We Buy Houses Lawrenceville: 5 Top Companies
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- 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 you’re a Lawrenceville, Georgia, homeowner in need of a quick home sale, or your property requires significant repairs, selling to a “We Buy Houses” company could be the straightforward solution you’re looking for.
These companies pay cash for homes in any condition, allowing sellers to forego repairs, cleanings, and open houses. They can be a lifeline for those who lack the time, expertise, or funds to get their homes in selling shape. Closings can take place in just a few days or weeks, allowing sellers to cash out their investments quickly and embark on their next chapters. The catch is that “We Buy Houses” companies often present offers that are less than market value, which can reduce the amount of money sellers earn from the sale.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of working with house-buying companies in Lawrenceville. We’ll outline some of the most reputable companies serving the local market, and share alternative methods of selling your house quickly. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to weigh your options and make an informed decision that suits your needs.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Lawrenceville area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Lawrenceville
If you’re considering a quick sale of your Lawrenceville home, “We Buy Homes” companies offer a streamlined approach. Here’s how the process generally works:
- Research companies: Start by looking into trustworthy “We Buy Houses” companies in Lawrenceville. Make sure they have a solid track record and several positive reviews from previous sellers.
- Submit property details: Reach out to your chosen company and submit the required information about your property. This often includes filling out a form on their website or making a phone call.
- Schedule a walkthrough: A representative of the company may set up a time to tour your home in person to assess its condition and market value.
- Receive an offer: After reviewing your property details, the company will typically make a cash offer within a couple of days.
- Accept the offer: If the offer meets your expectations, you can accept it. Remember, these companies usually provide a no-obligation offer, meaning you’re not required to accept it.
- Close the sale: Closing often happens fast with cash-for-homes companies, sometimes in as little as a week. At closing, you’ll sign the necessary paperwork and receive the cash for your home, typically via wire transfer.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Lawrenceville
Sold on selling to a Lawrenceville house-buying company? Now’s the time to find a reputable company you can trust.
We’ve highlighted some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ brick-clad bungalow or Cape Cod-style house. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Lawrenceville home in as little as a week or two.
Local Key Offer
Local Key, LLC is a family-owned company that buys houses in any condition throughout Georgia, particularly the Metro Atlanta region. Founded in 2016, the company is based in nearby Bogart. To get the process started, fill out the form on their website or give them a call. Local Key will schedule an appointment with you to visit the property before making a no-obligation, all-cash offer. They can close the sale in as little as seven days, or whenever is most convenient for you.
Locations: Statewide, including Lawrenceville
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Local Key Offer covers them.
Local Key is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), however, they have a 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Testimonials on the company’s website speak to founder Natalie’s professionalism, prompt communication, and patience. “Natalie and her team are professional, courteous, and do what they say!” wrote a former client.
Website: localkeyoffer.com
Phone number: 678-769-4544
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Lawrenceville (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 Lawrenceville.
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 Lawrenceville
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
Georgia Cash Home Buyers
Georgia Cash Home Buyers is a locally owned and operated company based in Atlanta. They purchase homes in “as-is” condition all throughout the state, typically 10–15 per month. Homeowners can get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours of contacting the company, either by filling out their online form or giving them a call. Sellers can choose a closing date that works for them, which can be in as little as five days.
Locations: Statewide, including Lawrenceville
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Georgia Cash Home Buyers covers them.
Georgia Cash Home Buyers does not appear to be BBB-accredited, but they do have a 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Testimonials on the company’s website highlight their flexibility, quick closings, and professionalism. “[John] was very easy to work with, responsive, and easy to handle,” wrote a former client. “It was a great experience using the company, and I got a fair deal.”
Website: webuyanyhouseatlanta.com
Phone number: 404-671-8376
First Step Property Solutions
First Step Property Solutions was founded in 2018 and is based in Duluth. The company purchases homes in any condition, serving the cities of Lawrenceville, Duluth, Buford, Lilburn, Doraville, and Tucker. After completing a property viewing, they’ll give you a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 72 hours or less. Deals can close in 7 to 14 days, or on the seller’s timeline.
Locations: Lawrenceville, Duluth, Buford, Lilburn, Doraville, and Tucker
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; First Step Property Solutions covers them.
While First Step Property Solutions isn’t BBB-accredited they do have a perfect 5-star rating on Google based on a limited number of reviews. Previous clients commend owner Bella for her professionalism, market knowledge, and willingness to go above and beyond. “I felt very comfortable working with [Bella] and felt that not only was she interested in the business aspect of it for herself, but she genuinely wants the best for the client,” reads a recent review. “It was such a positive experience that I did not hesitate to refer her to a close friend.”
Website: firststeppropertysolutions.com
Phone number: 678-799-2212
Christian Buys Houses
Owned by a husband and wife duo, Christian Buys Houses pays cash for houses in the Atlanta area and across the state of Georgia. After touring your property to assess its condition, they’ll present you with a no-obligation cash offer. Deals can close in 10 days or less, or longer if needed. There are no commissions or closing costs, and sellers don’t need to clean or make any repairs before moving out.
Locations: Statewide, including Lawrenceville
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Christian Buys Houses covers them.
Christian Buys Houses has been BBB-accredited since 2023 and holds an A- rating. The company also boasts a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Many reviewers mention the fast and easy process, with Christian being praised for his quick replies and integrity. “We closed in just a little over two weeks after signing the offer,” wrote a former client. “Christian helped make a stressful situation much easier by always responding quickly and always answering any questions we had.”
Website: christianbuyshousesingeorgia.com
Phone number: 770-695-7368
Why sell your Lawrenceville house for cash?
Selling your Lawrenceville home for cash might not be the first option that comes to mind, but depending on your situation, it could be the best one. Especially if you’re in a time crunch or the property poses unique challenges, “We Buy Houses” companies offer a speedy and straightforward alternative to the traditional real estate market.
In Lawrenceville, it typically takes around 80 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 36 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 Lawrenceville, 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 some of the key reasons why Lawrenceville sellers opt for “We Buy Houses” companies over listing the traditional way:
- Job relocation: Selling quickly is essential when relocating for a job, allowing you to focus on your new role without the burden of a distant property.
- Divorce: A fast sale can simplify the process of dividing assets during a divorce, reducing stress during an already difficult time.
- Inherited properties: When you’ve inherited a property that you’re not prepared to manage, selling for cash offers an uncomplicated exit.
- Downsizing: For those looking to downsize, a quick cash sale can free up funds for your next home in a more suitable location.
- Major repairs needed: If your home requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or justify, a cash buyer is an ideal solution.
- Avoiding open houses: For sellers who value their privacy or cannot manage the stress of open houses, selling for cash offers a discreet alternative.
- Foundation issues: Properties with foundation problems can be hard to sell traditionally but are often accepted by cash buyers.
- Facing foreclosure: Homeowners facing foreclosure can avoid a hit to their credit by opting for a quick cash sale.
- Problem tenants: Selling a property with tenants can be complex, but cash buyers often take on properties with existing lease agreements.
- Selling from out of state: If you’re selling from out of state, managing a traditional sale remotely can be daunting, making a cash offer more appealing.
If you identify with any of these scenarios, considering a cash offer from a house-buying company could be a wise decision. It’s a starting point that offers simplicity and speed, but it’s essential to explore all your options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Lawrenceville
Selling your Lawrenceville house to a cash buyer can be tempting, but there are pros and cons to consider before diving in. The primary advantages include the speed of sale and the ability to sell your house as-is, while the most significant disadvantage is receiving an offer that’s below market value. This might not be the best route if maximizing profit is your top priority.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of selling your Lawrenceville house to a “We Buy Houses” company:
Pros
- Fast closing: The process can be completed in as little as a week, allowing you to move on with your life and avoid the stress of a traditional home sale.
- No repairs needed: Sell your home as-is, without spending money or time on repairs, staging, or curb appeal enhancements.
- No real estate commissions: By bypassing the traditional real estate market, you avoid paying agent commissions and, most often, closing costs.
- Fewer sales fall through: The risk of a buyer backing out due to contingencies is eliminated, making the sale more secure and predictable.
Cons
- Below market value: Offers from house-buying companies are typically less than what you might fetch on the open market, impacting your overall profit.
- Limited negotiation: These companies often present take-it-or-leave-it offers, leaving little room for negotiation on price or terms.
- Risk of scams: While many companies are reputable, there’s a risk of falling prey to scams. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution.
- Lack of local market expertise: Some national house-buying companies may not have the localized market knowledge that could influence the offer you receive for your Lawrenceville home.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When selling your Lawrenceville home to a “We Buy Houses” company, it’s crucial to remember that your experience can significantly vary based on the integrity and professionalism of the buyer. Not all cash buyers are created equal, and the quality of service you receive will depend heavily on the character of the person or group making you an offer. Before making any commitments, take the time to vet the company thoroughly.
Start by checking online reviews, reading testimonials from previous sellers, and researching the company’s presence and performance in the Lawrenceville market. This due diligence can help you gauge the reliability and trustworthiness of the cash buyer. Additionally, always read the buying agreement carefully before signing. The better you understand the contract, the more confident you’ll be about what you’re agreeing to when you sell your house.
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 Lawrenceville. 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 Lawrenceville home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make quick, all-cash offers near market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process, which is conducted mostly online, can close sales in days to two weeks. Major players in the industry include Opendoor and Offerpad, who charge service fees of around 5%–6%. The iBuyer route is best suited for homeowners who live in areas with homogenous housing styles.
Listing with an agent
Listing with an agent can yield a fast sale, especially in a seller-friendly market like Lawrenceville. A top real estate agent can maximize your sale price, especially with strategic pricing and marketing. They provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), often for free, to price your home competitively. Experienced agents may even find cash buyers willing to pay close to market value for your home. If you’re considering an agent, HomeLight can connect you with top performers in your area, ensuring you make a well-informed decision.
FAQs on Lawrenceville house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Lawrenceville 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 Lawrenceville “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 Lawrenceville Colonial 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 Lawrenceville “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 Lawrenceville 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.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve Lawrenceville. 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 Lawrenceville vs. top Lawrenceville 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 Lawrenceville | Sell with a top Realtor in Lawrenceville |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 80 days average; 36 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 Lawrenceville is currently worth about $370,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $395,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Lawrenceville | Sell with a top Realtor in Lawrenceville | |
Estimated sale price | ($395,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $251,500 | $370,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,700 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $21,460 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $5,550 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $251,500 | $339,290 |
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 to a “We Buy Houses” company in Lawrenceville can be the fastest way to sell your property, especially if you need to move quickly.
- You can sell your home as-is, without worrying about repairs or renovations.
- Avoiding traditional real estate agent commissions and closing costs can save you money.
- Be prepared that offers from these companies might be below market value. That’s why it’s important to know your home’s worth before you sign on the dotted line.
- Stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams in the cash-for-homes sector.
- Exploring other selling methods, such as iBuyers or listing with a real estate agent, might yield a higher sale price.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform presents no-obligation, all-cash offers for Lawrenceville homes in nearly any condition. With a variety of partner investors, it’s an ideal starting point for homeowners uncertain about their potential buyers.
As you contemplate working with a Lawrenceville “We Buy Houses” company, gathering multiple offers and carefully weighing your options becomes crucial. It’s wise not to rush into a commitment without exploring all possibilities. Consulting with a top Lawrenceville agent can provide valuable insights into how quickly and for how much your property could sell on the open market. Let HomeLight assist you in finding the right real estate solutions to meet your needs, ensuring you make the best decision for your situation.
Header Image Source: (Keagan Henman/Unsplash)