Selling a property can be stressful. Really stressful, actually—especially if you need to move quickly. The traditional route? You’d hire a real estate agent and watch 6% of your sale price disappear in commission. On a $200,000 home, that’s $12,000 gone. It’s one reason why homeowners seem to be exploring options like sell my house fast in Richmond with companies that buy houses for cash.
What is a company that buys houses?
A company that buys houses specializes in making fast cash offers to property owners. You skip the showings, the back-and-forth negotiations, those months of waiting. Most of these companies work locally—so if you’re thinking about selling your house fast in Virginia, it helps to know what you’re getting into.
Here’s the thing: these companies often buy homes in any condition. Leaky roof? Foundation issues? Doesn’t matter. They’ll usually tell you within days—sometimes hours—whether they want to purchase.
Types of companies that buy houses
House Flipping Companies
House flipping companies buy, renovate, and resell homes for profit. They’re the ones looking for that 1970s split-level with orange shag carpet—properties that need serious work. After investing in new kitchens, bathrooms, maybe knocking down a wall or two, they’ll sell at a higher price.
iBuyers
iBuyers work differently. They purchase and sell homes online, crunching market data to spit out instant offers. These companies prefer homes that won’t need much work—maybe just fresh paint and new carpet. Speed is their game, not major renovations.
Buy-and-Hold Companies
Some investors aren’t interested in flipping at all. They keep properties long-term, collecting rent checks month after month. Before finding tenants, they might replace that dated linoleum or slap on a coat of neutral paint. You’ll find plenty of these in markets like sell my house fast in Norfolk, where rental demand stays strong.
Worked Pricing Example
Let me break down the math: Say your house could sell for $150,000 as-is. The buyer estimates $25,000 in repairs (new roof, HVAC, kitchen updates). They want $15,000 profit, plus $5,000 for closing and holding costs. Your offer? Probably around $105,000 cash. That’s $150,000 minus all those expenses.
Pros of Selling a Property to a Company that Buys Houses
- No commission fees: That 4–6% stays in your pocket.
- Cash offers: No waiting for buyer financing to come through.
- Fast closings: We’re talking days or weeks, not the usual 30-45 days.
- Sell as-is: Forget fixing that broken dishwasher or patching the hole in the wall.
- Certainty: Cash deals rarely fall apart at the last minute.
Local buyers like Eagle Cash Buyers can apparently close quickly on any property type—whether it’s a fixer-upper or just outdated—in areas like sell my house fast in Chesapeake.
Drawbacks of Selling to a Company that Buys Houses
- Lower offers: You’re trading dollars for convenience. Sometimes a lot of dollars.
- Potential scams: Not everyone who claims to have cash actually does.
- Business first: Some companies might prioritize their bottom line over what’s best for you.
Seller Checklist Before Accepting an Offer
- Google the company. What are past sellers saying?
- Ask for proof they actually have the money.
- Get a rough idea of your home’s market value first.
- Read every line of that contract. Yes, even the boring parts.
- Pin down exactly when they’ll close.
- Watch for sneaky fees buried in the paperwork.
List of Companies that Buy Houses
Eagle Cash Buyers
BBB-accredited, they pay cash without commissions or closing costs. They claim they won’t pressure you—though that’s what they all say, right?
HomeGo
A flipper that’ll give you a same-day cash offer after someone actually walks through your house.
HomeVestors
You’ve probably seen their “We Buy Ugly Houses” billboards. They typically make offers within 48 hours and might close in three weeks.
iBuyHomes
They handle the financing and closing details. Sometimes they can wrap everything up within a week.
Opendoor.com
An iBuyer that makes offers within 24 hours. Closing takes 14–60 days, but they do charge a service fee.
Zillow
Uses their Zestimate tool for quick valuations. Just know they’ll charge fees for repairs and closing costs.
FAQs
How fast can I sell to a cash home buyer?
It varies, but 7–14 days isn’t uncommon if everything lines up. Your situation and the house’s condition play a role.
Will I get market value for my home?
Honestly? Probably not. These offers typically come in below market value—they need room for repairs, carrying costs, and yes, profit.
Are all companies that buy houses legitimate?
Unfortunately, no. Do your homework. If they won’t show proof of funds or seem pushy, walk away.
Can I sell an inherited house quickly?
You can. Several companies actually specialize in inherited properties and know how to navigate the legal stuff and deferred maintenance.
Do I need to clean or repair before selling?
That’s the beauty of it—most cash buyers take properties as-is. Leave that broken garage door alone.
For more local guidance, see our page on sell my house fast in Newport News.
