6 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Shorewood
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
Selling a home in Shorewood, Wisconsin, can feel overwhelming, especially if your property needs a bit of work. But what if you could bypass the hassle of repairs and months of waiting? That’s where “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies come in. These local buyers specialize in making fast, all-cash offers on homes, regardless of their condition.
For homeowners who are short on time, resources, or simply don’t want to deal with the stress of renovations, a cash sale offers an attractive solution. You can close quickly, avoid the traditional real estate process, and focus on your next steps. In this guide, we’ll explore how these companies work and the pros and cons to help you decide if selling for cash is right for you.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Shorewood area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Shorewood
Life can throw unexpected curveballs that demand a fast or simple home sale. When you’re pressed for time or dealing with a challenging life situation, working with a Shorewood house-buying company can be the solution you need. Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Reach out for an offer: Contact a reputable house-buying company serving Shorewood and provide details about your property. Some groups will provide a preliminary cash offer before even visiting the home.
- Schedule a home assessment: Arrange for the company’s representative to visit your property. They’ll inspect your house to finalize their offer, accounting for any necessary repairs or upgrades.
- Review the offer: After the home assessment, you’ll receive a final cash offer. Take your time to consider whether it aligns with your needs and expectations.
- Accept or reject the offer: If you’re satisfied with the offer, you can accept it. Otherwise, you’re under no obligation to continue. There’s also wisdom in comparing offers from the many We Buy Houses companies that serve Shorewood.
- Close the deal and more on: Once agreed, you’ll set a closing date. The company will handle most of the paperwork, and you’ll typically receive cash on the day of closing. You can now focus on your next steps.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Shorewood
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Shorewood sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate business you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your prairie-style house or your parents’ Mediterranean-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Shorewood home in as little as a week or two.
Brew County Homebuyers, LLC
Brew County Homebuyers, a family-owned real estate solutions company established in Milwaukee, offers homeowners relief from challenging situations like foreclosure and burdensome properties. Their streamlined process involves free property assessment, quick appointments, and fair, no-obligation offers, often within 24 hours. With the ability to close deals in as little as seven days, they prioritize flexibility and efficiency. Operating in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties, Brew County Homebuyers stands out for purchasing houses as-is, eliminating repair and cleaning worries while ensuring cash transactions without agent fees.
Locations: All across Wisconsin, including Shorewood
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Brew County Homebuyers covers them.
Brew County Homebuyers holds a 4.6-star rating on Google and has been accredited by the BBB since 2020 with an A+ rating. The company garners praise for its smooth and efficient transactions. Clients commend their staff’s professionalism, describing the process as straightforward and seamless. They are lauded for being patient and compassionate, supporting clients through difficult circumstances. Notably, the team’s dedication and support shine through, making the home-selling process easier and more comforting, even during challenging situations. The positive experiences highlight the company’s reliability and commitment to clients’ needs.
Website: brewcountyhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 262-393-3311
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Shorewood 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, and 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 locations throughout Shorewood.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in as little as 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 Shorewood, Wisconsin
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
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer is a family-owned company offering a straightforward and quick process to homeowners looking to sell their houses for cash. To initiate the process, homeowners can fill in an online contact form, call, or message the company to schedule a convenient inspection. After a quick assessment, Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer provides a cash offer, and if accepted, they proceed with the necessary paperwork and aim to close the deal within two weeks.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas, including Shorewood
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer covers them.
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer holds a 5.0-star rating on Google with more than 70 reviews and is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating. They are described by clients as professional, helpful, and responsive throughout the process, making it easy and painless. Clients appreciate the fair offers they receive, especially when selling as-is. Metro Milwaukee Home Buyers also is commended for accommodating unique situations and being honest and considerate of clients’ interests.
Website: metromilwaukeehomebuyer.com
Phone number: 414-435-2888
Cream City Home Buyers LLC
Cream City Home Buyers is a local real estate investment firm in Milwaukee. They aim to provide win-win solutions to homeowners facing difficult situations. They buy houses, fix them up, and rent them out at affordable rates, contributing positively to neighborhoods and communities. Their core principles are honesty, fairness, and transparency, ensuring every homeowner is treated respectfully. They offer help to those dealing with foreclosure, delinquent taxes, code violations, or inherited properties. They prioritize creating mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties involved.
Locations: All over the greater metropolitan area, including Shorewood
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cream City Home Buyers covers them.
Cream City Home Buyers has been accredited by the BBB since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. Google reviewers give the company a perfect 5-star rating, and praise the staff at Cream City Home Buyers for being polite, patient, and accommodating throughout the process. Past customers comment on the company’s fair pricing and excellent service. Clients also appreciate the easy paperwork completion and streamlined as-is sales.
Website: creamcityhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-488-0082
Beau Buys Houses
Beau Buys Houses, a seasoned player in the real estate market since 2008, offers swift and straightforward property transactions in the Milwaukee area and surrounding communities. With an unwavering commitment to integrity and convenience, they specialize in buying houses as-is for cash, closing on a seller’s preferred date. Whether aiming to renovate and resell or lease, Beau Buys Houses aims for a win-win outcome. The company strives to provide sellers with fair prices and flexible terms while leveraging their real estate and construction expertise to ensure successful investments.
Locations: Shorewood and surrounding areas, including Brookfield, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis, and more
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Beau Buys Houses covers them.
Beau Buys Houses is lauded for its professionalism and empathetic approach. Clients appreciate Beau’s consideration during emotional transactions. Reviewers describe the process as quick and easy. Beau’s ongoing support, from loan options to insurance plans, earns praise for his responsiveness and multiple contact points. Dealing with Beau is characterized as smooth and efficient. Beau Buys Houses has been accredited by the BBB since 2017 and holds an A+ rating. The company has a 4.7-star rating from Google reviews.
Website: beaubuys.com
Phone number: 414-395-8497
414 HomeBuyers, LLC
414 HomeBuyers is a real estate solutions company in Milwaukee that provides a viable alternative to traditional property sales. They offer solutions to homeowners facing various challenges like foreclosure, burdensome properties, probate, or other difficult situations. As a family-owned business, 414 HomeBuyers focuses on understanding the unique needs of homeowners and providing them with effective options.
Locations: All of Wisconsin, including Shorewood
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; 414 Homebuyers covers them.
414 Homebuyers has been accredited by the BBB since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. Google reviews from clients praise the team, describing the staff as communicative, patient, and helpful throughout the entire process. Clients appreciate the lack of pushiness and the clear explanations provided at every step. Clients value the compassionate and competent nature of the team, who provide realistic expectations and make the selling process comfortable. They have a 4.9-star Google rating.
Website: 414homebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-207-9075
Why sell your Shorewood house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Shorewood home seller may choose to work with a cash-for-homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Shorewood, it typically takes about 81 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 37 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 Shorewood, and it’s clear why these We Buy Houses 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 selling your Shorewood home to a house-buying company could be a fitting solution:
- Immediate financial needs: You’ve hit a rough patch and urgently need money, be it for paying off debts, medical emergencies, or any unforeseen financial crunch.
- Divorce or other life changes: Whether you’re undergoing a divorce, or moving to an assisted-living facility, selling your house for cash can ease the transition.
- Avoiding foreclosure: You’re on the brink of losing your home and want to sell swiftly, settling the outstanding mortgage and salvaging your credit score.
- Inherited property: You’ve inherited a Shorewood home and are seeking a hassle-free way to convert this asset into cash without the typical sale process.
- Relocation: A sudden job change or personal circumstance requires a swift move, making a rapid sale of your current home imperative.
- Property condition: Your property requires significant repairs, and you either can’t afford or don’t want to invest time and money before selling.
- Rental woes: As a landlord, managing tenants or maintaining the property becomes cumbersome, and you wish to exit the rental market.
- Desire for privacy: You prefer an off-market sale to keep the transaction discreet, avoiding the prying eyes of neighbors and others.
- Simplicity and speed: The thought of prepping your home, coordinating viewings, and negotiating feels daunting, making a straightforward cash sale seem appealing.
For Shorewood homeowners in these predicaments, We Buy Houses for Cash companies can be a lifeline. But while it might be an ideal solution in some cases, it’s important to fully understand the benefits and drawbacks, and know your options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Shorewood
When contemplating a sale to a house-buying company in Shorewood, it’s vital to recognize the trade-offs. Such companies bring a unique blend of benefits, like offering swift transactions and accepting homes in any state, but they also come with potential downsides.
Pros
The promise of a swift sale and the convenience of selling as-is can be tempting. Here’s a quick look at the major pros:
- Speedy transactions: House-buying companies often close deals in a matter of days or weeks, significantly faster than traditional sales.
- No repairs needed: They’ll purchase your home in its current condition, sparing you repair expenses and staging efforts.
- Predictable sale process: By eliminating buyer contingencies and inspections, the process becomes more straightforward and predictable.
- Immediate cash: Ideal for those needing urgent funds, these companies provide almost instant financial relief by offering quick cash sales.
Cons
A significant point of hesitation for Shorewood sellers is the likelihood that you’ll receive an offer below the market rate, especially when compared to a sale orchestrated by an experienced real estate agent. Here are some of the potential pitfalls:
- Lower offers: These companies aim for profit, so they’ll likely offer below market value, meaning less cash in your pocket.
- Lack of competition: Unlike listing on Shorewoods’s open market, where multiple buyers can compete for your home, We Buy Houses companies generally provide a single take-it-or-leave-it cash offer.
- Potential for scams: Not all house-buying entities are legitimate, and there’s a risk of falling prey to unscrupulous players.
- You may feel pressured: Some outfits may prey on your urgent situation, leading to pressure tactics or unfavorable deals. It’s important to thoroughly vet the company before you contact them for an offer.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Selling your Shorewood home is not just a transaction; it’s a significant chapter in your life. Thus, while a We Buy Houses for Cash company offers a unique selling proposition, it’s vital to ensure you’re partnering with a genuine, reputable entity.
The integrity and service level you encounter can differ dramatically among these companies, often hinging on the character of the individuals or teams behind the offer. Before leaping into an agreement, take the time to vet the company rigorously. Dive into online reviews, sift through testimonials, and investigate their standing and track record in the Shorewood market.
HomeLight suggests you consult with a trusted Shorewood real estate agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then compare that with your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing local agent in your market. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get an initial estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Shorewood home quickly
iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) for near-instant home valuations, offering an efficient, predominantly online selling experience. Originating in the mid-2010s, these national companies provide cash offers, often nearer to market value, for well-maintained homes. Their rapid process spans a few days to two weeks.
However, notable iBuyers such as Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge service fees of about 5% to 6%. They’re ideal for homes in uniform housing markets that are in good shape.
Listing with an agent
While this post is focused on cash-for-homes businesses, listing with an agent in a seller-driven market can mean a quick sale if priced and marketed by an expert. Such listings often fetch the best price, particularly with top-tier agents. HomeLight’s internal transaction data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for as much as 10% more on average.
A proven Shorewood agent can also provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA). This report evaluates your home against recent local sales, aiding in pricing decisions and helping you gauge selling speed. Many agents offer a CMA free.
Considering a proven agent? HomeLight can introduce you to top local professionals, ensuring you make a well-informed choice.
FAQs on Shorewood house-buying companies
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies serving Shorewood 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 legitimate.
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.
Most Shorewood We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), 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 Shorewood home could sell for $490,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($490,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $313,000
In this example, a Shorewood We Buy Houses company might offer you about $313,000 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.
Accepting an offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, you won’t incur extra costs, as these companies handle most of the process after your offer is accepted. On the other hand, you may receive a lower overall price for your home compared to a traditional sale.
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 ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might affect your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Shorewood 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. Consider 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 Shorewood vs. a top Shorewood agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a Shorewood We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a local 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 Shorewood | Sell with a top Realtor® in Shorewood |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 81 days average; 37 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 | 3% to 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 Shorewood is currently worth about $490,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $515,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Shorewood | Sell with a top Realtor in Shorewood | |
Estimated sale price | ($515,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $335,500 | $490,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,900 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $14,700 (3% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $7,350 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $335,500 | $463,050 |
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
- Fast sales: Cash-for-homes companies in Shorewood can expedite the home-selling process, making it ideal for urgent sales.
- No repairs needed: These companies buy homes in any condition, relieving you from costly or time-consuming repairs.
- Offer vs. Market value: While quick, offers from house-buying companies typically will be below your home’s potential market value.
- Compare your options: Besides cash buyers, consider iBuyers and traditional real estate agents to maximize your property’s value.
- Research is crucial: Before signing any deal, thoroughly vet the company, analyze reviews, and understand the buying agreement. Also, know your home’s value.
- Consult with an agent: Speaking with a reputable Shorewood agent can provide valuable market insights and potential cash offer connections.
Selling your Shorewood home is a pivotal decision, and while the allure of a quick cash sale is tempting, it’s prudent to gather multiple offers and consider the pros and cons carefully.
At HomeLight, we’re here to assist you with your real estate needs, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer from a trusted company or seeking to consult with a top Shorewood agent. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision.
Header Image Source: (Saketh Garuda / Unsplash)