We Buy Houses Fountain: 4 Top Companies
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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 a homeowner in Fountain, Colorado needing to move quickly due to a military transfer, or you’re dealing with a property that requires significant repairs, selling to a “We Buy Houses” company could offer you an easy way out.
These buyers often make all-cash offers on properties that need updating or purchase homes from sellers who have to move quickly. A cash offer removes the traditional hurdles of home selling — like financing delays and appraisal issues — and means closings can occur in days or weeks rather than months. However, in exchange for speed and convenience, sellers often receive less than their home’s market value.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of working with house-buying companies. We’ll highlight some of the most reputable “We Buy Houses” companies that are active in Fountain, and provide you with the information you need to decide whether selling for cash is the right financial move for you.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Fountain area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Fountain
Working with a “We Buy Houses” company can be a hassle-free option, especially if getting a quick sale is your top priority. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
1. Research companies: Start by looking up reputable house-buying companies in Fountain. Ensure they have a solid track record and positive reviews from previous sellers.
2. Submit your information: Once you’ve chosen a company, submit your property details through their website or over the phone. This usually includes your address and some basic information about your home’s condition.
3. Receive an offer: After reviewing your submission, the company will typically make an initial cash offer. This process can happen quickly, sometimes within 24 hours.
4. Home inspection: The company will likely schedule a home inspection to assess your property’s condition and verify the details you’ve provided.
5. Close the deal: Should everything check out, you’ll move forward to the closing process. This step involves signing the necessary paperwork to transfer ownership and receiving your cash payment.
6. Move out: Most “We Buy Houses” companies will allow you to choose your own closing date so you can sync it with your move. Some will let you leave some or all of the home’s contents if you don’t wish to take them with you.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fountain
If you’re on board with selling to a house-buying company, the next step is to find a Fountain-based cash buyer that you can trust.
We’ve come up with a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ split-level or ranch-style house. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Fountain home in as little as a week or two.
Zech Buys Houses
Zech Buys Houses is a family-owned business based in Colorado, Springs that purchases houses “as-is” in Fountain and surrounding areas. The company also purchases land (buildable or not) in El Paso, Parker, Pueblo, and Costilla counties. They can close in as little as seven days and pay 100% of the buyers’ closing costs.
Locations: Fountain and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Zech Buys Houses covers them.
Zech Buys Houses is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but maintains an A+ rating. The company also has a 4.6-star rating on Google. Clients particularly appreciate the team’s clear communication, competitive offers, and cheerful demeanor. “It was like working with a long-time friend who cared and wanted to go the extra mile to get you a good deal,” reads one review.
Website: zechbuyshouses.com/fountain/
Phone number: 719-426-2494
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Fountain (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 Fountain.
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 Fountain
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
Colorado Cash For Keys
Colorado Cash For Keys is a home-buying company based in Fort Collins that serves the entire state of Colorado. The family-owned business is led by Andrew Hoelzel, who has 15 years of experience in buying and selling properties. Colorado Cash For Keys purchases homes in any condition and promises fair offers. They can close deals in as little as seven days or on your desired timeline. Buyers don’t pay any closing costs, commissions, or fees.
Locations: Statewide, including Fountain
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Colorado Cash For Keys covers them.
Colorado Cash For Keys is not BBB-accredited but does have a Google review rating of 4.9. Former clients praise the company’s trustworthiness, hassle-free transactions, and personalized service. “Andrew is probably one of the best guys in the industry that I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” wrote one reviewer. “He will tell you exactly what you need. You’ve got to appreciate that level of professionalism and honesty.”
Website: coloradocashforkeys.com
Phone number: 970-692-9446
I Buy Pueblo Houses
I Buy Pueblo Houses purchases “as-is” properties in Fountain, Pueblo, Pueblo West, and Colorado Springs. They can extend an offer within 24 hours and conduct the closing in as few as seven days — sellers can even pick a closing date that works for them. The company has been in business for more than 10 years and is owned and operated by a Pueblo native.
Locations: Fountain, Pueblo, Pueblo West, and Colorado Springs.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; I Buy Pueblo Houses covers them.
I Buy Pueblo Houses isn’t BBB-accredited but boasts an A+ rating, nevertheless. The company also has a Google review rating of 4.9. Former clients rave about owner Zac’s fair offers, punctuality, and knowledge of the real estate market. “Zac was the epitome of professional and gave me a fair price for my property, and I didn’t have to do any repairs,” wrote a former client. “Zac even let me stay in the house for a week following closing the sale.”
Website: ibuypueblohouses.com
Phone number: 719-299-0741
Why sell your Fountain house for cash?
Choosing to sell your Fountain home for cash can be a strategic decision, particularly for those who are looking for a quick and uncomplicated sale.
In Fountain, it typically takes around 89 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 45 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 Fountain, and it’s easy to see why Cash-For-Homes groups are such an attractive option, even though they often pay below market value for the homes they purchase.
House-buying companies can be a good fit in situations like these where a speedy sale is crucial:
- Job relocation: When you’re moving for a new job and need to sell quickly without the hassle of a traditional sale.
- Divorce: Simplifying the process of asset division by selling your home for cash during a divorce.
- Inherited property: When you’ve inherited a property that you prefer to sell without going through the typical selling process.
- Downsizing: Ideal for those looking to move into a smaller home or a retirement community quickly.
- Major repairs needed: If your home needs significant repairs that you cannot or do not want to handle.
- Avoiding open houses: Perfect for sellers who wish to bypass the stress and intrusion of open houses.
- Foundation issues: For homes with serious foundation problems, a cash offer can be a way out.
- Risk of foreclosure: Selling for cash can provide a quick solution to settle debts and avoid foreclosure.
- Problems with tenants: If you’re a landlord dealing with difficult tenants and prefer to sell.
- Selling from afar: Cash sales are particularly appealing for those selling a property from another state.
If you’re facing any of these circumstances, selling your home for cash can offer a quick and less stressful solution. However, it’s important to consider all aspects of such a decision before signing on the dotted line.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Fountain
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of selling your home to a house-buying company in Fountain is crucial. These companies offer a fast and convenient sale but may not always present the best offer. Below, we break down the pros and cons of this arrangement:
Pros
- Quick sale: Closes on your property quickly, often within a week, providing immediate relief or funds.
- As-is condition: Accepts your home in its current state, saving you the cost and hassle of making repairs.
- No fees: Eliminates agent commissions and closing costs, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
- Simplified process: Offers a streamlined, straightforward selling process with fewer contingencies and paperwork.
Cons
- Below market value: You might receive an offer lower than what you could get on the traditional market.
- Limited negotiation: Offers are usually firm, with little to no room for negotiation on the price.
- Risk of scams: It’s crucial to conduct thorough research to avoid falling victim to scams.
- Not for everyone: If maximizing your sale price is a priority, this might not be the ideal route for you.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Your experience with a “We Buy Houses” company can vary significantly depending on which one you choose. Researching each company’s reputation through online reviews, testimonials, and market presence is crucial. Remember, dealing with a trustworthy and transparent company is key to a smooth transaction.
Before accepting a cash offer, you should have an understanding of your home’s value. Scrutinizing the buying agreement is equally important — take the time to ensure you understand all of the terms and conditions.
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 Fountain. 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 Fountain home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models to offer a fast, mostly online buying process, typically providing all-cash offers closer to market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process is fast, wrapping up in days to a couple of weeks, though they charge service fees of 5%–6%. Opendoor and Offerpad are the biggest players in the industry and typically buy properties in areas with homogenous housing.
Listing with an agent
On the other hand, partnering with a top real estate agent for a traditional listing might yield the highest selling price, especially in seller-friendly markets. Agents use a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often free, to set competitive prices, potentially attracting cash offers close to market value. If you’re considering this route, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Fountain, helping you explore all avenues for a speedy and profitable home sale.
FAQs on Fountain house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fountain 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 good 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 Fountain 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 contemporary, two-story 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 Fountain 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 Fountain 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 Fountain 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 Fountain vs. top Fountain 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 Fountain | Sell with a top Realtor in Fountain |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 89 days average; 45 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 townhouse in Fountain is currently worth about $285,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $310,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Fountain | Sell with a top Realtor in Fountain | |
Estimated sale price | ($310,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $192,000 | $285,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,850 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $16,530 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $4,275 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $192,000 | $261,345 |
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 your Fountain home to a Cash-For-Homes company offers a quick and straightforward sales process, but they often pay less than market value.
- You can sell your home in its current condition, avoiding the cost and hassle of repairs.
- Understand your home’s worth to ensure you receive a fair offer.
- Research and vet any house-buying company or iBuyer before proceeding with the sale.
- Consider iBuyers or listing with an agent as other options for selling your home quickly.
- Carefully review any buying agreements before signing to avoid surprises.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers no-obligation, all-cash bids for homes in nearly any condition in Fountain. With a variety of partner investors, it’s an ideal starting point for those unsure who might buy their home.
Selling your house in Fountain quickly can be tempting, but before diving in, consider exploring all your options. By talking to a top Fountain real estate agent, you can glean expert advice on how fast your house could sell on the open market and for what price. This way, you’ll have a clear picture: a quick cash offer versus the potential of netting more money through a traditional sale.
Here at HomeLight, we’re here to help you navigate the home-selling process. We don’t just point you in the right direction; we offer personalized support and expert guidance tailored to your specific situation. Now that you’ve got all this information at your fingertips, you’ll be able to choose the path that feels right for you.
Header Image Source: (Keagan Henman/Unsplash)