If you’ve been thinking about selling your home—whether it’s outdated, inherited, damaged, or just more than you want to deal with—you’ve probably seen ads or signs from “home buying companies” promising quick, as-is sales. And if you’ve never worked with one before, it’s completely normal to wonder how the process actually works and whether it’s legit.
As someone who has been buying houses in New Orleans for over 20 years, I can tell you firsthand:
Some companies do it right… and some don’t.
That’s why I want to break it down simply, clearly, and honestly—New Orleans style—so you know exactly what to expect, what to watch for, and how a real, local company like NOLA Buys Houses actually helps homeowners navigate tough situations.
Let’s get into it.
What Exactly Is a Home Buying Company?
A home buying company is a local or national business that purchases properties directly from homeowners—usually for cash and usually in as-is condition.
That means:
· No repairs
· No cleaning
· No open houses
· No agents
· No waiting months for the perfect buyer
Most people come to companies like mine when they need a fast, simple, and stress-free way to sell.
Some of the most common situations we see here in New Orleans include:
· Inherited homes stuck in succession
· Properties with storm, flood, or fire damage
· Houses needing extensive repairs
· Landlords tired of dealing with tenants
· Foreclosure or financial hardship
· Families relocating or needing quick cash
· Homes with code issues, title problems, or insurance challenges
Every story is different—but the need for an easier, faster sale is usually the same.
How the Process Works (Step-by-Step)
While every home buying company has its own way of doing things, here’s how the process works with NOLA Buys Houses and why so many locals recommend us.
1. You Reach Out — No Obligation, No Pressure
You can call, text, or fill out the short form on our new and improved website. I’ll ask you a few basic questions about your property:
· Condition
· Location
· Your situation and timeline
· Any repairs or issues you know about
It’s a simple conversation—not an interrogation.
No scripts. No pressure. No nonsense. AND, if working with a professional home buyer sounds like it might not be the best option for you, I will let you know so you don’t waste your time and give you some guidance on what the best route for you might be. I actually do that a lot more than you might think =)
2. I Come See the Property (or Do a Virtual Walkthrough)
If you’re comfortable and interested in moving forward, I’ll come take a quick look. Most visits take around 10–15 minutes. I’m not there to judge your home—trust me, I’ve seen everything over the years.
If you’re out of town or the home is full of belongings, we can walk through it on FaceTime or video.
3. You Get a Fair Cash Offer
After seeing the home and understanding your situation, I’ll give you a no-obligation cash offer. This includes:
· No repairs
· No agent fees
· No closing costs
· No cleaning
Just a clean, straightforward number.
And importantly:
My organization and its affiliates actually buy the houses I put under contract.
Many national companies try to flip your contract to someone else. I have said it a million times…how is someone from Arizona gonna buy your house without seeing it and without knowing anything about the New Orleans market. Would you do something like that? I wouldn’t
4. You Choose the Closing Date
If you accept the offer, we work with a trusted local title attorney and close on the date that works best for you—sometimes in as little as 7 days.
Need more time to move?
Need to stay a few extra days after closing?
Need help coordinating a cleanout?
We do all of that.
The goal is to make it simple, easy and stress-free.
Why Homeowners Choose a Home Buying Company Instead of Listing
Selling on the open market can work great for homes in very good or excellent condition… but many properties in New Orleans aren’t exactly “move-in ready.”
Here’s why locals often choose the direct-buyer route:
No repairs
You don’t have to sink thousands into fixing roofs, plumbing, AC units, termite damage, mold, or old wiring. Materials keep getting more and more expensive every year, especially with all the tariff’s and trade wars going on.
No inspections to negotiate
Traditional buyers are going to bring in a home inspector to pick your house apart. They are going to look over anything and everything that MIGHT be wrong. Then, they can come back and ask for repairs or credits or price reductions on the purchase. Cash buyers typically don’t need to do any inspections.
No agents or commissions
You keep more of your equity. The price we agree on is the price you get. Unless you owe something on the house like a mortgage or a lien of some sort.
No waiting months
Cash sales move fast—especially helpful during stressful life situations. We can move as fast or as slow as you want.
No showings or strangers in your home
For many, this is a huge relief.
We buy problem houses
Storm damage, title issues, inherited homes, tenants, hoarding—these are situations traditional buyers don’t want. They want move in ready houses. We want the exact opposite. It’s how we add value to houses and make our job worthwhile.
You get certainty
Once you’re under contract with us, you can breathe. There’s no waiting for bank approvals or appraisals.
Not All Home Buyers Are the Same: What to Watch Out For
Just being honest—there are some red flags when it comes to home buying companies:
Out-of-state companies that don’t understand the New Orleans market, our laws or communities. They resell the contract. They never any intention to buy your home. Ask them straight up. If they give you the run around about their partners or their team, etc…beware
Wholesalers who don’t actually buy your home—they resell the contract too. It’s the same thing. Never any intention to buy your home. Ask them straight up. If they give you the run around about their partners or their team, etc…beware
Companies that hit you with hidden fees at closing. Make sure everything is clearly spelled out before you sign anything.
Pushy sales tactics. Giving you an offer on the phone without ever seeing the house and then calling and texting a million times trying to get you to sign their contract? They are just throwing something against the wall hoping to lock you in and they come back later and negotiate the price down.
Low-ball offers with no explanation. Never seeing the house. Not local. All these things are red flags. Legit buyers have a legit process. If it smells funny, trust your gut.
That’s why working with a local buyer matters.
Someone who understands:
· Flood zones
· Hurricanes and insurance
· Foundation issues
· Succession and probate
· New Orleans neighborhoods
· Local contractors
· Local title attorneys
This city is unique—your home buyer should be too.
So, how do home buying companies work?
In the simplest terms:
They make it easier to sell your house—especially when life hands you a situation where a traditional sale just doesn’t fit.
But the real difference lies in who you choose to work with.
A trusted, local, experienced buyer will walk you through the process respectfully and honestly, giving you a fair offer and a smooth experience.
If you’re considering selling your home—whether it’s inherited, damaged, or just too much to keep up with—I’m here to help. No pressure, no obligation, and absolutely no judgment.
Visit NOLABuysHouses.com to get your free cash offer today.
Or call/text me directly at 504-264-1407.
Let’s see how we can make your next step easier—and help a few kids in the process.