5 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Center Point
- 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.
If you’re looking to sell a house that needs some TLC — maybe the kitchen is stuck in the ’70s, or the siding is due to be replaced — attracting offers on the open market can be difficult. “We Buy Houses” companies in Center Point, Alabama, offer a practical alternative, paying cash for properties in any condition. No repairs, clean-up, or staging necessary!
Cash-for-homes companies allow you to sell quickly, often within a few days to a couple of weeks. Most cash buyers will even cover your closing costs, too. The catch is that “We Buy Houses” companies tend to present cash offers that are below market value. If maximizing profit is your main priority, it may not be the best option for you.
In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Center Point. We’ll highlight some of the most reputable companies serving Greater Birmingham and share alternatives for a quick home sale. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make a decision that fits your circumstances 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 Center Point area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with We Buy Houses companies in Center Point
If you’re considering a quick and hassle-free home sale, working with a “We Buy Houses” company in Center Point can streamline the process. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand the steps involved:
- Reach out to the company: Contact a house-buying company that serves Center Point. Provide basic details about your home, such as its location, condition, age, and any unique features.
- Schedule a visit: The company will arrange a visit to assess your home. This evaluation helps them understand the property’s current state and determine their offer.
- Receive an offer: After the evaluation, the company will make an all-cash offer for your home. This offer is typically non-negotiable, so it’s a take-it-or-leave-it deal.
- Accept the offer: If the offer aligns with your needs, you can accept it to move forward.
- Close the sale: The final step is the closing, where you sign the necessary paperwork and receive payment for your home via check or wire transfer. The process is much faster than traditional home sales, usually occurring within a week or two.
Popular We Buy Houses companies in Center Point
Need to sell your Center Point home fast? It’s time to find a trusted, legitimate cash buyer for a smooth transaction.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ bungalow or ranch-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Center Point home in as little as a week or two.
Birmingham Homebuyers
Founded in 2018, Birmingham Homebuyers has helped countless homeowners sell their properties across Birmingham and Central Alabama. They pay cash for houses, apartment buildings, and even land. Homeowners can get a free, no-obligation cash offer in 24 hours by simply filling out the quick questionnaire on their website. Closing can occur in as few as seven days, or according to the seller’s schedule.
Locations: Birmingham and surrounding areas, including Center Point
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Birmingham Homebuyers covers them.
Birmingham Homebuyers is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and boasts an A+ rating. They also have a 4.5-star rating on Google. Past clients commend Birmingham Homebuyers’ friendly team, competitive offers, and hassle-free selling process. “We met with three homebuyers in the Birmingham area and chose BHB,” wrote a former seller. “The process was very professional, quick, efficient, and non-intrusive.”
Website: cashforhousesbham.com
Phone number: 205-502-2161
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Center Point (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 Center Point.
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 Center Point
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
Cahaba Home Buyers
Cahaba Home Buyers is a local, family-owned business that simplifies selling your single-family home in Greater Birmingham. They buy houses in any condition or facing any situation. Submit your property details online and get a fair cash offer in just 24 hours. Plus, you choose your closing date, which can take place in as little as seven days.
Locations: Greater Birmingham, including Center Point
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cahaba Home Buyers covers them.
Cahaba Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. Based on a limited number of reviews, they also have a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Reviews mention the company’s professionalism, clear communication, and exceptional customer service. “My parents lived in this home for 52 years, and [Jason] made what we thought would be a difficult transition into a positive and great experience,” wrote a former seller.
Website: cahabahomebuyers.com/centerpoint
Phone number: 205-390-1050
New Day Properties
Based in Hoover, New Day Properties is a local, family-owned and operated cash home-buying company. They serve the Birmingham and Huntsville areas and purchase several types of real estate, including houses, apartments, multi-family dwellings, and vacant land. After completing a walkthrough of the property to asses its condition, they will present you with a fair cash in just one day. Plus, the closing process can be completed in as little as two weeks.
Locations: Birmingham and Huntsville areas, including Center Point
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; New Day Properties covers them.
New Day Properties has been BBB-accredited since 2022 and touts an A+ rating. They have also earned 4.9 stars on Google. Previous sellers highlight the employees’ patience, frequent check-ins, and no-pressure sales approach. “They offered a very fair price for the house, and the entire process went quickly and smoothly,” reads a recent review.
Website: newdayproperties.com
Phone number: 205-407-1112
We Buy Houses Fast Birmingham
We Buy Houses Fast Birmingham pays cash for houses throughout Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair counties. The family-owned business is based in Moody and purchases properties regardless of condition, price, or location. You can get a no-obligation cash offer within 48 hours of submitting the form on their website. Closing can take place on your timeline or in as few as 10–14 days.
Locations: Jefferson, Shelby, and St. Clair counties, including Center Point
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Houses Fast Birmingham covers them.
We Buy Houses Fast Birmingham has a 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. They do not appear to be BBB-accredited. Reviewers praise owner John’s knowledge of the local real estate market, willingness to answer questions and friendly demeanor. “I have dealt with John and his associates on two properties, and both times, it has been a great experience,” wrote a former seller. “They always did what they said they would do when they said they would do it.”
Website: webuyhousesfastbirmingham.com
Phone number: 205-502-2562
Why sell your Center Point house for cash?
When time is of the essence, or when traditional selling methods feel overwhelming, choosing a house-buying company in Center Point to sell your home for cash can provide a much-needed shortcut.
In Center Point, it typically takes around 92 days to sell a home using an agent. That includes an average of 50 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 Center Point, 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.
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 some of the most common situations where this method proves to be a beneficial solution:
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job, selling your house for cash can simplify your transition.
- Divorce: A quick home sale can offer clarity and ease during the emotional and logistical complications of a divorce.
- Inherited property: Selling an inherited home can be complex; cash home buyers streamline the process.
- Downsizing: As you prepare for a simpler lifestyle or retirement, fast cash sales can help you move on without delays.
- Major repairs needed: If your home requires significant repairs like fixing a foundation, selling for cash might be your best option.
- Avoiding open houses: If you prefer not to deal with the stress of staging and open houses, a cash offer eliminates that need.
- Foreclosure threat: Selling for cash can be a timely solution to avoid foreclosure and its impact on your financial future.
- Problematic tenants: If you’re a landlord tired of dealing with tenants, selling for cash offers a clean break.
- Out-of-state seller: Managing a sale from afar is challenging; a cash sale simplifies this significantly.
If you find yourself in any of these scenarios, a cash offer might just be the simplest way to move forward. However, while cash sales can be advantageous, they aren’t always the best route for every seller.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Center Point
Selling your home in Center Point to a house-buying company can be appealing, particularly if you’re looking for speed and convenience. However, there are also drawbacks to consider with a cash deal, like receiving an offer below market value.
In this next section, we’ll compare the pros and cons of working with a “We Buy Houses” company:
Pros
- Quick sale: The primary advantage is the speed of the sale. You can often close within days, eliminating the wait associated with traditional selling.
- No need for repairs: These companies buy homes as-is, meaning you don’t have to invest in repairs or renovations before selling.
- Simple process: The sales process is straightforward, with fewer steps and no contingencies, which means fewer complications and delays.
- Cash payment: You receive a direct cash payment, which can be crucial if you need funds ASAP.
Cons
- Lower offers: Often, the biggest drawback is receiving an offer below market value, which can be significantly less than what you might achieve on the open market with a real estate agent.
- Potential for scams: Not all house-buying companies operate ethically; some may be involved in scams. It’s vital to perform thorough research and work with reputable companies.
- Less negotiation power: The price offer is usually non-negotiable, leaving you with little room to maneuver if you’re looking for a better deal.
- Opportunity cost: By accepting a quick cash offer, you might miss out on potential higher bids that could come from listing your property on the open market.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering a cash offer for your home in Center Point, remember that not all “We Buy Houses” companies are created equal. The quality of service and level of integrity can vary greatly, depending on who is making the offer. Before you commit, it’s crucial to vet the company thoroughly. Check online reviews, read testimonials, and research how they perform in the market to ensure they are reputable and trustworthy.
Additionally, understanding the value of your home is key. Don’t just take the first offer that comes your way. Read the buying agreement carefully before signing to ensure there are no surprises. Taking these steps will help you make a more informed decision and likely lead to a better selling experience.
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 Center Point. 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 Center Point home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models to provide near-instant home value estimates and all-cash offers, usually closer to market value. The iBuyer process is fast, closing in as little as a few days to two weeks. Major players in the industry, including Opendoor and Offerpad, typically charge fees of 5%-6%. iBuyers are ideal for homes in good condition in areas with uniform housing types.
Listing with an agent
Alternatively, listing with a real estate agent could be more lucrative, particularly in a seller-friendly market. Agents can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), often for free, helping set a competitive price to attract buyers. A seasoned agent may also be able to find you a cash buyer willing to pay closer to market value. If you’re considering this route, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Center Point.
FAQs on Center Point house-buying companies
By and large, most “We Buy Houses” companies in Center Point 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 Center Point “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 Center Point bungalow could sell for $140,000 after repairs, but it will need $20,000 of work to get there.
($140,000 x .70) – $20,000 = $78,000
In this example, a Center Point “We Buy Houses” company might offer you around $78,000 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 a Center Point “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 your Center Point area. 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 Center Point vs. top Center Point 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 Center Point | Sell with a top Realtor in Center Point |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 92 days average; 50 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 Center Point is worth about $120,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $145,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Center Point | Sell with a top Realtor in Center Point | |
Estimated sale price | ($145,000 x .70) – $10,000 = $91,500 | $120,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $1,200 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $6,960 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $1,800 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $91,500 | $110,040 |
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
- “We Buy Houses” companies in Center Point can close on your house quickly, often within a few days to a couple of weeks.
- You can sell your house as-is, avoiding the cost and time of making repairs.
- The sale process is straightforward, with less paperwork and no buyer contingencies.
- Be prepared to receive offers that are below market value. It’s important to know your home’s value before agreeing to sell.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform presents no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in any condition in Center Point, connecting you with a range of investors to start your selling process.
Before committing to a cash offer, it’s a good idea to gather multiple offers and carefully consider your options. Consulting with a top Center Point agent can provide you with expert insights on how soon and for how much your property might sell on the traditional market. Whether you decide to go with a cash buyer or explore other avenues, let HomeLight assist you with your real estate needs, ensuring you make the best decision for your circumstances.
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr / Unsplash)