We Buy Ugly Houses, also known as HomeVestors, is one of the largest home cash-buying franchises on the market. The company specializes in buying distressed properties for cash, renovating them, and flipping them for profit.
We Buy Ugly Houses may appeal to homeowners who want to sell quickly and as-is without paying real estate commissions. However, sellers working with We Buy Ugly Houses can expect to receive an offer significantly below market value, and they would usually make more from a traditional sale, if possible.
The company has mixed reviews from clients, with many positive reviews on Google praising their local franchise, employees' professionalism, and the transaction's speed. Some negative reviews mention inadequate offers and aggressive marketing.
If you’re looking to sell your home quickly for cash, it’s worth considering several options to ensure you find the best value.
Clever Offers can help you compare top cash offers. With the 7-Day Sold program, you can leverage an expert to find the top-paying cash buyers for homes like yours in your area. Review them, choose the best, and sell quickly, with no extra fees or commissions. Take our short quiz to get started immediately!
Who it's best for | Reviews | Best alternatives | How it works
We Buy Ugly Houses summary
- We Buy Ugly Houses has an average 4.5 rating based on more than 2,500 reviews across Google, the BBB, and Yelp.
- The company buys distressed properties that need serious repairs and works with sellers who need to sell their homes quickly.
- The company operates nationwide through a network of franchises. However, it’s unavailable in Alaska, Hawaii, and South Dakota.
What does We Buy Ugly Houses pay for houses?
Here are the costs and profit a homeowner can expect when selling a $400,000 house if they decide to go with We Buy Ugly Houses compared to traditional and discount realtors.
| Type of cost | We Buy Ugly Houses | Traditional agent | Discount agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sale price | $280,000 | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Fees/commissions | $0 | $24,000 (6%) | $12,000 (3%) |
| Closing cost | $0 | $8,000 (2%) | $8,000 (2%) |
| Repairs | $0 | $16,000 (4%) | $16,000 (4%) |
| Profit to seller | $280,000 | $352,000 | $364,000 |
| *Estimates are based on averages and may vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, and other factors. Repair costs, service fees, and closing costs may differ based on the property and location. | |||
Key takeaways and considerations:
- The broker’s commission of 6% is an estimated average on the market, which is usually negotiable. However, not all clients can successfully negotiate it, and the final fee depends on various factors.
- Another option is using a low-commission realtor. Their fees could also differ slightly, with 1.5% being a standard for many large companies, such as Clever or Redfin.
We Buy Ugly Houses offers convenient, fast sales that also allow homeowners to save on repairs, closing costs, and realtor commissions. But this convenience comes at the cost of a lower sale price that typically aren’t offset by saving on repairs and agent commission.
Also, if you use a professional realtor, it’s possible to sell your property for a higher price. So unless you’re well aware of the disadvantages of selling to a cash buyer and are willing to leave some money on the table, consider working with an agent. Whether you want to sell your house as-is, for cash, or quickly, it can all be achieved with a real estate agent’s assistance.
Who We Buy Ugly Houses works best for
While this company may not be for everyone, We Buy Ugly Houses could be suitable for those who:
- Have serious issues with the home’s condition and don’t want to spend money or put effort into significant repairs
- Inherited a home and need to sell it fast and hassle-free, avoiding the traditional route of marketing, showings, etc.
- Might have problems selling a house on the open market — for example, a house in an unpopular area or with problematic tenants
- Are facing foreclosure and need to sell as quickly as possible
Even if We Buy Ugly Houses seems like a good solution, it’s worth looking at a few different selling options (e.g., working with a real estate agent, going with an iBuyer) and competing cash-buying franchises to ensure you get the best deal. For example, with Clever Offers, you can compare a few offers from vetted cash buyers and choose the most advantageous one for you.
Who We Buy Ugly Houses doesn't work best for
Some types of home sellers may want to steer away from We Buy Ugly Houses. For example, those who:
- Seek to recoup the maximum profit when selling
- Are selling a home in a high-demand area or when the real estate market is hot
- Have time to put a property on the market and explore the traditional sale route
In these cases, franchises such as We Buy Ugly Houses should be a last resort for the seller, as traditional routes usually result in higher returns. For example, if you want to get cash for your property, you can just as easily sell it to a traditional buyer or investor. According to the National Association of Realtors, 32% of home sales were all cash at the beginning of 2024.[1]
Compare multiple offers from cash buyers: Clever Offers lets you explore offers from cash buyers in your area and decide which one will work best for you — at no cost to you, and with no obligation to accept an offer. Try it today!
We Buy Ugly Houses reviews
| Source | Customer rating |
|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau | 1.5/5 (37 reviews) |
| 4.6/5 (2,400+ reviews) | |
| Yelp | 2.3/5 (71 reviews) |
| Average | 4.49/5 (2,500+ reviews) |
| *We Buy Ugly Houses doesn’t have one dedicated page on Google, and many local franchises are listed under the “We Buy Ugly Houses and HomeVestors” name. | |
The company has many positive reviews on Google, but Yelp and BBB comments are less flattering. Remember that the customer experience depends largely on their location and the We Buy Ugly Houses franchise they work with.
Satisfied reviewers mention the ease and speed of the process, quick closing times, and qualified professionals. Also, some sellers value the convenience of an as-is purchase and the absence of the need to repair or market the property.
We Buy Ugly Houses complaints focus on a few issues: extremely low offers, very aggressive marketing tactics, and inconsistent level of service across different locations.
'Seamless and effortless'
Many customers praise the ease of transaction and the speed of the closing.
Working with Home Vestors was better than I thought it would be. It was seamless and effortless. They allowed us to close when we were ready and allowed for us to have an overlap in time from the sale of the house to the closing of our new house so we didn’t have to worry about finding somewhere to stay and move our belongings multiple times. I would work with them again and highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a quick sale and no fine print.
— Jessica B., Google
‘Incredibly helpful, always ready to answer my questions’
Reviewers often leave positive feedback on a particular team that was working with them. Comments highlight professionalism, excellent communication, and real estate knowledge.
I had a fantastic experience with Bill. He was incredibly helpful, always ready to answer my questions, and guided me seamlessly through the process. His expertise and responsiveness answered any questions that I had about the process. He is very upfront and honest, telling me his valued opinion. I highly recommend his services to anyone in search of a reliable and knowledgeable real estate professional.
— Michael B., Google
'Offered me an amount where I'd still owe'
Some reviews note employee’s unprofessionalism and that the price offered for their home was way below market value.
Everyone that works for this company are con artists. Needed to sell my house and they they offered me an amount where I'd still owe and asked for additional funds for repairs. Ended up going with a realtor and sold my house for 50X. Just go with a realtor.
— Guillermo F., Google
ProPublica investigation
In 2023, ProPublica published an investigative report on We Buy Ugly Houses, revealing troubling practices and unethical behavior.
The investigation uncovered how some franchisees targeted vulnerable homeowners, such as financially distressed and elderly sellers. The company allegedly used deceptive practices and valuated homes unreasonably low. If sellers tried to back out of the deal, many franchises take them to court to push the deal through.
After the report went public, We Buy Ugly Houses implemented changes to its business practices. For example, it added a three-day window for a seller to back out of a contract and modified parts of franchise owners' training.
Alternatives to We Buy Ugly Houses
| Company | Best for | Avg. customer rating |
|---|---|---|
| Clever Offers | Receiving multiple cash offers, connecting with vetted investors | 5/5 (3,000+ reviews) |
| We Buy Ugly Houses | Homes that are difficult to sell | 4.49/5 (2,500+ reviews) |
| We Buy Houses | Quick sale, professional service | 4.6/5 (300+ reviews) |
| MarketPro Homebuyers | Fair cash offers on the East Coast | 4.4/5 (600+ reviews) |
Clever Offers could be a good alternative for sellers who want to receive multiple cash offers and choose the best one for them. The company connects homeowners with vetted, interested buyers who can pay in cash. It’s possible to close on a sale in as little as one week.
We Buy Houses and MarketPro Homebuyers are also viable alternatives. They simplify the process for sellers and buy homes as-is for cash. However, just like We Buy Ugly Houses, these companies usually extend offers much lower than the average market value of the property.
We Buy Ugly Houses: How it works
We Buy Ugly Houses has a straightforward process with minimal steps for homeowners to take. Here’s what to expect if you decide to sell with the company:
- Fill out the form on the website or call the company.
- A local franchisee will schedule a walkthrough to evaluate your home’s condition.
- Get a cash offer within 24-48 hours.
- Decide whether you want to accept the offer. If the deal’s conditions are unsatisfactory and you haven’t signed the contract yet, you can choose to walk away.
- Close in three weeks or so.
We recommend consulting a real estate professional or legal representative before signing a purchase contract. This will help you better understand its terms and ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
We Buy Ugly Houses reviews: The bottom line
We Buy Ugly Houses is a nationwide home buyer that purchases distressed properties for cash as-is. While it offers a hassle-free solution for homeowners, sellers should be aware that they’ll sacrifice some profit for the speed and convenience. What’s more, the quality of service can vary significantly depending on your local franchise.
To make the most out of the sale, try to get offers from a few different buyers and know your property’s real market value before deciding. For example, Clever Offers can match you with a couple of vetted buyers ready to pay with cash in your area.