In Q2 2024, over 30% of US homes sold for cash. A cash sale means no repairs, no delays, and a quick 7-14 day closing. No wonder Columbia homeowners ditch repairs and choose cash buyers for a hassle-free sale!
But here’s a downside! Cash buyers offer just 30% to 70% of your home’s Fair Market Value. Don’t stress—just enter a cash buyer marketplace. Here you can receive offers that can reach up to 100% of your home’s value!
Reviews: 7 Top Cash Home Buyers in Columbia
1. Houzeo.com: Columbia’s #1 Cash Home Buyer Marketplace
MAX EXPOSURE TO CASH BUYERS
Listing Fee: $199Houzeo is the best option if you’re looking for multiple cash offers. Your MLS listing will be exposed to local and national cash buyers, increasing the number of offers you receive.
- Pricing:
- Silver Plan – $199: 6-month MLS listing, 24 photos.
- Gold Plan – $249: Maximum photos, contract review, seller disclosures, licensed broker assistance.
- Platinum Plan – $299: Everything in Gold with a 12 month listing and virtual full-service with licensed broker.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is one of America’s best cash buyer marketplaces.
Houzeo is America’s #1 cash buyer marketplace because of 5 reasons:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s packages give you access to the MLS and 100s of websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc.
- 5-Star Customer Service: Houzeo’s customer service desk is available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is high-tech. For you, this means easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers.
- No Listing Commission: You’ll pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS. You get to bypass the 3% listing agent commission!
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Houzeo Pros and Cons: Read the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Houzeo to sell your home for cash.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
With Houzeo, you can connect with Columbia’s best cash home-buying companies and individual investors. You can also get multiple competitive offers for your home. This increased exposure helps you get maximum profit.
2. We Buy Ugly Houses
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Service Fee: NoneWe Buy Ugly Houses is a well-known cash home-buying company that helps homeowners sell their properties in any condition. It offers a fast, hassle-free sale without the need for repairs or staging.
- Typical Offer: 50% to 70% of your property’s Fair Market Value.
- No Closing Costs: You don’t have to pay any seller closing costs; it is covered by the company.
- Eligible Properties: Distressed properties with structural issues, homeowners facing relocation, homes with flawed mortgage financing, inherited homes, homes in high-crime neighborhoods, etc.
- Service Fee: None.
Here are some of the benefits that you get with We Buy Ugly Houses:
- Sell Your Home As Is: You can sell your distressed home and skip repair costs, which helps your save thousands.
- Quick Closing Timeline: Once you accept the offer, you can sell your house within 2 weeks.
- Save on Closing Costs: When you sell your house for cash, you don’t incur upfront costs to fix, prepare, or stage your house. They take care of the closing costs themselves.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of We Buy Ugly Houses:
- Lowball Offers: Cash offers typically range from 50% to 70% of a home’s Fair Market Value, based on its condition and location.
- Limited Negotiation: We Buy Ugly Houses extends “take-it-or-leave-it” offers. You can try to negotiate, but usually, they won’t budge.
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: This option may not be best for homes in high-demand areas where you could get more by listing on the MLS.
- Inconsistent Service Quality: Your experience may vary depending on how your local investor handles the sale.
We Buy Ugly Houses is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 90+ reviews on Google.
» We Buy Ugly Houses Reviews: Want to know more? Dive into our detailed review!
We Buy Ugly Houses operates as a franchise under its parent company, HomeVestors. Each franchisee is independently owned and operated. This leads to variations in service quality and customer experience across different locations nationwide.
Further, if your home requires extensive repairs, you may just 30% to 50% of your home’s fair market value.
3. ASAP Cash Home Buyers
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Service Fee: NoneASAP Cash Home Buyers aims to provide a straightforward process for quick sale. They offer cash for properties in various conditions including damaged homes due to fire or flood and not covered by insurance.
- Typical Offer: While not explicitly stated on their website, the offers typically range from 50% to 70% of the property’s Fair Market Value.
- Eligible Properties: The company buys a variety of properties including condos, townhouses, etc. Properties with structural issues or facing foreclosure homes, even those in high-crime areas, are also considered.
- Closing Offer Terms: They aim for a fast closing, with timelines potentially ranging from 7 to 28 days after accepting the offer.
- Service Fee: None
Here are some of the benefits that you get with ASAP Cash Home Buyers:
- Nationwide Coverage: ASAP Cash Home Buyers operates across all 50 states, offering broad accessibility.
- Flexible Closing Date: They aim to work with your preferred closing timeline, potentially closing in as little as 7 days.
- No Hidden Costs: ASAP Cash Home Buyers mention all their fees upfront.
- Purchase of Distressed Home: You can sell your home as-is to save time and without any minor repair work.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of ASAP Cash Home Buyers:
- Varying Level of Service: ASAP Cash Home Buyers partners with other real estate investors. Therefore, there’s no guarantee that you will work with a knowledgeable and responsive buyer.
- Only Purchase Homes: ASAP Cash Home Buyers does not buy property interests like timeshares, hotels, or rental communities. Thus, if you want to sell other properties, you need to consider other options.
- Limited Negotiation: Since they have a streamlined process, it can result in fixed terms and conditions. This means you have less opportunity to negotiate on the offered price.
ASAP Cash Home Buyers has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars with 35+ reviews on Google.
» ASAP Cash Home Buyer Review: Read our in-depth analysis.
ASAP Cash Home Buyers was founded in Fort Lauderdale, FL. However, they have partner investors who offer cash for homes in Columbia.
This cash buyer doesn’t charge a service fee and covers all closing costs. Additionally, they can close on your home in 7 to 28 days.
4. HomeVestors
NATIONAL CASH BUYER
Service Fee: NoneHomeVestors is a nationwide network of real estate investors that operates independently. This company is the parent brand of We Buy Ugly Houses.
- Typical Offer: You may get 50% to 70% of the Fair Market Value (FMV).
- Eligible Properties: HomeVestors buys properties that require structural repairs or are move-in ready. This includes townhomes, condos, multi-tenant properties, mobile/manufactured homes, and more.
- Closing Offer Terms: HomeVestors offers a flexible closing date and can sometimes close in as little as 30 days.
- Service Fee: None.
Here are some of the benefits that you get with HomeVestors:
- Fast Cash for Distressed Homes: HomeVestors make fast cash offers, regardless of your property’s condition. The initial offer is based on comparable properties in the area and housing market trends.
- Near Nationwide Coverage: They have 1,000 independently owned franchisee offices in 45 states.
- Zero Service Fees: When you sell your property for cash, HomeVestors doesn’t charge any service fee.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of HomeVestors:
- Lowball Cash Offers: HomeVestors may offer below Fair Market Value, much lower than the open market price.
- Inconsistent Service Quality: With HomeVestors, your house is sold to a local investor. The service quality will differ based on that franchisee.
- Relentless Marketing: Once you show interest in the services of HomeVestors, you might feel harassed by their pervasive marketing including in-house visits.
HomeVestors has 1.44 out of 5 stars with 30+ reviews on Better Business Bureau.
HomeVestors Reviews: Read this review to get an idea of how the franchise-based model of the company works.
👉 Our Take: We do not recommend HomeVestors for cash home sellers. They may extend lowball offers and leave no room for negotiation. They also operate independently, which can lead to varying service standards.
HomeVestors is the biggest cash home buyer franchisor in the U.S., with over 800 offices nationwide. The company also owns the “We Buy Ugly Houses” brand. Each HomeVestors office is independently owned and operated by a local real estate investor.
5. Opendoor
SEASONED IBUYER
Service Fee: 5%Opendoor is the biggest iBuyer in the U.S. They offer cash for your home within 24 to 48 hours of submitting your details on their website. Opendoor is also flexible with closing timelines and move-out dates.
- Typical Offer: 70% to 80% of your property’s Fair Market Value.
- Eligible Properties: Opendoor will make cash offers only on owner-occupied properties built post-1930 with a maximum lot size of 1.5 to 2 acres. Prefabricated homes or homes with tenants do not qualify for Opendoor’s cash offer.
- Closing Offer Terms: Opendoor claims to let you close at your pace, up to 45 days after their offer. However, be aware that your final offer may change.
- Service Fee: You will be charged 5% of the home sale price.
Here are some of the benefits that you get with Opendoor:
- Broad Coverage: Opendoor makes cash offers for houses in 51 markets across the country.
- Sell As-Is: Opendoor helps you avoid the hassle of making minor repairs and you can sell your house as-is.
- Late Checkout up to 14 Days: Opendoor lets you temporarily stay in your home for up to 2 weeks after closing.
- No Cancellation Fees: You can cancel the contract anytime without incurring any fine.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Opendoor:
- Low-ball Cash Offer: Opendoor’s final cash offer may be below your property’s Fair Market Value, around 70%. They also deduct repair and closing costs.
- Hefty Service Fees: Opendoor will charge you a steep 5% service fee.
- Strict Eligibility Criteria: Opendoor doesn’t pay cash for inherited properties, homes with tenants, pre-fabricated or mobile homes, and properties located in a flood zone.
Opendoor has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Reviews.io.
» Opendoor Reviews: Read customer reviews and our breakdown of Opendoor’s cash offer to make an informed decision.
Opendoor is a good option if your home needs minimal repairs. You can get a maximum of ~80% of your property’s fair market value. However, this means leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Their service fee is also a steep 5% of your home’s sale price.
Are Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in Columbia Legit?
Yes, companies that buy houses for cash are legitimate and operate legally nationwide. In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) validates cash buyers in the Soda City. However, be sure to read company reviews and seller testimonials to find a legitimate cash buyer.
3 Types of Companies That Buy Homes in Columbia
- We Buy Houses for Cash Companies: Cash buyers like HomeVestors and We Buy Ugly Houses purchase distressed homes, typically paying 30% to 70% of their FMV.
- iBuyers: iBuyers, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, provide instant cash offers between 70% and 80% of the FMV. They have strict eligibility requirements, limiting the types of homes they purchase.
- Home Trade-In Services: Companies like Knock or Orchard offer cash for your home before you move out. This helps you buy your new house without any delay.
4 Steps to Sell Your Home for Cash in Columbia
Not sure how to sell your home for cash in Columbia? Just follow these 4 steps:
- Find a Cash Home Buyer: Research all local companies buying houses for cash and opt for one with great client testimonials.
- Request an Offer: Once you’ve selected a cash buyer, request an offer on their website. You’ll have to provide information like the property type, number of rooms, asking price, etc.
- Schedule a Home Visit: A company representative will then inspect your house. The final cash offer will be based on the outcome of this inspection.
- Close the Deal: If you’re happy with the offer, finalize the deal. Remember to get all the paperwork for selling a house without a Realtor verified by a real estate attorney.
How Much Do Cash Buyers in Columbia Pay?
Columbia cash house buyers usually offer between 30% to 70% of a home’s After-Repair Value. However, it depends on factors like the company you’re selling to, their service fees, etc. Here’s how the After-Repair Value is calculated:
After-Repair Value (ARV) = Property Purchase Price (PPP) + Cost of Repairs (COR)
Imagine if you were selling your $239,000 home in Columbia. With a traditional cash home buyer, you could get just $167,300. But on a cash buyer marketplace like Houzeo, you could get multiple offers, potentially driving your sale price to 100% of its FMV.
| Service Provider | Service Fee | ARV Estimate | Actual Offer |
| Cash Buyer | None | 70% | $167,300 |
| iBuyer | 5% | 80% | $191,200 |
| Houzeo | $199* | Up to 100% | $238,801 |
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is Columbia’s best cash buyer marketplace.
Pros and Cons of Cash Home Buyers in Columbia
Given that more sellers are opting for companies that buy houses for cash in Columbia, here are some pros and cons you must consider before you sell with them:
✅ Pros
- Fast Cash Offers: “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies extend offers within 24-48 hours.
- Flexible Closing: Cash buyers in Columbia close quickly and on your timeline. So you can sell your home anywhere between 7 days to 30 days.
- No Repair Costs: Most cash buyers purchase properties as-is. This eliminates the need for repairs, saving thousands of dollars.
❌ Cons
- Lowball Cash Offers: Columbia cash house buyers typically pay only 30% to 70% of a home’s FMV. So you leave a significant amount of your home’s equity on the table.
- Non-Negotiable Deals: Such cash offers are usually take-it-or-leave-it. There’s little to no room for negotiation, which limits your ability to secure a better offer.
- Possible Closing Costs: Some cash buyers might force you to pay seller closing costs in South Carolina. Always check the terms, or you could be out 6.25% to 9%!
Common “We Buy Houses for Cash” Scams 🚩
If any Columbia cash home buyer extends an offer that seems to-good-to-be-true, it probably is. Stay alert, and don’t fall victim to the following scams.
- Bait-and-Switch Offers: Scammers present appealing offers and then change them later, hoping you’ll accept out of desperation. Always verify the terms before you sell your house for cash or accept an offer.
- Deed Fraud: Fraudsters can sell or mortgage your home without your consent using fake documents. Check customer testimonials and online reviews before you select a cash buyer.
- Loan-Flipping Scams: Some scammers may pressure you to sell your home fast for cash by offering loans that drain your equity. Always consult a trusted advisor before agreeing to any cash offer.
- Email Phishing: Scammers send fraudulent emails pretending to be agents, title companies, or lenders. They trick you into wiring money or providing personal details for fake services. Always confirm the authenticity of any cash offer for a home via a phone call.
» We Buy Houses Ripoff: Learn how to avoid falling victim to the scam.
Alternatives to Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in Columbia
- Flat Fee MLS Services: You can get up to 100% of your home’s FMV with a South Carolina Flat Fee MLS listing service. Your home is visible to multiple cash buyers, increasing your offers.
- For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you’ll have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using yard signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. South Carolina FSBO websites also limit your home’s exposure, which lowers your home sale price.
- Full-Service Realtors: They provide various services from listing to closing, but charge a hefty 5% to 6% commission.
- Discount Real Estate Brokers: They offer services like contract review and negotiation for a lower fee than traditional agents. Discount brokers in South Carolina charge between 0.5% to 2.5% as commission.
Should You Sell to Cash Home Buyers in Columbia?
Yes, you can sell to cash buyers. But say goodbye to 30% to 70% of your home’s equity. That’s the price you pay for a quick sale. On the other hand, on a cash buyer marketplace, you can get multiple offers, sell fast, and potentially keep more money.
