Many California homeowners find themselves in situations where a quick home sale is necessary. Life transitions, such as job relocations and divorce, compel them to look for ways to sell properties fast. But the reality is that, they often struggle because their homes aren’t ready yet for listing or showings. They themselves aren’t prepared either for open houses or lengthy negotiations with buyers. This is where “We Buy Houses” California companies present a viable solution.
These businesses provide cash offers for properties in any condition, streamlining the selling process. This allows homeowners to move on to the next chapter of their lives quickly avoiding the hassle of traditional home sales, including repairs and renovations.
In this post, we dug into the details of We Buy Houses for Cash companies across California and rounded up some of the best options available. We also provide guidance on how these businesses function, how much they might offer for your home, and how you can weigh your options so you’re happy with your sale.
Need to Sell Your House Fast in California?
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of California “we buy houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in California
We Buy Houses companies in California typically promise quick, all-cash offers and ultra-fast closings, often in as few as seven days. They tend to target distressed properties in need of repairs and work with sellers who need to move ASAP.
Here’s what you can expect from the process:
- You request an offer and provide the company with some information about your home. Some companies may make a preliminary offer at this stage, but it’s usually subject to change once they’ve inspected your property.
- The company completes a walkthrough of your property, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- The company makes a firm offer (usually within 24 hours, sometimes on-site after the walkthrough), which you can accept or decline. Most of these companies will not negotiate on price, so the offer is a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a contract, and the closing process will begin. Some companies offer a large deposit or moving cost assistance, and a few may even pay for the home upfront.
- Closing and getting paid is quick, typically within seven days to a few weeks. This can vary by company, and sellers who work with a house-buying company often enjoy flexibility in selecting a move-out date that works for them.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in California
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in California sounds appealing to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parent’s mission-style home in San Diego or your Oakland duplex. By selling to one of these companies, you’ll be able to sell your California home in as little as a week or two.
Note: Individual program details frequently change. Please visit the company’s website for the most up-to-date information. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.
Sell Quick California, LLC
Sell Quick California buys homes in any condition, with no repairs or cleaning required. If you’re overwhelmed with an abundance of clutter or your home is in complete disarray, the company will take the burden off your hands. The easy home selling process starts with requesting a fair cash offer through an online form. From there, clients can choose their closing date and receive the cash payment.
Locations: All of California
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sell Quick California covers them.
Sell Quick California has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2019 and has an A+ rating. It has maintained a perfect 5.0-star rating on Google, with past clients commenting on the fast and transparent communication, as well as quick sales and fair offers. Some reviewers remark that the staff was excellent at informing sellers of all their options, even if that led them to sell elsewhere.
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in California (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S. where partner investors have a wide range of investment strategies, including fix-and-flip and buy-and-hold. This enables Simple Sale to provide cash offers for a wide array of properties, even those that need some or a lot of work, in different locations throughout California.
With this platform, you can get an all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as little as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including California
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight was founded in 2012 and is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. The company has 4.8 stars on Google based on hundreds of reviews.
Below, you can hear about how Baohan Wu, a seller who used Simple Sale to sell his high-rise apartment, closed within three and a half weeks and what he thought of the process overall.
Phone number: 844-488-8455
SoCal Home Buyers
SoCal Home Buyers is a family-run investment firm that buys properties, including single-family fixer-uppers and turnkey multi-family homes. After receiving information about your home and completing an inspection, the company can offer a closing timeline as short as seven days. SoCal Home Buyers has been in operation for 13 years, providing an easy home sale process for homeowners.
Locations: San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; SoCal Home Buyers covers them.
SoCal Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018 and has an A+ rating. It has 32 Google reviews with an average of 4.8 stars. Reviews speak of a quick process from initial communication to closing. Customers also praise the employees’ friendliness and warmth, as well as their transparency and professionalism.
Phone: 951-331-3844
Premier Property Buyers
Premier Property Buyers is a Southern California house-buying company that purchases homes regardless of their condition or the owner’s situation. The company, which has been in operation since 2003, is committed to transparency, providing home sellers with an offer and the numbers that went into calculating that amount. It charges no fees and can close on homes in as little as a week.
Locations: Southern California
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Premier Property Buyers covers them.
Premier Property Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018 and earned an A+ rating. Southern California customers praise the company’s professional services, yielding a perfect 5.0-star rating on Google. Past sellers speak to the business owner’s service and demeanor, commending his knowledge, patience, and responsiveness throughout the entire sale process. Reviewers also note fair offers, especially compared to other area companies they explored.
Phone number: 714-475-7526
Laurel Buys Houses
Laurel Buys Houses, also known as Alcala Properties, has purchased over a hundred homes in the Sacramento area. It buys all kinds of properties as-is, no matter the condition. After collecting information about your home through an online form or over the phone, the company conducts a home visit and provides an offer. If you accept the offer, the company emphasizes that it can accommodate a very tight schedule and, in some cases, close in a few days if necessary.
Locations: Sacramento area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Laurel Buys Houses covers them.
Laurel Buys Houses has been accredited by the BBB since 2017 with an A+ rating. It has accumulated over 80 reviews on Google with a 4.7-star rating. Many reviews speak of Laurel’s kindness, honesty, and interest in doing what’s right. Customers also praise quick closings and a stress-free and seamless process.
Website: laurelbuyshouses.com
Phone number: 916-476-2381
Why sell your California house for cash?
There are plenty of reasons a California seller may choose to go the Cash-For-Homes route — speed and certainty being chief among them.
In California, it typically takes around 73 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 29 days on the market plus the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
In contrast, when you work with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in California, you can usually expect to receive an offer in as little as a day or two and close in as few as seven days.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in California
We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California are a bit of a mixed bag. You get speed and service, but you “pay” a sizable premium for that service. Let’s walk through a few pros and cons to consider while weighing your options.
Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required, and they’ll buy homes in any condition.
If your home was severely damaged in a weather event or you’ve fallen years behind on routine maintenance, you can still sell without needing to make the extensive repairs that financed buyers may require.
- Fast transaction. You can often sell your home in as few as seven days.
- Zero repairs. Lenders may not agree to provide financing for homes that fail to meet minimum property standards as evaluated by a home appraiser. That means past fire damage defects, foundation cracks from earthquakes, or incorrect wiring — all common issues for California homes — could trigger a delay or cause the deal to fall through. In contrast, California cash-for-homes companies generally purchase homes as-is and are usually going to be a lot more willing to accept issues both large and small with your home. This creates a clearer path to settlement and can be a huge relief if you don’t have the funds or time for repairs.
- Less hassle. When you choose to sell your California home with a real estate agent, you’re expected to put away your surfboard or organize your giant Hollywood movie collection before buyers come through. Selling to a cash buyer allows you to skip many of these stressful tasks related to prepping and repeatedly showing the home.
- Reduced closing fees. In an agent-assisted sale, you’ll likely pay an agent commission amounting to 3% to 6% of the sale price and may be on the hook for additional concessions and closing costs. Selling to a cash buyer will likely eliminate at least some of these fees if not all of them. Many We Buy Houses companies in California and across the nation cover a seller’s closing costs in full as part of the deal.
That all may sound pretty great to you as a seller if you’re looking to move within weeks rather than the months it might take you to list and sell your home on the market with an agent. However, there are downsides to working with Cash-For-Homes companies. Namely, they typically offer substantially below market value for your home.
Cons to working with We Buy Houses companies
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses site, remember that these are house buying companies, which means they’re ultimately trying to make a profit. They plan to fix up your home and either resell it or rent it out. That takes considerable time, skill, and investment.
Here are some potential downsides to weigh:
- Lower offers. Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value (or the value that your house could sell for on the market once it’s all fixed up) and deduct the repair costs. So the price you get for your home may be appreciably lower than what you’d get on the market.
- Inconsistent marketing knowledge. Not all cash home-buying companies are equal. Some are more localized, have specific neighborhood knowledge, and are able to leverage that expertise into more competitive offers. Others are less knowledgeable about the specifics of your community, which could result in lowball bids.
- Untrustworthy companies. Some companies make extremely low offers to desperate homeowners. A few bad players may even engage in fraud tactics, though it’s uncommon.
- Pressure tactics. Since these companies know that homeowners looking to sell quickly are often desperate, some do take advantage of that by using pressure tactics. You should never feel pressured to accept an offer, especially since there are plenty of We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California to choose from. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, it’s time to move on to another option.
Your home is more than a place where you make memories with family; it’s also likely your biggest asset. Sure, you want to sell quickly, but you could be leaving major money on the table if you don’t take the time to weigh all your selling options.
Always do your research, compare your options, and consult with a trusted advisor before accepting any offer.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
For many home sellers, We Buy Houses for Cash companies can be a solid solution to get a property sold quickly or to access cash for an unexpected life challenge. On the other hand, the “cash for your home” rehabbing business model has also led to what some housing advocates call predatory tactics.
The level of integrity and customer service you experience can vary, even within an established homebuying company that strives to maintain consistent business standards. This is because many We Buy Houses for Cash companies are franchises and often use independent investors or local wholesaling outfits. Your experience greatly depends on the character of the person or group making the offer.
If you are considering a cash offer, vet the company thoroughly. Check reviews, read testimonials, and research its presence and performance in the market. And, of course, read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
Before committing to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, HomeLight suggests you consult with a top agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then, compare cash offers to what a top agent might be able to get for your home.
HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in California. You can also use our free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your California home quickly
iBuyers
Within the cash-for-homes business, you’ll also encounter a particular group of companies known as iBuyers, or instant buyers.
iBuyer companies offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage algorithmic technology, otherwise known as automated valuation models (or AVMs), to give you a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home sale experience.
iBuyers have only been around since the mid-2010s, but are now widely available across California. They offer all-cash and can close in a matter of days to a few weeks. But unlike more traditional We Buy Houses for Cash companies, iBuyers tend to look for homes in better condition and offer much closer to market value, typically in the 85% to 95% range.
Though one thing to note is that major iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad usually charge sizable fees for their services, usually between 5% and 6%.
Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in California include those who prefer to skip staging and showing their home, who live in an area with somewhat similar housing, and who have a home in relatively good shape.
Listing with an agent
This strategy may not be in your options since you want to sell your house quickly, not in 73 days. However, it’s still worth considering. With the right timing and marketing strategy, going with an agent could pay off big time.
Selling on the market generally fetches the highest home price, and that’s especially true if you work with a skilled professional. Our internal transaction data at HomeLight shows that the top 5% of real estate agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
This is a big financial decision, so it may make sense to consult with a trusted real estate agent who can complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand your home’s value and how quickly it’s likely to sell.
Your agent may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to offer closer to market value for your home.
Plus, a CMA is usually free, and you’re under no obligation to list with the agent, so this may be a good tool to explore your options. Even if you end up deciding to work with a Cash-For-Homes company, at least you’ll know you’re making a sound financial decision.
Overwhelmed by finding an agent? HomeLight would be happy to connect you with a top performer in your area today.
FAQs on We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California
“We Buy Houses California” refers to companies or investors that purchase homes directly from sellers in California, often in cash and with a quick closing process. These companies aim to provide a hassle-free and convenient option for homeowners who want to sell their properties without the traditional process of listing, staging, and waiting for a buyer.
“We Buy Houses California” companies typically offer a streamlined process. Homeowners can submit their property details online or through a phone call. The company will assess the property and, if interested, make a cash offer. Upon accepting the offer, the sale can be completed in a matter of weeks, allowing homeowners to bypass the traditional selling process.
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legit, and you can rest assured that this business model has been around for decades.
However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for scams or anything that just doesn’t seem right. Always thoroughly research companies ahead of time. Verify all professional licenses, check customer reviews, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the BBB website.
Selling to a “We Buy Houses California” company can offer several benefits. These include a faster sale process, the ability to sell a property in any condition (avoiding repairs or renovations), and a cash offer that eliminates the need for financing contingencies. Additionally, it can provide convenience, especially for homeowners facing time constraints, financial difficulties, or other circumstances.
While selling to a “We Buy Houses California” company can be advantageous, it’s essential to consider potential downsides. The offered price may be lower than the market value, reflecting the convenience and quick sale. This is why it’s important to weigh its financial outcome compared to selling traditionally with an agent.
Additionally, thoroughly review the terms, contracts, and any associated fees to ensure they align with your goals and expectations. Before you proceed with a sale, check your home’s fair market value and consider consulting with a top real estate agent for their opinion.
Most Cash-For-Homes companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value, minus repair costs.
Here’s what that simple formula looks like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
Now let’s take a look at a practical example. Let’s say your Sacramento home could sell for $499,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $80,000 of work to get there.
($499,000 x .70) – $80,000 = $269,300
In this example, a California cash-for-homes company will probably offer you around $269,300 for your property.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more like 85%-95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
Selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company shouldn’t cost you any money, though you’ll likely get less overall for your home.
Since these companies are geared toward distressed homes, they tend to have zero fees and will even cover your closing costs. That means the offer you get is the price you should walk away with. Make sure to ask about any hidden program fees that could eat into your bottom line.
- Research and vet house-buying companies available in your area. The above list is a great place to start.
- Submit offer requests to your top few companies.
- Schedule any on-site visits.
- Field and compare offers. Choose the best option for you.
- Close in a week to 30 days and get paid (or you can often choose a later closing date, up to 90 days after the offer).
We Buy Houses for Cash in California vs. Top California agent
Wondering how a We Buy Houses for Cash company stacks up against working with a real estate agent? We’ve got you covered.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses company in California | Sell with a top Realtor® in California |
| Sale timeline | 7 to 30 days | 73 days average; 29 to attract an offer, 44 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Make necessary repairs, deep clean, declutter, landscape, stage home |
| Showings | None required, although some companies will complete a walkthrough | 10 to 25 showings average |
| Inspections / repairs | None required prior to closing, though iBuyers may deduct a repair credit at closing | May need to make repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
| Appraisal | A traditional appraisal is not required, but many companies will use their own analytics to come to a fair price | May need to lower the price if the appraisal comes in low |
| Title search | Cash-for-homes companies often handle title issues | Must clear the title before you can sell the home |
| Financing contingency | None | Mortgaged buyers use a financing contingency that could hold up the deal if the loan doesn’t clear |
| Agent commission | None | 3% to 5.8% average* |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the sale price on top of commission* |
Example Net Proceeds
Imagine you’re selling a home in Riverside County that is currently worth $893,000 — but it needs about $15,000 worth of repairs. Once repairs are made, the home should be worth about the median home sale price for the area of $908,000. Here’s what you can expect to earn working with a We Buy Houses company and a top California real estate agent.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses company in California | Sell with a top Realtor in California | |
| Estimated sale price | ($908,000 x .70) – $15,000 = $620,600 | $893,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $8,930 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $26,790 (3% of the sale price)* |
| Closing costs | 0 | $13,395 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for the seller | $620,600 | $843,885 |
Key Takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California offer a way to sell your home in as few as seven days without repairs, showings, or hassles.
- There are many reputable cash home-buying companies across California, and most sellers going this route can find a company that suits their needs.
- You could leave significant money on the table using a Cash-For-Homes company versus going with a top agent or iBuyer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in California. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the state, it can be a great starting point if you aren’t sure who would buy your home.
House-buying companies can be a good alternative for California sellers in need of a quick exit from homeownership, but they’re not without drawbacks. However you choose to sell your home, it’s important to avoid making a hasty decision.
For best results, weigh your options, gather offers from multiple companies, and consult with a top agent to see how easily your property could sell on the market. Happy selling!
Writer Chelsea Levinson contributed to this story.
Header Image Source: (Sven Piper / Unsplash)
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