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 Illinois 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: 5 Best Cash Home Buyers in Illinois
1. Houzeo.com: Illinois’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 Illinois’s top 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. Highest Cash Offer
GREAT NETWORK
Service Fee: NoneHighest Cash Offer is a real estate solutions company that buys houses for cash. They are an ideal option for those looking to sell their properties quickly. The company will inspect your house and give a cash offer based on the condition of your home.
- Service Fee: None
- Typical Offer: 50% to 70% of Fair Market Value (FMV)
- Eligible Properties: Distressed properties with structural damage, inherited properties, tenant problems, code violations, etc.
- Closing Offer Terms: Highest Cash Offer provides a 7 to 30-day closing for its cash offer.
👉 Our Take: Highest Cash Offer is a good option if you want to sell your home as-is. However, you cannot negotiate the price of your home and be ready to accept low-ball offers.
- Sell As-Is: Highest Cash Offer buy homes as-is, so you don’t have to incur any expenses or worry about repairs. However, if the heavily damaged they may not consider purchasing it.
- Flexible Closing: You can close in as little as three weeks or at any time of your choice.
- No Additional Costs: There are no hidden fees or extra costs. You need not pay closing costs as well.
- Personalized Services: Highest Cash Offer has a dedicated team that helps you till the end of the sale.
- Nationwide Coverage: Their services are available throughout the US.
- Non-Negotiable Offer: Highest Cash Offer will not offer more than 70% of your property’s fair market value. After a thorough home inspection, they may quote an offer based on the after-repair value.
- Not 100% Online: A lot of processes, like requesting a counteroffer or managing inspections, will be offline and manual. They don’t even have a mobile app.
- Eligibility Restrictions: Not all properties may qualify for their services, particularly those in very poor condition or in specific neighborhoods.
Highest Cash Offer has 4.9 out of 5 stars with 36+ reviews from Reviews.io.
» Highest Cash Offer Reviews: Read our in-depth reviews on Highest Cash Offer and choose accordingly.
Highest Cash Offer is a real estate solutions company that offers homeowners quick and fair cash offers for their properties. They are ideal for those facing personal challenges or looking to sell swiftly. Furthermore, they don’t have any hidden fees or commissions, ensuring a smooth workflow.
3. Opendoor
BIGGEST 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 after the condition adjustment.
- 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 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 Cancelation Fees: Opendoor does not charge any cancelation fee. You can cancel the contract anytime.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Opendoor:
- Lowball 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 for their services.
- 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.
4. Offerpad
QUICK CLOSING
Service Fee: 5%Offerpad is an iBuyer that makes cash offers on homes that meet their eligibility criteria. This cash offer is based on their patented evaluation tool’s calculations.
- Typical Offer: It is 70% to 80% of the Fair Market Value of your property.
- Eligibility: Offerpad offers cash for houses built after 1960, with a maximum lot size of 1 acre, and a max valuation of up to one million dollar. Homes with foundational issues are not eligible.
- Closing Offer Terms: They make an initial offer within 24 hours of submitting your details. However, the final offer may change after they conduct a home inspection.
- Service Fee: 5% of the home sale price and 1% as closing costs.
Here are some of the benefits that you get with Offerpad.
- Broad Coverage: Offerpad buys houses for cash in 27 markets across the country.
- Lightning Fast Closing: With Offerpad’s cash-for-house offer, you can close your property in a fortnight.
- Save on Minor Repair Costs: When you sell your house for cash with Offerpad, you don’t incur upfront costs to fix, prepare, or stage your house.
- Stay Beyond Closing Day: You can extend your stay in your home even after the closing date.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Offerpad .
- Lowball Cash Offer: Offerpad extends two offers- an initial one and a final one. The difference between the two can be quite high. One home seller was offered $189,000 initially but received a lowball offer of $149,000 post Offerpad’s home inspection.
- High Service Fees: Offerpad will charge you a steep 5% service fee for their services.
- Offerpad Cancelation Fee – 1%: If you’re 4 days from closing and decline Offerpad’s cash offer, they’ll charge 1% of the home sale price as a cancelation fee.
Offerpad has a 2.2 out of 5 star rating on TrustPilot.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Offerpad if you need to close in as little as 2 weeks. However, you might have to leave cash on the table for this convenience.
5. We Buy Ugly Houses
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Service Fee: NoneWe Buy Ugly Houses is a well-known cash home-buying company that helps homeowners sell 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, or 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 save thousands in repair costs by selling your distressed home.
- Quick Closing Timeline: Once you accept the offer, you can sell your house within 2 weeks.
- Save on Minor Repair Costs: When you sell your house for cash, you don’t incur upfront costs to fix, prepare, or stage your house.
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 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.
We Buy Ugly Houses is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 90+ reviews on Google.
» We Buy Ugly Houses Reviews: Read this in-depth review to learn more about them.
We Buy Ugly Houses operates as a franchise under its parent company, HomeVestors. Each franchise 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.
Are Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in Illinois 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 Prairie State. However, be sure to read company reviews and seller testimonials to find a legitimate cash buyer.
3 Types of Companies That Buy Homes in Illinois
- We Buy Houses for Cash Companies: Cash buyers like HomeVestors and Heartland Buys 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 Illinois
Not sure how to sell your home for cash in Illinois? 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 Illinois Pay?
Illinois 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 $282,900 home in Illinois. With a traditional cash home buyer, you could get just $197,750. 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% | $198,030 |
| iBuyer | 5% | 80% | $226,320 |
| Houzeo | $199* | Up to 100% | $282,701 |
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is Illinois’s best cash buyer marketplace.
Pros and Cons of Cash Home Buyers in Illinois
Given that more sellers are opting for cash buyers in Illinois, 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 Illinois 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: Illinois 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 Illinois. Always check the terms, or you could be out 6.25% to 9%!
Common “We Buy Houses for Cash” Scams 🚩
If any Illinois 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 Illinois
- Flat Fee MLS Services: You can get up to 100% of your home’s FMV with a Illinois 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. Illinois 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 Illinois charge between 0.5% to 2.5% as commission.
Should You Sell to Cash Home Buyers in Illinois?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best company that buys houses for cash in Illinois?
Houzeo is the best cash buyer marketplace in Illinois. Companies like Offerpad and Heartland Buys Houses are other great options for selling homes for cash.
How can you sell to companies that buy houses for cash in Illinois?
To sell to companies that buy houses for cash, first research local cash buyers in Illinois or use a cash buyer marketplace. Then, submit your home’s information and get an offer within 24-48 hours. You can complete the sale in as little as a week once you finalize the agreement.
How fast can I sell my Illinois house?
You can sell your house fast for cash in Illinois within 7 to 30 days with a cash home buying company. However, you get only 30% to 70% of your property's Fair Market Value. To get a higher price, sell to a cash buyer marketplace like Houzeo and attract multiple cash offers.
What to look for when choosing cash home buyers?
Look for legitimate cash home buyers that have a great reputation in the industry. They should have positive customer reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot that highlight their transparent processes and fair offers.
