5 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Columbia, TN
- 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If your house is outdated or needs repairs, competing with all the new construction homes on the market can feel like a daunting prospect. Selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Columbia, TN, allows you to skip the home improvements, professional staging, and weekend open houses, and close the sale in a matter of days or weeks rather than months.
These companies make all-cash offers on homes in any condition or facing any situation. This option can be a lifeline if you need to move quickly or lack the resources to prepare your home for sale. The downside is that they tend to present offers that are below market value, meaning you could potentially earn more by listing your house on the market with an agent.
In this article, we’ll explore both the advantages and potential drawbacks of opting for a cash sale. We’ll highlight some of the most reputable “We Buy Houses” companies in Columbia and share alternative methods for a quick home sale. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make a decision that 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 Columbia area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with We Buy Houses companies in Columbia, TN
Cash home-buying companies offer a streamlined process, ideal for homeowners needing a quick sale or wanting to avoid the complexities of a traditional listing. Here’s how the process generally works:
- Reach out to the company: To initiate the selling process, contact a Columbia “We Buy Houses” company online or by phone.
- Schedule an assessment: The company will likely schedule a time to assess your property. This visit allows them to evaluate the condition of your home and determine an appropriate offer.
- Receive an offer: After the assessment, the company will present you with a cash offer. This offer is typically non-negotiable, so it’s important to consider it carefully.
- Review the terms: Take some time to review the terms of the offer. Make sure you understand all aspects of the agreement, including any fees or closing conditions.
- Accept the offer: If the offer meets your needs, you can accept it to move forward.
- Close the sale: The final step is the closing, where you will sign the paperwork and receive the cash for your home. Closings can usually take place in as little as a week.
Popular We Buy Houses companies in Columbia, TN
Selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Columbia, TN, is an attractive option. The key is finding a company you can trust.
We’ve compiled a list of 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 Columbia, TN, home in as little as a week or two.
My Tennessee Home Solution LLC
My Tennessee Home Solution has been in business since 2020 and is veteran-owned and operated. They pay cash for properties in as-is condition across Middle Tennessee, including single-family homes, vacant land, and multifamily buildings. My Tennessee Home Solution offers programs to meet various home-selling needs, whether you have no equity, want to sell your home as-is for cash, or prefer a traditional sale but lack the resources to prepare your home for market.
Locations: Middle Tennessee, including Columbia
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; My Tennessee Home Solution LLC covers them.
My Tennessee Home Solution has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a perfect 5-star rating on Google based on over 100 reviews. Previous sellers give the employees high marks for their customer service, consistent communication, and reliability. “[Spencer] made himself available many times to answer questions, explain everything in detail, and help me make the best decision for myself and my family,” reads a recent review. “These guys have all the integrity in the world, and I highly recommend!”
Website: mytennesseehomesolution.com
Phone number: 615-933-5431
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Columbia (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 Columbia.
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 Columbia
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
Integrity House Buyers
Integrity House Buyers, based in Clarksville, is a veteran-owned and operated business that buys houses for cash in Middle Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky. After you contact them with information about your property, they’ll present you with a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. The closing can occur in as few as seven days, or according to your schedule.
Locations: Middle Tennessee, including Columbia
Closing costs: Integrity House Buyers will pay the closing costs in most situations.
Integrity House Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2022 and touts an A+ rating. On Google, they hold a 4.9-star rating and garner praise for their exceptional service, no-pressure sales tactics, and flexible timelines. “I sold my house of 20 years, as-is, to Integrity House Buyers,” wrote a former seller. “The process was simple, straightforward, and professional. In 36 hours, the deal was done. I even made a little bit more than I expected.”
Website: buyerswithintegrity.com
Phone number: 931-213-6951
New Horizon Home Buyers
New Horizon Home Buyers is a family-owned home-buying company based in Chattanooga. They buy houses in more than a dozen cities across Tennessee, including Columbia. In addition to single-family homes, they buy vacant land, businesses, condos, and apartments — all in as-is condition. There’s no need for cleaning, junk removal, or costly repairs. Sellers can request a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours of contacting the company, and close a sale in as few as seven days.
Locations: Tennessee (including Columbia) and 11 other states
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; New Horizon Home Buyers covers them.
New Horizon Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2020 and touts an A+ rating. They’ve earned 4.9 stars on Google, and customers commend them for their fairness, stress-free process, and quick closings. “I was in a difficult situation and needed to sell my house fast,” reads one review. “New Horizon came to the rescue by closing the sale in 3 weeks. They were very professional and made the process easy for me.”
Website: newhorizonhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 615-622-1099
TN HomeBuyers
TN HomeBuyers has been in business for over 20 years and buys houses in most cities in Middle Tennessee, including Columbia. Sellers can request a free cash offer by giving them a call or filling out the form on their website. The closing can be scheduled in as few as 10 days, or whenever the seller is ready. You can even get some of the money in advance to help with things like moving costs. There are no hidden fees or closing costs, and TN HomeBuyers advertises the “highest off-market price” for your home.
Locations: Middle Tennessee, including Columbia
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; TN HomeBuyers covers them.
TN HomeBuyers has been BBB-accredited since 2004 and boasts an A+ rating. On Google, the company has earned an average of 4.4 stars. Reviews commend the employees’ willingness to answer questions, outstanding communication, and overall transparency. “I wanted to sell my house and called them, and within 30 days, I sold and moved,” wrote one reviewer. “Hassle-free, no closing costs and fees. Great team to work with.”
Website: 299cash.com
Phone number: 615-299-5525
Why sell your Columbia, TN house for cash?
Selling your Columbia, TN home for cash can be a smart strategy in certain situations. When time is of the essence, Columbia homeowners often choose cash sales for their speed and simplicity. This approach eliminates the need for traditional showings, inspections, and financing approvals, allowing for a much quicker closing.
In Columbia, TN, it typically takes around 82 days to sell a home using an agent. That includes an average of 40 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 Columbia, TN, 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.
Let’s look at some of the most common reasons Columbia, TN sellers decide to use a “We Buy Houses” company over listing the traditional way:
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job, selling for cash eliminates the long wait associated with traditional sales.
- Divorce: A quick cash sale can simplify the division of assets during a divorce and help you start fresh.
- Inherited property: Selling an inherited home for cash can be the easiest way to deal with a property you’re not prepared to manage.
- Downsizing: When it’s time to move to a smaller, more manageable space or a retirement community, a speedy cash sale can ease the transition.
- Significant repairs needed: If your home requires extensive repairs you can’t afford or manage, selling for cash is a practical solution.
- Avoiding open houses: For those who value privacy, selling for cash means no open houses or showings.
- Foundation issues: Structural problems, especially foundation issues, can be a dealbreaker for many buyers, but not for cash-buying companies.
- Facing foreclosure: To avoid the repercussions of foreclosure, a quick cash sale can provide the necessary funds to settle debts.
- Dealing with tenants: Selling a rental property with tenants can be complex; cash buyers typically take over without issues.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar can be challenging; a cash offer simplifies this process.
If any of these scenarios apply to you, a cash offer from a house-buying company might be the right choice. However, it’s essential to weigh this option against others.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Columbia, TN
The primary advantages of working with a house-buying company in Columbia, TN, revolve around the speed of the transaction and the convenience of selling your home as-is. However, the most significant disadvantage is receiving an offer below market value, which could affect your net proceeds. Ahead, we’ll break down the pros and cons of selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in Columbia, TN.
Pros
- Quick closing: Cash-buying companies can often close on a home within a week, as opposed to the months-long traditional selling process.
- No repairs needed: You can sell your house in its current condition without spending on repairs or staging, making it ideal for those unable or unwilling to invest more into the property.
- No real estate fees: Selling directly to a cash buyer means there are no agent commissions or fees, which can save you a significant amount of money.
- Less stress: The sale process is typically less stressful as it lacks the uncertainty and emotional toll of showings, open houses, and prolonged negotiations.
Cons
- Lower offers: Offers from “We Buy Houses” companies are typically below market value, which means you might receive less money compared to selling on the open market.
- Limited negotiation: These offers are usually take-it-or-leave-it, leaving little room for negotiation on price.
- Risk of scams: Not all house-buying companies are reputable. Homeowners must be cautious to avoid scams.
- No potential for a bidding war: With less competition, you may miss out on a bidding war that could erupt when listing on the open market.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When selling your home to a “We Buy Houses” company in Columbia, TN, the integrity and service level you experience can differ greatly. This often depends on the individuals or team behind the offer. It’s crucial to remember that your experience with these companies will vary based on their reputation and business practices.
Before you commit to any cash offer, make sure to thoroughly vet the company. Check online reviews, read testimonials from other sellers, and research the company’s market presence and track record. Additionally, take the time to carefully review the buying agreement before signing. Understanding every detail of this contract is essential to ensure you are making a well-informed decision.
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 Columbia, TN. 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 Columbia, TN home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, utilize automated valuation models to quickly generate cash home offers, often closer to market value. The iBuyer process is quick, taking just a few days to a couple of weeks, and mostly conducted online. Major players in the industry, like Opendoor and Offerpad, target houses in good condition, in areas with uniform housing. They also tend to charge service fees of 5%–6%.
Listing with an agent
Conversely, selling through a top real estate agent might yield a higher price, especially in a seller’s market like Columbia, TN. Agents provide a comparative market analysis (often for free) to help set a competitive list price. A well-connected agent might even find you a cash buyer willing to pay closer to market value. If you’re considering this route, HomeLight can put you in touch with leading agents in your area.
FAQs on Columbia, TN house-buying companies
By and large, most “We Buy Houses” companies in Columbia, TN 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 Columbia, TN “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 traditional-style home in Columbia, TN, could sell for $350,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($350,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $215,000
In this example, a Columbia, TN “We Buy Houses” company might offer you around $215,000 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 “We Buy Houses” company in Columbia, TN, 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 Columbia, TN. 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 Columbia vs. top Columbia 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 Columbia | Sell with a top Realtor in Columbia |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 82 days average; 40 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 Columbia, TN is worth about $350,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $375,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Columbia | Sell with a top Realtor in Columbia | |
Estimated sale price | ($375,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $237,500 | $350,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,500 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $20,300 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $5,250 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $237,500 | $320,950 |
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 Columbia, TN, can close your sale within days, providing immediate financial relief.
- You can sell your home in its current condition, avoiding the cost and time required for repairs and upgrades.
- Remember, offers from cash buyers are generally below market value, so assess how this fits with your financial goals. Knowing your home’s value can prevent you from accepting a lowball offer.
- Thoroughly vet any house-buying company to avoid scams and ensure you’re dealing with a reputable buyer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in any condition in Columbia. With a range of partner investors, it’s an excellent starting point to explore potential buyers for your home.
If you’re considering a “We Buy Houses” company in Columbia, TN, it’s a good idea to gather multiple offers and carefully weigh your options. Consulting with a top Columbia agent can provide valuable insights into how quickly and for how much your property might sell on the market. When you’re ready, let HomeLight assist you in finding the right agent or cash buyer for your home-selling needs.
Header Image Source: (Roger Starnes Sr/Unsplash)