Are you planning to sell your Florida home quickly and without hassle? “We Buy Houses” Fort Walton Beach companies could be the solution you’re seeking. These companies provide all-cash offers, primarily for properties that might require some fixing, letting you sell your home in a matter of days.
A cash sale might be your lifeline if you’re short on time or resources to prepare a house for the traditional market. It’s an efficient way to convert your property into cash, helping you move on with your life plans without delay.
This post will dig into the pros and cons of selling your home to cash-for-homes companies, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision in Fort Walton Beach.
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Fort Walton Beach.Sell Your House Fast in Fort Walton Beach With a Cash Offer
Working with house-buying companies in Fort Walton Beach
If you’re a homeowner in Fort Walton Beach considering a quick sale, working with a house-buying company can streamline the process. Here’s how selling a home for cash works:
- Contact the company: Reach out to a local “We Buy Houses” company to express your interest in selling. You’ll typically start by providing basic information about your property online or over the phone.
- Schedule a visit: The company will arrange a time to view your home. This visit allows them to assess the condition of your property and any necessary repairs.
- Receive an offer: After the evaluation, the company will usually present you with an all-cash offer quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- Review the offer: Take your time to review the proposed offer. While there’s limited room to negotiate, ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs.
- Close the sale: If you accept the offer, the company will handle most of the closing formalities. Sales can often be completed within a week, providing you with quick access to your funds.
- Move out: Prepare to vacate the property by the agreed-upon date, which is typically flexible to suit your schedule.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fort Walton Beach
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Fort Walton Beach 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 or your parents’ property, whether that’s a Ranch-style house or a townhome. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Fort Walton Beach home in as little as a week or two.
The Friendly Home Buyer
The Friendly Homebuyer, a real estate company founded by Jared Sandel, is committed to providing Florida homeowners with a fast, hassle-free selling experience. The home-selling process begins with an initial contact with the company, followed by a property evaluation, then a review and acceptance of the offer. Its quick closing process allows deals to close in a matter of days.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including Walton Beach
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Friendly Home Buyer covers them.
Recognized for its ethical practices, The Friendly Home Buyer has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2017 and now holds an A+ rating. The company has a high 4.8-star Google review rating.
The team is described as honest, helpful, and efficient, especially during complex situations like probate. Sellers appreciate how smooth and quick the process is, noting the fair offers and hassle-free closings. Many express full confidence in the team and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Website: thefriendlyhomebuyer.com
Phone number: 888-713-9158
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Fort Walton Beach (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 Fort Walton Beach.
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 Fort Walton Beach
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. Given its strong focus on excellent customer service, it received BBB accreditation in 2019 and now proudly holds 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Express Homebuyers Florida
Founded in 2003 by Jud Allen and Brad Chandler, Express Homebuyers addresses challenges like divorce, foreclosure, and inherited property by offering a simple three-step process. It provides fair cash offers within 24 hours of receiving property information. Since its founding, it has bought and sold over 4,000 properties.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Express Home Buyers covers them.
Express Homebuyers has been BBB accredited since 2004 and currently holds an A+ rating. Based on a limited number of reviews, it earned a 5-star review rating on Google.
Clients say Express Homebuyers made a complex selling process feel surprisingly smooth. With strong communication, full transparency, and responsiveness throughout, the team earned high praise for their professionalism.
Note: The BBB site reports a resolved complaint brought against Express HomeBuyers by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG). The lawsuit alleged that the company sent letters to DC homeowners falsely claiming that they owed past due property taxes and urging them to act quickly so they would not lose their home to a tax sale or foreclosure. In December 2022, Express Homebuyers paid a fine and entered into a Consent Order with the OAG that settled the allegations.
Website: expresshomebuyers.com
Phone number: 877-804-5252
FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC
Established in 2011, FL Cash Home Buyers has successfully completed more than 800 real estate transactions. The company provides a streamlined and adaptable home-selling experience, designed to meet the unique needs of each property owner.
Closings can occur in as little as one to seven days. However, the team remains attentive to each client’s circumstances, offering the flexibility to accommodate individual timelines and preferences. After closing documents are signed, proceeds are delivered promptly via secure wire transfer or certified cashier’s check.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; FL Cash Home Buyers covers them.
Cited for adhering to ethical business practices, FL Cash Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2015 and now holds a high A+ rating. Based on over 200 reviews, the company earned an impressive 4.9-star rating on Google.
Clients describe their experience with FL Cash Home Buyers as smooth and efficient. Many highlight the team’s responsiveness and helpful attitude throughout the process. The sale moved quickly, and communication remained consistent from start to finish. Sellers say they would gladly recommend the company to others looking for a hassle-free way to sell their home.
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 954-519-7040
Freedom Cash Home Buyers
Founded in 2015, Freedom Cash Home Buyers prides itself on purchasing homes in any condition at any price point. Over the years, it has bought over 600 homes, paying homeowners in various locations $65 million in cash.
To work with Freedom Cash Home Buyers, sellers must first speak with a representative over the phone and provide information about their home and needs. After assessing the property and the homeowners’ needs, an employee presents an offer over the phone.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Freedom Cash Home Buyers covers them.
Freedom Cash Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2017 and holds an A+ rating. Thanks to positive customer testimonials, its Google Business Profile has earned a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating.
Reviewers commend the staff’s quick responses to phone calls and emails, as well as their ability to answer questions with honesty and clarity. Sellers also report a simple closing process, even if a home is in poor condition.
Website: freedomcashhomebuyers.com
Phone: 877-343-9726
Why sell your Fort Walton Beach house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Fort Walton Beach home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. The benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience are leading the list.
In Fort Walton Beach, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes around 115 days. That includes an average of 75 days on the market, from listing to signed contract, plus the typical 40 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 Fort Walton Beach, 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.
Below are some scenarios where choosing a house-buying company could be the right move:
- Job relocation: When a sudden job transfer demands you move quickly, selling for cash can expedite the process.
- Divorce settlement: A cash sale to a house-buying company can simplify asset division during a divorce.
- Unwanted inheritance: Inheriting a home can be complicated, and a quick cash sale might reduce the hassle of disposing of it.
- Downsizing transition: If you’re planning to move to a smaller home or a retirement community, a cash sale can give you the funds you need for the transition and make selling less overwhelming.
- Costly repairs: If your home is in poor condition and needs significant repairs you can’t afford or justify, selling it as-is for cash can be a relief.
- Open house stress: Skip the hassle and privacy concerns of open houses by selling directly for cash.
- Foundation issues: Foundation problems can be a dealbreaker for most traditional buyers, but with house-buying companies, you can sell as is, including properties with major structural issues.
- Foreclosure solution: A quick cash sale can help avoid foreclosure, protect your credit, and alleviate debt.
- Problematic tenants: Selling a rental property with challenging tenants becomes simpler when you opt for a cash buyer.
- Remote home sale: Managing a sale from out of state can be overwhelming, but a cash sale reduces complications and the need for travel.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Fort Walton Beach
Selling to a house-buying company has its pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. The most significant benefits of using a house-buying company in Fort Walton Beach include the speed of the transaction and the ability to sell your home in any condition. Here’s an overview of those key advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Quick closing: Companies can often close within a week, allowing you to access funds faster and move on with your life.
- No repairs needed: Sell your property as-is, without the need for any renovations or repairs, which can be especially beneficial if you cannot afford these costs.
- Simple process: The sale process is straightforward, without the typical hassles of selling through traditional real estate channels.
- No contingencies: Cash offers usually come without contingencies, which means fewer delays and a smoother transaction process.
Cons
The biggest drawback is that you are likely to receive a below-market-value offer. Here are some key cons:
- Lower offers: Expect offers that are significantly lower than market value, as these companies need to make a profit on the resale.
- Limited negotiation: The offers are typically non-negotiable, so what you get is often what you have to accept.
- Scam risks: Always verify the credibility of the company, as the industry can attract house-buying scams.
- Profit loss: While selling to a house-buying company offers speed and convenience, listing on the traditional market could result in a higher return, even after accounting for repairs and real estate commissions.
Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When selling your home to a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company in Florida, the integrity and service level can significantly vary based on the character of the buyers. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:
- Research the company: Before accepting any offers, check the company’s reviews, read testimonials, and research its market presence and performance.
- Understand the offer: Ensure you fully understand the terms of the cash offer. Know what you are agreeing to before signing any agreements.
- Consult professionals: Consider consulting a real estate attorney or a trusted advisor to review the buying agreement.
- Know your home’s value: You must have a good understanding of your home’s market value to assess whether the cash offer is fair.
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 try our Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Fort Walton Beach home quickly
Working with iBuyers: Instant buyers, or iBuyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make quick, all-cash offers close to market value for homes in good condition. The process is fast, usually completing from offer to closing in just a few days to two weeks. Top iBuyer companies like Opendoor and Offerpad may charge service fees of 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price.
Listing with an agent: For homes in seller-friendly markets, working with a top real estate agent can also secure a quick sale. Agents use a comparative market analysis (CMA), often free, to price homes competitively. This approach typically yields the highest selling price.
If you’re considering selling to a house-buying company, consulting an agent can help you make a more informed decision. HomeLight can connect you with top-performing agents.
FAQs on Fort Walton Beach house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach Ranch-style home could sell for $360,000 after repairs, but it will need $25,000 of work to get there.
($360,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $227,000
In this example, a Fort Walton Beach We Buy Houses company might offer you around $227,000 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 Fort Walton Beach We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-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 it is accepted. Conversely, 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 will be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, asking the company if any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line is always a good idea.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach vs. top Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach | Sell with a top Realtor in Fort Walton Beach |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 115 days average; 75 to attract an offer, 40 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, and stage the 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’s sale price on top of the agent’s commission |
Example net proceeds
Below, we’ve compiled 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 Fort Walton Beach is worth about $335,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $360,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Fort Walton Beach | Sell with a top Realtor in Fort Walton Beach | |
| Estimated sale price | ($360,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $227,000 | $335,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $3,350 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $10,050 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $5,025 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $227,000 | $316,575 |
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’s timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Quick sale: Selling your home to a house-buying company in Fort Walton Beach can be significantly faster than traditional methods.
- As-is convenience: You can sell your home as it stands, without needing to invest in repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The sale process is straightforward, typically involving fewer steps and less paperwork.
- Potential lower offers: Be prepared that offers from house-buying companies might be below market value.
- No contingencies: These offers often come without contingencies, streamlining the sale.
- Home value: Know your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to help you navigate 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-performing agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Fort Walton Beach area ‘We Buy Houses’ companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the home-buying company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
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