We Buy Houses Waukesha: 5 Top 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.
“We Buy Houses” companies are growing in popularity by offering all-cash deals for homes in Waukesha that might need a bit of TLC.
For homeowners who find themselves short on time, lack the expertise for home repairs, or need to free up funds quickly, a cash sale can free up your time and energy, and let you dispose of your property quickly.
This post will dive into the pros and cons of working with house-buying companies in Waukesha, helping you weigh your options thoroughly and make an informed decision about selling your home for cash.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Waukesha area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Waukesha
Working with house-buying companies in Waukesha offers a straightforward path to sell your home quickly. If you’re looking for a fast, no-fuss sale, here are the basic steps behind the process:
1. Find a reputable company: Start by researching and selecting a trustworthy cash-for-homes company in Waukesha. Look for reviews and testimonials to gauge their credibility.
2. Submit your property details: Reach out to the company with information about your property. This usually involves filling out a form on their website or contacting them directly.
3. Receive a home visit: The company will likely schedule a visit to assess your home’s condition. This step helps them make a fair cash offer.
4. Get an offer: After the evaluation, the company will present you with a cash offer. Remember, most offers are final and not open to negotiation.
5. Accept the offer: If it meets your expectations, you can accept it to proceed with the sale.
6. Close the sale: The final step involves closing the sale, which can happen in as little as a week. You’ll receive cash for your home, allowing you to move on to your next chapter quickly.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Waukesha
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Waukesha 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 you or your parents’ victorian home or craftsman home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Waukesha home in as little as a week or two.
Plan B HomeBuyers
This investment company works with buyers, sellers, and real estate investors to connect consumers with solutions. Plan B handles all the paperwork and technical aspects of closing and is ready to do so “within days if necessary.”
Locations: Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and surrounding areas, including Waukesha
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Plan B HomeBuyers covers them.
Plan B HomeBuyers has been BBB accredited since 2010. Customer reviews with the BBB and on Google for Plan B HomeBuyers speak to fair offers and supportive office staff. They express appreciation for compassionate and professional transactions.
Website: planbhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-431-2650
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Waukesha (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 Waukesha.
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 Waukesha
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
Cream City Home Buyers
This small, locally-owned business started in 2016 and commits to walking its customers through the home-selling process, offering transparency about how their company’s formula generates an offer.
Locations: Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Racine counties
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cream City Home Buyers cover them.
Cream City Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018, with an A+ standing. Google customer reviews for Cream City Home Buyers speak to this company’s professionalism and courtesy. They have a Google rating of 5.0.
Website: creamcityhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-488-0082
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.
Locations: All of Wisconsin, including Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee County, and Waukesha
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; 414 Homebuyers cover 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. They have a 4.8-star Google rating.
Website: 414homebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-509-0222
Fair Deal Home Buyers LLC
Fair Deal Home Buyers, established in 2012, will buy homes even with tenants present, offering sellers a convenient and efficient service. The company is known for making offers within 24 hours, ensuring that the selling process isfast and hassle-free for homeowners.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas, including Kenosha
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Fair Deal Home Buyers LLC covers them.
Fair Deal Home Buyers LLC has been accredited by the BBB since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. Google reviews from clients praise Fair Deal Home Buyers’ problem-solving skills and their commitment to transparency, which built trust and alleviated stress.They have a 4.7-star Google rating.
Website: fairdealhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-409-8251
Why sell your Waukesha house for cash?
There are several reasons why a Waukesha home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience are some of the primary ones.
In Waukesha, it typically takes around 98 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 51 days on the market plus the typical 47 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 Waukesha, 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 of the most common reasons Waukesha homeowners choose to sell their homes for cash:
- Job relocation: When you’re relocating for a job and need to move quickly, selling for cash can simplify the transition.
- Divorce: Divorce can necessitate a fast, straightforward sale of shared property to divide assets with minimal stress.
- Inherited property: Dealing with an inherited home can be overwhelming, especially if you prefer a quick sale over managing repairs or tenants.
- Downsizing: If you’re looking to downsize, selling for cash can expedite finding your next, more manageable home.
- Repairs: Selling a home that requires significant repairs can be daunting; a cash sale eliminates the need for these investments.
- Avoiding open houses: If you prefer not to deal with the inconvenience of open houses, a cash sale offers privacy and ease.
- Foundation issues: Homes with foundation problems can be difficult to sell traditionally, making a cash offer more attractive.
- Foreclosure: Facing foreclosure, a quick cash sale can help settle debts and avoid further financial distress.
- Problematic tenants: For landlords dealing with difficult tenants, selling for cash provides an escape route.
- Selling from out of state: Selling a house from out of state can be challenging; cash sales simplify this process significantly.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Waukesha
Selling your Waukesha home to a house-buying company offers a unique set of advantages, particularly if speed and convenience are your top priorities.
These companies buy homes in any condition, eliminating the need for costly repairs or preparations. Here’s a quick look at the key benefits:
- Speed of sale: Companies can close on your property in as little as a week, offering a fast route to liquidate your asset.
- No need for repairs: Your home will be purchased as-is, saving you the time and expense of making it market-ready.
- Simplified process: The sale involves fewer contingencies, making for a smoother and more predictable closing process.
- Avoidance of traditional sale hassles: You won’t need to stage your home, schedule open houses, or navigate the ups and downs of the traditional real estate market.
However, selling to a house-buying company in Waukesha doesn’t come without its drawbacks. The most significant downside is receiving an offer that’s below market value, which could mean less profit compared to selling your home with an experienced real estate agent.
Here’s a summary of the key drawbacks:
- Lower offers: Expect offers that are less than what you might achieve on the open market to reflect the convenience and speed of the transaction.
- Potential for scams: While many companies are reputable, the industry has its share of scams, necessitating due diligence.
- Limited negotiation: The price offered is often non-negotiable, giving sellers little room to maneuver.
- Lack of local market insight: Some national companies may need more detailed knowledge of the Waukesha market, potentially affecting the offer you receive.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
The level of integrity and service you experience from a We Buy Houses for Cash company can vary. This is because many Cash-For-Homes companies are franchises and often use independent investors or wholesaling outfits.
Before committing to a cash offer, vet the company thoroughly. Check reviews, read testimonials, and research its presence and performance in the market. And, of course, read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced local agent to understand better 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 for an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Waukesha home quickly
If you want an alternative to selling your home to a We Buy Houses company, you have options. Here are two of the most notable examples:
iBuyers: Instant buyers, known as iBuyers, offer a modern, mostly online selling experience using automated valuation models to make fast, all-cash offers. Ideal for homes in good condition, the iBuyer process is quick but comes with service fees of 5%-6%. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad cater to sellers seeking efficiency and whose homes meet their criteria.
Listing with an Agent: Despite the quick-sale appeal of cash-for-homes options, don’t overlook the potential benefits of working with a real estate agent. In seller-friendly markets, a top agent can secure a fast sale at a price that might surpass offers from house-buying companies. Agents provide valuable insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often free, to help set a competitive price for your home. For those still considering their options, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent to explore the best route for your situation.
FAQs on Waukesha house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha Victorian house could sell for $310,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($310,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $187,000
In this example, a Waukesha We Buy Houses company might offer you around $187,000 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 Waukesha 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.
1. Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Waukesha 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 Waukesha vs. top Waukesha 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 Waukesha | Sell with a top Realtor in Waukesha |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 98 days average; 51 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 Waukesha is currently worth about $310,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $335,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Waukesha | Sell with a top Realtor in Waukesha | |
Estimated sale price | ($335,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $209,500 | $310,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,100 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $17,980 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $4,650 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $209,500 | $284,270 |
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
- Speed: Selling to a house-buying company in Waukesha means you can close quickly, often within a week.
- As-is sale: You can sell your home in its current condition without worrying about repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The sale process is straightforward, with fewer steps and less paperwork than traditional real estate transactions.
- Below market offers: Be prepared for offers that may be below market value compared to selling through an agent.
- Research is key: Investigate potential buyers to avoid scams and ensure you’re working with a reputable company.
- Consider all options: Weigh the benefits of selling for cash against the potential of a higher sale price on the open market.
- 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 Waukesha agent.
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