If you need to sell your home quickly in Michigan, you may be considering “We Buy Houses” companies. These companies make all-cash offers for homes, even if they need repairs or updates. This can be a welcome option if you lack the time, money, or expertise for home improvements. Selling to a cash-for-homes company can provide a quick solution for homeowners facing urgent situations, like an unexpected move or financial strain.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at popular house-buying companies in Michigan, weigh the pros and cons of working with them, and help you determine if the cash offer route is the right fit for your needs. We’ll also explore other options to sell your Michigan home quickly and provide answers to frequently asked questions about house-buying companies.
By understanding your options, you can make an informed decision and move forward with your life plans.
Sell Your House Fast in Michigan With an All-Cash Offer
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Michigan area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Michigan
If you’re a homeowner in Michigan in need of a fast sale, you might find the simplicity and speed of selling to a house-buying company appealing. Here are the basic steps you would take when selling your house to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Michigan:
- Research your options: Start by researching various house-buying companies in Michigan to identify reputable and experienced companies. Look for customer reviews, ratings, and any available information about their business practices.
- Contact the company: Once you’ve identified a company you’d like to work with, reach out to them by phone or through their website. Provide details about your property, such as location, size, and any known issues.
- Schedule a property assessment: The company will arrange a time to visit your property for an assessment. They’ll evaluate the condition of your home and any needed repairs.
- Receive and review an offer: After the assessment, the company will present you with a no-obligation, all-cash offer. The offer is typically lower than market value and takes into account any necessary repairs. Take your time to review the offer and consult with trusted advisors if needed. Ensure that you understand all the terms and conditions.
- Accept or reject the offer: If you’re satisfied with the offer, you can accept it. If not, you can decline the offer without any penalties.
- Close the deal and move on: Once you accept the offer, the company will handle the closing process, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks. You’ll receive the agreed-upon cash amount at closing.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Michigan
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Michigan 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 Bungalow home or your parents’ Colonial Revival-style house. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Michigan home in as little as a week or two.
Chris Buys Homes In Detroit
Founded in 2016, Chris Buys Homes in Detroit is a locally owned house-buying company providing solutions for homeowners in challenging situations. They aim to offer hassle-free experiences, helping homeowners avoid Realtor® commissions, costly repairs, and other complexities. While they may not offer full retail value, they provide other benefits, including fast cash offers and covering closing fees.
Locations: Wayne County and nearby areas, including Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Monroe counties.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Chris Buys Homes in Detroit covers them.
Chris Buys Houses in Detroit has been BBB accredited since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. The company receives a 4.9 star rating on Google with more than 95 reviews. Most commend the simple and easy process, as well as the timely payments and follow-up calls to ensure satisfaction. Reviewers also praise the staff’s flexibility and willingness to work with clients during relocation.
Website: chrisbuyshomesdetroit.com
Phone number: 317-526-4712
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Michigan (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale has the largest 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 Michigan.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in as few as 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 Michigan
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.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Forged Homes
Forged Homes is a trusted real estate development company serving homesellers throughout Michigan. The business was founded in 2020 by partners Spencer and Evan, who felt a desire to give back to their community after working in the vacation home industry. With a focus on building up communities and empowering individuals, the company’s website explains, “Forged Homes exists to provide legitimate, trustworthy, and quick cash offers on homes, helping people through tough times throughout Michigan.”
Locations: Michigan and Ohio
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Forged Homes covers them.
Forged Homes has a Google star rating of 4.8 and an A+ rating from the BBB. The company has been BBB-accredited since 2023. Reviewers praise the acquisition team for being upfront, detailed, and always available to address any questions or concerns. Clients feel respected and valued during the selling process, and the company is recommended for its excellent customer service. Even for those who are not familiar with real estate, Forged Homes provides thoughtful suggestions, ensuring the best interests of the clients are prioritized.
Website: forged-homes.com
Phone number: 313-552-8608
Blue Moon Acquisitions
Blue Moon Acquisitions is a locally owned real estate solutions company based in Metro Detroit, specializing in helping homeowners find solutions to their sticky situations, whether it’s facing foreclosure, dealing with burdensome properties, or needing to sell for various reasons. Their process involves filling out a short form, setting up an appointment, receiving a written offer, and closing at a reputable title company within a short time frame.
Locations: Mid-Michigan and Metro Detroit
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Blue Moon Acquisitions covers them.
Blue Moon Acquisitions is a BBB-accredited company with an A+ rating. Google reviews give the company a 4.6-star rating and praise the staff for the quick process and for providing helpful insights and options, making the selling decision easier for clients. They are commended for their ability to handle title issues promptly and without additional costs. Closing is described as fast, with clients receiving their payment within a short period. The company’s willingness to handle cleanup and updates is also often highlighted.
Website: sellsoonbluemoon.com
Phone number: 586-600-7161
Amy Buys Houses Michigan
Amy Buys Houses Michigan is a local home-buying company based in Plymouth specializing in renovating houses. With years of experience in the real estate industry, they offer multiple options to clients looking to sell their houses fast. Their home-selling process includes a simple offer and handling all aspects of the transaction, without inspections or appraisals, allowing homeowners to choose the closing date.
Locations: Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit, Michigan
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Amy Buys Houses Michigan covers them
Amy Buys Houses Michigan has been BBB accredited since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. The company has a 4.5-star Google review rating. Amy’s process is described by past clients as simple, and she takes the time to explain how she calculates the offer. For those inheriting properties or needing to sell their homes quickly, Amy is seen as a reliable and helpful option. Amy’s genuine interest in solving clients’ problems rather than just buying the house is commended, and clients are thankful for the stress-free results.
Website: amybuyshousesmi.com
Phone number: 734-530-1603
Cash for Michigan Houses
Cash for Michigan Houses is a real estate investment company in Flint, Michigan, dedicated to providing stress-free solutions for homeowners. They buy houses in any condition, including ugly, rundown, hoarder properties, and rental residences with bad tenants. Their approach focuses on the needs of Michigan homeowners, offering a fair cash price for properties in their as-is state. If selling to them isn’t the best option, they refer clients to local real estate agents. With no service charges or hidden fees, homeowners can expect a fast and cost-free sale.
Locations: All cities in Michigan
Closing costs: No closing costs; clients get full offer minus any back taxes, liens, or code violations.
Cash for Michigan Houses is highly regarded by clients for its efficiency, fair offers, and customer service. The level of professionalism and helpfulness demonstrated by the team is commended, making the experience refreshing and worthwhile even for those who do not end up selling their homes. The company is not BBB accredited but has an A+ rating. They also hold a 4.5-star rating on Google.
Website: cashformichiganhouses.com
Phone number: 810-309-9371
Maple Tree Home Buyers
Maple Tree Home Buyers, a family-owned real estate solutions company in West Michigan, helps homeowners find solutions for their property-related challenges, including foreclosure and homes that are difficult to sell. As both real estate investors and licensed agents, they offer flexibility to tailor solutions that suit each homeowner’s needs. Homeowners can sell their houses in as-is condition without worrying about repairs or cleaning, whether they choose a fast cash sale or a traditional market listing.
Locations: West Michigan
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs with the Cash Offer option
Maple Tree Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since April 2023 and holds an A+ rating. While online reviews are limited, past clients have given a 5.0-rating on Google and speak to their simple and quick closing process.
Website: mapletreehomebuyers.com
Phone number: 616-341-2024
Why sell your Michigan house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Michigan homeseller may choose to work with a cash-for-homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Michigan, it typically takes about 73 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 29 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 Michigan, 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 of the most common scenarios that might lead Michigan homeowners to choose a We Buy Houses for Cash company over listing their property the traditional way.
- Significant repair issues: Your home might have major issues like foundation gaps, a sagging roof, or wall fissures that are too costly or time-consuming to repair.
- Urgent need for cash: You may need to cash in quickly or move ASAP due to divorce, medical needs, financial strain, job relocation, or other life changes.
- Lack of funds for repairs: You don’t have the necessary funds or desire to make home repairs before selling.
- Avoiding stress and effort: You want to avoid the stress, work, and headaches of prepping the home, coordinating showings, negotiating, or dealing with a lengthy and complex sales process.
- Privacy concerns: You desire the privacy of selling your property quietly off-market to a cash buyer.
- Facing foreclosure: You may be facing foreclosure and want to sell your home and settle debts with the lender before your situation or credit history worsens.
- Inherited property: You want a convenient and fast way to unload an inherited property that may be costing you time and money to maintain.
- Rental property management: You’re a landlord who no longer wants to manage a rental property, or you want to relieve yourself of a problem tenant.
- Aging homeowner: You are a homeowner who is growing older and looking to downsize, move in with a relative, or be in a care facility, prompting the sale of your house for convenience or to help fund the move.
- Out-of-state seller: You live out of state and desire the benefits of an easy, quick cash sale.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, a cash offer from a Michigan We Buy Houses company might be a suitable option. However, it’s important to consider this the first step in determining a solution. To make an informed decision, you should be aware of the pros and cons and other options available to you.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Michigan
Selling your home to a house-buying company in Michigan can offer several advantages, but it also comes with its own set of drawbacks. It’s essential to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision that aligns with your unique circumstances and goals.
Pros
House-buying companies in Michigan provide homeowners with a quick, convenient way to sell their homes. They will buy your house in any condition, so you won’t need to make repairs or preparations. Here are some key benefits of selling to a house-buying company:
- Speedy sales: House-buying companies can close the deal in a matter of days or weeks, compared to the traditional real estate process that may take months.
- No repairs required: These companies will buy your home in its current condition, eliminating the need for repairs, upgrades, or staging.
- No commissions or closing costs: Since you’re selling directly to the buyer, there are no agent commissions or closing costs, which can save you money.
- Convenience: Selling to a house-buying company simplifies the process, as they handle most of the paperwork and logistics, offering you a hassle-free experience.
Cons
While house-buying companies offer speed and convenience, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The most significant con is that these companies will likely offer you less than market value for your home compared to selling with an experienced real estate agent. Here are some key drawbacks to consider:
- Lower offers: House-buying companies typically offer less than market value for your home, as they factor in the cost of repairs and their profit margin.
- Less competition: By selling directly to a house-buying company, you miss out on the potential for multiple offers from individual buyers, which could drive up the price.
- Limited negotiation: House-buying companies typically present a take-it-or-leave-it offer, leaving little to no room for negotiation.
- Risk of pressure or scams: While most We Buy Houses companies in Michigan are established and trustworthy, there is a risk of getting involved with a scam buyer. Other groups may use pressure tactics to take advantage of your urgent situation. It’s important to thoroughly vet each company you’re considering.
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 deciding to sell your home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Michigan, it’s essential to remember that the level of integrity and service you experience can vary greatly. Your experience will largely depend on the character of the person or group making the offer. To ensure a smooth and fair process, it’s crucial to vet the company thoroughly.
Before committing to a cash offer, take the time to check reviews, read testimonials, and research the company’s presence and performance in the market. Make sure to work with a reputable buyer who has a track record of fair and transparent dealings. Additionally, don’t forget to carefully read the buying agreement before signing, as this will outline the terms of the sale and protect your interests.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced local agent to get a better idea of what your Michigan 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 use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, offer a mostly online home sale experience through automated valuation models (AVMs) that provide near-instant home value estimates.
iBuyers are known for giving all-cash offers closer to market value for homes in better condition, with quick closings ranging from a few days to two weeks. However, iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge service fees of 5% to 6% and are best suited for sellers with homogeneous housing in relatively good condition.
Listing with an Agent
Even when the clock is ticking, there can be value in listing your home with a top Michigan real estate agent, especially if you’re in a seller-friendly market. Properly priced and marketed homes can sell quickly, and partnering with a proven professional can yield higher selling prices.
A trusted agent can offer insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), which evaluates your home against similar properties that have recently sold in the area. A CMA helps determine an appropriate listing price and can estimate how quickly your home might sell. Many agents offer free CMAs, allowing you to weigh your options and make an informed decision.
Experienced agents may be able to match you with local cash buyers willing to offer closer to market value. If you’re interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your Michigan area.
FAQs on Michigan house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Michigan 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 legitimate.
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 Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most Michigan 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 Michigan Victorian home could sell for $246,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($246,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $142,200
In this example, a Michigan We Buy Houses company might offer you about $142,200 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 85%-95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Michigan We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. On the other 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 affect your bottom line.
- Research and vet the Michigan house-buying companies that serve your 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. Consider 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 Michigan vs. top Michigan agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a Michigan 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 Michigan | Sell with a top Realtor in Michigan |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 73 days average; 29 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%-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 Michigan is currently worth about $235,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $260,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Michigan | Sell with a top Realtor in Michigan | |
| Estimated sale price | ($260,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $157,000 | $235,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,350 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $7,050 (3%* of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $3,525 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $157,000 | $222,075 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
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.
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 in Michigan will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Cash offers: Selling to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Michigan can provide you with a quick, all-cash offer, eliminating the need for traditional financing or buyer contingencies.
- As-is condition: These companies buy homes in any condition, sparing you the time and expense of making repairs or prepping your home for sale.
- Speedy closing: Cash-for-homes companies can close quickly, often within a few days to a couple of weeks, allowing you to move on with your life plans.
- Below-market offers: While offering a convenient and fast sale process, these companies typically offer less than market value for your home compared to selling on the open market with an experienced real estate agent.
- Vet companies: The level of integrity and service you experience can vary, so it’s essential to vet the company thoroughly by checking reviews, reading testimonials, and researching its market presence and performance.
- Know your home’s worth: Before committing to a cash offer, have a clear understanding of your home’s worth. Consulting with a trusted agent can provide valuable insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA). You can also get a preliminary estimate using HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator.
If you’re considering selling to a cash-for-homes company in Michigan, it’s wise to gather multiple offers and take the time to weigh your options before making a commitment.
At HomeLight, we’re here to assist you with your real estate needs, whether you’re exploring a cash offer or seeking out a top Michigan agent to help you sell your house fast and at the highest price. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision.
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