We Buy Houses companies in Milwaukee make all-cash offers for homes that often need some work, enabling sellers who lack the time, expertise, and money for repairs to move quickly and receive the cash proceeds from their home sooner if they need it.
Perhaps you’ve had your fill of lake-effect snow and are looking to thaw out for a while. Or maybe, like many Milwaukeeans, you’re relocating from the Cream City for a new job in Madison or Chicago, but they need you to start right away. Whatever your reasons for moving, selling your house may be the biggest obstacle in your way.
If you need to sell your Milwaukee home quickly, a We Buy Houses for Cash company could be the best solution. However, before you request a cash offer, it’s important to understand how much a Milwaukee house-buying company might offer for your home and weigh your options. Once you’re familiar with the process, you can opt to select a company on our list of some of the top contenders and get moving.
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Milwaukee’s “we buy houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Milwaukee
We Buy Houses companies in Milwaukee typically promise quick, all-cash offers and ultra-fast closings, often in as few as seven days. They tend to target distressed properties in need of repairs and work with sellers who need to move ASAP.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- You request an offer and provide the company with some information about your home. Some companies may make a preliminary offer at this stage, but it’s usually subject to change once they’ve inspected your property.
- The company completes a walk-through of your property, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- The company makes a firm offer (usually within 24 hours, sometimes on-site after the walk-through), which you can accept or decline. Most of these companies will not negotiate on price, so the offer is a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a contract, and the closing process will begin. Some companies offer a large deposit or moving cost assistance, and a few may even pay for the home upfront.
- Closing and getting paid is quick, typically within seven days to a few weeks. This can vary by company, and sellers who work with a house-buying company often enjoy flexibility in selecting a move-out date that works for them.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee
If these benefits of selling to a house-buying company in Milwaukee sound 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 duplex or colonial. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Milwaukee home in as little as a week or two.
Note: Individual program details frequently change — please visit a company’s website for the most up-to-date information on each program’s fees, market coverage, business model, and more. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.
We Buy Ugly Houses® / HomeVestors®
We Buy Ugly Houses is a subsidiary of the parent company HomeVestors. HomeVestors was founded in 1996 and began franchising at that time, so this company is also one of the longer-standing house-buying companies in a crowded market. Its independently owned and operated offices have together purchased more than 125,000 houses since inception.
Unlike some competitors, We Buy Ugly Houses makes clear and firm cash offers to the sellers they work with. They are careful to visit properties before proposing an offer, and once doing so, the company does not subtract commissions or fees during the closing process.
To avoid copycat companies, be sure to read up on what sets HomeVestors apart as a company.
Locations: Greater Milwaukee area and other markets nationally
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Ugly Houses covers them.
This franchise of We Buy Ugly Houses – L7 Investments LLC – has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. Customer reviews on Google for the Milwaukee office of We Buy Ugly Houses / HomeVestors speak to a judgment-free and fair selling experience. Reviewers express that in spite of sometimes-overwhelming circumstances, We Buy Ugly Houses provides a speedy and seamless process for sellers who need it.
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Milwaukee (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale has a network of cash buyers on its platform, 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 different locations throughout Milwaukee. With Simple Sale, 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 Milwaukee
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 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.
Phone: 844-488-8455
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer
This locally-owned family business has been investing in area real estate since 1999. These investors rehab properties, sometimes selling to new owners, or sometimes leasing to new families who wish to rent. Either way, this company takes pride in investing locally and in making over distressed homes in need of repair.
Locations: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and surrounding markets
Closing costs: Closing costs are not specifically covered by the buyer, but will be factored into cost negotiation.
Metro Milwaukee Home Buyer has been BBB accredited since late 2018, where it maintains an A+ rating. Many reviewers from Google mention company owner Nick Ruiz by name and appreciate the professionalism he brings to transactions. They have a 5.0-star Google rating.
Cream City Home Buyers
This small, locally-owned business started in 2016. With consistent 5-star reviews from clients, the co-owners are invested in making Milwaukee a better place to live through not only their real estate investments but also their volunteerism in the community. This company commits to walking its customers through the home-selling process, offering transparency about how their company’s formula is used to generate an offer.
Locations: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Racine counties
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cream City Home Buyers covers them.
Cream City Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018, where it holds an A+ standing. Google customer reviews for Cream City Home Buyers speak to this company’s professionalism and courtesy. Clients also express appreciation for what is consistently referred to as a stress-free, hassle-free closing process.
Captain Save-A-Home
For sellers who are particularly concerned with speed, Captain Save-A-Home says they can be ready for the closing process in 10 days or less. Compared to other companies, which may require more lead time, this investor promises a response to new customers in 24 hours or less. For some customers, this focus on expediency (combined with consistently strong positive reviews) will make this company extra appealing.
Locations: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and surrounding counties
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 and hold an A+ rating. Ample positive customer reviews for Captain Save-A-Home on Google speak to particularly positive working relationships with owners Nick and Rebecca. They express satisfaction with the company’s fast correspondence and professionalism.
Plan B HomeBuyers
This company helps anyone who is facing foreclosure, dealing with an inherited house, divorce, probate, troublesome tenants, or other stressful situations that would require them to sell their house fast. They pride themselves on their quickness, transparency, and expertise – three qualities that their satisfied clients know them for.
Locations: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Plan B HomeBuyers covers them.
Plan B HomeBuyers has been BBB accredited since 2010, making it one of the longer-standing real estate investors in this market. The company holds an A+ rating. Customer reviews with the BBB and on Google for Plan B HomeBuyers speak to fair offers and supportive office staff. They express appreciation for compassionate and professional transactions.
Phone: 414-431-2650
Why sell for cash in Milwaukee?
There are plenty of reasons a Milwaukee seller may choose to go the Cash-For-Homes route, speed and certainty being chief among them.
In Milwaukee, it typically takes around 78 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 34 days on market, plus the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven days promised by many We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee, and you can see why these companies remain popular, even though they don’t always offer top dollar.
Not every seller has months to prep, market, show, and close. Let’s look at some common reasons Milwaukee sellers choose Cash-For-Homes companies over listing the traditional way.
- The home has major repair issues common in Milwaukee, such as water damage in the basement or the need for new or replacement insulation throughout.
- The seller needs to move or cash in quickly due to divorce, job relocation, medical need, financial stress, etc.
- The seller doesn’t have the means or desire to make repairs.
- The seller doesn’t want to bother prepping the home, dealing with showings, negotiating, or navigating a long sales process.
- The seller prefers the privacy of selling their home off-market to a cash buyer.
- The seller is in the foreclosure process and wants to sell the home and settle up with the lender before it’s too late.
- The seller inherited property and wants to unload it as quickly as possible.
- The seller is a landlord who has problem tenants or no longer wishes to manage a rental property.
- The homeowner is aging and moving into a care facility, prompting their family to sell the home.
- The seller is living out of state and prefers the ease of a cash sale.
If any of these sounds like you, requesting a cash offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company might be a good starting point, though it’s not your only option, and it may not be your best move (we’ll dive into your other options in just a minute!).
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Milwaukee
By now, you’ve probably figured out that We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee are a bit of a mixed bag. You get speed and service, but you may “pay” a sizable premium for that service. Let’s walk through a few pros and cons to consider while weighing your options.
Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash in Milwaukee
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required, and they’ll buy homes in any condition.
If your home was severely damaged in a weather event, or you’ve fallen years behind on routine maintenance, you can still sell without needing to make the extensive repairs that financed buyers may require.
Here are some other pros to consider:
- Speed: You can often sell your home in as few as seven days.
- Certainty: Since the company does a pre-offer walk-through, their offer is firm and comes with few (if any) contingencies. Cash-For-Houses companies are experts at clearing roadblocks and closing deals.
- No repairs: Again, if your home is in rough shape and you don’t have the funds or the patience to make repairs, you can skip them altogether and save yourself the stress.
- Less hassle: You don’t have to deal with staging, open houses, fielding offers, negotiating with picky buyers, worrying about the appraisal, or stressing about the buyer’s financing falling through. Overall, reputable We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee offer a smooth ride from offer to close.
That all may sound pretty great to you as a seller if you’re looking to move within weeks rather than the months it might take you to list and sell your home on the market with an agent. However, there are downsides to working with Cash-For-Homes companies. Namely, they typically offer substantially below market value for your home.
Cons to We Buy Houses for Cash in Milwaukee
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses site, remember that these are house-buying companies, which means they’re ultimately trying to make a profit. They plan to fix up your home and either resell it or rent it out. That takes considerable time, skill, and investment.
Here are some potential downsides to weigh:
- Lower offers: Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value (or the value that your house could sell for on the market once it’s all fixed up) minus repair costs. So, the price you get for your home may be appreciably lower than what you’d get on the market.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: Not all cash home-buying companies are equal. Some are more localized, have specific neighborhood knowledge, and are able to leverage that expertise into more competitive offers. Others are less knowledgeable about the specifics of your community, which could result in lowball bids.
- Not all companies are trustworthy: Some companies make extremely low offers to desperate homeowners and try to pressure you into making a quick decision. A few bad players may even engage in fraud tactics, though it’s uncommon.
- They may use pressure tactics: These companies know that homeowners looking to sell quickly are often desperate, and some do take advantage of that by using pressure tactics. You should never feel pressured to accept an offer, especially since there are plenty of We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee to choose from. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, it’s time to move on to another option.
Your home is more than a place where you make memories with family; it’s also likely your biggest asset. Sure, you want to sell quickly, but you could be leaving major money on the table if you choose to work with one of these We Buy Houses for Cash companies.
Always do your research, compare your options, and consult with a trusted advisor before accepting any offer.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
For many home sellers, We Buy Houses for Cash companies can be a solid solution to get a property sold quickly or to access cash for an expected life challenge. On the other hand, the “cash for your home” rehabbing business model has also led to what some housing advocates call predatory tactics.
The level of integrity and customer service you experience can vary, even within an established house-buying company that strives to maintain consistent business standards. This is because many We Buy Houses for Cash companies are franchises and often use independent investors or local wholesaling outfits. Your experience greatly depends on the character of the person or group making the offer.
If you are considering a cash offer, vet the company thoroughly. Check reviews, read testimonials, and research its presence and performance in the market. And, of course, read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
Get a home value estimate
Before committing to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, HomeLight suggests you consult with a top agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then, compare cash offers to what a top agent might be able to get for your home. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market.
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.
You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your home quickly
iBuyers
Within the cash-for-homes business you’ll also encounter a particular group of companies known as iBuyers, or instant buyers.
iBuyer companies offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage algorithmic technology, otherwise known as automated valuation models (or AVMs), to make you a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home sale experience.
iBuyers have only been around since the mid-2010s, but are now widely available across Wisconsin.
iBuyers offer all-cash and can close in a matter of days to a few weeks. But unlike more traditional We Buy Houses for Cash companies, iBuyers tend to look for homes in better condition and offer much closer to market value, typically in the 85%-95% range.
Though one thing to note is that major iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad usually charge sizable fees for their services, between 5%-6%.
Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in Milwaukee include those who prefer to skip staging and showing their home, who live in an area with somewhat similar housing, and who have a home in relatively good shape.
Listing with an agent
You want to sell your house quickly, not in 78 days. But hear us out! Listings that are priced strategically and marketed effectively can still fly off the market relatively fast.
Going with an agent could pay off big time. Selling on the market generally fetches the highest home price, and that’s especially true if you work with a skilled professional. Our internal transaction data at HomeLight shows that the top 5% of real estate agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
This is a big financial decision, so it may make sense to consult with a trusted real estate agent who can complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand your home’s value and how quickly it’s likely to sell.
Your agent may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to offer closer to market value for your home.
Plus, a CMA is usually free and you’re under no obligation to list with the agent, so this may be a good tool to explore your options. Even if you end up deciding to work with a Cash-For-Homes company, at least you’ll know you’re making a sound financial decision.
Overwhelmed by finding an agent? HomeLight would be happy to connect you with a top performer in your area today.
Key takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee can offer you a way to sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, showings, or hassles.
- There are many reputable cash home-buying companies across Milwaukee, and most sellers going this route can find a company that suits their needs.
- You could leave significant money on the table using a Cash-For-Homes company versus going with a top agent or iBuyer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Milwaukee. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the region, it can be a great starting point if you aren’t sure who would buy your home.
FAQs on Milwaukee house-buying companies
Are We Buy Houses for Cash companies legit or scams?
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legit, and you can rest assured that this business model has been around for decades.
However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for scams, or anything that just doesn’t seem right. Always thoroughly research companies ahead of time. Verify all professional licenses, check customer reviews, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the Better Business Bureau website.
How much will We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Milwaukee pay?
Most Cash-For-Homes companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value, minus repair costs.
Here’s what that simple formula looks like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
Now let’s take a look at a practical example. Let’s say your Milwaukee Cape Cod-style home could sell for $250,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($250,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $145,000
In this example, a Milwaukee cash-for-homes company will probably offer you around $145,000 for your property.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more like 85%-95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
How much does selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Milwaukee cost?
Selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company shouldn’t cost you any money, though you’ll likely get less overall for your home.
Since these companies are geared toward distressed homes, they tend to have zero fees, and will even cover your closing costs. That means the offer you get is the price you should walk away with. Make sure to ask about any hidden program fees that could eat into your bottom line.
How do you sell a house for cash in Milwaukee?
- Research and vet house-buying companies available in your area. The above list is a great place to start.
- Submit offer requests to your top few companies.
- Schedule any on-site visits.
- Field and compare offers. Choose the best option for you.
- Close in a week to 30 days and get paid (or you can often choose a later closing date, up to 90 days after receiving the offer)
We Buy Houses for Cash in Milwaukee vs. top Milwaukee agent
Wondering how a We Buy Houses for Cash company stacks up against working with a real estate agent? We’ve got you covered.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Milwaukee | Sell with a top Realtor in Milwaukee |
| Sale timeline | 7 to 30 days | 78 days average; 34 to attract an offer, 44 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Make necessary repairs, deep clean, declutter, landscape, stage home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
| Inspections / repairs | None | May need to make repairs for the buyer or renegotiate price |
| Appraisal | None | May need to lower the price if 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 loan doesn’t clear |
| Agent commission | None | 3%-5.8% average* |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of sale price on top of commission* |
Example net proceeds
Let’s say your ranch home in Milwaukee is currently worth about $220,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are made, the home should be worth around $250,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Milwaukee | Sell with a top Realtor in Milwaukee | |
| Estimated sale price | ($250,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $145,000 | $220,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,200 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $6,600 (3%* of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $3,300 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $145,000 | $207,900 |
Obviously, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to go with a top agent, but depending on the condition of your home and any repairs needed, selling on the open market could be challenging.
Agent commission changes
*On March 15, 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced a landmark lawsuit settlement that will change the way real estate agent commissions are handled in the future. These changes will “decouple” seller and buyer agent compensation. Industry experts predict that this decoupling will likely lower agent fees and give buyers the ability to negotiate commission amounts directly. Learn more.
House-buying companies can be a good alternative for Milwaukee sellers in need of a quick exit from homeownership, but they’re not without drawbacks. However you choose to sell your home, it’s important to avoid making a hasty decision.
For best results, take the time to weigh your options, gather offers from multiple companies, and consider consulting with a top agent to see how easily your property could sell on the market. Whatever you decide, HomeLight would be happy to help with your real estate needs!
Chelsea Levinson contributed to this post.
Header Image Source: (Saketh Garuda / Unsplash)
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