Top 10 Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in 2025

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By Jared Lindstrom Updated October 8, 2025
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Edited by Katy Byrom

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When you need to sell your house but don’t want to deal with listing on the open market, you can sidestep many of the headaches associated with selling your house by using a 'we buy houses for cash' company. Typically, cash buyers will:

  • Simplify the selling process by making a cash offer right away
  • Buy your house as is — meaning, no repairs, staging, showings, or appraisals
  • Eliminate realtor fees and pay for closing costs in many cases

Choosing a cash buyer comes with potential downsides, though. In many cases:

  • You won’t get full market value for your home.
  • The buyer’s offer might change after home inspections.
  • You may sell for less than expected after deductions for fees and repair costs.

The best way to maximize speed and profit potential is to compare multiple cash offers. To save time, we suggest starting with an offers marketplace like Clever Offers — which has a 5-star customer rating, the highest of any company on our list. With Clever Offers, you get competing offers worth up to 100% of your home value and can sell in as little as 7 days — all with no added fees or obligation to move forward. Submit a quick form to find your best offers.

Best companies that buy houses for cash

CompanyRating Service typeBest for
Clever Offers4.9/5 (4,236 reviews)National cash offer networkMultiple offers from vetted buyersCompare offers
Knock4.78/5 (941 reviews)Buy-before-you-sellTap your equity to buy before you listLearn more
We Buy Houses4.8/5 (279 reviews)Franchise cash buyerFast sales with professional serviceLearn more
We Buy Ugly Houses4.67/5 (2,935 reviews)Franchise cash buyerHard-to-sell homesLearn more
Sundae4.7/5 (696 reviews)Auction-style marketplaceHome auctions in CALearn more
MarketPro Homebuyers4.56/5 (797 reviews)Regional cash buyerFair cash offers on the East CoastLearn more
Opendoor4.26/5 (4,397 reviews)iBuyerHassle-free sales with flexible closingLearn more
Orchard4.18/5 (794 reviews)Buy-before-you-sellEquity advance for upsizing/downsizingLearn more
HomeLight Simple Sale4.11/5 (1,008 reviews)National cash offer networkCompare cash offer vs. MLS listingLearn more
Offerpad3.9/5 (2,615 reviews)iBuyerFlexible options with selling perksLearn more
Show more
*Companies sorted by overall customer review rating. These ratings are accurate as of October 2025.

1. Clever Offers

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.9/5 (4,236 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: None
  • Time to close: Varies
  • 📍 Locations: Nationwide
  • 🏆 Best for: Homeowners who want to explore their selling options so they can make an informed decision and find a deal that meets their needs

Clever Offers summary

Clever Offers provides a faster, more secure way to compare cash offers.

When you choose Clever Offers, you have the choice of connecting with local and national investors, iBuyers, buy-before-you-sell providers, and real estate agents experienced at helping sellers looking for cash. The range of options helps you find the best deal, and you have the added security of knowing that every buyer and realtor in Clever's network will be held to a 5-star standard.

You can make an informed decision about which cash buyer is best for you and have no pressure to accept a deal through the platform. The platform is also free to home sellers. Compare offers.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB4.982
Google4.9454
Trustpilot4.93,700
Weighted Average:4.94,236

✅ Get multiple competing cash offers

✅ You can compare offer from a variety of sources, including investors, iBuyers, buy-before-you-sell providers, and the local market

✅ Get a professional estimate of your home's fair-market value to help evaluate offers

✅ No pressure to accept an offer

"I had a fantastic experience working with Clever Real Estate. They were professional, responsive, and truly dedicated to helping me sell my home (in only two months!) Highly recommend!" — Gayle M., Trustpilot, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I had had a bad experience with another real estate company and was skeptical. However, from the first 5 minutes of talking with Richard, he put my mind at ease. He told me that I am the boss and that together, we would make things happen. And we did. My late mother's house sold within the first week at my asking price. Thank you Clever for sending me Richard Bell! — Amy S., Trustpilot, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ Some offer types have longer timelines

❌ Cash offers may still be below market value

  1. Answer a quick survey to see what offers you qualify for
  2. Connect with cash buyers through Clever's network (and a real estate agent, if you choose to meet with one)
  3. Review your offers
  4. Accept the best offer or simply walk away

Almost any property is eligible because Clever works with a variety of buyers, ranging from  local real estate investors to nationwide iBuyers.

2. Knock

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.78/5 (941 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: 2.25% + $1,850 loan fee
  • Time to close: Varies
  • 📍 Locations: Statewide in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, KY, MD, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, WA, WI
  • 🏆 Best for: Someone with decent equity in their current property who wants to make a more attractive offer on a new home

Knock Summary

Knock’s bridge loan model lets customers borrow against their current home’s equity to make a non-contingent offer on a new house before selling.

The bridge loan covers your new home’s down payment, moving expenses, costs to prep your current home for sale, and ongoing mortgage payments until the house sells. You can also access up to $35,000 to make home improvements before listing.

Knock's bridge loan program includes a guaranteed backup offer, which is designed to cover the payoff amount on your current house. You can accept the offer if the house doesn’t sell in 6 months, but most customers sell within that time frame.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB5.0/510
Trustpilot4.7/5170
Zillow4.8/5761
Weighted Average:4.8/5941

✅ Buy a new home before you sell

✅ Make top dollar on the open market

✅ Finance home improvements

✅ Cash-offer safety net available

"An OUTSTANDING experience with KNOCK! Every step of the process was smooth and easy. The information and communication was excellent every step of the way. The ability to use KNOCK as a bridge loan allowed us to sanely lock in a new house purchase and then to get the old house sold, all sensible and worry free." — Gary M., Trustpilot, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The bridge loan option with Knock allowed us … to get the house we wanted before selling our existing home. … ****** ******** with Knock was easily available with a knowledgeable answer and a friendly voice. A winning combo.” — Victoria H., Trustpilot, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ Backup cash offers aren't worth full market value

❌ Sellers need significant equity to qualify

❌ Service fee is 2.25% of the sale price, plus a $1,850 loan fee

  1. Submit your info for a bridge loan pre-approval (loan estimates typically take around 48 hours).
  2. Agree to Knock’s terms to receive your interest-free bridge loan funding.
  3. Use your bridge loan to cover a down payment, repairs, and mortgage payments.
  4. Sell your old home within 6 months or choose to accept a cash offer after the 6-month listing period.

You may be eligible for a Knock Bridge Loan if you:

  • Have decent credit and equity in your current home
  • Own a single-family home, townhome, or condo in good condition
  • Have no unpermitted additions
  • Are looking to list for no more than $1.2 million ($2 million in higher-priced markets)

Manufactured/mobile homes, multi-family, or age-restricted properties do not qualify.

3. We Buy Houses

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.8/5 (279 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: None
  • 📍 Locations: Nationwide
  • Time to close: 7-14 days+
  • 🏆 Best for: Homeowners who want a quick sale facilitated by experienced real

We Buy Houses summary

We Buy Houses offers homeowners the chance for a rapid sale without worrying about repairs or listing on the open market.

The company operates on a franchise model, with investors acting independently. Since each location is an independent entity, service quality can vary by location.

The cash buyer maintains a solid reputation with customers in general and offers quality service compared to some competitors.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
Google4.8279
Weighted Average:4.8279

✅ Quick closing timeline

✅ Most properties qualify

✅ Flexible terms often available

✅ High marks for honesty and transparency

“I had a great experience with this business. The process was simple and I received a fair offer for the estate home I was selling. I absolutely recommend We Buy Houses if you need to sell a house.” — Angela S., Google, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ Buying strategies vary by franchise

❌ Service may be better in some areas

❌ Offers are less than the open market

“Cold called me and gave a lowball offer, 35-40% lower than market value for local comps. I would not sell for the price they offered even if I was desperate or in a hurry to move.” — Kaleb A., Google, ⭐️

  1. Enter basic property info online
  2. Arrange a walkthrough appointment
  3. Receive a no-obligation cash offer
  4. Choose to close quickly or walk away

We Buy Houses accepts properties on nearly any property, including homes that are:

  • Facing foreclosure
  • Needing significant repairs
  • Vacant or occupied by renters

Mobile homes typically do not qualify.

4. We Buy Ugly Houses

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.67/5 (2,935 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: None
  • Time to close: 3 weeks+
  • 📍 Locations: Nationwide
  • 🏆 Best for: Sellers with limited options who want out of their homes quickly

We Buy Ugly Houses / Homevestors summary

We Buy Ugly Houses / Homevestors is a nationwide cash-buying franchise that buys homes other investors won’t. It doesn’t matter if you have a home needing major repairs, are in financial distress, or just want a quick sale — the cash buyer is ready to make an offer.

Since We Buy Ugly Houses runs on a franchise model, the service quality can vary by location. Many franchises garner outstanding customer reviews, but recent investigations revealed that some franchise owners use questionable sales tactics to purchase homes.

The nationwide availability makes We Buy Ugly Houses an option if you have limited selling options. Still, it’s best to check out a few other cash buyers before deciding which one to use.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB1.430
Google4.72,905
Weighted Average:4.72,935

✅ Receive an offer in 1-2 days

✅ Simple application process

✅ Buys homes in any condition

✅ Well-reviewed in most locations

“Quite literally the best experience ever! From beginning to end, everything went smoothly and those involved with the [sale] and closing were incredibly kind. This is likely one of the best things we've ever done! I couldn't recommend any higher!” — Dee G., BBB, ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

❌ Closing takes longer than other cash buyers

❌ Some franchises under scrutiny for sales tactics

❌ Offers often well below fair market value

“Was offered less than what we paid for and the rep. **** ********** was rude and only took photos of negative aspects. Most of what he complained about was already fixed. Lowballed to the extreme. Was definitely a waste of my time.” — Lawrence W., BBB, ⭐️

  • Book a no-obligation home assessment online
  • Confirm details with a representative to schedule a walkthrough
  • Receive a cash offer after the walkthrough is complete
  • Accept the cash offer and close in as few as three weeks

We Buy Ugly Houses purchases homes in nearly any condition, including:

  • Inherited or second homes
  • Properties in disrepair
  • Short sales
  • Homes in flood plains or with foundation issues
  • Houses in financial distress

Mobile homes typically will not qualify.

5. Sundae

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.7/5 (696 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: None
  • Time to close: 10-60 days
  • 📍 Locations: Select markets in CA
  • 🏆 Best for: Homeowners in California who want a cash offer without doing the legwork to consult with multiple investors

Sundae summary

Sundae’s listing marketplace drives competition between real estate investors to get sellers the best deal for your property.

Working with Sundae allows sellers to compare multiple investor offers to choose the highest off-market price possible. Sellers are not obligated to accept cash offers and can close in ten days after accepting an offer.

One drawback of Sundae is the limited service area — the platform is only available to California and Texas customers.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB4.258
Google4.343
Reviews.io4.9536
Yelp3.759
Weighted Average:4.7696

✅ Multiple bids secure a higher sale price

✅ $10,000 cash advance for qualified sellers

✅ Quick closing after accepting an offer

✅ Flexibility to choose between multiple investors

“We didn’t have to worry about showing the house to potential buyers or making updates. This was huge for us because the house had been in the family for almost 50 years and needed quite a bit of upgrading.” — Shelli S., BBB ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ Limited service area

❌ Offers are often below market value

❌ Bidding process can delay sales

“If you have a nicer home that requires little to no work to be move-in ready, don't even bother! This site is for people with fixer uppers mainly and if you are extremely lucky you might get a "decent" offer that isn't insulting.” — Adrian A., Google ⭐️

  1. Fill out an online form or speak with a local expert
  2. Let Sundae create an auction listing for you
  3. Review offers within a few days
  4. Sell as-is and choose between a 10-60 day closing date

Your home may be a good fit for Sundae’s services if it:

  • Hasn’t been remodeled in the last 10 years
  • Requires substantial repairs
  • Contains materials that aren’t up to code or are unhealthy
  • Needs $20,000-50,000 in repairs

6. MarketPro Homebuyers

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.56/5 (797 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: None
  • Time to close: 3 weeks
  • 📍 Locations: Select markets in DC, FL, GA, MD, NJ, PA, VA
  • 🏆 Best for: East Coast sellers who want a quick, transparent sale with added perks like moving assistance

MarketPro summary

MarketPro Homebuyers is an East Coast-based cash buyer that gives sellers same-day offers, transparent pricing, and flexible closing options. The buyer also offers perks like help with packing and moving.

You can apply for an offer through MarketPro with a virtual or in-person walkthrough. The cash buyer also breaks down its offer to show you how it compares with your home’s potential listing price.

Customers are generally pleased with MarketPro’s services, praising the company’s experienced team and efficient selling process.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB4.3110
Google4.7664
Yelp1.923
Weighted Average:4.6797

✅ Transparent offer process

✅ Fast closing times

✅ Flexible move-out dates

"When it came time to sell my home of nearly 21 years, I wanted to find a way to sell quickly without making repairs, but with a reputable buyer. MarketPro Homebuyers made me a fair offer, but more importantly, they made the experience smooth and simple. Closing was quick and easy, and I received my cash payment immediately." — Richard R., Google ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ Aggressive marketing

❌ Lower-than-expected offers

❌ Potential for contract changes

“Do your homework before you think about doing business with this company…They gave me a quote of half of what my home was valued. After asking the agent to leave, he made a quick call to his boss and raised his offer 30% in less than 5 minutes. Still asked him to leave after that offer. Contacted another company who gave me 30% over MarketPro’s last offer. Closed with the other company in less than 2 weeks for nearly $74K over MarketPro’s original offer." — David E., Google ⭐️

  1. Submit your info online or over the phone
  2. Complete an in-person or virtual home visit
  3. Sign MarketPro’s contract and set a closing date
  4. Move with the free packing and moving assistance

MarketPro typically buys homes in any condition, including:

  • Dated or distressed houses
  • Inherited homes or houses with power of attorney issues
  • Rental properties with current tenants
  • Homes in probate

7. Opendoor

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.26/5 (4,397 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: 5%
  • Time to close: 14-60 days, flexible
  • 📍 Locations: Select markets in AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, KS, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA
  • 🏆 Best for: Homeowners willing to accept a little less than market value in exchange for avoiding the hassles of a traditional home sale

Opendoor summary

Opendoor offers customers a hassle-free way to sell their homes for cash at a competitive price.

Sellers receive an initial offer within 24-48 hours and can choose a flexible closing date without worrying about getting their home market-ready. If sellers do want to test the open market, Opendoor gives them the option to list with a partner agent using their cash offer as a backup. Sellers can also take advantage of Opendoor's hybrid option, Cash Plus, providing cash upfront followed by an open market listing.

For its cash offer program, Opendoor charges a 5% service fee (around the price of selling with a realtor) and has stricter purchase criteria than other cash buyers. However, the iBuyer also pays closer to market value than the typical house flipper.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB1.2157
Google1.468
Reviews.io4.43,425
Trustpilot4.5673
Zillow4.674
Weighted Average:4.34,397

✅ Quick selling time frame

✅ Flexible closing dates

✅ Online selling process

✅ No home showings

“Opendoor made it very easy to show my home, proceed through closing, and sell my home with minimal effort. They were extremely professional and I felt they were by my side every step of the way.” - Brady, reviews.io, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ Stricter selling criteria than cash buyers

❌ The final offer can change

❌ 5% service fee

“They gave me a range of what they expected to offer. There was a $40,000 difference between the bottom and top of the range. … A few days later, they gave me a final offer which was $300 above the bottom of the range and WELL below market value.” - Matt S., reviews.io, ⭐️

  1. Enter your information on Opendoor.com to get a preliminary offer (typically within 24-28 hours)
  2. Complete a video or live walkthrough with an Opendoor representative
  3. Receive a final offer after the representative assesses your property’s value
  4. Sign a purchase agreement and arrange a closing date

Your home may qualify to sell through Opendoor if it is:

  • A single-family home, townhome, or condo built after 1930
  • Valued between $100,000 and $600,000 (or up to $1.4 million in some markets)
  • On a maximum lot of 1 acre (2 in some markets)

8. Orchard

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.18/5 (794 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: 2.4% + 6% brokerage fee
  • Time to close: 14-120 days
  • 📍 Locations: Select markets in AZ, CA, CO, GA, TN, TX, WA
  • 🏆 Best for: Homeowners in Orchard's service area who need extra money to put down on a new home before selling their old property

Orchard summary

Orchard helps you to sell your home on the open market with the security of a backup cash offer.

The company's flagship Move First program lets homeowners borrow against their current equity to make a non-contingent offer on a new home. Orchard then lists your old house, and you receive the remaining profits after fees. If it doesn’t sell in four months, you’ll sell to Orchard for an agreed-upon cash offer.

While it sounds like a great deal, Orchard’s services come at a premium. Its equity advance comes with a 2.4% service fee plus around 6% in brokerage fees.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB3.8/544
Trustpilot4.2/5750
Weighted Average:4.2/5794

✅ Buy a new home before selling

✅ Make a non-contingent offer

✅ Sell your home at full market value

✅ Available cash offer

“Orchard relieved a lot of the stress with buying and selling a home. The greatest part was getting the equity advance which enabled us to purchase another home while our home was on the market. Our home sold above the initial offer and we received additional proceeds at closing.” - L. Small, Trustpilot, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ 2.4% service fee + 6% brokerage fee

❌ Brief, 4-month selling window before your need to repay your loan

❌ You don't get to choose your agent

❌ Some customers complain of lackluster service from Orchard agents

“Our experience with orchard was nothing but a headache. Our realtor did nothing to try to sell our house. He was over an hour away so he didn’t like coming down to our house to put the lockbox, for sale sign, etc. up. And he didn’t come to host a single showing. He wouldn't do an open house for us even though he said up front that if our house didn’t sell in 30 days he would host an open house. We also had zero showings for 2 weeks (absolutely unheard of in our area) and all he did was send us an email that said 'No showings this week.' That was it — no game plan, nothing to try to get more showings.” - RR, Trustpilot, ⭐️

  1. Complete a home assessment by submitting info about your home
  2. Access your home’s equity through an interest-free loan
  3. Make a non-contingent offer on your new home
  4. Move into your new home while Orchard preps your old home for sale
  5. Sell your old home through an Orchard agent and receive the extra profit

To qualify for Orchard’s Move First program, you must:

  • Own a single-family home built after 1920
  • Have a home valued between $200,000-1 million ($1.5 million in some markets)
  • Own a condo worth $200,000-750,000
  • Live in Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; San Antonio, TX

9. HomeLight Simple Sale

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 4.11/5 (1,008 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: None
  • Time to close: 10-30+ days
  • 📍 Locations: Nationwide
  • Time to close: 7-14 days+
  • 🏆 Best for: Homeowners who want to consult a listing agent alongside a potential cash offer

HomeLight Simple Sale summary

HomeLight Simple Sale lets customers choose between two selling options — listing with a realtor or accepting a cash offer.

As a nationwide agent matching platform and investor network, HomeLight connects you to both cash buyers and local realtors so you can look into both selling options before making a commitment.

Many customers state they ended up working with a suggested agent rather than a cash buyer, so HomeLight may not actually land you a cash deal. However, HomeLight indicates that investors in their network can close in as little as 10-30 days.

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB4.398
SiteJabber3.6306
Google4.5541
Yelp363
Weighted Average:4.11,008

✅ Compare a cash offer to listing with a realtor

✅ Close in 10–30 days

✅ No platform fee

“I'm very satisfied with HomeLight services. They were flexible and enthusiastic about my needs. The realtor that I was connected to through this agency went above and beyond in facilitating the sale.” - Bri K., Sitejabber, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ Matched agents charge full commission

❌ Limited cash buyers available

❌ Not guaranteed a quality agent

“Give them a call if you want countless unknown realtors to call. … I was assured there would be A listing and A cash offer person calling - two different people. My phone has not stopped ringing in the past 6 business hours.” - Steve B., Google, ⭐️

  1. Visit the Simple Sale page and fill out the online form
  2. Connect with a member of HomeLight’s cash-buying network (or a realtor)
  3. Receive a cash offer for your home
  4. Close in as few as 10 days with a flexible moving date

All properties are eligible for HomeLight’s services, but cash offers may not be available in some areas.

10. Offerpad

  • ⭐️ Customer rating: 3.9/5 (2,615 reviews)
  • 💵 Service fees: 8%
  • Time to close: 8-90 days, flexible
  • 📍 Locations: Select markets in AZ, FL, GA, IN, NV, NC, OH, SC, TX
  • 🏆 Best for: Someone who wants to list the traditional way with the the safety net of a backup cash offer

Offerpad summary

Offerpad gives home sellers options: You can choose between accepting a cash offer from Offerpad, going to market with an Offerpad agent, or a hybrid approach combining upfront cash with an open market listing. The iBuyer also boasts flexible closing dates ranging from 8-90 days, as well as perks like free local moves, a cash advance for home improvements, and a 3-day grace period for extra move-out time after closing.

However, opting for Offerpad’s cash offer comes with an 8% service fee. The company is also known to charge significant repair fees, which can further reduce your final offer. If you opt to list with an Offerpad agent, you'll pay standard realtor fees of about 6% (assuming 3% goes to the listing agent and 3% is offered as a concession to cover the buyer's agent commission).

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB2.344
Google4.12,211
Reviews.io2.458
Trustpilot3.2208
Yelp1.670
Zillow4.624
Weighted Average:3.92,615

✅ Free local moves

✅ 3-day grace period

✅ Cash offer or traditional listing

✅ Discounts for bundling services

“Selling my home with Offerpad was an exceptional experience, right from the beginning to the end!!! The initial professional I interacted with astounded me by thoroughly examining my property and subsequently extending an offer.” - Dean, Trustpilot. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

❌ 8% service fee or ~6% listing fee

❌ Stricter purchase criteria than other companies

❌ Some sellers report inflated repair costs

“Offerpad came with a competitive offer, [then] waited [until] the 9th day in 10-day due diligence to provide lowball offer. We lost time…” - Carole, Trustpilot, ⭐️

  1. Submit your information on Offerpad’s site to receive an offer
  2. Choose to accept the offer or list through an agent
  3. Complete a third-party home inspection
  4. Receive an updated offer with a repair quote
  5. Close on your home with a 3-day grace period

Homes qualify for Offerpad’s services if they have no significant title or structural issues and are:

  • A single-family home, condo, or townhome
  • In good condition and built after 1950
  • No more than $1 million (pending on market)
  • On a lot smaller than one acre

Who should use a cash home buyer?

Cash home buyers offer an expedited selling process (no need to declutter, make repairs, or open up your home for showings) in exchange for a lower sale price.

Even though you won’t make as much money, you may want to use a cash-buying company to sell your home if you:

  • Prioritize convenience over making the most profit
  • Are selling a second home or an inherited home
  • Have a tight timeline and need a quick turnaround on your sale
  • Want to sell your home as-is without making repairs

However, you should steer clear of selling with a cash buyer if you:

  • Want to maximize the profit on your home sale
  • Have flexibility around your home sale timing
  • Don’t need to make significant repairs before selling
  • Live in a desirable area where your home is likely to sell quickly

“Working with investors suits sellers needing quick, hassle-free sales, like those inheriting properties,” says Charles H. Chandler III, CEO of My Tennessee Home Solution. “However, if there’s no urgency, sellers might benefit more from a realtor’s ability to achieve a higher sales price despite the fees.”

How much do cash buyers pay for houses?

Real estate investors typically offer around 60-80% of your home’s after-repair value (the amount your house will sell for after they make repairs).

“Our offer price calculation starts with the ARV, applying the 70% rule to ensure enough margin to cover holding, financing, and profit,” says Efrain Lopez of House Love Treatment Buyers. “For a property with a $300,000 ARV and $50,000 in repairs, that translates to an offer around $160,000.”

iBuyers like Opendoor may offer closer to market value, but they also charge service fees and make deductions for repairs.

Selling on the open market with a traditional real estate agent allows you to capture the full market value of your home, minus agent commission and closing costs. If your home’s fair market value is $300,000 and it sells for that amount, you’ll spend about 3% of that ($9,000) on listing agent commissions. You may also need to pay a buyer's agent commission, which adds another 3% in selling costs.

To minimize these costs, you could opt for a low commission realtor. Most low commission brokers offer full-service listings for about 1.5-2% in fees, significantly lower than the national average of 2.5-3%. This approach can save you thousands of dollars while still securing a top-dollar sale.

Key questions to ask when selling to a 'we buy houses' company

How is my offer calculated?

Cash buyers typically offer about 70% of a home's after-repair value (ARV). For example, if a home is worth $200,000 after $20,000 in repairs, a real estate investor might offer around $120,000. However, actual offers can vary widely based on factors like:

  • The estimated time and cost of repairs
  • Local demand from buyers or tenants
  • Liens or unresolved title issues
  • Challenges like problem tenants
  • Whether an in-person walk-through is possible

To ensure you’re getting a fair offer, ask the company to walk you through their numbers. Additionally, consider getting a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a realtor to better understand your home’s fair market value as is. Many agents will provide a CMA report for free, and the knowledge can help you evaluate whether a cash offer is reasonable.

Is my home being flipped or wholesale?

When selling to HomeVestors, it’s important to know if your home will be flipped or wholesaled. 

  • Flipping means the company will invest in renovations and resell the property, often making the deal more secure since they’re using their own capital.
  • Wholesaling, on the other hand, involves the company assigning the purchase agreement to another buyer for a "finder's fee." This adds risk, as the deal relies on a third party. If the secondary buyer backs out, your sale could fall through at the last minute, potentially leaving you without a backup plan.

Even if a wholesaler is able to secure a buyer, you're now giving away your equity to two parties. In most cases, you'll be far better off financially asking an experienced local realtor to help you find a cash buyer.  

What is the timeline for closing?

If you’re selling under urgent circumstances—like avoiding foreclosure, relocating for a job, or settling an estate—it’s essential to know whether their timeline meets your needs.

Confirm how long the process will take and ask about potential delays that could arise. While cash home buyers advertise faster timelines, such as 7–14 days. 

Ask about any factors that might extend the closing period, such as required inspections, outstanding liens, or title issues. If you need to sell quickly, clarify what steps the buyer can take to speed up the process or whether faster options are available, even if it means accepting a slightly lower offer.

Ultimately, the expected closing timeframe should align with your goals and circumstances. If timing is critical, explore other cash buyer options that may offer quicker closings or consider working with a platform like Clever Offers to compare multiple options quickly to find the one that best fits your timeline.

What are the terms of the contract?

Review the purchase agreement carefully for any clauses affecting you after the sale. Make sure to clearly define:

  • The amount of earnest money the buyer will put down (1–3% of the contracted home sale price is typical)
  • The amount of time the buyer has to do their due diligence, including inspecting the property, verifying the zoning, ensuring a clear title, etc. Some buyers may try to lower their offer following additional inspections.
  • Set clear terms around what happens if the buyer backs out of the deal after the due diligence period 
  • Identify what happens if you need to stay in your property past the closing date, including the amount you'll pay per day to "lease back" the property

In particular, watch for conditions that indicate wholesaling, such as a clause that allows the investor to assign the contract to another buyer or list the home on the MLS. These can lead to delays or even cause the sale to fall through.

To avoid surprises, have a real estate attorney or trusted professional review the agreement. They can help you spot potential issues, explain the terms, and make sure you understand your responsibilities before you sign.

The bottom line: Which cash offer option is best for you?

Offers marketplaces

Consider if you:

  • Want to compare multiple competitive cash offers
  • Need expert guidance on fair market value
  • Want to see both cash and market options
  • Need flexibility with no pressure to accept

🏆 Our top recommendation: Clever Offers

iBuyers

Consider if you:

  • Want a quick online offer with minimal hassle
  • Have a home in good condition that meets eligibility requirements
  • Are willing to pay a service fee (5-7%)
  • Need a flexible closing date

🏆 Our top recommendation: Opendoor

Buy-before-you-sell programs

Consider if you:

  • Need to buy a new home before selling your current one
  • Have significant equity in your current home
  • Want to make a non-contingent offer on your next home
  • Need a backup cash offer if your home doesn't sell on the market

🏆 Our top recommendation: Knock

Cash investor

Consider if you:

  • Need to sell in days, not months
  • Have a property needing major repairs
  • Want to avoid showings & staging
  • Need guaranteed sale, regardless of price

🏆 Our top recommendation: We Buy Houses

List as is with a realtor

Consider if you:

  • Want maximum profit
  • Can wait 30-90 days to sell
  • Have a home in good condition
  • Are willing to pay agent commissions

👉 Learn: Where to find the best agents at the best rate

FAQ

What are the pros and cons to selling for cash?

Pros: Selling to a cash buyer allows you to sell quickly without the need for showings, repairs, or prep work. It also eliminates realtor fees and closing costs, making the process simpler and more straightforward.

Cons: Offers from cash buyers generally fall below market value, which means you may receive less than you would from a traditional sale. The actual payout can also be lower than the initial offer due to potential hidden fees or adjustments after inspections. Finally, some contracts may be complex, so it’s essential to review the terms carefully.

How much do cash home buyers pay?

Offers vary between companies that buy homes for cash, but they generally pay 60-80% of a home’s after-repair value, or ARV. Here’s what a buyer may offer for a home with a fair market value of $300,000:

  • $300,000 fair market value - $50,000 for repairs = $250,000 ARV
  • 60-80% of $250,000 = $150,000-200,000 cash offer

What types of buyers pay cash for houses?

Many types of buyers pay cash for houses. The most common cash buyers include:

  • National cash-buying networks like WeBuyHouses
  • Local real estate companies that flip houses
  • Private real estate investors
  • iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad
  • Home trade-in services like Knock and Orchard

How does a cash offer on a house work?

Instead of taking your home to the open market, a cash buyer makes a direct offer on your home for a cash payout. The process typically has four steps:

  1. You receive an initial offer on your home
  2. The buyer (or a third party) evaluates your home for potential repairs
  3. The cash buyer adjusts the offer based on the home inspection
  4. You choose to accept or deny a final offer and close on the sale

Are “we buy houses” companies legit?

Cash-buying companies like WeBuyHouses and WeBuyUglyHouses.com are legitimate real estate companies licensed to buy and sell homes where they operate. However, the offer and service you receive will vary by company, so you should shop around and find the best fit for your needs before settling with one cash buyer. You should also carefully review all contracts (or consult a real estate professional) to ensure you understand the terms when selling to one.

How long does a cash sale take?

Selling your home for cash varies by company. Some companies that pay cash for homes close in as few as three days, while others take multiple weeks to finalize a sale. Most companies also offer flexible closing dates to meet sellers’ needs.

Is selling to a cash buyer a good idea?

Selling to a cash buyer won’t make you as much profit as the open market. But selling to a cash buyer may make sense if you:

  • Prioritize convenience over making the most profit
  • Are selling a second home or an inherited home
  • Have a tight timeline and need a quick turnaround on your sale
  • Want to sell your home as-is without making repairs

Related reading

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