When you’re dealing with major life changes, such as a divorce or sudden job relocation, selling your home fast in North Carolina becomes a top priority. Ideally, you don’t want to go through the lengthy, traditional home selling process as you dedicate your time and energy to moving on to the next chapter of your life.
Fortunately, working with “We Buy Houses” in North Carolina companies lets you avoid the stress of repairs, marketing, showings, and negotiations since they provide instant cash offers and close in a matter of days.
Before committing to these house-buying firms, understand this selling approach’s process and the pros and cons. In this post, we’ll shed light on the Cash-For-Homes landscape in North Carolina, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your goals.
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of North Carolina area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in North Carolina
Choosing the path of selling your home to a We Buy Houses company in North Carolina can feel like unfamiliar territory. Here’s a simple roadmap showing the typical progress you can expect:
- Research reputable companies: Begin by identifying and researching well-regarded house-buying companies in North Carolina. Look for reviews and check their credibility.
- Reach out for an offer: Contact your chosen company and provide information about your home.
- Agree to a home assessment: The company will likely schedule a visit to assess your property. They typically look at the condition, location, and market trends in North Carolina to make an offer.
- Accept or decline the offer: Review the offer, and based on your circumstances, choose to accept or decline. Ensure you fully grasp the terms and conditions.
- Close the sale and move on: If you decide to proceed, the company will handle most of the paperwork to finalize the sale. Once everything is in order, the company will close the deal, and you’ll promptly receive your cash.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in North Carolina
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in North Carolina 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 Contemporary-style home or your parents’ Ranch-style house. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your North Carolina home in as little as a week or two.
NC HomeBuyers
NC HomeBuyers, a local home-buying company, buys houses as-is, allowing homeowners to sell properties even without making significant repairs or clean-up. As a solution-driven firm, it stands out for its quick, competitive cash offers, which facilitate a speedy selling process with personal service. The business promises to pay top dollar, as it doesn’t have enormous overhead other larger companies have.
Locations: Raleigh and surrounding areas, including Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Garner, Apex, and Morrisville
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; NC HomeBuyers covers them.
NC HomeBuyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. The online reviews highlight the company’s professionalism, honesty, and effective communication. Customers particularly appreciated the seamless, stress-free experience of selling their homes with this company.
They mentioned the team’s commitment to transparency, making the whole process feel secure and trustworthy. Even when issues arose during the transaction, reviewers noted that NC HomeBuyers was able to swiftly and efficiently resolve them, leading to a smooth and effortless selling process. The company currently has a Google rating of 4.7
Website: nchomebuyers.org
Phone number: 919-296-4888
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in North Carolina (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It 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 North Carolina. With the platform, you can get an all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as little as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including North Carolina
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 4.6 stars on Google based on hundreds of 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
NC Cash Home Buyers
Founded by native North Carolinian Alex Locklear, NC Cash Home Buyers is a family-owned business with more than 15 years of experience in real estate. Through the years, it has helped hundreds of homeowners across North Carolina deal with a wide array of property types and unique situations.
With a passion for problem-solving, the NC Cash Home Buyers team provides tailored solutions to meet homeowners’ needs. Its service includes working through each seller’s unique circumstances to deliver a customized home selling experience, closing fast or on the client’s timeline.
Locations: Raleigh and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; NC Cash HomeBuyers covers them.
NC Cash Home Buyers’ clients praise the company for its professionalism, diligence, and excellent communication throughout the property selling process. The team is lauded for providing smooth transactions and fair offers, facilitating a stress-free experience for homeowners. Notably, customers appreciate the transparency and non-pushy approach taken, which gives them confidence in their choices. As of writing, the company’s Google rating is 4.7.
Website: nccashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 919-283-5585
Green Street Home Buyers
Green Street Home Buyers, founded by Mike Kehoe and Tim McGarvey, is a reputable real estate investment company based in Durham. Recognizing the issues of unethical behavior in the off-market home sales industry, the business partners formed Green Street with the aim of creating honest, transparent transactions based on win-win solutions.
The company serves the entire state of North Carolina, buying properties directly from homeowners and landlords with all-cash offers and closing quickly. Notably, it specializes in resolving challenging situations like foreclosure, tax issues, or inherited properties, placing a strong emphasis on client satisfaction.
Locations: Raleigh, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Rocky Mount, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Fayetteville.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Green Street Home Buyers covers them.
Green Street Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. Clients appreciated the company’s convenient, smooth, and rapid process, highlighting their adeptness at handling complex sales scenarios, like selling rental properties. They valued the firm’s transparency, clear communication, and delivery of promises. The team’s ability to answer questions thoroughly was well-praised, inspiring trust and respect. The company has garnered over a hundred Google reviews, making for an impressive 4.6-star rating.
Website: greenstreethomebuyers.com
Phone number: 919-926-1791
Vets Buy Houses NC
Vets Buy Houses is a veteran-owned real estate solutions company based out of North Carolina, serving both North and South Carolina. It buys, sells, and rents out real estate, specializing in distressed properties that need work. It purchases homes as-is, without requiring any repairs. With a strong focus on providing an easy, stress-free, and fast process, the team at Vets Buy Houses NC makes quick offers and closes on the seller’s terms, providing customers with convenience and peace of mind.
Locations: North and South Carolina
Closing costs: Seller pays no closing costs; Vets Buy Houses in NC will cover closing costs.
Vets Buy Houses NC has received various positive testimonials online. Clients appreciated the company’s professionalism, timeliness, and ease of service. Those with properties in need of extensive repairs found the company’s as-is purchase model to be beneficial, eliminating the hassle and cost of fixing up the property themselves.
Customers also noted the fairness in the pricing offered and the company’s capacity to handle transactions swiftly and smoothly, thus offering a stress-free selling experience. The company currently has a perfect Google rating of 5.0 stars.
Website: vetsbuyhousesnc.com
Phone number: 919-410-7263
Why sell your North Carolina house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a North Carolina 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 North Carolina, it typically takes about 75 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 31 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 North Carolina, 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’s a quick look at why some North Carolina sellers are choosing house-buying companies.
- Immediate life changes: Unexpected events like a divorce, medical emergencies, or sudden job relocations might necessitate a swift sale.
- Lack of funds for repairs: If your home demands significant attention, but you’re short on funds or the inclination to renovate, selling for cash can be appealing.
- Desire for a hassle-free process: Avoid the stress of home prep, showings, and lengthy negotiations with a straightforward cash sale.
- Privacy considerations: Do you want to keep the sale under wraps? A cash sale ensures a discreet process, free from the public eye.
- Foreclosure risk: Before it escalates, selling your home to settle debts might be a viable escape from worsening credit scenarios.
- Inherited properties: Quickly liquidating an inherited house can simplify estate matters.
- Landlord fatigue: If property management has lost its charm or you’re grappling with problematic tenants, cash sales offer a swift exit.
- Elderly homeowners transition: Aging family members shifting to care facilities can benefit from a quick, uncomplicated property sale.
- Out-of-state living: If North Carolina isn’t your current home base, a cash sale can eradicate the complexities of long-distance property selling.
If you find yourself in one of these situations, considering a cash offer might be a fitting solution. But remember, this is just a launchpad. The best decision emerges when you’re informed about the pros and cons, and your other selling options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in North Carolina
Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of house-buying companies in North Carolina is pivotal for an informed decision. These companies offer undeniable advantages, notably speed and flexibility. However, they often come with trade-offs.
Key benefits
For many, the appeal of house-buying companies is anchored in their swift, uncomplicated process. Most notably:
- Speedy transactions: Opting for a house-buying company means you can sell your home rapidly, often in days or weeks.
- Zero repairs: The condition of your house isn’t a deterrent; these companies purchase properties as-is.
- No more marketing: Bypass the efforts of listing, staging, and showcasing your property to potential buyers.
- Clear-cut process: With straightforward terms and no hidden fees, you know what to expect from the outset.
Key trade-offs
While speed and convenience are tempting, it’s essential to note potential pitfalls:
- Below-market-value offers: The most glaring drawback is often the price. You will likely get less than if you listed traditionally.
- Limited negotiation: Expect a more rigid, take-it-or-leave-it stance on the proposed offer.
- Less personalized service: Transactions with these companies might lack the tailored touch that a real estate agent offers.
- Pressure tactics and scam risk: Not all house-buying companies are reputable or trustworthy. Conducting thorough research is essential.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
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Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering a cash sale in North Carolina, it’s crucial to remember that not all “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies are created equal. Your experience will hinge on the integrity and professionalism of the entity presenting the offer.
Before committing, take the time to vet the company rigorously. Research online reviews, pore over testimonials, and gauge its standing in the market. This research offers insight into the company’s track record and its approach to homeowners like you. Additionally, ensure you read, understand, and are comfortable with every term in the buying agreement before appending your signature.
HomeLight suggests consulting with an experienced North Carolina agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then compare your cash offer.
Use HomeLight’s Agent Matching tool to connect with a top-performing local agent in your market. In addition, take advantage of our Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your North Carolina home quickly
iBuyers
Instant buyers or iBuyers offer a mostly online home-selling experience, using data-driven models for quick home valuations. National iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, can make all-cash offers closer to market value for homes in decent condition, with a fast turnaround from offer to closing.
It’s important to note that iBuyers typically charge 5% to 6% service fees and are ideal for homes in better shape and standard neighborhoods.
Listing with an agent
Considering a real estate agent can be a wise choice even when seeking a speedy sale. In favorable markets, a top North Carolina agent can ensure a rapid sale through expert pricing and marketing strategies. These professionals can also provide valuable insights by generating a comparative market analysis (CMA), a report that can guide you on the best listing price, potentially leading to quicker sales. Many agents will offer a CMA for free just for consulting with them.
An established North Carolina agent will also have connections. They might even find cash buyers ready to pay closer to market value. Interested in this route? HomeLight can connect you with a leading agent in your area.
FAQs on North Carolina house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in North Carolina 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 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 out for anything that doesn’t seem right.
Most North Carolina We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value, then deduct 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 North Carolina Contemporary-style home could sell for $367,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($367,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $226,900
In this example, a North Carolina We Buy Houses company might offer you around $226,900 for your home.
However, different types of house-buying companies 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 85% to 95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a North Carolina 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 businesses make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. On the flip 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.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your North Carolina 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. 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 North Carolina vs. top North Carolina 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 North Carolina | Sell with a top Realtor in North Carolina |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 75 days average; 31 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 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 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 North Carolina is currently worth about $342,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $367,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in North Carolina | Sell with a top Realtor in North Carolina | |
Estimated sale price | ($367,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $231,900 | $342,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,420 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $10,260 (3% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $5,130 (1.5% of sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $231,900 | $323,190 |
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 in 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
- Speed and convenience: Cash-For-Homes companies in North Carolina provide a rapid solution, often ideal for sellers facing urgent situations or homes in disrepair.
- Less-than-market-value offers: A cash offer from a house-buying company will typically be below market value. For some, the promise of speed and convenience is worth the tradeoff.
- Due diligence: Before committing, thoroughly vet the company. Check reviews, testimonials, and their market standing.
- Other selling avenues: Consider other selling options like iBuyers for a digital experience or traditional agents for potentially higher sale prices.
- Market analysis: An experienced agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) that provides crucial insights into your home’s potential market value and selling timeframe.
In the world of home selling, knowledge truly is power. If you’re considering selling to a North Carolina We Buy Houses company, it’s beneficial to gather multiple offers and weigh all your choices before sealing the deal.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to guide you in navigating this real estate journey. Let us help you make an informed, 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 North Carolina agent.
Contributing Editor Frances Metz assisted with this post.
Header Image Source: (Gene Gallin / Unsplash)