies in Minneapolis make all-cash offers for homes that often need some work, enabling sellers who lack the time, expertise, and money for repairs to move quickly and receive the cash proceeds from their home sooner if they need it.
You may be moving to a city with a lower cost of living. Or perhaps, you’re relocating from the Twin Cities for a new job in Duluth or St. Cloud, but they need you to start right away. Whatever your reasons for moving, selling your Minneapolis house may be the biggest obstacle in your way.
If you need to sell your Minneapolis home quickly, a We Buy Houses for Cash company could be the best solution. However, before you request a cash offer, it’s important to understand how much a Minneapolis house-buying company might offer for your home and consider your options. Once you’re familiar with the process, you can opt to select a company on our list of some of the top contenders and get moving.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Minneapolis “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Minneapolis
We Buy Houses companies in Minneapolis typically promise quick, all-cash offers and ultra-fast closings, often in as few as seven days. They tend to target distressed properties in need of repairs, and work with sellers who need to move ASAP.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- You request an offer and provide the company with some information about your home. Some companies may make a preliminary offer at this stage, but it’s usually subject to change once they’ve inspected your property.
- The company completes a walk-through of your property, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- The company makes a firm offer, usually within 24 hours, sometimes on-site after the walk-through, which you can accept or decline. Most of these companies will not negotiate on price, so the offer is a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a contract and the closing process will begin. Some companies offer a large deposit or moving cost assistance, and a few may even pay for the home upfront.
- Closing and getting paid is quick, typically within seven days to a few weeks. This can vary by company, and sellers who work with a house-buying company often enjoy flexibility in selecting a move-out date that works for them.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis
If these benefits of selling to a house-buying company in Minneapolis sound 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 parent’s bungalow or your Craftsman-style house. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Minneapolis home in as little as a week or two.
Note: Individual program details frequently change. Please visit a company’s website for the most up-to-date information on each program’s fees, market coverage, business model, and more. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.
We Buy Ugly Houses® / HomeVestors®
We Buy Ugly Houses is a subsidiary of the parent company HomeVestors. HomeVestors was founded in 1996 and began franchising at that time, so this company is also one of the longer-standing house-buying companies in a crowded market. Its independently owned and operated offices have together purchased more than 140,000 houses since inception.
Unlike some house-buying groups, We Buy Ugly Houses makes clear and firm cash offers to the sellers they work with. They are careful to visit properties before proposing an offer, and once doing so, the company does not subtract commissions or fees during the closing process.
To avoid copycat companies, be sure to read up on what sets HomeVestors apart as a company.
Locations: Minneapolis, St. Cloud/Alexandria, and other markets nationally
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Ugly Houses covers them.
There are several franchises of HomeVestors in the Minneapolis market, all of which hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Google reviews for HomeVestors in Minneapolis give the company 4.4 stars and speak to convenient, smooth closings and communicative staff.
Website: webuyuglyhouses.com/minneapolis
Phone: 866-200-6475
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Minneapolis and across the country can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale has a network of cash buyers on its platform, and 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 Minneapolis. With Simple Sale, you can get an all-cash offer within 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 Minneapolis
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight is BBB accredited and A+ rated, and 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
Minnesota Home Guys
For sellers who want more than one option but only have time for a single showing, Minnesota Home Guys presents multiple offers for each property — one of which is for a cash purchase. This company has bought and sold more than 500 homes, building a track record for dealing with a variety of circumstances. This business also demonstrates the capacity to accommodate Spanish-speaking customers.
Locations: Offices in Bloomington serving markets across Minnesota, including Minneapolis-St. Paul
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Minnesota Home Guys covers them.
Minnesota Home Guys has been BBB accredited since 2017 and has an A+ rating. Customer reviews with the BBB for Minnesota Home Guys average 4.83 out of 5 stars, and on Google, this company has a 4.8-star rating. Reviewers with the BBB and Google alike note the excellent service they’ve received from various staff members, who are often recognized by name. Reviews with the BBB specifically note very responsive staff, who get back to customers even on evenings, weekends, and while they are out of the office or on vacation.
Website: homeguysmn.com
Phone: 952-522-9775
Minnesota Home Brothers
Though similar in name to the Minnesota Home Guys, the Minnesota Home Brothers is a separate operation run by three brothers: Matt, Hank, and Drew. Spearheading different elements of the business, they handle contracting, real estate, and marketing operations respectively. This trifecta of expertise is engaged on Facebook and Instagram and offers online scheduling.
Locations: Offices in Eagan, Minnesota, serving the Twin Cities
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Minnesota Home Brothers covers them.
Minnesota Home Brothers has an A+ rating with the BBB but is not accredited. Google reviewers for Minnesota Home Brothers give them a 5-star ranking, with people citing a knowledgeable team, whether it comes to property sales or remodeling projects. Reviews also cite a strong work ethic among the owners, and pleasant, professional staff who are responsive to seller needs.
Website: minnesotahomebrothers.com
Phone: 952-230-2324
Twin Cities Home Buyers
Twin Cities Home Buyers has been in the market for more than 20 years, and has closed hundreds of transactions. They are open to buying even from newer owners. Whether the property is distressed or in good condition, this company is open to discussing a potential offer.
Locations: Offices in Plymouth, Minnesota, serving the Minneapolis-St. Paul area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Twin Cities Home Buyers covers them.
Twin Cities Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2004, where it maintains an A+ rating. Twin Cities Home Buyers holds a 4.8-star rating from customers on Google. Reviewers speak to a fair and accommodating company. Several reviewers mention that while they met with multiple prospective investment companies, they selected this longtime business for a variety of reasons, including outstanding patience and responsiveness.
Website: twincitieshomebuyers.com
Phone: 612-235-5577
Homestead Road
Homestead Road is an experience-driven company, stating on their website that they are motivated by customer service giants like Disney and Zappos. This orientation is mirrored by its investment in nonprofits — including a scholarship fund named for the company.
Locations: Offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota, (which also serves Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and Boca Raton, Florida, serving area markets
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Homestead Road covers them.
Homestead Road has been BBB accredited for more than 10 years. Customer reviews with the BBB for Homestead Road speak to communicative and responsive staff. Google reviewers give the company a 4.6-star rating and cite positive experiences, including a number of homes sold after long occupancy.
Website: homesteadroad.com
Phone: 612-808-6767
Why sell for cash in Minneapolis?
There are plenty of reasons a Minneapolis seller may choose to go the cash-for-homes route, speed and certainty being chief among them.
In Minneapolis, it typically takes about 79 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 36 days on market, plus the typical 43 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven days promised by many top We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis, and you can see why these companies remain popular, even though they don’t always offer top dollar.
Not every seller has months to prep, market, show, and close. Let’s look at some common reasons Minneapolis sellers choose cash-for-homes companies over listing the traditional way.
- Job relocation: You need to move quickly for a new job and can’t wait for a traditional home sale.
- Divorce: You want to quickly divide assets and move on with your life.
- Inherited property: You’ve inherited a house and prefer a quick sale to dealing with maintenance or renting.
- Downsizing: You’re looking to move into a smaller home or retirement community without the hassle of prepping and showing your current home.
- Repairs needed: Your home requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to manage.
- Avoiding open houses: You prefer to avoid the stress and inconvenience of multiple showings and open houses.
- Foundation issues: Your home has structural problems, making it less attractive to traditional buyers.
- Foreclosure: You’re facing foreclosure and need to sell quickly to settle your debts.
- Problem tenants: You’re a landlord tired of managing tenants and want a quick sale of your rental property.
- Selling from out of state: You own a property in Minneapolis but live elsewhere and want the ease of a fast, remote sale.
If any of these situations resonate with you, requesting a cash offer from a top We Buy Houses for Cash company might be a good starting point. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not your only option, and it may not be the best choice for your circumstances. We’ll explore other possibilities shortly!
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Minneapolis
By now, you’ve probably figured out that We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis are a bit of a mixed bag. You get speed and service, but you might pay a sizable premium for that service. Let’s walk through a few pros and cons to consider your options.
Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash in Minneapolis
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis is that you can sell your home “as-is” with no repairs required, and they’ll buy homes in any condition.
If your home was severely damaged in a weather event, or you’ve fallen years behind on routine maintenance, you can still sell without needing to make the extensive repairs that financed buyers may require.
Here are some other pros to consider:
- Speed: You can often sell your home in as few as seven days.
- Certainty: Since the company does a pre-offer walk-through, their offer is firm and comes with few — if any — contingencies. cash-for-houses companies are experts at clearing roadblocks and closing deals.
- No repairs: Again, if your home is in rough shape and you don’t have the funds or the patience to make repairs, you can skip them altogether and save yourself the stress.
- Less hassle: You don’t have to deal with staging, open houses, fielding offers, negotiating with picky buyers, worrying about the appraisal, or stressing about the buyer’s financing falling through. Overall, reputable We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis offer a smooth ride from offer to close.
That all may sound pretty great to you as a seller if you’re looking to move within weeks rather than the months it might take you to list and sell your home on the market with an agent. However, there are downsides to working with cash-for-homes companies. Namely, they typically offer substantially below market value for your home.
Cons to We Buy Houses for Cash in Minneapolis
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses site, remember that these are house-buying companies, which means they’re ultimately trying to make a profit. They plan to fix up your home and either resell it or rent it out. That takes considerable time, skill, and investment.
Here are some potential downsides to consider:
- Lower offers: Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV) — the value that your house could sell for on the market once it’s all fixed up — minus repair costs. So the price you get for your home may be appreciably lower than what you’d get on the market.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: Not all cash home-buying companies are equal. Some are more localized, have specific neighborhood knowledge, and are able to leverage that expertise into more competitive offers. Others are less knowledgeable about the specifics of your community, which could result in lowball bids.
- Not all companies are trustworthy: Some companies make extremely low offers to desperate homeowners and try to pressure you into making a quick decision. A few bad players may even engage in fraud tactics, though it’s uncommon.
- They may use pressure tactics: These companies know that homeowners looking to sell quickly are often desperate, and some do take advantage of that by using pressure tactics. You should never feel pressured to accept an offer, especially since there are plenty of We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis to choose from. If anyone makes you uneasy, it’s time to move on to another option.
Your home is more than a place where you make memories with family; it’s also likely your biggest asset. Sure, you want to sell quickly, but you could be leaving major money on the table if you choose to work with one of these We Buy Houses for Cash companies.
Always do your research, compare your options, and consult with a trusted advisor before accepting any offer.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
For many home sellers, We Buy Houses for Cash companies can be a solid solution to get a property sold quickly or to access cash for an expected life challenge. On the other hand, the “cash for your home” rehabbing business model has also led to what some housing advocates say are predatory tactics.
The level of integrity and customer service you experience can vary, even within an established house-buying company that strives to maintain consistent business standards. This is because many We Buy Houses for Cash companies are franchises and often use independent investors or local wholesaling outfits. Your experience greatly depends on the character of the person or group making the offer.
If you are considering a cash offer, vet the company thoroughly. Check reviews, read testimonials, and research its presence and performance in the market. And, of course, read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
Get a home value estimate
Before committing to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, HomeLight suggests you consult with a top agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then compare cash offers to what a top agent might be able to get for your home. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market.
You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your home quickly
iBuyers
Within the cash-for-homes business you’ll also encounter a particular group of companies known as iBuyers, or instant buyers.
iBuyer companies offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage algorithmic technology, otherwise known as automated valuation models (AVMs), to make you a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home sale experience.
iBuyers offer all-cash and can close in a matter of days to a few weeks. But unlike more traditional We Buy Houses for Cash companies, iBuyers tend to look for homes in better condition and offer much closer to market value, typically in the 90% range.
Though one thing to note is that major iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad usually charge sizable fees for their services, between 5% and 6%.
Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in Minneapolis include those who prefer to skip staging and showing their home, who live in an area with somewhat similar housing, and who have a home in relatively good shape.
Listing with an agent
Listing with a top real estate agent can also result in a fast sale, especially in a seller-friendly market. An agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), which helps determine an appropriate listing price and estimate the time to sell. Many agents offer CMAs, often free.
Partnering with a proven agent can yield the highest selling price and they may even connect you with buyers offering cash closer to market value. If you are interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
Key takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis can offer you a way to sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, showings, or hassles.
- There are many reputable cash home-buying companies across Minneapolis, and most sellers going this route can find a company that suits their needs.
- You could leave significant money on the table using a cash-for-homes company vs. going with a top agent or iBuyer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Minneapolis. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the region, it can be a great starting point if you aren’t sure who would buy your home.
FAQs on Minneapolis house-buying companies
Are We Buy Houses for Cash companies legit or scams?
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legitimate, as this business model has been around for decades.
However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for scams, or anything that just doesn’t seem right. Always thoroughly research companies ahead of time. Verify all professional licenses, check customer reviews, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the Better Business Bureau website.
How much will We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Minneapolis pay?
Most cash-for-homes companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), minus repair costs.
Here’s what that simple formula looks like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
Now let’s take a look at a practical example. Let’s say your Minneapolis foursquare-style home could sell for $350,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($350,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $215,000
In this example, a Minneapolis cash-for-homes company will probably offer you about $215,000 for your property.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more like 90% to 95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
How much does selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Minneapolis cost?
Selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company shouldn’t cost you any money, though you’ll likely get less overall for your home.
Since these companies are geared toward distressed homes, they tend to have zero fees, and will even cover your closing costs. That means the offer you get is the price you should walk away with. Make sure to ask about any hidden program fees that could eat into your bottom line.
How do you sell a house for cash in Minneapolis?
- Research and vet house buying companies available in your area. The above list is a great place to start.
- Submit offer requests to your top few companies.
- Schedule any on-site visits.
- Field and compare offers. Choose the best option for you.
- Close in a week to 30 days and get paid. You can often choose a later closing date, up to 90 days after receiving the offer.
We Buy Houses for Cash in Minneapolis vs. top Minneapolis agent
Wondering how a We Buy Houses for Cash company stacks up against working with a real estate agent? We’ve got you covered.
Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Minneapolis | Sell with a top Realtor® in Minneapolis |
Sale timeline | 7 to 30 days | 79 days average; 36 to attract an offer, 43 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Make necessary repairs, deep clean, declutter, landscape, stage home |
Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
Inspections / repairs | None | May need to make repairs for the buyer or renegotiate price |
Appraisal | None | May need to lower the price if 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 loan doesn’t clear |
Agent commission | None | 3% to 5.8% average |
Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of sale price on top of commission |
Example net proceeds
Let’s say your Italianate home in Minneapolis is currently worth about $400,000 and needs about $15,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are made, the home should be worth about $415,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Minneapolis | Sell with a top Realtor® in Minneapolis | |
Estimated sale price | ($415,000 x .70) – $15,000 = $275,500 | $400,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,000 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $12,000 (3% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,000 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $275,500 | $378,000 |
Financially it’s usually in your best interest to go with a top agent, but depending on the condition of your home and any repairs needed, selling on the open market could be challenging.
House-buying companies can be a good alternative for Minneapolis sellers in need of a quick exit from homeownership, but they’re not without drawbacks. However you choose to sell your home, it’s important to avoid making a hasty decision.
For best results, take the time to consider your options, gather offers from multiple companies, and consider consulting with a top agent to see how easily your property could sell on the market. Whatever you decide, HomeLight would be happy to help with your real estate needs!
Writer Chelsea Levinson contributed to this post.
Header Image Source: (Andrew S / Unsplash)