5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Florence
- 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 the traditional home-selling process seems too time consuming or overwhelming, working with a “We Buy Houses” company can provide an easy way out.
Homeowners in Florence, South Carolina who are dealing with burdensome properties or urgent situations may be a good fit for an all-cash home sale. Maybe you need to move ASAP for a new job opportunity or your home’s foundation issues have rendered it unsellable.
These companies purchase homes in “as-is” condition, meaning you can avoid repairs, professional cleanings, and even junk removal. Deals are able to close in a few days or weeks, allowing you to collect your money and move on to your next chapter.
While convenient, “We Buy Houses” companies often present offers below market value to make a profit. This can significantly reduce your net proceeds compared to selling traditionally with an agent.
In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of selling your house to a cash-for-homes company. We’ll also highlight some of the most reputable “We Buy Houses” companies serving the Florence market and look into alternative selling methods. By the end, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your situation and home-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 Florence area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Florence
“We Buy Houses” companies promise to give home sellers quick, convenient all-cash offers and exceptionally speedy closings, often wrapping up deals in as few as seven days. Here’s what you can expect from the process:
1. Research companies: Search online for reputable house-buying companies that serve Florence. Once you’ve found one you like, fill out the form on their website or give them a call to get the ball rolling.
2. Schedule a walkthrough: A representative of the company will likely conduct an in-person walkthrough of your property to assess its condition and market value.
3. Receive an offer: Based on the information you provide and the property assessment, the company will present you with a no-obligation cash offer.
4. Review the offer: Determine whether the offer aligns with your needs and expectations for a fast sale. If it does, you can proceed by accepting it.
5. Close the sale: Closing typically happens at an attorney’s office or title company. You’ll receive the cash for your home via wire transfer, and the company will take possession of the property.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Florence
If you’re interested in selling your house for cash, the next step is finding a reputable “We Buy Houses” company in Florence that you can feel confident in.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ Colonial Revival or Cape Cod-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Florence home in as little as a week or two.
Myrtle Beach Home Buyers
Myrtle Beach Home Buyers purchases houses, condos, apartments, vacation homes, mobile homes, and land in several counties across South Carolina, including Florence County. The family-owned company promises competitive offers, zero fees or commissions, and quick closings in as few as seven days. They purchase properties no matter the condition or your reason for selling, requiring no repairs or clean-up.
Locations: Several counties in South Carolina, including Florence County
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Myrtle Beach Home Buyers covers them.
Myrtle Beach Home Buyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. They also tout a 4.9-star rating on Google. Clients commend Myrtle Beach Home Buyers for their excellent customer service, smooth home-selling process, and clear communication. “Selling our home while living out of state and using this process was so simple and streamlined,” wrote a former client. “All the folks involved were super nice and extremely helpful!”
Website: myrtlebeachhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 843-507-5058
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Florence (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 Florence.
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 Florence, SC
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 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
New Horizon Home Buyers
New Horizon Home Buyers is a family-owned company that purchases homes in any condition all over South Carolina. To get started, give them a call or fill out the form on their website. They’ll then schedule a time to see the house and go over your competitive cash offer. New Horizon Home Buyers can close a deal in as few as seven days and the entire process is free for sellers.
Locations: South Carolina, including Florence
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; New Horizon Home Buyers cover them.
New Horizon Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2020 and has an A+ rating. They also maintain a 4.9-star rating on Google. Clients praise their professionalism, honesty, and quick closings. “Needed to sell an inherited house after putting it off for over 2.5 years,” reads a recent review. “[New Horizon Home Buyers] made the process easy and were very fair. Everything went smooth including the closing of the house.”
Learn more: newhorizonhomebuyers.com
Phone: 423-509-8393
Carolinas Homebuyers
Based in Florence, Carolinas Homebuyers buys houses in “as-is” condition throughout South Carolina. They can extend a no-obligation, fair cash offer within 24 hours of receiving a homeowner’s information. Sellers don’t have to worry about cleaning and can even leave unwanted items in the house. Closing takes place on the seller’s schedule and can happen in as little as seven days or up to six months, depending on their needs.
Locations: South Carolina, including Florence
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Carolinas Homebuyers cover them.
Carolinas Homebuyers has been BBB-accredited since 2023 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a 4.9-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Clients appreciate the company’s competitive offers, flexibility, and timeliness. “I was very satisfied with this service, they were very fast,” reads one review. “They closed on my residence in record time, five days!”
Learn more: carolinashomebuyers.com
Phone: 843-919-4343
Peak Home Buyers
Peak Home Buyers is a family-owned company run by South Carolina natives. They buy houses “as-is” and will make you an initial cash offer within 24 hours of first contact. Peak Home Buyers pays all closing costs and lets the seller choose the closing date, which can be as few as seven days. Beyond South Carolina, they also purchase homes in North Carolina and Georgia.
Locations: South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Peak Home Buyers cover them.
Peak Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2024 and holds an A rating. They also boast a perfect Google rating of 5.0. Clients commend owners Emily and Matt for their fair offers, quick turnaround times, and hassle-free selling process. “I needed my home sold within a few weeks and [Emily] made it happen without a hiccup,” wrote a former client. “Literally, they came to view my home on December 9th and our closing date was then December 20th.”
Learn more: peakhomebuyersnetwork.com
Phone: 803-991-0959
Why sell your Florence house for cash?
There are a number of situations where selling your Florence house for cash can be a smart move. This is especially true if you need to close quickly or your house needs a lot of work.
In Florence, it typically takes around 110 days, or three-and-a-half months, to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 66 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 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Florence, 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.
Let’s explore why Florence homeowners might choose this route over a typical listing:
- Job relocation: When a new job requires you to move quickly, selling for cash means you can relocate without the stress of a traditional home sale.
- Divorce: Dividing assets is often necessary in a divorce, making a cash sale an appealing option for those seeking speed and simplicity.
- Inherited property: Inheriting a home can come with complications, especially if you’re not prepared to maintain or manage it.
- Downsizing: Whether it’s for retirement or a simpler lifestyle, downsizing shouldn’t be complicated by a slow real estate market.
- Significant repairs needed: If your home requires extensive repairs, selling for cash can save you from the burden.
- Avoiding open houses: For those who value privacy, a cash sale eliminates the need for open houses and numerous showings.
- Foundation issues: Selling a house with foundational problems is simpler when you don’t have to fix them first.
- Facing foreclosure: A cash sale can be a way to avoid foreclosure and its impact on your credit score.
- Problematic tenants: Selling a rental property with tenants can be tricky, but a cash offer streamlines the process.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar is challenging; a cash offer provides a straightforward solution.
A cash offer from a house-buying company could be a good first step, especially if you’re dealing with any of the situations listed above. These cash buyers move quickly, but it’s worth exploring all your options before making a decision.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Florence
Selling to a house-buying company in Florence can be great option, especially if speed and a hassle-free sale are your top priorities. However, there’s a trade-off: the convenience of a quick sale often comes with a lower offer than what you could get on the open market.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of this arrangement:
Pros
- Speed of sale: Selling to a cash buyer means you can often close in as little as a week, compared to several months on the traditional market.
- No need for repairs: These companies typically buy houses in “as-is” condition, allowing you to avoid costly and time-consuming repairs.
- Avoiding contingencies: Cash sales often eliminate many of the usual sale contingencies, speeding up the closing process.
- Ease of transaction: The transaction is straightforward, with minimal paperwork and no need for open houses or staging.
Cons
- Below market value: Offers from house-buying companies are typically below market value, which means you might receive less than if you sold through an agent.
- Limited negotiation: The take-it-or-leave-it nature of these offers gives sellers little room to negotiate a better price.
- Potential for scams: While many companies are reputable, the industry is also ripe for scams. Always conduct your due diligence.
- Not ideal for high-value homes: If your property is in a desirable location or has unique features, you might profit more from a traditional home sale.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Not all “We Buy Houses” companies are created equal. While they all offer a quick cash sale, the experience can vary greatly depending on the company you work with. Before you commit to anything, taking the time to thoroughly vet the cash buyer is crucial. Look into their reviews, read testimonials from past sellers, and research their standing and track record in the local market.
Understanding the true value of your home is equally important. Don’t rush into signing a buying agreement without carefully reading it through. Knowing your home’s worth ensures that you are making an informed decision and helps prevent settling for an offer that undervalues your property.
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 Florence. 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 Florence home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, utilize automated valuation models (AVMs) to make almost instant, near-market-value cash offers for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process is streamlined and mostly online, completing sales within a few days to two weeks. This route is best suited for sellers who live in areas with homogenous housing. Note that iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge service fees of 5%–6%.
Listing with an agent
Alternatively, listing with a top real estate agent could yield a quick sale at the best price, especially in a seller-friendly market. Agents provide valuable insights with a comparative market analysis (CMA), often compiled for free, that helps set a competitive listing price. A well-connected real estate professional could even find you a cash buyer willing to offer close to market value. For those considering this option, HomeLight can put you in touch with a leading agent in Florence.
FAQs on Florence house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Florence 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 Florence “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 Cape Cod-style home in Florence could sell for $250,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($250,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $145,000
In this example, a Florence We Buy Houses company might offer you around $145,000 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 Florence We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-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 the offer is accepted. On the other side, 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 is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to flat-out ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
1. Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Florence area. Our list above is a good place to start.
2. Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
3. Schedule any required on-site property visits.
4. Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
5. 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 Florence vs. top Florence 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 Florence | Sell with a top Realtor in Florence |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 110 days average; 66 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 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 put together 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 Florence is currently worth about $250,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $275,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Florence | Sell with a top Realtor in Florence | |
Estimated sale price | ($275,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $167,500 | $250,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,500 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $14,500 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $3,750 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $167,500 | $229,250 |
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
- Cash-for-homes companies in Florence offer a fast path to selling your property.
- Selling your home as-is eliminates the need for repairs or upgrades.
- Cash sales usually bypass many of the common sale contingencies.
- Be prepared to receive offers below the market value of your home. It’s important to know your home’s value before agreeing to sell.
- Thoroughly research any cash buyer or company before committing.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform delivers no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in nearly any condition in Florence. With a wide network of partner investors, it’s an ideal starting point for homeowners who are uncertain about who might buy their property.
If you’re thinking about selling your Florence home to a “We Buy Houses” company, it’s a good idea to gather multiple offers and carefully consider your options. Consulting with a top Florence agent can provide expert insights into how quickly and for how much your property might sell in the current market.
Selling a house is a big deal, and likely one of the biggest transactions you’ll make in your lifetime. HomeLight can be your guide throughout the entire process, helping you make the smartest move for you.
Header Image Source: (Dillon Wanner/Unsplash)