We Buy Houses La Porte: Top 5 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.
Selling your home in La Porte can feel overwhelming, especially when time isn’t on your side. Whether your property needs repairs or you’re stuck with a tight deadline, you might wonder if a We Buy Houses company is the solution for you. These companies make cash offers, often for homes in as-is condition, simplifying the selling process.
Choosing a cash sale allows you to bypass costly repairs and move forward quickly. This can be an ideal solution for many sellers for unexpected situations like a job relocation, divorce, or financial strain. It’s a way to avoid the delays and demands of traditional home sales.
This guide will explore the pros and cons of selling to a house-buying company, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your circumstances.
Working with house-buying companies in La Porte
Selling your La Porte home to a house-buying company can offer a streamlined experience, making it an appealing choice for those needing a fast and hassle-free sale. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Reach out to a company: Contact a house-buying company and provide basic details about your property, such as its size, condition, and location.
- Schedule a home assessment: Most companies will schedule a quick walkthrough or virtual evaluation of your home to confirm its condition.
- Receive an offer: After the assessment, the company will present you with a no-obligation cash offer, often within 24-48 hours.
- Review the terms: Carefully review the purchase agreement to understand the offer and terms before signing.
- Choose your closing date: Select a closing date that works for you—often as soon as 7-14 days after accepting the offer.
- Complete the sale: Attend the closing, sign the necessary paperwork, and receive your cash payment.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in La Porte
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in La Porte 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 or traditional brick home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your La Porte home in as little as a week or two.
PPS Homebuyers
Established in 2017, PPS Homebuyers has purchased over 600 homes throughout Greater Houston. Homeowners in League City can receive a same-day cash offer after filling out an online form or giving them a call. Once an offer is accepted, sellers can choose the closing date. PPS Homebuyers takes care of all the paperwork and covers the closing costs.
Locations: Houston and surrounding areas, including La Porte
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; PPS Homebuyers covers them.
PPS Homebuyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a perfect 4.9-star rating on Google.
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 La Porte (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 La Porte.
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 La Porte
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
Big State Home Buyers
Founded over 15 years ago, Big State Home Buyers is a Houston-based company that buys, repairs, and sells properties in Texas. They purchase properties “as-is” and can give you a fair cash offer within 24 hours.
Locations: Statewide, including La Porte
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Big State Home Buyers covers them.
Big State Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2010 and has an A+ rating. They’ve also earned 4.8 stars on Google based on over 150 reviews.
Website: bigstatehomebuyers.com
Phone: 888-981-9143
Cash4Keys Homebuyers
Based in Houston, Cash4Keys Homebuyers purchases homes in any condition throughout the state of Texas. They offer fair cash offers, moving assistance, and a stay of up to 30 days after closing. Sellers can choose their own closing date and wrap up the deal in as few as seven days.
Locations: Statewide, including La Porte
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cash4Keys covers them.
Cash4Keys HomeBuyers has been BBB-accredited since 2021 and has an A rating. They’ve also got a 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews.
Website: cash4keysbuyers.com
Phone: 832-501-2749
Greater Houston Houses LLC
Greater Houston Houses was established in 2005 and has helped over 500 homeowners sell their properties quickly. The family-owned company purchases homes in any condition within the Houston–The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area.
Locations: Greater Houston, including La Porte
Closing costs: Greater Houston Houses factors closing costs into their cash offers. Contact this company directly for more information about how these costs are handled at the time of closing.
Greater Houston Houses has been BBB-accredited since 2016 and touts an A+ rating. They also have a 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews.
Website: greaterhoustonhouse.com
Phone: 832-510-6471
Why sell your La Porte house for cash?
There are many valid reasons a La Porte home seller might choose to work with a We Buy Houses company. Speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience lead the list.
In La Porte, it typically takes around 55 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 99 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 La Porte, 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.
Selling your La Porte house for cash can provide a solution to life’s unexpected challenges. Here are common scenarios where this option may be a great fit:
- Job relocation: You need to sell your home quickly to move for a new job opportunity.
- Divorce: Simplify the sale during a stressful divorce.
- Inherited property: Quickly sell an inherited house you don’t plan to keep.
- Downsizing: Fund your move into a smaller home or care facility.
- Costly repairs: Skip the burden of fixing major issues.
- Avoid open houses: Sidestep the stress of hosting open houses.
- Foundation problems: Sell without addressing foundation issues.
- Facing foreclosure: Resolve your debts and avoid the worst-case scenario by selling during foreclosure.
- Tenant concerns: Sell a rental property with problematic tenants.
- Out-of-state selling: Manage a long-distance sale with ease.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in La Porte
Working with a house-buying company in La Porte has its advantages and drawbacks. Here’s an overview to help you weigh your options.
Pros
House-buying companies offer speed and convenience, making them a viable option when you need to sell quickly or avoid costly repairs.
- Quick closing: Receive cash and close within days, not weeks or months, making it ideal for urgent situations.
- Sell as-is: Avoid the hassle of fixing your home; these companies buy properties as-is.
- No contingencies: Skip the stress of contingencies often required in traditional sales.
- Simplified process: Avoid staging, marketing, and showings, saving time and effort.
Cons
While convenient, selling to a house-buying company often means accepting a lower offer compared to selling on the market.
- Below market value: Offers are typically below market value, which can impact your financial goals.
- Potential scams: Some companies lack credibility; watch out for scams.
- No room for negotiation: Offers are often take-it-or-leave-it, leaving little flexibility.
- Limited buyer pool: These companies may not offer the competition that a traditional market sale generates.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When selling to a house-buying company in La Porte, the level of service and reliability you experience can vary. Here’s how to vet cash buyers and protect yourself:
- Check reviews: Research the company’s reputation online and read testimonials from previous clients.
- Confirm legitimacy: Look for a solid track record and verify the company’s presence in the La Porte real estate market.
- Review the agreement: Carefully read the buying contract and ensure all terms are clear before signing.
- Compare offers: Consult an experienced local agent to get an idea of your home’s market value and compare it to the cash offer.
HomeLight suggests consulting with a top-performing agent to understand your home’s worth. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get a ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your La Porte home quickly
If selling to a house-buying company isn’t the right fit, consider these alternatives:
iBuyers
iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad use automated valuation models to provide fast, near-market-value offers for homes in good condition. The process is quick and convenient, typically taking a few days to two weeks, but service fees (5%-6%) apply. Learn more about the iBuyer process.
Listing with an agent
While not as fast as a cash sale, a top real estate agent can help you sell quickly in a seller-friendly market. Many agents provide a comparative market analysis to determine a strategic price. Some may even connect you with cash buyers for a faster sale. This option can yield a higher sale price compared to other methods. Many CMAs are often free.
FAQs on La Porte house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in La Porte 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 La Porte 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 La Porte traditional brick home could sell for $275,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($275,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $162,500
In this example, a La Porte We Buy Houses company might offer you around $162,500 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 La Porte 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 La Porte 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 La Porte vs. top La Porte 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 La Porte | Sell with a top Realtor in La Porte |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 99 days average; 55 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 La Porte is worth about $275,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $300,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in La Porte | Sell with a top Realtor in La Porte | |
Estimated sale price | ($300,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $185,000 | $275,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,750 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $8,250 (3%) |
Closing costs | 0 | $4,125 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $185,000 | $259,875 |
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
- Cash sales are fast: House-buying companies can close in as little as a week, making them ideal for urgent situations.
- Repairs are unnecessary: You can sell your home as-is and skip costly upgrades.
- Offers may be lower: Expect offers to be below market value compared to traditional listings.
- Not all buyers are equal: Research potential buyers thoroughly to avoid scams.
- Alternatives exist: Consider iBuyers or working with a top agent for a potentially higher sale price.
- 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 La Porte agent.
Editor’s note: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of La Porte area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Header Image Source: (trongnguyen/DepositPhotos)