5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Wisconsin
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- 15 min read
- 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.
In Wisconsin, “We Buy Houses” companies offer a straightforward solution for homeowners looking to sell quickly. They often make all-cash offers for properties that may require work. This option is particularly appealing for sellers who need to move on from their property quickly and with minimal hassle due to time constraints, a lack of expertise, or insufficient repair funds.
A cash sale to these companies can be a lifeline in unexpected or urgent situations, allowing you to bypass the traditional real estate market’s uncertainties and delays.
This post will dig into the pros and cons of working with house-buying companies, equipping you with the knowledge to decide whether this route aligns with your selling goals.
Working with house-buying companies in Wisconsin
Working with house-buying companies in Wisconsin can simplify the selling process for homeowners looking for a quick, hassle-free sale. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
- Find reputable companies: Start by researching and identifying reputable cash-for-homes companies in Wisconsin. Look for those with positive reviews and a strong local presence.
- Submit your property details: Reach out to your chosen company with details about your property. This usually involves completing an online form or making a phone call to provide basic information about your home.
- Undergo a home assessment: The company will likely conduct an in-person assessment of your property to confirm its condition.
- Receive an offer: Based on the inspection, the company will make an initial assessment and present you with a cash offer, often within a few days.
- Accept the offer: If the offer meets your expectations, you can accept it. Remember, these companies typically present a take-it-or-leave-it deal, with minimal room for negotiation.
- Close the sale: Once everything is agreed upon, you can close the sale. The process is usually much quicker than traditional real estate transactions, and you could receive cash for your home in a matter of weeks.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Wisconsin
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Wisconsin 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 parents’ home, whether that’s a colonial revival or a craftsman home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Wisconsin home in as little as a week or two.
Plan B HomeBuyers
Plan B Homebuyers is committed to providing a quick, transparent, and professional cash home sale for Wisconsin homeowners. Over the years, it has helped sellers who have been dealing with challenging life situations, from divorce, foreclosure, and the death of a family member to landlord dilemmas and unwanted inherited properties. The real estate solutions and investment firm is committed to providing fair cash offers.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Plan B HomeBuyers covers them.
Plan B HomeBuyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2010 and has earned an A+ rating for its excellent customer care. Meanwhile, the company also holds a high 4.7-star rating on its Google Business Profile. The majority of reviewers mentioned the smooth transaction, expert guidance, and fair offers from the company. Some praised the quick closing process, while others highlighted the staff’s empathy in handling emotionally charged home sales with care and understanding.
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 Wisconsin (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to one of the largest networks 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 Wisconsin. With the platform, 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 Wisconsin
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a platform by HomeLight, a real estate solutions company founded in 2012. It’s BBB-accredited with an A+ rating, demonstrating its level of commitment to excellent client care. 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Cream City Home Buyers
Founded in 2016, this small, locally owned business is dedicated to guiding customers through every step of the home selling process to facilitate a quick transaction. With a strong commitment to transparency, they openly explain how their company’s formula determines an offer. By prioritizing clear communication and trust, they ensure sellers feel confident and informed throughout the transaction.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas
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+ rating and boasts a perfect 5.0-star Google rating, reflecting its exceptional customer service. Many clients appreciate the staff’s support in smoothly transitioning elderly family members to assisted living. Others praise the hassle-free, efficient transactions that helped them avoid the complexities of traditional home sales, making the process both seamless and stress-free.
Website: creamcityhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 414-488-0082
Captain Save-A-Home
Captain Save-A-Home emphasizes speed, stating that it can be prepared for closing in 10 days or less. This commitment to efficiency, combined with consistently positive reviews, makes the company particularly appealing to sellers prioritizing a fast and seamless transaction. It accommodates various kinds of properties, from single-family and multi-family to foreclosures.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas
Closing costs: This company factors closing costs into their buying price offer. Captain Save-A-Home does not charge any commissions or fees.
Captain Save-a-Home has been BBB accredited since 2016 with an A+ rating and holds a near-perfect 4.9-star rating on its Google Business Profile. Clients appreciate the company’s responsive staff, who provide timely and clear answers to inquiries. Others praise the seamless experience of selling a rental property, highlighting the efficiency and professionalism of the process.
Website: captainsave-a-home.com/
Phone number: 414-699-5888
414 HomeBuyers, LLC
414 HomeBuyers is a real estate solutions company in Milwaukee that provides a viable alternative to traditional property sales. It offers solutions to homeowners facing various challenges, such as foreclosure, burdensome properties, probate, or other difficult situations.
Locations: Milwaukee and surrounding areas
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. The company has a 4.8-star Google rating based on hundreds of customer feedback.
Website: 414homebuyers.com
Phone number:414-207-9075
Why sell your Wisconsin house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Wisconsin home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. A near-guaranteed sale, speed, and remarkable convenience are the primary reasons why sellers sell their homes for cash.
In Wisconsin, selling a home using an agent typically takes around 98 days. That includes an average of 52 days on the market (from listing to signed contract) plus the typical 46 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 Wisconsin, 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.
Selling your Wisconsin house for cash can be an appealing option for many homeowners, especially when traditional selling methods don’t align with your circumstances or timelines. Here are some common scenarios where choosing a house-buying company might be the right fit:
- Significant repairs: Your home requires major repairs, such as fixing foundation issues or addressing ice dam formation, common in Wisconsin’s harsh winters.
- Quick cash or move: You need to move quickly due to a job relocation, divorce, medical need, or another urgent life change.
- No funds for repairs: Lacking the financial resources or desire to undertake necessary home repairs before selling.
- No-fuss home sale preference: You may not want to deal with the stress of preparing the home, coordinating open houses, and navigating the sales process.
- Confidential transaction: You wish to sell your property off-market for privacy reasons.
- Foreclosure fix: With a cash sale, you can settle debts and avoid further complications with your credit history before foreclosure occurs.
- Inherited property: Selling for cash is a quick and easy way to dispose of a property you’ve inherited.
- Rental property issues: You’ve decided to exit the landlord business and want to avoid the hassle of dealing with difficult tenants.
- Transitioning to a smaller space or elderly accommodations: Your aging loved ones may need to downsize and move to a retirement community or with family, prompting a swift sale.
- Out-of-state seller: Living out of state and preferring the convenience of a cash sale without the need for travel or coordination.
If you are a homeowner facing any of these situations, considering a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company in Wisconsin might be a sensible option.
Up next, we’ll explore the pros and cons of selling to house-buying companies to help you weigh your options more thoroughly.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Wisconsin
Here’s a quick look at some of the benefits of selling your home for cash:
Pros:
- Quick closing: House-buying companies can often close on a property in as little as a few weeks, offering a rapid solution for sellers needing to move quickly.
- No repairs needed: You can sell your home as-is, avoiding the cost and time associated with repairs or home improvements.
- No real estate commissions: Selling directly to a house-buying company means you won’t pay real estate agent commissions, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
- Simplified process: The sale involves fewer contingencies, making the transaction smoother and more predictable than traditional sales.
However, while there are significant advantages to selling your home to a house-buying company, there are also several drawbacks to consider. The most notable is receiving an offer below market value, which might not be ideal for sellers looking to maximize their return.
Cons:
- Below market value: Offers from house-buying companies are typically below market value, reflecting the trade-off for speed and convenience.
- Limited negotiation: The take-it-or-leave-it offer provides little room for negotiation on price or terms.
- Scam risk: While many companies are reputable, there’s a risk of falling victim to scams, necessitating due diligence.
- Not ideal for every seller: This selling method best suits those prioritizing speed and convenience over getting the highest price for their property.
As you consider your options, it’s essential to vet cash buyers carefully and understand your home’s worth. The next section will guide you on how to proceed wisely in this market.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When deciding to sell your Wisconsin home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, it’s crucial to remember that your experience will largely depend on the integrity and service quality of the company you choose.
The character of the person or group making the offer can significantly influence the smoothness of the transaction and the fairness of the deal you receive. Before committing to a cash offer, take the time to vet the company thoroughly.
Check online reviews, read testimonials from past sellers, and research the company’s presence and performance in the Wisconsin market. This due diligence will help you gauge their reliability and the satisfaction level of their previous clients.
Additionally, ensure you read and understand the buying agreement carefully before signing. Knowing your home’s worth and ensuring you’re working with a reputable buyer will empower you to make informed decisions throughout the sale process.
Other options to sell your Wisconsin home quickly
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer a fast, mostly online selling experience, providing all-cash offers close to market value for homes in good condition. The process moves quickly, with offers finalized and closings completed within days to a few weeks. These iBuyers typically charge service fees ranging from 5% to 6%. This option is ideal for sellers in areas with uniform housing markets and well-maintained properties.
Listing with a real estate agent might seem counterintuitive when seeking a quick sale, yet in a seller-friendly market, this path can lead to a swift sale at a higher price, especially with strategic pricing and marketing. Agents provide significant benefits, such as a comparative market analysis (CMA), often free, to help set a competitive listing price.
A top agent might also connect you with cash buyers, ensuring you receive an offer near your home’s market value. For those considering this route, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Wisconsin, offering you a chance to sell with confidence after exploring all your options.
FAQs on Wisconsin house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Wisconsin 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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin colonial revival home 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 Wisconsin 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 they 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 Wisconsin We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-edged sword. On the one hand, 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 hand, 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 about any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Wisconsin area. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few 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 Wisconsin vs. top Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin | Sell with a top Realtor in Wisconsin |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 98 days average; 52 to attract an offer, 46 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings on 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 the 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 | 3% to 6% of the home’s sale price |
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 Wisconsin is currently worth about $271,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $296,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Wisconsin | Sell with a top Realtor in Wisconsin | |
Estimated sale price | ($296,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $182,200 | $271,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $2,710 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $8,130 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $4,065 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $182,200 | $256,095 |
As this example illustrates, it’s usually in your best financial interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent. However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home.
What’s best for your situation will depend on the condition of your property, the level of repairs 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
Here are the key takeaways from our exploration of selling your home to a Cash-For-Homes company in Wisconsin:
- Quick sale: Selling to a cash buyer can expedite the sale process.
- As-is condition: You can sell your home without making any repairs or improvements.
- Simple process: The transaction process is typically straightforward and involves fewer contingencies.
- Below market value: Be prepared that offers from these companies may be below the market value of your home.
- Due diligence: Thoroughly vet any company you’re considering to ensure they’re reputable.
- Selling alternatives: Don’t overlook the potential benefits of listing your home with a real estate agent.
Before selling your Wisconsin home to a Cash-For-Homes company, gather multiple offers and carefully weigh your options. Consult with a top Wisconsin agent who can provide expert insights on how quickly and for how much your property could sell on the traditional market.
If you need help navigating your real estate options, HomeLight is here to help. Secure a cash offer from one of our partner investors at Simple Sale or connect with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today. Let us connect you with the resources and expertise you need to make the best decision for your situation.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Wisconsin area ‘We Buy Houses’ companies are not endorsements. Additionally, program details may change frequently. Visit the home-buying company’s website for the most up-to-date information on each individual program.
Header Image Source: (Josh Sorenson/ Unsplash)