5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Katy
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- 15 min read
- 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.
We Buy Houses companies in Katy specialize in making all-cash offers for homes that often require some renovations. This can be perfect for sellers who lack the time, expertise, or funds to manage repairs, turning a process that often takes months into one that takes a matter of days.
Are you looking to make a fast home sale because you are starting a new job, struggling with finances, or dealing with a frustrating divorce? Or perhaps you need to liquidate an inherited property in Katy quickly to settle an estate. Whatever your scenario, selling to a cash-for-homes company could offer the speedy resolution you require.
However, before deciding, it’s important to understand what selling to a We Buy Houses company in Katy means and carefully weigh your options. This post will guide you through the pros and cons, break down how the process works, and help you make an informed choice about whether this is the right path for property.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Katy area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Katy
Selling your property to a We Buy Houses company in Katy is simple, but there are a few steps you should know. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
- Research companies: Research reputable cash-for-homes companies in Katy. Look for companies with positive reviews and a strong local presence. Longevity is also important.
- Request an offer: Contact the selected company to request a cash offer. You’ll typically need to provide details about your property’s condition, location, and other relevant information. Most WBH companies will purchase your property regardless of the condition, but the home’s condition will affect your offer.
- Receive and review the offer: The company will conduct an assessment of your property, either virtually or in person, and present you with a cash offer based on their evaluation.
- Accept the offer: If the offer sounds goods, you can accept it. This step usually involves signing an agreement to confirm the terms of the sale.
- Close the sale: The house-buying company will handle most of the closing formalities, which can often be completed in as little as a week.
- Receive your funds: After closing, you will receive the cash for your home.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Katy
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Katy 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’ ranch-style house or row house. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Katy home in as little as a week or two.
PPS Homebuyers
Established in 2017, this Houston-based company specializes in the local housing market. With an in-house title coordinator, the company’s small staff is focused on customer needs and will assist with common issues — including deed and permit challenges.
Locations: Houston metropolitan area and suburbs including Katy, The Woodlands, Cypress, and others
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; PPS Homebuyers covers them.
The company has had a steady stream of five-star reviews on Google over the last three years, this company has delivered proven and consistent customer service experiences. Google reviews frequently compliment helpful staff by name; sellers speak to fair offers, a convenient online closing process, and quick response times. PPS Homebuyers is BBB accredited and holds an A rating.
Website: ppshousebuyers.com
Phone: 281-306-5055
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Katy (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 Katy.
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 Katy
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
Greater Houston Houses LLC
Greater Houston Houses, established in 2005, successfully operating in this market for over 15 years. Greater Houston Houses aims to build relationships with sellers by meeting in person at each property before making an offer.
Locations: Houston proper and surrounding suburbs like Katy
Closing costs: Greater Houston Houses factors closing costs into their cash offers. For more information about how these costs are handled at the time of closing, contact this company directly.
Greater Houston Houses has been BBB accredited since 2016. Customer reviews with the BBB speak to a fast selling experience and positive interactions with company staff. Customers also consistently indicate on the BBB website and on Google that they are presented with multiple solutions to any hurdles that may come up during the selling process.
Website: greaterhoustonhouse.com
Phone: 832-510-6471
Move On House Buyers
Move On House Buyers has been in business for the past ten years and has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2017. This company is unique because they offer 100% virtual purchases, including offers by phone.
Locations: Houston, Galveston, and nearby areas in Southeast Texas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Move On House Buyers covers them.
Move On House Buyers has a 5-star customer rating with the BBB, where customers report a swift and professional response to sometimes-complicated selling scenarios. Google reviews speak to fast closings and a staff that is accommodating of various circumstances, including out-of-state sellers.
Website: moveonhousebuyers.com
Phone: 713-561-5162
HomeGo
HomeGo was founded in 2018, and their Houston office was accredited with the Better Business Bureau in 2019. HomeGo will purchase homes in an array of conditions — including those that require a complete overhaul.
Locations: Nationwide, including Houston and surrounding suburbs such as Katy
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; HomeGo covers them.
HomeGo’s Houston office has been BBB accredited since 2019. Customer reviews for HomeGo on Google speak to positive interactions with staff and a personalized seller experience. Customers also indicate a high level of responsiveness by phone or text message throughout the selling process.
Website: homego.com
Phone: 866-507-9030
Why sell your Katy house for cash?
Is selling your Katy home for cash the right move for you? We Buy Houses customers will frequently point to the speed of the transaction, along with the overall convenience, as the main reasons they chose to sell their property for cash.
In Katy, it typically takes around 78 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 36 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 Katy, 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.
Here are some common situations where you might want to sell your home for cash:
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job opportunity, selling for cash can speed up the process.
- Divorce: During a divorce, selling your home for cash can simplify the settlement process.
- Inherited property: If you’ve inherited a property in Katy and want to sell it without the hassle of repairs or a long market presence, a cash offer might be ideal.
- Downsizing: If you need to downsize, selling your current home quickly for cash can help you move to a more suitable space without delay.
- Major repairs needed: If your home needs significant repairs, like foundation issues, you can avoid the high costs and time investment by selling for cash.
- Avoid open houses: Selling for cash means you can skip the stress and privacy concerns of hosting multiple open houses.
- Foreclosure risk: If you’re at risk of foreclosure, a quick cash sale can resolve your mortgage troubles faster than the traditional selling process.
- Tenants in place: Selling a rented property for cash can be simpler, avoiding disruptions to your tenants or dealing with vacancy issues.
- Out-of-state owner: Managing a sale from afar can be challenging; a cash sale simplifies this, making it a smooth, fast transaction.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Katy
Selling your Katy home to a house-buying company has its pros and cons:
Pros
One of the greatest advantages of working with a house-buying company in Katy is the speed of the sale and the ability to sell your property as-is, without investing in costly repairs. Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Quick closing: Companies can often close within days, offering a fast solution if you need to relocate quickly or avoid financial strains.
- No repairs needed: You can sell your home as-is, avoiding the expenses and time required for home improvements and repairs.
- Simplicity: The selling process is straightforward, with minimal paperwork and no need for staging or showings.
- No contingencies: These sales rarely fall through due to financing issues, as there are no contingencies like those often found in traditional real estate deals.
Cons
However, it’s important to consider the downsides. The most significant drawback is that these companies typically offer below market value for your home, which might not be ideal if your’e trying to make as much money as possible.
- Lower offers: Expect to receive less than what you might from a sale on the open market, impacting your overall financial return.
- Limited negotiation: Offers from cash-buying companies are usually non-negotiable, take-it-or-leave-it deals.
- Potential for scams: While many companies are reputable, the risk of scams is higher, so it’s critical to research thoroughly and choose a trustworthy partner.
- Lack of local market maximization: You might miss out on higher offers that could come from a wider audience if your home were listed traditionally.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Texas, the integrity and service level can vary significantly. It’s important to be sure that you’re dealing with a reputable buyer. Here are a few tips:
- Research thoroughly: Investigate the company’s market presence and track record. Check reviews and read testimonials to gauge the reliability and professionalism of the company.
- Understand the offer: Make sure you fully understand the terms of the cash offer. Know exactly what you are agreeing to.
- Consult a professional: Consider consulting with a real estate attorney or a trusted advisor who can provide an unbiased opinion on the offer and the buying agreement.
- Read the agreement: Before signing any documents, read through the buying agreement carefully to ensure there are no unfavorable terms or hidden clauses.
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 Katy home quickly
Explore other quick-sale options beyond cash-for-homes companies:
iBuyers: Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make fast, all-cash offers close to market value for well-maintained homes. Although iBuyers often charge service fees of 5%-6%, the iBuyer process from offer to closing is expedient, taking only a few days to a couple of weeks. Learn more about iBuyers.
Listing with an agent: If your home is in a competitive market, selling through a top real estate agent could quickly maximize your return. Agents provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), often free, to help price your home effectively. Some agents may connect you with cash buyers, potentially offering closer to market value. If you’re interested, HomeLight can connect you with a leading agent in your area.
FAQs on Katy house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Katy 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 Katy 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 Katy ranch-style home 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 Katy 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 Katy 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 might impact your bottom line is always a good idea.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Katy 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 Katy vs. top Katy 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 Katy | Sell with a top Realtor in Katy |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 78 days average; 36 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 for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in Katy is worth about $375,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $400,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Katy | Sell with a top Realtor in Katy | |
Estimated sale price | ($400,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $255,000 | $375,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,750 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $21,750 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $5,625 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $307,500 | $343,875 |
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: Selling to a house-buying company in Katy is typically much faster than traditional methods.
- As-is sale: You can sell your home as it currently is, without any need for repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The process is straightforward, with less paperwork and no need for showings.
- Certain sale: These sales rarely fall through, providing a reliable path to closing.
- 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 Katy agent.
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