In Des Moines, Iowa, We Buy Houses companies are gaining traction as a viable option for homeowners seeking a quick, hassle-free sale. These companies make all-cash offers for homes that require repairs or updates. This approach is particularly beneficial if you lack the time, resources, or expertise to undertake such renovations.
However, the decision to sell your home for cash can arise from urgent or unexpected situations. Selling to a cash-for-homes company might be the solution you need during such times.
This post will guide you through the intricacies of working with house-buying companies. We will explore the pros and cons, helping you evaluate your options and make an informed decision about selling your property in Des Moines.
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Disclaimer: This post is meant for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Des Moines area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Des Moines
Selling your home in Des Moines to a house-buying company can be straightforward, especially if you want a quick and easy sale. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on the steps you’ll typically encounter:
- Research companies: Research various ‘We Buy Houses’ companies in Des Moines. Look for reputable firms with positive reviews and a solid local presence. This ensures you’re dealing with a credible buyer.
- Request an offer: Contact your chosen company to request an offer. This usually involves providing basic information about your property, like its location, size, and condition. Most companies respond with an initial offer quickly.
- Schedule a home assessment: If you’re interested in the initial offer, the company will schedule a visit to assess your home. This step is to verify the details you provided and evaluate the property’s condition.
- Receive a final offer: The company will present a final cash offer after the assessment. Remember, these offers are often non-negotiable, so it’s a take-it-or-leave-it deal.
- Accept the offer: If you accept the offer, you’ll go through a simple acceptance process. This typically involves signing an agreement and setting a closing date.
- Close the sale: The final step is closing, where you sign the paperwork and receive your cash. This process usually is much quicker than traditional real estate sales, allowing you to promptly move on with your plans.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Des Moines
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Des Moines sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some top companies that will pay cash for your ranch-style home or your parents’ contemporary-style home. You can sell your Des Moines home in a week or two by selling to one of these companies.
Sell Now Iowa
Sell Now Iowa was founded by Mitch Coluzzi, a licensed real estate professional with over a decade of experience. They are committed to providing fast assistance, offering cash offers within 24 hours of the first meeting.
Locations: All over Iowa, including Des Moines
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sell Now Iowa covers them, though sellers may have additional expenses for taxes and other related fees.
Sell Now Iowa has a 4.9-star Google rating, Clients praise their transparency and lack of high-pressure tactics, appreciating the team’s honesty and compassion throughout the selling process. The company has an A+ rating with the BBB but is not currently accredited.
Website: sellnowiowa.com
Phone: 515-531-2274
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Des Moines 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 US, and 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 locations throughout Des Moines.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in as little as a week and sell your home in as few as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Des Moines
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 4.8 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
Sold To Simple
Sold to Simple was founded by Neil Timmins, a licensed real estate agent with more than 14 years of experience. Sold to Simple is committed to offering real estate solutions tailored to homeowners’ unique situations.
Locations: Des Moines and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sold to Simple covers them.
Sold to Simple has a 4.8-star rating on Google reviews, and clients consistently note the company’s professionalism, friendliness, and transparency throughout the home-selling process. The company has an A+ rating with the BBB but is not currently accredited
Website: soldtosimple.com
Phone: 515-329-7105
Des Moines Home Buyers
Des Moines Home Buyers, led by Levi Freedman, has been in business since 2006. The company provides all-cash offers and fast closings on a date of the seller’s choice, typically within 3 to 4 weeks, and the flexibility to leave behind unwanted belongings.
Locations: Des Moines metropolitan area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Des Moines Home Buyers covers them.
Des Moines Home Buyers has a Google rating of 4.7 stars, and customers recommend the company for a straightforward and hassle-free home-selling experience. Des Moines Home Buyers is BBB accredited and has an A+ rating.
Website: desmoineshomebuyers.net
Phone: 515-344-4341
Mark Lane Real Estate
Mark Lane Real Estate is a locally owned real estate company in Des Moines. The company prides itself on fast responses, professional experience, and simplified solutions to meet the unique needs of every client.
Locations: Des Moines and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs except taxes; Mark Lane Real Estate covers them.
Mark Lane Real Estate has a perfect 5-star rating on Google reviews, and customers express appreciation for his professionalism, reliability, and efficiency. Clients appreciate his straightforward offers, smooth transactions, and willingness to accommodate unique situations. Many recommend him for his prompt, fair, and considerate approach to property sales. The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB and has been accredited since 2018.
Website: markwantsyourhouse.com
Phone: 515-329-3262
We Buy Houses in Des Moines
Jacob, a real estate investor with more than seven years of experience, founded the company. We Buy Houses in Des Moines aims to provide honest, hassle-free solutions and help clients make informed decisions about their properties.
Locations: Des Moines and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Houses in Des Moines covers them.
We Buy Houses in Des Moines has a perfect 5-star rating on Google reviews, and clients praise Jacob’s professionalism and efficiency in the home-selling process. Many homeowners highlight how he made selling their properties easy and stress-free. The company has an A+ rating with the BBB and has been accredited since 2023.
Website: webuyhousesindesmoines.com
Phone: 515-305-2803
Why sell your Des Moines house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Des Moines home seller may choose to work with a cash-for-homes company. The clear benefits are speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Des Moines, selling a home on the market typically takes 76 days using an agent. That includes an average of 32 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 Des Moines, 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.
Let’s explore some common situations where opting for a cash sale might be the right choice:
- Urgent financial need: If you’re facing immediate financial challenges like bankruptcy or mounting debts, a quick cash sale can provide the necessary funds swiftly.
- Relocation for work: When you have to move quickly for a job relocation, selling your house for cash can simplify the transition.
- Divorce settlement: In the event of a divorce, selling your home for cash offers a quick and uncomplicated way to divide assets.
- Avoiding foreclosure: If you’re at risk of foreclosure, a cash sale can help settle debts with the lender and protect your credit.
- Inherited property: Unloading an inherited home quickly and without hassle is possible with a cash sale.
- Disrepair and renovation costs: If your home requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or manage, a cash offer provides a way out without renovations.
- Landlord burnout: Landlords tired of managing rental properties or dealing with problematic tenants can benefit from a straightforward cash sale.
It’s important to remember that this is just one of many available solutions. You’ll better understand whether it’s the best choice for you by comparing it with other options, such as working with real estate agents or iBuyers, which we’ll discuss next.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Des Moines
When considering selling your home to a top We Buy Houses for Cash company in Des Moines, understanding the pros and cons is important. The most significant advantages include the speed of the sale and the ability to sell your house as-is without needing repairs or preparations.
Pros
- Quick sale: The process is fast, often completed in days or weeks, ideal for urgent sales needs.
- No repairs needed: These companies will buy your home in its current condition, saving you the trouble and expense of repairs.
- Simple process: The sale involves less paperwork and fewer steps than traditional real estate transactions.
- Cash payment: You receive a straightforward payment, eliminating the need for mortgage approvals or financing contingencies.
While house-buying companies offer a quick and hassle-free sale, the major downside is receiving less than your home’s market value.
Cons
- Lower offers: Offers typically are below market value, as these companies aim to profit from future resales.
- Limited negotiation: The price offered usually is non-negotiable, giving you less control over the sale price.
- Lack of market exposure: Your home won’t be listed on the open market, possibly missing out on higher offers.
- Fewer options: You have limited choices in terms of buyers, unlike the open market, where multiple buyers might show interest.
- Risk of scams: Be cautious, as some house-buying companies might be fraudulent, so always verify their credibility and track record to avoid scams.
It’s also crucial to understand the value of your home in the current Des Moines market. Next, we’ll discuss vetting cash buyers and accurately determining your home’s worth.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
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.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When you decide to work with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Des Moines, it’s good to remember that the quality of service and integrity can vary significantly. Your experience largely depends on the character and professionalism of the individual or group making the offer.
To ensure a smooth and fair transaction, thoroughly vet the company. Check online reviews, read through testimonials, and research their presence and performance in the Des Moines market. This due diligence helps you gauge the company’s credibility and reliability.
Before you commit to a cash offer, it’s equally important to read the buying agreement carefully. Understand the terms and conditions, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything unclear.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced Des Moines 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 also can use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator for an initial estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Des Moines home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer near-instant home value estimates. They provide a mostly online experience, offering all-cash deals typically closer to market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process from offer to closing is quick, usually within a few days to two weeks. However, companies like Opendoor and Offerpad charge service fees of 5% to 6%.
Listing with an agent
Listing with a top real estate agent can also result in a fast sale, especially in a seller-friendly market. An agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), which helps determine an appropriate listing price and estimate the time to sell. Many agents offer CMAs, often free.
Partnering with a proven agent can yield the highest selling price and they may even connect you with buyers offering cash closer to market value. If you are interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
FAQs on Des Moines house-buying companies
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Des Moines are legitimate businesses. Their services and transaction fees may differ, but the business model has existed for decades. If you use an established group with a track record, you can be confident that it’s legitimate.
As with any financial transaction, being alert for scams is a good idea. 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.
Most Des Moines 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
Let’s look at an example offer equation to see how this might work in a real-world scenario. Let’s say your Des Moines contemporary home could sell for $255,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($255,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $148,500
In this example, a Des Moines We Buy Houses company might offer you about $148,500 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.
Accepting an offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Des Moines can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you typically avoid extra costs, as these companies manage most of the process once the offer is accepted. However, you’ll likely receive 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 hidden program fees affect your bottom line is always a good idea.
We Buy Houses for Cash in Des Moines vs. a top Des Moines agent
Another helpful exercise compares how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a real estate agent. Let’s take a look at how various aspects of the sale could play out and compare potential proceeds.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Des Moines | Sell with a top Realtor® in Des Moines |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 76 days average; 32 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 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 | 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 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 Des Moines is worth about $255,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $275,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Des Moines | Sell with a top Realtor® in Des Moines | |
| Estimated sale price | ($255,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $153,500 | $255,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,550 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $7,650 (3% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $3,385 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $153,500 | $241,415 |
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 challenging in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Quick sale: Selling your home to a cash-for-homes company in Des Moines can be much faster than traditional methods.
- As-is condition: These companies buy homes in any condition, eliminating your need for repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The sale involves fewer steps and less paperwork than traditional sales.
- Lower offers: Be prepared that offers from these companies are often below market value.
- Risk of scams: Always conduct thorough research to avoid fraudulent companies.
- 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 Des Moines agent.
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