We Buy Houses Princeton: Top 4 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.
If you’re a homeowner in Princeton needing to sell your house quickly, We Buy Houses companies are a good alternative. These companies will pay cash for homes in almost any condition, usually in a matter of days.
These kinds of transactions are best for home owners facing a sudden emergency or change in circumstances, like a divorce, a change in employment, or an unexpected inheritance.
This article will explore the pros and cons of working with house-buying companies in Princeton, breaking down how the process works and providing you with some alternatives.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Princeton area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Princeton
Working with a house-buying company in Princeton is an easy way to sell your home fast, particularly if you need to avoid the hassle of repairs and lengthy sales processes. Here are the steps you’ll follow to sell your house to a cash-for-homes company:
1. Reach out to the company: Contact a house-buying company in Princeton and share basic information about your property.
2. Schedule an evaluation: The company will schedule a time to visit your home and evaluate its condition.
3. Get an offer: Based on their evaluation, the company will provide you with an all-cash offer for your home.
4. Consider the offer: Take some time to review the offer to see if it aligns with your needs.
5. Accept the offer: If you’re happy with the terms, accept the offer and begin the closing process.
6. Complete the sale: The closing process will be swift and simple, allowing you to receive your cash payment promptly and proceed with your next steps.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Princeton
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Princeton 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’ Colonial or Craftsman. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Princeton home in as little as a week or two.
We Buy NJ Real Estate
We Buy NJ Real Estate was founded in 2003 as an investment company. In the years since then, the company developed a mission to revitalize both homes and communities.
Locations: Statewide, including Princeton.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy NJ Real Estate covers them.
We Buy NJ Real Estate has been BBB accredited with an A+ rating since 2011. They also have a five-star Google business rating, with customers attesting to the high level of care and service that We Buy NJ Real Estate put into the process. Testimonies include sentiments of thankfulness for both the ease and quality of their transactions.
Website: webuynjrealestate.com
Phone number: 908-320-7995
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Princeton (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 Princeton.
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 [assigned city]
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
DNT Home Buyers
DNT Home Buyers has been in business for seven years and has closed hundreds of home deals. The company prides itself on a seamless, no-hassle process, and will purchase properties in a variety of conditions.
Locations: Statewide, including Princeton
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; DNT Home Buyers cover them.
DNT Home Buyers is BBB accredited and has had an A+ rating since 2019. They have a five-star rating on Google based on 37 very positive reviews. Customer testimonials speak about the DNT team’s patience and overall attitude, with many reviews citing help with difficult situations such as fire or insurance issues.
Website: dnthomebuyers.com
Phone number: 732-352-9065
We Buy Houses, Princeton
WeBuyHouses.com was founded in 1997 and buys houses in 200 markets and 30 states in any condition. According to their website, they have been trusted by 1 million homeowners and can present a cash offer even if the homeowner is behind on their mortgage or facing foreclosure.
Locations: Nationwide, including Princeton
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; WeBuyHouses.com covers them.
WeBuyHouses.com has been BBB accredited since August 2020 and has an A+ rating. Customer reviews for WeBuyHouses.com speak to their professionalism and understandable procedure.
Website: webuyhouses.com/NJ/Princeton/
Phone number: 877-932-8946
Why sell your Princeton house for cash?
Selling your Princeton home for cash isn’t for everyone, but if you need to make an immediate sale and don’t want to or can’t deal with the stress of selling it via traditional means, it might be your best option. Sellers will often point to the speed and extreme convenience of the process as the biggest benefits.
In Princeton, it typically takes around 91 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 47 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 Princeton, 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 common scenarios where working with a house-buying company might be the right choice for you.
- Job relocation: You need to move quickly due to a new job opportunity and don’t have time for a prolonged sale.
- Divorce: You’re going through a divorce and need to divide assets quickly.
- Inherited property: You’ve inherited a property and want to sell it without the hassle of repairs or finding a buyer.
- Downsizing: You’re downsizing and prefer a quick sale to simplify the process.
- Repairs: Your home needs significant repairs, and you lack the funds or desire to fix it up before selling.
- Avoiding open houses: You want to avoid the stress and inconvenience of hosting multiple open houses.
- Foundation issues: Your home has foundation problems, making it difficult to sell through traditional channels.
- Facing foreclosure: You’re at risk of foreclosure and need to sell quickly to settle your debts.
- Tenant problems: You have tenants and want to sell the property without dealing with eviction processes.
- Selling from out of state: You live out of state and need a straightforward, fast sale process.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Princeton
Selling your Princeton home to a house-buying company has its pros and cons.
A major advantage of working with a house-buying company in Princeton is the speed of the sale and the ability to sell your house in any condition without needing to make repairs or preparations.
Here are the key benefits:
- Quick sale: House-buying companies can often close deals in a matter of days, providing fast cash when you need it most.
- No repairs needed: These companies buy homes as-is, saving you the time and money required for renovations.
- No contingencies: Sales are straightforward and typically free of contingencies, reducing the risk of the deal falling through.
- Convenience: The process is streamlined, requiring minimal effort on your part, making it ideal for those needing a hassle-free sale.
While there are clear advantages, it’s also important to consider the downsides. The most significant drawback is that house-buying companies in Princeton will likely offer you below market value for your home compared to selling it with an experienced real estate agent.
Here are the main drawbacks:
- Lower offers: Expect to receive an offer that is significantly less than your home’s market value.
- Potential for scams: The industry can attract scams, so it’s crucial to vet companies carefully.
- Lack of competitive offers: You miss out on the competitive bidding process that can drive up your home’s price.
- Limited negotiation: These companies often present take-it-or-leave-it offers, leaving little room for negotiation.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When working with a house-buying company in Princeton, it’s important to vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth. Here’s how:
- Check reviews: Look for online reviews and ratings to see what other sellers have experienced with the company.
- Read testimonials: Genuine testimonials can give you insight into the level of service and integrity you can expect.
- Research the company: Investigate the company’s presence and performance in the market to ensure they are reputable.
- Understand your home’s worth: Get a professional appraisal or consult real estate agents to know the true value of your home.
- Read the agreement carefully: Before signing, scrutinize the buying agreement to ensure you understand all 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 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 Princeton home quickly
If you’re looking to sell your home quickly in Princeton, consider these options:
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models to provide near-instant home value estimates and all-cash offers. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad typically close within days to two weeks, offering a quick and convenient process. However, they often charge service fees of 5%-6%. Learn more about iBuyers.
Listing with an agent
While not as fast as selling to a cash-for-homes company, listing with a top real estate agent can result in a quicker sale, especially in a seller-friendly market. Agents can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), often for free, to help you price your home correctly. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your area, potentially leading to higher offers.
FAQs on Princeton house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Princeton 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 Princeton 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 Princeton Colonial could sell for $1,000,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($1,000,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $215,000
In this example, a Princeton We Buy Houses company might offer you around $670,000 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 Princeton 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.
1. Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Princeton 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 Princeton vs. top Princeton 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 Princeton | Sell with a top Realtor in Princeton |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 91 days average; 47 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 | 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 Princeton is worth about $1,000,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $1,025,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Princeton | Sell with a top Realtor in Princeton | |
Estimated sale price | ($1,025,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $692,500 | $1,000,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $10,000 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $58,000 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $15,000 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $692,500 | $917,000 |
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
- Quick sale: Cash-for-homes companies offer a fast closing process, often within days.
- As-is condition: You can sell your home without making any repairs or preparations.
- Less hassle: Avoid the stress of staging, showings, and open houses.
- Lower offers: Expect offers that are below market value compared to traditional sales.
- Service fees: Some companies, like iBuyers, may charge service fees of 5%-6%.
- Risk of scams: Be vigilant and thoroughly vet any company you consider working with.
- 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 Princeton agent.
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