Are We Buy Houses Companies Legitimate?
Do you have a house you are thinking about selling to a “we buy houses” company but you’re wondering if they are really legitimate? You’ve probably seen the ads, or their signs around town, or maybe you came across a website and you just want to know if this is a legitimate business. In this article, we will answer that question, tell you how they work, and give you some things that you should much watch out for when choosing a We Buy Houses company to buy your home.
First, are we buy houses companies legitimate? Yes! There are many legitimate companies that buy houses, but not all companies are the same! There are many companies that have been around for years and operate a stand-up business, but there are also companies that are just getting started and don’t have the same knowledge and resources, and of course, just like any other business there are some bad apples who are looking to take advantage of people and should be avoided.
How Do We Buy Houses Companies Work?
We buy houses companies are generally real estate investment companies who buy properties directly from sellers. They will then make any necessary repairs to the property and either resell the property or rent the property to a new family.
We buy houses companies are typically purchasing these properties with cash and this allows them to close on the properties very quickly, buy properties that need a lot of repairs, and avoid the need for appraisals and inspections. Most of the time they will not be working with a realtor to purchase the properties thereby allowing the seller to save on commission costs and fees.
The company will make arrangements with you to view the property and discuss your timeline for selling. After viewing the property they will make you an all cash offer for the property and you can choose to accept of decline the offer. If you accept, the file will be processed at a local title company and once they have reviewed everything and cleared the file, you can sign your final paperwork and receive your money from the sale of your house.
For a Full Breakdown of the process from start to finish visit our “How It Works” page.
What To Watch Out For
Please understand this: Not All We Buy Houses companies are the same. Just because someone wrote We Buy Houses on a sign or made a Craigslist ad claiming to buy houses does not mean that they are a legitimate company or that you should do business with them.
How long have they been in business? How much experience do they have over that time? When you are selling your house you probably don’t want to work with someone who is brand new or is just dabbling in the business.
How did you find them? Were you searching for them and you found them on a professional well-polished website or did someone just call you out of the blue and say they want to buy your house? If their entire marketing budget is scribbling on a handwritten sign on the side of the road, that shouldn’t instill a lot of confidence in their business.
Are you able to research them online?
Can you find good reviews? Do they have other sites such as Facebook, YouTube, etc? There are not too many legitimate companies these days that do not have any online presence.
Are they putting a lot of pressure on you to sign the contract before you are ready? Don’t get me wrong, there needs to be some paperwork, but you should be signing this when you are ready and not because they are putting extra pressure on you to sign right now. Are they using standard forms such as the ones created by the Texas Real Estate Commission?
My #1 Rule – Go with your gut. When you met with them, did they appear professional? Were they able to answer your questions regarding the sales process, who would be handling what, and timelines for completion based on your situation? Or are they being very vague and stumbling through their answers? Do they look like they can pay your cash for your house or do they look like they may not have $20 in their pocket and there is no way they have hundreds of thousands in the bank? Are they continually telling you that they have to “ask their partners” or “check with their boss”? If they going to have to ask someone else, then why are you talking to them and not that person?
“I wasn’t sure I could sell the house I inherited from my aunt because it was such poor shape. Nick came out, made an offer that day and we closed in about 10 days. Nick explained everything made the process so easy! Thanks!”
D.J. Mack, San Antonio, TX
Comparison with Traditional Home Selling
When deciding how to sell your home, it’s essential to weigh the differences between selling to a cash home buyer and going the traditional route with a real estate agent. Each approach has its benefits, depending on your situation and goals.
Speed and Simplicity
If you need to sell your house quickly, a cash offer is often the best solution. Cash buyers can close deals in as little as seven days, with some even quicker, eliminating the delays associated with listings, showings, and mortgage approvals. This rapid process can be particularly appealing if you’re dealing with financial pressures or property-related concerns that require an urgent sale.
Cost Efficiency
Selling to a cash buyer often means pocketing more money because you avoid real estate commissions, appraisal fees, and potentially costly repairs. Traditional sales can drag on, especially if your house sits on the market longer than expected. With a cash offer, there’s no need for staging or repairs; buyers typically purchase homes “as-is,” sparing you the hassle and expense of getting your property market-ready.
Personalized Experience
Working with a cash buyer can provide a more personalized experience compared to the sometimes impersonal process of working with a traditional realtor. Cash buyers often tailor the transaction to meet your specific needs, whether that’s closing quickly or handling probate issues. Additionally, there’s less pressure; if you decide selling on the market is better for you, a good cash buyer will respect that decision and may even help you connect with a qualified real estate agent.
Certainty and Flexibility
One of the significant advantages of a cash sale is the certainty it offers. There’s no risk of the deal falling through due to financing issues, which can be a common problem with buyers relying on mortgage approvals. A legitimate we buy houses company is also not restricted by appraisals or home inspectors that can really disrupt the sales process. This certainty, combined with the flexibility of picking your closing date, means you can plan your next steps with confidence.
Customized to Your Needs
Finally, selling to a cash buyer allows you to customize the experience based on your schedule and circumstances. Whether you need to close quickly or prefer a more extended timeline to make your arrangements, a cash buyer can adapt to your needs. This flexibility is often accompanied by additional services like handling closing costs or offering lease-back options, ensuring the transaction is as smooth and convenient as possible.
Who Should Not Use A We Buy Houses Company
While selling your house to a “We Buy Houses” company offers numerous benefits, it’s important to recognize that this option isn’t for everyone. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re just testing the waters, not in a rush, and you have the luxury of waiting for the traditional process to unfold, you might want to consider other avenues.
For instance, if your home is in pristine condition, and you don’t need to spend a dime on repairs, the traditional market could bring you closer to your financial goals. Likewise, if you live in a highly sought-after area where multiple offers are likely to come in quickly and meet your asking price, then selling to a “We Buy Houses” company may not be the best fit for you.
Selling your home traditionally can potentially maximize your profit, especially if you have the time and resources to navigate the process. In these cases, the additional effort and time investment might pay off with a higher sale price.
However, if you’re dealing with a tight timeline, facing costly repairs, or simply want a hassle-free experience, then our services are designed to meet those specific needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for your unique situation. But if you’re someone who needs speed, certainty, and convenience, we’re here to make that happen.
“Nick is a professional when it came to selling my late mother’s home..very detailed and compassionate towards our loss. Extremely helpful and always available.”
Mel Soriano, San Antonio, TX
Who Should Use A We Buy Houses Company
Here at Sell My San Antonio House, we have bought hundreds of houses from people with all different kinds of reasons for selling, but with that experience comes the knowledge of why the majority of our clients chose to sell to a we buy houses company.
Inherited properties – When someone passes away, it can be a very difficult time for the family, and part of settling the estate is selling the home. Many times the heirs do not need the home and would prefer to sell it quickly and easily without any hassle.
Old rental properties – These typically come in one of two forms either the owner has had them for a while and now no longer wants to be a landlord so they would like to sell the property to us or they are having some difficulty with tenants and would like us to buy the property and take over the problem.
Older and looking to move – Many times when people have owned their homes for a long time and now they are looking to downsize or move to a place that requires less upkeep, they prefer to sell the property to us instead of making any repairs or updating to the house.
Major repairs – When a property needs a substantial amount of repairs it can often be very difficult to sell. The owners do not want to put thousands of dollars into the property and buyers can’t get a loan to buy it because of its condition.
Moving – Moving can be stressful enough and if you need or want to make sure that your current property is sold by the time you need to relocate then we can help make that happen.
Behind on payments/taxes – When a person has fallen behind and is at risk of losing the home, they can often find themselves with a very short timeframe to work with and a traditional sale will not happen in time.
Avoid the Headache and Hassle – We buy several houses every year from people who want to avoid the cleaning, fixing, listing, etc that comes with a traditional sale. We meet with them and work out a win-win situation for both of us.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home Sale
Deciding how to sell your home is a significant decision, and it’s essential to choose the path that best fits your unique circumstances. If you’re seeking a quick, hassle-free sale with the certainty of cash in hand, working with a “We Buy Houses” company like Sell My San Antonio House might be your ideal solution.
We’ve helped countless homeowners navigate difficult situations, from major repairs to looming deadlines, with ease and peace of mind. Our experience, professionalism, and commitment to making the process smooth and straightforward set us apart from the rest.
If you’re ready to explore how we can help you sell your house fast and without the usual stress, don’t hesitate to reach out. Give us a call at (210) 201-6644 today, and let’s discuss how we can tailor our services to meet your needs. At Sell My San Antonio House, we’re here to make selling your home as simple and rewarding as possible.