5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Fort Walton Beach
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Joseph Gordon Associate EditorJoseph Gordon is an Associate Editor with HomeLight. He has seven years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco.
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
Are you contemplating selling your Fort Walton Beach home quickly and without hassle? “We Buy Houses” companies in Fort Walton Beach could be the solution you’re seeking. These companies offer all-cash deals, primarily for properties that might require some fixing, letting you sell your home in a matter of days.
A cash sale might be your lifeline if you’re short on time or resources to prepare a house for the traditional market. It’s an efficient way to convert your property into cash, helping you move on with your life plans without delay.
This post will dig into the pros and cons of selling your home to cash-for-homes companies, equipping you with the knowledge to make an informed decision in Fort Walton Beach.
Sell Your House Fast in Fort Walton Beach With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Fort Walton Beach.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Fort Walton Beach area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Fort Walton Beach
If you’re a homeowner in Fort Walton Beach considering a quick sale, working with a house-buying company can streamline the process. Here’s how it works:
- Contact the company: Reach out to a local ‘We Buy Houses’ company to express your interest in selling. You’ll typically start by providing basic information about your property online or over the phone.
- Schedule a visit: The company will arrange a time to view your home. This visit allows them to assess the condition of your property and any necessary repairs.
- Receive an offer: After the evaluation, the company will usually present you with an all-cash offer quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- Review the offer: Take your time to review the proposed offer. While there’s limited room to negotiate, ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs.
- Close the sale: If you accept the offer, the company will handle most of the closing formalities. Sales can often be completed within a week, providing you with quick access to your funds.
- Move out: Prepare to vacate the property by the agreed-upon date, which is typically flexible to suit your schedule.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fort Walton Beach
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Fort Walton Beach 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 or your parents’ Ranch-style house or townhome. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Fort Walton Beach home in as little as a week or two.
The Friendly Home Buyer
The Friendly Homebuyer is a real estate company founded by Jared Sandel in 2011. The company emphasizes personal interactions with clients and conducts business face-to-face. They have a quick closing process, with the ability to close deals in as little as three days. Additionally, sellers have the flexibility to sign closing documents from the comfort of their home or workplace.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including Walton Beach
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Friendly Home Buyer covers them.
The Friendly Home Buyer has been BBB accredited since October 2017 and holds an A+ rating. The company has a 4.9-star Google review rating. The Friendly Home Buyer has also proven their expertise in handling the probate process, making it effortless and hassle-free for their clients.
Website: thefriendlyhomebuyer.com
Phone number: 888-713-9158
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Fort Walton Beach (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S. 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 Fort Walton Beach.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 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 Fort Walton Beach
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or 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 user 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
Express Homebuyers Florida
Founded in 2003 by Judson Allen and Brad Chandler, Express Homebuyers addresses challenges like divorce, foreclosure, and inherited property by offering a simple 3-step process. They provide fair cash offers, eliminating broker commissions and long closing processes.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Express Home Buyers covers them.
Express Homebuyers is BBB accredited with a A- rating. The company has 4.3 stars on Google. One satisfied customer had a great experience, mentioning that the entire staff was extremely helpful.
Note: The BBB site reports a resolved complaint brought against Express HomeBuyers by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG). The lawsuit alleged that the company sent letters to DC homeowners falsely claiming that they owed past due property taxes and urging them to act quickly so they would not lose their home to a tax sale or foreclosure. In December 2022, Express Homebuyers paid a fine and entered into a Consent Order with the OAG that settled the allegations.
Website: expresshomebuyers.com/florida
Phone number: 877-804-5252
FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC
Formed in 2011, FL Cash Home Buyers has completed over 800 real estate transactions. The company says its closing process typically takes two to four weeks, but that it can be flexible depending on the seller’s level of urgency and preferred timeline.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; FL Cash Home Buyers covers them.
FL Cash Home Buyers has over 150 reviews on Google for an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. The company is BBB-accredited and holds an A+ rating. Past customers speak highly of the employees’ attentiveness, responsiveness, and ability to answer questions.
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 954-519-7040
Freedom Cash Home Buyers
Founded in 2017, Freedom Cash Home Buyers prides itself on having no hidden fees or closing deductions. To work with Freedom Cash Home Buyers, you’ll first speak with a representative over the phone and provide information about your home and your selling needs.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Freedom Cash Home Buyers covers closing costs with the exception of property taxes.
Freedom Cash Home Buyers has 84 Google reviews for a 4.9 out of 5 rating. The company has been BBB accredited since 2017 and holds an A rating. Reviews speak of the staff’s quick responses to phone calls and emails, as well as their ability to answer questions with honesty and clarity. Sellers also report a simple closing process, even if a home is in poor condition.
Website: freedomcashhomebuyers.com
Phone: 855-793-1012
Why sell your Fort Walton Beach house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Fort Walton Beach home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. The benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience are leading the list.
In Fort Walton Beach, it typically takes around 85 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 43 days on the market plus the typical 42 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 Fort Walton Beach, 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.
Below are some scenarios where choosing a house-buying company could be the right move:
- Job relocation: When a sudden job transfer demands you move quickly, selling for cash can expedite the process.
- Divorce: Divorce often necessitates a fast sale to distribute assets cleanly and efficiently. Selling during divorce can simplify the process.
- Inherited property: Inheriting a home can come with complications, and a quick cash sale might simplify the disposition.
- Downsizing: Ready to move to a smaller home or a retirement community? A cash sale is quick and straightforward.
- Costly repairs: If your home needs significant repairs you can’t afford or justify, selling it as-is for cash can be a relief.
- Avoid open houses: Skip the hassle and privacy concerns of open houses by selling directly for cash.
- Foundation issues: Foundation problems can be a dealbreaker; cash buyers often buy homes ‘as-is,’ including those with structural issues.
- Facing foreclosure: A quick cash sale can help avoid foreclosure, protect your credit, and alleviate debt.
- Problematic tenants: Selling a rental property with challenging tenants becomes simpler when you opt for a cash buyer.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar? A cash sale reduces complications and need for travel.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Fort Walton Beach
Pros
The most significant benefits of using a house-buying company in Fort Walton Beach include the speed of the transaction and the ability to sell your home in any condition. Here are some key pros:
- Quick closing: Companies can often close within a week, allowing you to access funds faster and move on with your life.
- No repairs needed: Sell your property as-is, without the need for any renovations or repairs, which can be especially beneficial if you cannot afford these costs.
- Simplicity of process: The sale process is straightforward, without the typical hassles of selling through traditional real estate channels.
- No contingencies: Cash offers usually come without contingencies, which means fewer delays and a smoother transaction process.
Cons
The biggest drawback is that you are likely to receive a below market value offer. Here are some key cons:
- Lower offers: Expect offers that are significantly lower than market value, as these companies need to make a profit on the resale.
- Limited negotiation: The offers are typically non-negotiable, so what you get is often what you have to accept.
- Potential for scams: Always verify the credibility of the company, as the industry can attract scams.
- Loss of potential profits: Selling on the traditional market could yield a higher return, even after factoring in repairs and real estate commissions.
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 selling your home to a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company in Florida, the integrity and service level can significantly vary based on the character of the buyers. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:
- Research the company: Before accepting any offers, check the company’s reviews, read testimonials, and research its market presence and performance.
- Understand the offer: Ensure you fully understand the terms of the cash offer. Know what you are agreeing to before signing any agreements.
- Consult professionals: Consider consulting a real estate attorney or a trusted advisor to review the buying agreement.
- Know your home’s value: Have a good understanding of your home’s market value to assess if the cash offer is fair.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced local agent to get a better idea of what your 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 Fort Walton Beach home quickly
iBuyers: Instant buyers, or iBuyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make quick, all-cash offers close to market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process is fast, usually completing from offer to closing in just a few days to two weeks. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad may charge service fees of 5%-6%.
Listing with an agent: For homes in seller-friendly markets, working with a top real estate agent can also secure a quick sale. Agents use a comparative market analysis (CMA), often free, to price homes competitively. This approach typically yields the highest selling price. For those considering selling to a house-buying company, consulting an agent can provide a more informed decision. HomeLight can connect you with top-performing agents.
FAQs on Fort Walton Beach house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fort Walton Beach 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 legit.
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.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Fort Walton Beach We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value 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 Fort Walton Beach Ranch-style home could sell for $350,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($350,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $215,000
In this example, a Fort Walton Beach We Buy Houses company might offer you around $215,000 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 90% or more of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Fort Walton Beach We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-edged sword. On the one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once it is accepted. Conversely, 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 will be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, asking the company if any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line is always a good idea.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Fort Walton Beach 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. Weigh 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 Fort Walton Beach vs. top Fort Walton Beach agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a 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 Fort Walton Beach | Sell with a top Realtor in Fort Walton Beach |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 85 days average; 43 to attract an offer, 42 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 the 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 | 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 compiled 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 Fort Walton Beach is worth about $360,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $385,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Fort Walton Beach | Sell with a top Realtor in Fort Walton Beach | |
| Estimated sale price | ($385,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $244,500 | $360,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $3,600 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $20,880 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $5,400 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $244,500 | $330,120 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
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 will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Quick sale: Selling your home to a house-buying company in Fort Walton Beach can be significantly faster than traditional methods.
- As-is convenience: You can sell your home as it stands, without needing to invest in repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The sale process is straightforward, typically involving fewer steps and less paperwork.
- Potential lower offers: Be prepared that offers from house-buying companies might be below market value.
- No contingencies: These offers often come without contingencies, streamlining the sale.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand in navigating your real estate journey. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer through a trusted platform like Simple Sale or seeking to consult with a top Fort Walton Beach agent.
Header Image Source: (jovannig / Depositphotos)