Clever's Real Estate Experts compiled objective overviews of five companies that buy houses for cash in Minnesota. Our assessments are based on publicly available information — we've sifted through everything to present the pertinent factors you need to know to make a decision.
The traditional home selling process doesn't work for everyone. In Minnesota, a typical home sale can take 97 days from listing to closing. Some homeowners can't wait that long.
Enter "we buy houses for cash" companies.
These, and other types of cash buyers, offer a fast solution for homeowners. They purchase houses "as-is" — that is, in their current condition, without any repairs or prep — and pay in cash, so sellers don't have to wait for a buyer to get a mortgage approval. The process is quick, easy, and requires no repairs or home prep.
For home sellers who need to sell in a hurry, want to avoid repair costs, or are looking for a more convenient selling method, a cash buyer can be a great option. But they're not right for everyone.
To ensure a profit, "we buy houses for cash" companies make offers that are well under fair market value. The speed and convenience they offer doesn't always outweigh the hit you could take to your bottom line.
In this article, we explain how "we buy houses" companies work, review five legitimate companies in Minnesota, and break down examples to help you understand how much you can make selling to a cash buyer compared to other alternatives.
Read on to make an informed decision — and maybe find the buyer for your home!
JUMP TO SECTION
- How We Buy Houses for Cash Companies Work
- We Buy Houses Companies in Minnesota: Reviews
- How Much Will We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Minnesota Pay?
- How Much Does Selling to a Cash Buyer Cost?
- Pros and Cons of We Buy Houses For Cash Companies in Minnesota
- Alternatives to We Buy Houses for Cash in Minnesota
While the smaller details and timeline varies from company to company, "we buy houses for cash" companies all share a basic business model.
- After being contacted by an interested home seller, the cash buyer assesses the property, focusing on factors like necessary repairs and the potential resale value.
- Based on the amount of time and money they'll need to invest in the property, the investor makes an "as-is" cash offer.
- If the homeowner accepts, the deal can close quickly because there's no need to negotiate, wait for financing approval, or inspect and appraise the property.
- The cash buyer repairs the home and then resells it for a profit.
The quick process benefits homeowners who don't have the resources or time for a traditional sale.
For perspective, in Minnesota houses typically spend 52 days on the market before the seller accepts an offer. Then there's the closing process, which takes between 30 to 45 days if the buyer is applying for a mortgage. That means it can take the typical seller up to 97 days to finalize the sale.
In comparison, some "we buy houses for cash" companies in Minnesota can complete the whole process in as few as 7 days.
Traditional Home Selling Timeline vs. "We Buy Houses for Cash" Companies
Prepping the House | Time to Offer | Closing Process | |
Traditional Process | Depending on the condition of your home, repairing and preparing it for sale can take months. | 52 days. | 30-45 days |
"We Buy Houses for Cash" Process | Not necessary. These investors buy homes "as-is". | Once the company evaluates the home, it often makes an offer within 24 hours. | As few as 7 days in Minnesota |
Many "we buy houses for cash" companies advertise that they'll send you an offer in as few as seven minutes. This is not an official offer.
After talking to a company representative, they'll give a ballpark estimate of what they'll pay. Very few investors will make a binding offer sight-unseen — and if they do it'll be substantially lower to account for possible issues.
Once you schedule an in-person inspection, the investor will present a legal offer, often on the spot.
Also, know some of the bigger, well-known companies aren't the actual buyers. They are a network of local investors, or they collect interested sellers' information and pass it on to flippers. In these cases, how long the process takes will depend on the investor in your area.
For example, we called five "we buy houses for cash" companies that advertise offers in less than an hour — none of them responded within that time frame.
>>LEARN how "we buy houses for cash" companies work
We Buy Houses Companies in Minnesota: Reviews
Express Homebuyers
Express HomebuyersPhone Number
888-820-7711
Time to Offer
7 minutes
Minimum Time to Sell
7 days
Express Homebuyers is a national service that has partnered with local investors across the country to buy houses for cash.
Steps to sell with Express Homebuyers:
- Submit your home's information to receive an initial "as is" offer.
- Meet with the local investor to assess your property and answer any questions.
- Discuss the local investor's final cash offer and, if you're willing to sell, sign a sales agreement then and there.
- Choose a closing day on your schedule.
- Show up on the day of the sale to sign the paperwork and receive cash within hours.
As a franchise, experiences with Express Homebuyers will vary from region to region, based on the local investor you're paired with.
Express Homebuyers has partnered with local investors in the following states:
As of May 22, 2020, Express Homebuyers had an average rating of 4.09/5 based on 99 reviews across Google and Yelp.
This rating is based on overall national data. For local reviews, reach out to your local Express Homebuyers office.
Minnesota Home Guys
Minnesota Home GuysPhone Number
(952) 222-7138
Time to Offer
Immediately
Minimum Time to Sell
7 days
Minnesota Home Guys is a local, Minneapolis property investor that buys homes for cash in the Twin Cities area. To sell your home to the Minnesota Home Guys you can:
- Fill out their online form to provide basic details about your home.
- Schedule an appointment to review multiple offers - including an instant all-cash offer.
- If you choose to accept an offer, expect to close in as little as 7 days.
For more information, including specific areas of operation, terms of service, and other details, we recommend reaching out to the company directly.
Minnesota Home Guys primarily buys properties in the Minneapolis metro area.
As of 5/28/2020, Minnesota Home Guys has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 31 customer reviews.
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We Buy Houses
We Buy HousesPhone Number
877-932-8946
Time to Offer
24-48 hours
Minimum Time to Sell
7-14 days
We Buy Houses is a national service that has partnered with local investors across the country to buy houses for cash.
Steps to sell with We Buy Houses:
- Enter your home's information to the We Buy Houses website.
- Schedule a time for a local investor to visit your home.
- Receive a no-obligation cash offer for home, with no repairs needed within 24-48 hours of meeting with the investor.
- Close on the sale in typically 7-14 days.
As a franchise, experiences with We Buy Houses will vary from region to region, based on the local investor you're paired with.
We Buy Houses has partnered with local investors in the following states:
As of May 22, 2020, We Buy Houses had an average rating of 3.6/5 based on 17 reviews on Facebook.
This rating is based on overall national data. For local reviews, reach out to your local We Buy Houses office.
Ryan Buys Houses 4 Cash
Ryan Buys Houses 4 CashPhone Number
(763) 310-1685
Time to Offer
60 minutes
Minimum Time to Sell
7 days
Ryan Buys Houses 4 Cash is a local, Minnesota property investor that buys homes for cash in select cities across the state. To sell your home to Ryan Buys Houses 4 Cash you can:
- Tell a representative about your property - either online or over the phone.
- Receive a cash offer in under an hour, or schedule an in-person appointment to revise the offer based on a walkthrough.
- Close within a week, or on your own schedule.
For more information, including specific areas of operation, terms of service, and other details, we recommend reaching out to the company directly.
Ryan Buys Houses 4 Cash operates throughout the state of Minnesota, though primarily within the Twin Cities region.
As of 5/28/2020, Ryan Buys Houses 4 Cash has an average rating of 5/5 based on 6 customer reviews. (NOTE: Reviews are under Kindle Enterprises)
We Buy Ugly Houses
We Buy Ugly HousesPhone Number
866-200-6475
Time to Offer
Varies - pending home evaluation
Minimum Time to Sell
Close in as few as 30 days
We Buy Ugly Houses is a national franchise owned by Homevestors. Franchises are independently run by local investors who use the We Buy Ugly Houses brand to advertise their services.
Steps to sell with We Buy Ugly Houses:
- Call We Buy Ugly Houses and speak to a representative about your home, or fill out the form on their website.
- Schedule a visit for a local franchisee to view your home. They will answer any questions you may have and evaluate you home. If the franchisee thinks your home is worth investing in, you will receive a cash offer on the home.
- Set up a time to close on the sale if you choose to accept the deal. This can happen as fast as three weeks after accepting the cash offer.
As a franchise, experiences with We Buy Ugly Houses will vary from region to region, based on the local investor you're paired with.
We Buy Ugly Houses has partnered with local investors in the following states:
As of May 22, 2020, We Buy Ugly Houses's parent company, Homevestors, has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau. No other third-party reviews are available at this time.
This rating is based on overall national data. Research local franchises for specific reviews that reflect their quality of service.
>>LEARN more about national "we buy houses for cash" companies
How Much Will We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Minnesota Pay?
"We buy houses" companies use the 70% rule to ensure they'll make a profit. Basically, the 70% rule says the buyer shouldn't pay more than 70% of the home's After Repair Value (ARV) — what they hope to sell the house for — minus repairs.
Selling a House to a Cash Buyer in Minnesota: 2 Examples
"We buy houses for cash" companies use home values of comparable properties to estimate ARV. Assuming your house is the same size and has the same layout as most homes in your area, your city's average home value is more or less the ARV a cash buyer is shooting for.
However, the cost of necessary repairs will significantly impact the offer you receive.
For many sellers, being unable to pay for repairs limits their options. You need to consider whether paying for repairs out-of-pocket is an option before deciding to sell to a cash buyer.
Let's look at some examples of cash offers a home seller could expect in different Minnesota cities versus what it would cost to pay for repairs out-of-pocket.
Home in Bloomington in Need of Major Repairs
Say your home is in Bloomington, where the average home value is $303,496. Your house needs a new roof (average repair cost: $724), a kitchen remodel ($28,921), foundation repairs ($3,766), and sod installed on the lawn ($1,509).
Here's how a cash buyer will calculate their offer:
ARV | $303,496 |
70% of ARV | $212,447 |
Cost of Repairs | $34,920 |
Max. Cash Buyer Offer | $177,527 |
Cost of repairs based on HomeAdvisor Local averages (June 2020)
The offer may seem low, but most homeowners don't have almost $35,000 to pay for the repairs. In addition, more extensive repairs can easily get out of hand and exceed the average (i.e. a kitchen remodel with new cabinets, counters, and appliances can cost upwards of $50,000).
To avoid that out-of-pocket expense and the risk of spending more than you'll get back, in this example, it's understandable why a seller would accept an offer that is about 42% below fair market value.
If the cost of fixing your home is similarly high, selling to a "we buy houses for cash" company may be your best option.
Home in Minneapolis in Need of Minor Repairs
In Minneapolis, the average home value is $297,907. If your house needs minor repairs like new carpeting ($1,476) and a fresh coat of paint ($2,594), here's how a cash buyer will calculate their offer:
ARV | $297,907 |
70% of ARV | $208,535 |
Cost of Repairs | $4,070 |
Max. Cash Buyer Offer | $204,465 |
Cost of repairs based on HomeAdvisor Local averages (June 2020)
In this case, the total cost of professional repairs is $4,070, but the offer is 31% below fair market value.
Instead of selling to a "we buy houses" company and losing almost $94,000, it might be a better option to pay for the repairs, make some minor fixes yourself, or offer traditional buyers a repair credit.
Are "We Buy Houses for Cash" Companies Scams?
Many "we buy houses for cash" companies in Minnesota are safe and completely legal. They provide a valuable service to homeowners who need to sell their homes quickly or can't afford to make repairs. Many local cash buying companies are family owned and work with sellers to meet their closing and moving timelines.
That being said, as with any industry, there are bad apples. If a "cash buyer" approaches you, check that they have an established web presence and customer reviews before giving them your personal information.
Also read all the fine print on any contract they present you. Look up words or terms you don't understand. And never assume the contract says what you agreed to verbally.
Most importantly, look at the contract's contingencies. These are the conditions that allow the buyer to back out of the sale or change the terms. Unless you understand the contingencies, you could be taken advantage of.
How Much Does Selling to a Cash Buyer Cost?
Every real estate transaction has costs that can add up quickly. Expenses like closing costs, repairs, and real estate agent commissions can eat away at your profits.
Luckily, when you sell to a "we buy houses for cash" company, you avoid many traditional selling costs like:
- Realtor commissions
- Closing costs
- Staging
- Seller concessions
When you add all these expenses up, selling to a cash buyer can have significantly fewer costs than a typical home sale. However, given the lower sale price of selling to a "we buy houses" company, the savings don't always make up the difference.
Let's take a look at four different ways to sell your home and how the costs compare:
Selling Cost Comparison in Minnesota
Selling to a "We Buy Houses" Company | Selling to an iBuyer (learn more) | Selling with Clever | Selling with a Traditional Realtor | |
Sale price (compared to fair market value) | 70% max. | 98%* | 100% | 100% |
Closing Costs | 0% | 1-3% | 1-3% | 1-3% |
Seller Concessions^ | 0% | 0% | 2.0-2.9% | 2.0-2.9% |
Commissions/Service Fees^ | 0% | 6-14% | 1% listing fee + 2.8% buyer's agent commission | 5.4-6.2% |
Max Take Home | 70% max | 91% max | 93% max | 92% max |
*Based on 2020 iBuyer Report
^Minnesota seller concessions and commission rates based on a Clever survey of 500+ real estate agents
Repair Costs
Many cash buyers advertise that home sellers do not have to pay for repairs. And it's true. You don't have to open your wallet and pay for a contractor or repair supplies. However, since cash buyers take on these costs themselves, their offers are lower to make up the difference.
So when selling your home, consider the different ways necessary repair costs impact your bottom line — both positively and negatively.
Typical Repair Cost | Pros | Cons | |
Making Repairs Before Listing | Varies based on home's condition. | You can list your home for more. | No guarantee your final sale price will cover the cost of the repairs. |
"We Buy Houses" Company | Varies based on home's condition. But the more that needs to be done, the lower their offer will be. | No hassle of dealing with contractors and no uncertainty of paying for repairs that don't lead to a higher sale price. | As professional house flippers, "we buy houses" companies can have repairs done for less than you. However, their offer may not reflect the discount they receive. |
iBuyer | Around 2%*iBuyers will only buy homes that need minimal repairs. | Sellers can choose to pay for these repairs or the iBuyer can deduct the amount from their final offer. | iBuyers will rarely negotiate the repair amount, even if you disagree with their assessment. |
Offering Repair Credits | In Minnesota, sellers typically agree to $5,000+ in repair credits. | Instead of paying for repairs, a credit passes the responsibility and risk to the buyer. | There are limitations on how you can offer repair credits. Depending on the buyer's lender, you might have to write a check to a contractor chosen by the buyer. |
*Based on 2020 iBuyer Report
+Based on a Clever survey of 500+ agents; 85% in Minnesota said repair credits rarely exceed $5,000.
Carrying Costs
Many homeowners sell to a "we buy houses for cash" company because speed is their biggest priority. They might need to sell quickly to avoid foreclosure or to get out from under the costs of owning an unwanted property, also known as carrying costs.
Every day you wait to close your sale, you lose money on carrying costs. Here's how those costs break down in Minnesota.
Average Carrying Costs in Minnesota
Mortgage Payment: $34 |
Homeowners Insurance: $8 |
Utilities: $12 |
Property Taxes: $8 |
Maintenance: $6 |
Total Cost per Day: $69 |
Carrying costs based on data from the U.S. Census, Insurance.com, Move.org, WallerHub, and Clever Real Estate
Now let's look at how these costs can add up depending on how long it takes to sell your home in Minnesota.
Total Carrying Costs
Selling Method | Time to Offer | Time to Close | Carrying Costs |
"We Buy Houses for Cash" | 1 day (pending home evaluation) | 7-30 days | $552-$2,139 |
iBuyers | 1 day (pending home evaluation) | 7-90 days | $552-$6,279 |
Traditional Agent | 52 days | 30-45 days | $5,658-$6,693 |
Clever Partner Agent | 13 days* | 30-45 days | $2,967-$4,002 |
*Based on the average time it takes for homes listed with Clever to receive an offer
Total Selling Costs in Minnesota
Let's get down to brass tacks: How much can you expect to make selling your home to a cash buyer versus with an agent on the open market?
Looking at an example with actual numbers will help you see if selling to a "we buy houses for cash" company is really worth it for your situation.
Here's how much a seller in Minnesota can walk away with using the state's median sale price of $273,000 and its average selling cost rates (closing costs, repair costs/credits, carrying costs, etc.).
Minnesota Cost Breakdown
Selling to a "We Buy Houses" Company | Selling to an iBuyer | Selling with a Traditional Realtor | Selling with Clever | |
Sale price | $163,800* | $267,540** | $273,000 | $273,000 |
Repair Costs | $0 | $5,460** | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Seller Concessions | $0 | $0 | $6,689 | $6,689 |
Staging Costs^ | $0 | $0 | $1,144 | $1,144 |
Closing Costs | $0 | $5,242 | $5,460 | $5,460 |
Carrying Costs | $552 | $552 | $5,658 | $2,967 |
Commissions/Service Fees | $0 | $20,966 | $15,752 | $10,644 |
Take Home | $163,248 | $235,872 | $233,297 | $241,096 |
*Based on the 70% rule and assuming the house needs 10% of its ARV in repairs
**Based on iBuyer offers being 98% of fair market value and a house needing 2% of its ARV in repairs
^Based on HomeAdvisor national average
Pros and Cons of We Buy Houses For Cash Companies in Minnesota
Pros
- Fast, certain cash offers: After viewing your home, most "we buy houses for cash" companies will give you an offer within 24 hours. And unlike other buyers, there's no chance of the deal falling through because a mortgage application is denied or the buyer getting cold feet.
- Sell your home "as-is": If you don't have the time or money to make significant repairs to your house, a "we buy houses for cash" company could be your best option. While their offer will account for the cost of repairs, they'll buy homes regardless of their condition.
- Schedule your own closing date: Instead of going through the typical 30-45 day closing process, you can schedule a day to close in as few as 7 days.
- Low closing costs: Most "we buy houses for cash" companies will cover typical closing costs. This can save you 1-3%.
Cons
- Lower offers: Cash buyers are property investors. To ensure they make a profit, their offers will likely follow the 70% rule (at most 70% of the home's ARV, minus the cost of repairs).
- No negotiating: You can either take an offer from a "we buy houses for cash" company or leave it. They don't negotiate, even if you disagree with their evaluation of the property.
- Predatory tactics: Many sellers considering a cash buyer are in a difficult situation. You might be facing foreclosure or not have enough money to sell the traditional way. "We buy houses" companies know this and some might try and take advantage of your situation. Never sign anything because you feel pressured and be prepared to walk away if something doesn't feel right.
>>LEARN about more cash buyer pros and cons
Alternatives to We Buy Houses for Cash in Minnesota
Many homeowners turn to "we buy houses for cash" companies because they think it's their only option. They need to sell quickly and can't afford to make repairs.
However, there are other ways to sell fast without sacrificing the amount of money you make off the sale.
iBuyers
As mentioned above, iBuyers purchase homes in good condition with cash. They use proprietary algorithms to make offers that are at or close to market value and can close in as few as seven days.
However, unlike we buy houses for cash companies, iBuyers will not buy houses that are in need of significant repair. They're also not available in every city in Minnesota.
Opendoor
OpendoorService Fee
5%
Min. Time to Close
14 days
Average Rating
3.79/5 (962 reviews)
- Opendoor is an iBuyer currently buying homes that meet their requirements in 21 markets.
- Get an instant offer range by filling out Opendoor’s online seller questionnaire.
- Receive a final cash offer 2-3 days after completing an in-person exterior tour and remote interior assessment.
Opendoor is live (currently purchasing and selling homes) in 21 markets:
Phoenix, AZ | Tucson, AZ | Dallas-Fort Worth, TX |
Nashville, TN | Atlanta, GA | Charlotte, NC |
Raleigh-Durham, NC | Austin, TX | Denver, CO |
Houston, TX | Jacksonville, FL | Las Vegas, NV |
Los Angeles, CA | Minneapolis, MN | St. Paul, MN |
Orlando, FL | Portland, OR | Riverside, CA |
Sacramento, CA | San Antonio, TX | Tampa, FL |
Salt Lake City, UT |
Due to COVID-19, Opendoor is not offering all of its services in every location. Check here for a list of current services provided in each location.
Pros
- Receive an offer within 24 hours
- Choose your own closing date, as soon as 14 days from offer acceptance
- Service is all-inclusive: Opendoor conducts their own inspection and will handle repairs if you choose not to hire contractors yourself
Cons
- Opendoor does not buy all home types
- Services are not available everywhere — some markets have you selling to a third party, while others are handled entirely in-house
- In addition to the service fee, sellers can expect to pay repair costs and closing costs
As of October 20, 2020, Opendoor's average customer rating is 3.79/5 based on 962 reviews.
- Reviews.io: 4.01/5 (748 reviews)
- Yelp: 3/5 (214 reviews)
- Better Business Bureau: A+
Zillow Offers
Zillow OffersService Fee
6% + 1.5-7.9%
Min. Time to Close
7 days
Average Rating
N/A
- Zillow Offers is an iBuying branch of Zillow, one of the most popular real estate listing and pricing marketplaces.
- Fill out an application to receive an offer within 3 days.
- Schedule an in-person evaluation and inspection to receive a final cash offer.
- Close on your own schedule — from 7-90 days after taking the offer.
Zillow Offers currently purchases homes in 25 locations.
Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Charlotte, NC |
Cincinnati, OH | Colorado Springs, CO | Dallas, TX |
Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO | Houston, TX |
Jacksonville, FL | Las Vegas, NV | Los Angeles, CA |
Miami, FL | Minneapolis, MN | Nashville, TN |
Orlando, FL | Phoenix, AZ | Portland, OR |
Raleigh, NC | Riverside, CA | Sacramento, CA |
San Antonio, TX | San Diego, CA | Tampa, FL |
Tucson, AZ |
Pros
- Offers are valid for 3 days
- Set your own closing and move-out date
- Offers are typically within 1-2% of fair market value
Cons
- Could pay as high as 13.9% (6% selling fees and up to 7.9% in service fees)
- Not all homes are eligible for purchase
As of October 20, 2020, Zillow Offers does not have any verified customer reviews on reputable third-party review sites.
Traditional Agents
In general, it takes longer to sell a house with an agent than to sell directly to a cash buyer. But there are realtors who specialize in quick sales. With a little research, you could find an experienced agent who can sell your home "as-is" in a matter of days.
Hiring an agent does mean paying commissions, which can eat into your profits. In Minnesota, expect to pay 5.4-6.2% of your sale price in realtor fees.
>> LEARN more about real estate commission
Clever
Clever can connect you with top agents in Minnesota based on your unique needs. If you need to sell your house fast, Clever will put you in touch with a local agent who has proven they can get offers in a matter of days, or even hours.
Plus, with Clever you save on listing commissions meaning more money in your pocket at the end of your sale.
Clever
Clever Real EstateListing Fee
1% (minimum $3,000)
Buyer Rebate
Up to 1%
Avg. Customer Rating
4.8/5 (386 reviews)
- Clever Real Estate is a nationwide, online concierge and agent matching service for sellers and buyers — learn more
- Buyers and sellers are matched with multiple highly rated agents from major brands, such as Keller Williams, Century 21, Compass, RE/MAX, and more
- Sellers choose a full-service agent and pay a flat, $3,000 fee — or just 1% for homes more than $350,000
- Buyers may be eligible for up to 1% back at closing (in qualifying locations)
Clever has pre-negotiated lower commission rates with top agents in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Pros
| Cons
|
As of May 20, 2020, Clever's average customer rating is 4.8/5 based on 386 reviews on Trustpilot.
- Trustpilot: 4.8/5 (379 reviews)
- BBB: An A rating
Sell quickly without settling for a lower price
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