Before I started Atlantis Homebuyers in 2018, I was working at a jewelry store in a mall. I got into this business because I wanted to help people — and honestly, because I was skeptical of how some "we buy houses" companies operated. So I built one that I'd be comfortable selling my own house to. Here's how our process actually works, and how to tell a legitimate buyer from someone who's going to waste your time.
What "We Buy Houses" Companies Actually Do
Cash home buying companies purchase properties directly from homeowners using their own funds or private financing. That means there's no bank approval needed, no appraisal required, and no risk of financing falling through. For the seller, it means speed and certainty — two things the traditional process can't guarantee.
The benefit to you is simple: you skip 3-6 months of listing, skip the 6-10% in agent fees and closing costs, skip the repairs and staging, and get cash in hand on your timeline. We handle the property from there.
Our Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: You Contact Us
You fill out our short form or call us at (984) 205-6984. We ask for your property address, your contact information, and a few details about the property. This takes about 30 seconds.
Step 2: We Research and Make an Offer
Within 24 hours, we research your property using comparable sales data, assess the likely repair costs, and put together a fair cash offer. We'll call you to walk through the offer and answer any questions. There's zero pressure — take your time to think about it.
Step 3: You Decide
If the offer works for you, we schedule a brief walkthrough of the property and send you a purchase agreement. If it doesn't work, no hard feelings — we part as friends.
Step 4: We Close on Your Timeline
You pick the closing date. We can close in as little as 7 days if you need to move quickly, or we can wait 30, 60, or even 90 days if you need more time. We use a licensed title company or attorney to handle the closing, and we pay all closing costs. You receive your cash at the closing table.
How to Spot a Legitimate Cash Buyer
Not all "we buy houses" companies are created equal. Here's what to look for:
- Local presence: Are they based in your area? Do they have a physical office? Can you find a real person's name?
- Google reviews: Look for consistent 5-star reviews from real people with specific stories.
- BBB accreditation: Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints and ratings.
- No upfront fees: A legitimate cash buyer will NEVER ask you to pay anything upfront. If someone asks for a fee, walk away.
- Proof of funds: Ask to see proof that they have the cash to close. A real buyer will provide this without hesitation.
- No pressure: If they're pressuring you to sign immediately or using scare tactics, that's a red flag.
About Atlantis Homebuyers
We're a locally owned, family-operated company based in Raleigh, NC. We've been buying houses since 2018 and have completed over $10 million in transactions. We're BBB accredited with 5-star Google reviews. Our founder, AJ (Asad Jamal), is involved in every transaction personally.
If you're thinking about selling your house and want to explore the cash sale option, give us a call or submit your address for a free, no-obligation offer. We'll give you an honest assessment — even if that means telling you that listing with an agent might be the better choice for your situation.
