We Buy Houses Destin, FL: Top 4 Companies
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Joseph Gordon EditorCloseJoseph Gordon Editor
Joseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
If you’re a homeowner in Destin needing to sell quickly, you might be considering a We Buy Houses company. These cash-for-homes companies make all-cash offers, particularly appealing if your property needs repairs or updates. With a quick cash sale, you avoid the need for costly fixes and can receive proceeds without delay.
Selling to a cash buyer can be a practical option when faced with an unexpected or urgent situation. Whether relocating, handling financial challenges, or managing inherited property, working with a cash-for-homes company could allow you to move forward with your plans faster than a traditional sale.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of selling to a cash buyer in Destin. We will also provide you with a list of companies with considering and explain how the process works.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Destin area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Destin
If you’re a Destin homeowner exploring a quick sale with a house-buying company, understanding the process can help you move forward confidently. Here’s an easy-to-follow breakdown of the main steps when working with a cash-for-homes company:
- Contact the company: Reach out to a local house-buying company to discuss your property and your selling goals.
- Provide property details: Share basic information about your home, including its age, condition, and any unique features that may impact its value.
- Schedule a home assessment: The company will set up a time to view your property, either in person or virtually, to assess its condition.
- Receive a cash offer: Following the assessment, the company will make a no-obligation cash offer based on your home’s value and market factors.
- Review the offer: Take time to review the terms and confirm if the offer aligns with your needs and timeline.
- Accept and close: If you accept, the company will handle the paperwork and closing, often within a few days, allowing you to move forward quickly.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Destin
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Destin sounds 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 or your parents’ Coastal Contemporary and Mediterranean Architecture. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Destin home in as little as a week or two.
JNL Solutions, Destin
JNL Solutions is a family-owned real estate solutions company located in Fort Walton Beach. To sell your house, simply fill out the form on their website. They will connect you with a local cash buyer who understands your market and will make you a fair offer. You can choose a closing date that works for you, and you’ll receive cash for your house.
Locations: Crestview, Destin, Defuniak Springs, Freeport, Mary Esther, Miramar Beach, Navarre, Niceville, Santa Rosa Beach, Shalimar, Valparaiso
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; JNL Solutions covers them.
JNL Solutions has a 5.0-star rating on Google, supported by over 20 reviews.
Website: jnlsolutionsibuyhouses.com
Phone number: 850-696-7981
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Destin (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 Destin.
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 Destin
Closing costs: HomeLight does not charge prep costs, agent commissions, or fees. 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
Quality Properties of Northwest Florida LLC, Destin
Quality Properties of Northwest Florida, owned by Kamal Mohammad, is a local real estate investment company in Pensacola. Founded in 2014, it initially focused on providing affordable rental homes and later launched a cash home-buying program in 2018.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including Dustin
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Quality Properties of Northwest Florida LLC covers them.
Quality Properties of Northwest Florida has been BBB accredited since 2019 and holds an A+ rating. The company holds a 5-star Google rating.
Website: qualitypropertiescashbuyer.com/sell-my-house-fast-in-destin-fl
Phone number: 850-346-4995
We Buy Houses, Destin
WeBuyHouses.com was founded in 1997 and buys houses in 200 markets and 30 states in any condition. According to their website, they have been trusted by 1 million homeowners and can present a cash offer even if the homeowner is behind on their mortgage or facing foreclosure.
Locations: Nationwide, including Destin
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; WeBuyHouses.com covers them
WeBuyHouses.com has been BBB accredited since August 2020 and has an A+ rating.
Website: webuyhouses.com/FL/Destin
Phone number: 850-929-5255
Why sell your Destin house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Destin home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience are some of the main reasons sellers choose to go with this option.
In Destin, it typically takes around 129 days to sell a home using an agent. That includes an average of 85 days on the market plus the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven to ten days promised by many Destin house-buying companies, and it’s clear why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top-dollar for the homes they purchase.
If you’re considering a cash sale for your Destin home, you might be facing a situation that requires a fast, straightforward solution. Here are some examples of when it might make sense to sell your home for cash:
- Job relocation: Moving for work can be time-sensitive, and a cash sale helps you settle quickly without the stress of listing.
- Divorce: In a divorce, selling your home fast can provide both parties with closure and a clean financial split.
- Inherited property: If you’ve inherited a home you don’t intend to keep, a cash buyer offers a fast way to move forward.
- Downsizing: If you’re ready to downsize, a cash sale can simplify the transition, especially if your next step involves relocating.
- Major repairs: When your home needs costly repairs, selling for cash lets you avoid repair expenses and sell “as-is.”
- Avoiding open houses: Skip the hassle and exposure of frequent showings and open houses by accepting a cash offer.
- Foundation issues: Foundation problems can deter traditional buyers; cash buyers often purchase homes with structural challenges.
- Foreclosure risk: Selling to a cash buyer can help you avoid foreclosure and protect your credit standing.
- Tenant complications: If you own a rental property with problematic tenants, a cash sale lets you transfer the issue to the buyer.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar can be challenging, but a cash offer streamlines the process without needing local coordination.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Destin
House-buying companies in Destin offer a range of benefits and drawbacks that are helpful to know before deciding. Let’s take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of working with one of these cash-for-homes companies.
Pros
Selling to a house-buying company in Destin has significant benefits, including speed and ease. These companies purchase your house as-is, meaning you don’t have to make repairs, stage, or list your home, which can save time and effort.
- Quick sale: Cash offers allow you to close quickly, often within days, making it ideal if you’re facing an urgent situation.
- As-is purchase: House-buying companies will purchase as-is, so you can skip repairs or improvements, saving money and time.
- No contingencies: With no financing or inspection contingencies, you reduce the risks of delays or the sale falling through.
- Convenience: This streamlined process means less work on your end since the company handles most of the paperwork and logistics.
Cons
The biggest drawback to working with a Destin house-buying company is that you’ll likely receive below market value, which is often significantly less than what you might get with a real estate agent.
- Lower price: Cash buyers typically offer less than market value, so you may not maximize your proceeds from the sale.
- Fewer options: By going with a cash offer, you miss out on the potential to receive multiple offers from buyers competing for your home.
- Scam risks: Some companies can be unreliable or even fraudulent; it’s essential to avoid scams by thoroughly researching any cash buyer.
- No chance to negotiate: Most cash offers are firm, take-it-or-leave-it deals, which means you likely won’t be able to negotiate for a higher price.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
The level of integrity and service you experience from a We Buy Houses for Cash company can vary, even within an established house-buying group that strives to maintain high standards. This is because many Cash-For-Homes companies are franchises and often use independent investors or wholesaling outfits. Your experience depends on the character of the person or group making the offer.
Before committing to 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.
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 your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market. 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 Destin home quickly
For homeowners looking to sell quickly, there are additional options beyond house-buying companies.
iBuyers:
iBuyers, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, offer a fast, mostly online sale process using automated valuation models (AVMs) to estimate home values. These companies typically make cash offers closer to market value for homes in good condition, with closing timelines from a few days to two weeks. Keep in mind, however, that iBuyers often charge service fees around 5%-6%, which can impact your net proceeds. Learn more about the iBuyer process.
Listing with an agent:
Although working with an agent might not seem like a quick-sell option, top real estate agents can deliver fast results, especially when homes are strategically priced and well-marketed. An agent can also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) – often free – which helps determine a competitive listing price to attract buyers quickly. Partnering with an agent could yield a higher sale price, and if desired, the agent may connect you with cash buyers willing to pay closer to market value. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your area if you’re interested in exploring this option.
FAQs on Destin house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Destin 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 Destin We Buy Houses for Cash 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 Destin Mediterranean Architecture could sell for $644,200 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($644,200 x .70) – $30,000 = $420,940
In this example, a Destin We Buy Houses company might offer you around $420,940 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 Destin We Buy Houses for Cash 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 for Cash 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 impact your bottom line is always a good idea.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Destin 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 for Cash in Destin vs. top Destin agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash 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 for Cash company in Destin | Sell with a top Realtor in Destin |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 129 days average; 85 to attract an offer, 44 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 | 3%-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 for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in Destin is worth about $644,200 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $669,200.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Destin | Sell with a top Realtor in Destin | |
Estimated sale price | ($669,200 x .70) – $25,000 = $443,440 | $664,200 |
Market preparations | 0 | $6,642 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $19,926 (3% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $9,963 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $443,440 | $627,669 |
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
- Speed and convenience: House-buying companies in Destin offer a fast, straightforward sale, often closing in as little as a few days.
- As-is purchases: These companies buy homes in any condition, so you don’t have to worry about repairs, staging, or inspections.
- Lower sale price: Cash offers from house-buying companies are typically lower than what you’d expect on the open market.
- Limited flexibility: Cash-for-homes offers are usually firm, with little room for negotiation on price or terms.
- Service fees with iBuyers: If you choose an iBuyer, be prepared to pay service fees that can impact your final proceeds.
- Agent option for higher returns: A real estate agent may help you secure a higher price and a competitive timeline, especially in a strong market.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand in navigating your real estate journey. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer through a trusted platform like Simple Sale or seeking to consult with a top Destin agent.
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