5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Raleigh
- Published on
- 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.
“We Buy Houses” companies in Raleigh make it easy for homeowners to sell quickly, especially when their properties require significant repairs or upgrades. These companies provide all-cash offers, which can be an attractive option for South Carolina sellers who may not have the time, expertise, or cash to pour into home improvements.
If you find yourself in a situation that requires an urgent move, opting for a cash deal allows you to access the proceeds from the sale without the typical delays of the traditional market. This can be a lifeline for those needing to relocate for a job, settle debts, or divide assets in a divorce.
In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of selling to a house-buying company in Raleigh. Once you’ve assessed both, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific situation and selling 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 Raleigh area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Raleigh
Working with house-buying companies in Raleigh can take the hassle out of your home sale, especially if you’re in a time crunch.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- Research companies: Start by looking into reputable cash-for-homes companies operating in Raleigh. Check their reviews and track records to ensure they’re trustworthy.
- Request an offer: Contact the company to express your interest in selling your house. They’ll likely ask for some basic information about your property to prepare an offer.
- Home evaluation: The company may conduct an in-person evaluation of your home to assess its condition and finalize the offer based on their findings.
- Receive an offer: After evaluating your home, the company will present you with a no-obligation cash offer. This offer is usually non-negotiable, providing a straightforward decision-making process.
- Accept the offer: If you decide the offer meets your needs, you can accept it. This step will initiate the closing process, which the company typically handles.
- Close the sale: The final step involves closing the sale, where you’ll sign the necessary paperwork and receive the cash for your home. This process can often be completed in as little as a week.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Raleigh
If selling to a house-buying company in Raleigh sounds appealing, it’s crucial to find one that’s trustworthy and reliable.
We’ve come up with a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ craftsman or colonial-revival home. By selling to one of these investors, you should be able to offload your Raleigh home in as little as a week or two.
New Again Houses
Founded in 2008 in Bristol, Tennessee, New Again Houses turns houses in need of some TLC into functional family homes. They serve homeowners not only in the Tri-Cities area but all across the country. They’ve even developed proprietary software to support franchise owners in confidently flipping houses in their own markets.
Locations: New Again Houses serves homeowners in various locations, including Raleigh, Hendersonville, and surrounding areas.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; New Again Houses covers them.
New Again Houses has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2011 and holds an A+ rating. Customers have praised the company for its professionalism, patience, and helpfulness throughout the process.
Website: newagainhouses.com/locations/nc/raleigh
Phone number: 919-980-4706
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Raleigh (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 neighborhoods throughout Raleigh.
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 Raleigh
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
BiggerEquity
BiggerEquity is a nationwide house-buying company that began operations in 2016. They currently buy property in Raleigh and its surrounding areas. The company says it can make a cash offer in as little as seven minutes and can close in as few as seven days.
Locations: BiggerEquity buys houses throughout North Carolina, including Greater Raleigh. The company serves homeowners in all 50 US states.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; BiggerEquity covers them.
BiggerEquity has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating as well as 4.8 stars on Google. Customer reviews on Google for BiggerEquity speak to a smooth, transparent, and up-front process without pressure or surprises.
Website: biggerequity.com/north-carolina/raleigh/
Phone number: 866-333-8377
NC Cash Home Buyers
Founded by native North Carolinian Alex Locklear, NC Cash Home Buyers is a family-owned business with over 15 years of real estate experience. The company has assisted numerous homeowners across North Carolina with various property types and situations. The NC Cash Home Buyers team offers tailored solutions, working through each seller’s unique circumstances for a fast and client-tailored home-selling experience.
Locations: Raleigh and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; NC Cash HomeBuyers covers them.
Clients of NC Cash Home Buyers praise the company for its professionalism, diligence, and excellent communication throughout the selling process. Reviews mention the team’s smooth transactions, fair offers, and stress-free experience for homeowners. Customers particularly value the transparency and non-pushy approach. NC Cash Home Buyers touts a 4.7-star rating on Google.
Website: nchomebuyers.org/we-buy-houses-raleigh
Phone number: 919-296-4888
Green Street Home Buyers
Green Street Home Buyers, founded by Mike Kehoe and Tim McGarvey, is a reputable real estate investment company headquartered in Durham. They value honest, transparent transactions based on win-win solutions. Serving all of North Carolina, they purchase properties directly from homeowners and landlords with fast, all-cash offers. Specializing in resolving challenging situations such as foreclosure, tax issues, or inherited properties, they place a strong emphasis on client satisfaction.
Locations: Raleigh, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Rocky Mount, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, and Fayetteville
Closing costs: Green Street Home Buyers often pays for closing costs.
Green Street Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. Green Street Home Buyers’ clients appreciate their efficient process, especially for complex sales like rental properties. They value the company’s transparency, clear communication, and commitment to promises. The company has a Google rating of 4.6 stars.
Website: greenstreethomebuyers.com/we-buy-houses-raleigh-nc/
Phone number: 919-926-1791
Why sell your Raleigh house for cash?
There are plenty of reasons why a Raleigh home seller might opt to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. At the top of the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and convenience.
In Raleigh, it typically takes around 135 days to sell a home on the open market using a real estate agent. It takes a median of 88 days for a home to go from “active” to “pending,” plus an average of 47 days for a buyer to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Raleigh, 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 scenarios where opting for a cash sale might be beneficial:
- Job relocation: When you need to move quickly for a new job opportunity and don’t have time for a traditional sale.
- Dealing with divorce: Simplifying the process of asset division in a divorce by quickly liquidating shared property assets.
- Inherited property: When you’ve inherited a house that you don’t wish to keep or manage.
- Downsizing: Ideal for those looking to move into a smaller, more manageable living space without the hassle of a conventional sale. This could be due to retirement or the desire to live more simply.
- Pricey repairs: If your home requires extensive repairs that you cannot afford or wish to deal with, selling as-is can be a solution.
- Hassle of open houses: Avoiding the inconvenience and intrusion of multiple open houses and showings.
- Foundation issues: Selling a property with significant structural problems without the need for costly repairs. Foundation issues are common in Raleigh due to the changing moisture levels of the clay soil.
- Avoiding foreclosure: Offering a way out for homeowners facing the stress and financial ruin of foreclosure.
- Overwhelming landlord duties: For landlords who wish to sell properties currently occupied by problem tenants, or who are eager to escape the job’s responsibilities and expenses.
- Selling from out of state: Facilitating the sale of a property in Raleigh while living elsewhere, without the need for travel or hands-on involvement.
If you’re facing any of these situations, a cash offer from a house-buying company in Raleigh could provide a seamless solution. But don’t jump in too quickly — first, you need to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll explore next.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Raleigh
When exploring the option of selling your Raleigh home to a house-buying company, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to make an informed decision.
Pros
Selling to a house-buying company in Raleigh can offer unparalleled speed and convenience, especially if you’re looking to sell your home without taking on repairs or investing in staging. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Fast closing: The ability to close on the sale quickly, sometimes within a week, is a significant advantage for those in a hurry.
- Sell as-is: You can sell your home in its current condition, avoiding the cost and time associated with repairs.
- No listing hassles: Skipping the traditional listing process means no worrying about open houses, showings, or staging.
- Fewer sales fall through: Without financing or home sale contingencies, the deal is less likely to fall apart.
Cons
The convenience of selling to a cash buyer in Raleigh may come with compromises, including potentially receiving less than your home’s market value.
- Below market value: Offers are often lower, meaning you might not get as much as selling through traditional means.
- Limited negotiation: The offer you receive is usually non-negotiable, giving you less flexibility.
- Potential for scams: It’s important to do thorough research to avoid fraudulent schemes.
- Miss out on market premiums: You might miss the opportunity to fetch a higher price for your home in a competitive market.
As you consider the possibility of selling your Raleigh home to a cash buyer, it’s crucial to vet these companies carefully and understand your home’s value.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering a We Buy Houses for Cash company, it’s important to remember that your experience can greatly differ depending on who is making the offer. The integrity and service quality of these companies can vary, meaning the person or group behind the cash offer plays a significant role in the smoothness of your selling experience.
Before committing to any cash offer, take the time to thoroughly vet the company. Checking online reviews, reading testimonials from previous sellers, and researching the company’s market presence and track record are necessary steps. Additionally, make sure to carefully read and understand the buying agreement before signing anything. Taking the time for this due diligence is crucial as it helps ensure you’re making a smart decision that’s in line with your needs and interests.
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 Raleigh home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer a quick, mostly online selling process, often providing offers closer to market value for homes in good condition. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad may charge service fees of around 5%–6%, targeting sellers with homes in areas with uniform housing. The iBuyer process from offer to closing is fast, taking as little as a few days.
Listing with an agent
Though slower than direct cash offers, selling through a real estate agent can still be quick in a seller-friendly market, especially with strategic pricing and marketing. Agents can provide valuable market insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often free. This analysis helps homeowners set a competitive price to potentially attract cash offers close to market value. For help with finding a top agent, HomeLight can connect you with results-driven professionals in your area.
FAQs on Raleigh house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Raleigh 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 solid 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh craftsman could sell for $465,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($465,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $295,500
In this example, a Raleigh We Buy Houses company might offer you around $295,500 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 Raleigh 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 your Raleigh 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 Raleigh vs. top Raleigh agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with an experienced real estate agent. Let’s take a look 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 Raleigh | Sell with a top Realtor in Raleigh |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 135 days average; 88 to attract an offer, 47 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 Raleigh is currently worth about $412,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $437,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Raleigh | Sell with a top Realtor in Raleigh | |
Estimated sale price | ($437,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $280,900 | $412,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,120 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $23,896 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,180 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $280,900 | $377,714 |
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
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Raleigh make it possible to conveniently sell your home in as few as 3–7 days with no repairs, open houses, or showings.
- There are several reputable house-buying companies that are active in Raleigh, but it’s a good idea to vet each business and know your home’s value before you sign on the dotted line.
- Cash-For-Homes companies typically pay less than market value for houses versus partnering with a top real estate agent or iBuyer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the region, it can be a great starting point if you aren’t sure who would buy your home.
House-buying companies offer Raleigh sellers a quick exit strategy when timelines are tight, but it’s crucial to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of this type of deal. When it comes to selling your home — one of the biggest financial transactions of your life — you shouldn’t rush the decision-making process.
Before committing to a Cash-For-Homes company, gather multiple offers and take the time to assess your options. You may want to meet with a top Raleigh agent to find out how soon — and for how much — your property might sell on the open market.
Whatever path you choose, remember that HomeLight is here to support you with all your real estate needs!
Header Image Source: (Curtis Adams / Pexels)