If you’re looking for a way to win a home in a competitive market or buy a home before you sell, Flyhomes can help.
Flyhomes provides cash offers for clients who want to buy or trade-in homes. The company gives you money upfront to make a cash offer, which looks more attractive to sellers than a financed offer. Once the offer is accepted, you buy the home from Flyhomes using a traditional mortgage.
While the company claims you don’t pay a premium with the program[1], you pay up to a 2.5% loan origination fee with the mortgage company, plus realtor commission and closing costs[2]. You also have to work with a Flyhomes agent to buy and sell your home.
In previous customer reviews, Flyhomes clients speak fairly highly of the company’s staff and ability to help place winning bids on homes in competitive markets. But going with a trade-in service that uses all in-house agents means you won’t have an independent advisor on your side. You'll also pay Flyhomes a standard 3% commission rate per transaction, which is nearly double what you'd pay a realtor from a top-rated discount brokerage.
Flyhomes summary
| ⭐️ Average customer rating | 4.84/5 (2,007 reviews) |
| ✅ Pros | Pay cash for your new home Buy now and sell later Work with highly reviewed agents |
| ❌ Cons | The fee structure isn’t transparent Easier to work through Flyhomes Mortgage Can’t bring your own agent |
| 🧰 Core services | Buy before you sell Cash-backed offer Traditional buying and selling services |
| 💵 Fees | Up to a 2.5% loan origination fee for buy before you sell and cash-backed offer, plus up to 6% in realtor fees to Flyhomes |
| 📍 Locations | CA, CO, MA, OR, TX, WA |
What is Flyhomes?
Flyhomes is a Washington-based real estate company that offers a variety of services to help make buying and selling homes easier, including:
- Buy before you sell
- Cash-backed offers
- Traditional agent services
- AI-backed home search
The company’s cash offer programs are all backed by a short-term loan through Flyhomes Mortgage — the company’s affiliate lender — and come with up to a 2.5% loan origination fee.
Flyhomes’ services can make your real estate transaction easier if you:
- Need help adjusting your debt-to-income ratio before buying
- Want to make purchasing a new home and selling your old home hassle-free
- Want to make a stronger offer when looking for a new home
However, Flyhomes' fees can add up.
To take advantage of Flyhomes' cash offer, you’ll pay back both the principal and short-term interest of up to 9.99% per month until you buy back the home through a traditional financing. On a $600,000 home, that adds up to about $4,745 per month — on top of the loan origination fee.
Flyhomes pros and cons
Working with Flyhomes can make selling your home and buying a new property more convenient, but that convenience comes with some drawbacks.
Understanding the pros and cons (and exploring all your options) is crucial before accepting a Flyhomes cash offer.
✅ Pros
Pro 1: Pay cash for your new home. Cash offers give customers more buying power when making an offer.
Paying cash makes negotiations on a new home easier because your purchase isn’t contingent on financing or selling your old property.
Pro 2: Buy now and sell later. Navigating the sale of one home while purchasing another can be tricky (and stressful).
Working with Flyhomes’ buy before you sell option helps ease that stress by letting you sell after you move into your new home.
Pro 3: Flyhomes has everything in-house. Flyhomes has everything you need in-house, including their own mortgage department and agents who will help you list your old home and buy your new one.
❌ Cons
Con 1: The fee structure isn’t transparent. Unlike its competitors, Flyhomes doesn’t disclose its fees on the website, and you need to do some digging to find out what they charge.
It’s best to talk with the company directly to learn more about how much it will cost to use its programs.
Con 2: It’s easier to work through Flyhomes Mortgage. The short-term buy-before-you-sell and cash offer programs are handled directly through Flyhomes Mortgage.
To avoid extra hard credit checks (and delays in funding), most customers stick with Flyhomes for everything. This structure makes it hard to shop around for the best interest rates.
Con 3: You can’t bring your own agent. While Flyhomes agents are well-reviewed, they might not be the best fit for everyone. And, you'll pay top-of-market rates to work with them, rather than being able to shop around for a lower commission.
Choosing the company for your real estate sale or purchase means you won’t be free to select your agent. And you’re stuck working with the Flyhomes team, even if you aren’t happy with them.
| Buy-before-you-sell services like Flyhomes work best in incredibly competitive markets where non-contingent cash offers are the norm. However, you could end up paying thousands of extra dollars in short-term interest and other fees. Under normal market conditions, you may be able to negotiate a home-sale contingency allowing you to close on your new home after your old one sells — without the added expense of a short-term loan. Before springing for a buy-before-you-sell service, talk to a few different realtors about market conditions in the areas where you intend to sell and buy. 📊 We leverage thousands of data points to connect you with the exact real estate expertise you need. Find top-rated agents in your zip code — and benefit from industry leading commission savings when you sell. Enter a few facts about your home sale, see what agents suggest for your situation, and decide on the best course of action — no added fees or obligation to move forward. |
Flyhomes reviews
| Source | Average Rating | Review Count |
|---|---|---|
| BBB | 1.0/5 | 2 |
| 4.8/5 | 665 | |
| Trustpilot | 4.7/5 | 376 |
| Yelp | 4.8/5 | 298 |
| Zillow | 5.0/5 | 666 |
| Weighted Average: | 4.8/5 | 2,007 |
Flyhomes has a strong online review profile, averaging a flyhomes out of 5 across 2,007 reviews on BBB, Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Zillow.
Customers hold the company’s agents in high regard and highlight how the mortgage team effectively explains the process. In contrast, a handful of customers complain about lackluster agents or say it’s hard to contact the team after they are approved for the loan.
✅ ‘Prioritized our needs and always quick to respond’
Flyhomes agents guide buyers and sellers through the process with care and efficiency. Pleased customers frequently compliment the team on its professionalism and responsiveness.
“Working with Linda was an absolute pleasure from start to finish! She helped us in our home buying process with incredible patience and professionalism. She is very knowledgeable about the current market. She prioritized our needs and was always quick to respond.” – Jampani R., 12/29/2024, Zillow
✅ ‘All-cash offer program helped us win the bid’
Flyhomes’ cash-backed offers help its customers win bidding wars by making a stronger offer than competitors. This system makes it possible for customers to confidently purchase their dream home.
“Flyhome real estate services are great. Their all-cash offer program is amazing and helped us win the bid. ***** ***** & his team were very diligent with running the comps and providing valuable feedback on the homes.” – Avinash R., 02/25/2024, Yelp
✅ ‘Got 12k over the listing price’
Flyhomes’ selling agent team helps customers make the most money on their home sale. Some customers report making more than listing and avoiding paying for repairs or additional inspections.
“****** took the time to understand our situation and helped us sell fast and get the amount of equity we expected. We went pending in just 4 days and got 12k over the listing price. ... We were able to avoid additional repairs, inspections, and we also closed under 30 days!” - Sevitrey, 07/29/2024, Zillow
❌ ‘They won’t return anyone’s calls’
While most customers are happy with the short-term loan process, a few report a lack of communication after approval. Not being able to contact the team can cause unforeseen complications when closing.
“Our lender is using Fly Homes for our bridge loan. Super quick to get the funds to purchase. However, now, while we're trying to close, we cannot reach a single person at Fly Homes. They won't return anyone's calls — not us, not the title company.” – Rachel W., 02/20/2025, Yelp
❌ ‘More inexperienced, less informed’
"My realtor did not let me know that a home I put an offer on was in a zone being actively considered for seizure via eminent domain in order to build a light rail…not sure if this was shadiness or incompetence. He probably just wanted to make a quick buck. I definitely feel like all flyhomes realtors were more inexperienced, less informed and less considerate than other local realtors I communicated with." – Ryan A., 05/01/2022, Yelp
Flyhomes vs. other buy-before-you-sell options
| Company | Program Fee | Use your own agent? | Locations | Avg. customer rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flyhomes | Up to 2.5%* | ❌ | CA, CO, MA, OR, TX, WA | 4.84/5 (2,007 reviews) |
| Knock | 2.25% + $1,850 | ✅ | AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, NC, NJ, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, WA | 4.8/5 (905 reviews) |
| Homeward | 2.4% (1.9% w/ Homeward Mortgage) | ✅ | AZ, CO, FL, GA, OR, TX, WA | 4.51/5 (1,280 reviews) |
| Orchard | 2.4% | ❌ | CO, GA, TX | 4.05/5 (678 reviews) |
*Flyhomes advertises no fees, but you pay a loan origination fee of up to 2.5% with Flyhomes Mortgage
Knock: Highly reviewed and transparent pricing, but no money back
Knock serves a broader area than Flyhomes and is more transparent about its pricing model. You also have the freedom to choose any agent to work with.
However, Flyhomes may still save you money in the long run. Even with Flyhomes’ maximum 2.5% loan origination fee, Knock’s 2.25% service fee plus $1,850 will likely cost you more.
Homeward: Choose your own agent, but fees run higher than most.
Homeward is a solid buy-before-you-sell provider and offers rebates for working through Homeward Mortgage. Customers also have the flexibility of working with any broker.
Flyhomes may save you some money over Homeward’s standard 2.4% service fee — although it's not guaranteed, since the company isn't upfront about their mortgage origination fees. However, Flyhomes has more positive online reviews.
Orchard: Get cash for repairs and one month rent free, but a small service area
Orchard’s Move First bridge loan program includes extra perks, like a cash advance for repairing your old home and one month of rent free.
However, the company has a significantly smaller service area compared to Flyhomes. Orchard also charges a 2.4% service fee, so you may find a better price at Flyhomes if you land a lower loan origination fee.
More Flyhomes alternatives to consider
Buy-before-you-sell programs like the one that Flyhomes offers aren’t the only way to lower your stress levels before selling. You can also make more money by avoiding extra service fees on top of selling with an agent.
Sell with an experienced listing agent
Selling directly with a real estate agent will save you money, since you don’t have to pay the extra service fee. Your agent can also make selling before you buy easier by negotiating closing dates or lease-back opportunities that fit your timeline.
One drawback is that you won’t get the perk of a non-contingent cash-backed offer. If you need to negotiate a longer closing window or a lease-back, the seller may select a different offer with simpler terms. However, that really depends on the level of competition in the market.
If you'd like to get a realtor's perspective on the market before committing to Flyhomes' fees, try Clever. The real estate matching service will connect you with top agents in your area who can help you sell your house (and buy a new one) for about half the typical listing fee.
Sell to an iBuyer
If you want an upfront cash offer, it may be worth it to look into an iBuyer. iBuying companies are tech-based cash home buyers that pay cash upfront and are less complicated than buy-before-you-sell.
However, you will still pay significant service fees (Opendoor charges 5%), and you won’t earn extra on the open market after you sell for cash.
Want a simpler way to compare your options? Clever Offers makes it easy to find the best route for your home sale — including options that let you get up to 80% of your home value upfront and then sell for additional upside once you've moved. Get started with a few quick details about your home — no added fees or obligation to move forward.
How Flyhomes works
Flyhomes Buy Before You Sell
Overview: Flyhomes’ Buy Before You Sell program lets you leverage your home’s equity through a short-term loan and make a cash offer on a new property before you sell. This cash offer helps you by:
- Strengthening your negotiation power
- Allowing you to move before home prep and showings
- Earning you more money by selling on the open market
How it works: Here’s what you can expect if you want to buy your new home before you sell with Flyhomes.
Step 1. Get pre-approved for a short-term loan. You’ll apply online through the Flyhomes website and get a pre-approval letter from Flyhomes Mortgage to help you understand how much the company will pay and budget for your new home.
Step 2. Take out the loan and make an offer. If you find a home you like within your budget, you can accept the Flyhomes Mortgage short-term loan and use that cash to make a non-contingent offer.
Step 3. Move into your new home and sell your old one. Once you move in, you will work with a Flyhomes agent to sell your old home. For an added fee, Flyhomes will provide you with a guaranteed backup offer in case your house doesn't sell within 120 days.
Step 4. Sell your old home and pay off the short-term loan. After selling your old home, you’ll pay off the short-term loan by taking out a long-term mortgage through Flyhomes Mortgage (or the lender of your choice)[3].
What it costs: To take advantage of Flyhomes' short-term loan to make a cash offer on your house, you’ll be agreeing to pay back the offer amount plus 9.99% interest for the duration of the loan term (up to 120 days). These fees will be rolled into your long-term mortgage. You'll also be responsible for up to 2.50% in loan origination fees, plus a flat fee of $2,500 to take advantage of Flyhomes' Guaranteed Backup Offer. Additional expenses include up to 6% in realtor fees to cover the cost of your Flyhomes agent, plus standard closing costs (appraisal fees, escrow fees, etc.).
Flyhomes Buy Before You Sell costs on a $600,000 home purchase
| Costs | Fee | Cost on a $600,000 home |
|---|---|---|
| Loan origination fee | 1–2.5% | $6,000–15,000 |
| Realtor fees* | 6% | $36,000 |
| Short-term loan principal and interest (30 days) | 9.99% APR | $4,745 |
| Closing costs | ~1% | $6,000 |
| Guaranteed Backup Offer** | Flat rate | $2,500 |
| Total | 18–19.5% | $54,000–79,735 |
*Based on industry norms of 3% to the buyer's agent and 3% to the listing agent
**Optional add-on
Selling with Flyhomes
Overview: Flyhomes offers traditional selling assistance with its team of listing agents. Listing with the company also comes with perks that some agents don’t provide, like:
- Deep cleaning and staging
- Virtual tours
- Additional marketing services
How it works: Here’s how a typical sale with Flyhomes works.
Step 1. Fill out the online form and meet your agent. Start by completing an online form and scheduling an introductory meeting with your assigned Flyhomes agent.
Step 2. Get your home ready to sell. Work with the Flyhomes selling team to clean and stage your home, schedule a photo shoot, and record a virtual tour.
Step 3. Market your home. To maximize exposure, your agent will run a complete marketing campaign, including print fliers, email marketing, and paid ads.
Step 4. Sell your home quickly. Flyhome agents coordinate open houses and leverage their network to sell your home ASAP.
Step 5. Close on your home. After you receive an offer, you’ll work with your agent to negotiate the best deal possible and set a closing date.
What it costs: Selling with Flyhomes costs the same as traditional selling rates. This means you’ll typically pay a 3% listing fee, 3% to the buying agent, and other associated closing costs.
Buying with Flyhomes
Overview: Besides its buy-before-you-sell program, Flyhomes offers traditional buying agent services. You work with a team of agents, and you don’t need to worry about direct agent commission because they earn a salary instead.
How it works: This is what it’s like to buy through Flyhomes:
Step 1. Connect with the Flyhomes team. You’ll download the mobile app, browse homes, and book tours with the Flyhomes buying agent team.
Step 2. Tour your favorite homes. Schedule tours through the app with a Tour Specialist to see the homes in person and get expert advice on the market.
Step 3. Make an offer. The Flyhomes buying team will work with you to propose an offer that helps you stand out from other prospects.
Step 4. Close on your new home. You’ll work with the Flyhomes Transactions Team to cover the closing process and purchase your new home.
What it costs: Flyhomes buying agents work on a base salary model, which means the seller isn’t responsible for paying them commission directly. However, Flyhomes does collect a standard commission as a company — most likely around 3%.
Flyhomes Mortgage
Flyhomes Mortgage is the company’s affiliate lender that handles the short-term lending for its buy-before-you-sell and cash-backed offer programs. It also works with agents outside the Flyhomes network by providing bridge loans for buyers[4].
The mortgage company also offers competitive rates on long-term mortgages to help streamline the lending process after you sell your old home during the buy-before-you-sell process.
Flyhomes AI
In June of 2024, Flyhomes launched the first AI-driven home search portal[5]. This innovative real estate solution gives you deeper research on homes in your area and analyzes nearly 1,000 data points to help you find your dream home without an agent.
What to watch out for with Flyhomes
The pricing structure can be confusing.
Flyhomes doesn’t follow a transparent pricing model like some of its competitors. If you’re considering using the company, it’s best to contact the team directly to learn how much it will cost you.
Rental costs can add up quickly.
Monthly short-term loan costs averaging 9.99% of your home’s purchase price can add up fast. It’s best to work with your selling agent to close as soon as possible to avoid paying too much in loan fees.
You don’t get to choose your realtor.
If you work with Flyhomes, the company will assign you an agent. While most customers praise the team for its effectiveness and professionalism, there’s a chance you’ll wind up with a realtor who doesn’t work well with you.
To avoid this situation, you can opt for a buy-before-you-sell service that doesn’t require you to use company agents.
How does Flyhomes make money?
Flyhomes makes money in a couple of ways. Primarily, it charges commission on real estate transactions through its traditional services and buy-before-you-sell programs.
The company also makes money through its mortgage affiliate, Flyhomes Mortgage. Services incur a up to a 2.5% loan origination fee for buy-before-you-sell loans and traditional mortgages.
Where is Flyhomes available?
CA, CO, MA, OR, TX, WA
Bottom line: Is Flyhomes worth it?
Flyhomes allows you to buy a new home before selling your old one through a short-term loan for up to 90% of its equity. However, fees and rent charges that add up over time could offset this convenience.
We recommend checking out multiple buy-before-you-sell companies before settling on one option. Quotes are always free, and you’re not obligated to move forward if you feel it isn’t the right fit.
If you want to make the most money on your transaction, working with a reputable real estate agent who offers lower commission rates may be a better choice.
Your agent can help you negotiate a flexible closing date and lease-back program that makes the process less stressful. And you can make more profit if they charge you less than the standard 3% listing fee.
FAQs about Flyhomes
Is Flyhomes legit?
Yes, Flyhomes is a legitimate company. The company provides short-term lending for buying and trading homes through Flyhomes Mortgage. It also provides listing services for people who only need to sell a home. Flyhomes has raised over $190 million in investment capital to date and claims over $5 billion in sales. In 2024, the company purchased ZeroDown, an AI tech startup backed by Sam Altman of OpenAI, to build Flyhomes AI. Learn more about Flyhomes.
What is a Flyhomes Cash Offer?
Flyhomes provides a cash offer service that gives you the power of cash when making an offer on a home in a competitive market. Flyhomes will lend you the cash using a short-term loan and make the offer, which will stand out from other financed offers. After Flyhomes closes on the home, you buy the house from Flyhomes using a traditional mortgage. Find out more about Flyhomes and its cash offers.
Is Flyhomes a brokerage?
Flyhomes is a real estate brokerage and mortgage lender that provides cash offers and home trade-in services. Flyhomes agents are licensed, but unlike traditional brokerages, Flyhomes pays its agents a salary instead of commissions on home sales. Learn more about how Flyhomes works.
Is Flyhomes a good deal?
It depends. Customers pay up to a 2.5% loan origination fee to use Flyhomes’ cash offer and home trade-in services. Flyhomes claims that its cash offers help clients win bids more easily with less money, due to cash offers being preferred over financed offers. But it’s possible to bid successfully on a home without an all-cash offer. Find out more about what it costs to use Flyhomes.
