Given that traditional home sales can be time-consuming, homeowners in Lakeland, Florida, facing unexpected challenges often seek various options that allow for a quick sale. Those going through a divorce, facing financial struggles, or moving to a different city for a new job consider working with “We Buy Houses” Lakeland, FL companies to get instant cash offers without the usual complications of marketing, showings, and negotiations.
While these businesses provide a quick, hassle-free selling transaction, it’s important to understand how much they offer for your home and weigh your options before partnering with them. Once you’re familiar with the pros and cons, you can opt to select a company on our list of some of the top contenders and get moving.
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Lakeland area “we buy houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Lakeland, Florida
We Buy Houses companies in Lakeland, Florida, typically promise to give home sellers quick, convenient all-cash offers, and exceptionally speedy closings, often wrapping up the property sale in as few as seven days. These house-buying companies have polished their processes to help sellers who need to move ASAP and tend to target distressed homes in need of repairs.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- You request an all-cash offer. The company will ask you to provide information about your house and property. Some We Buy Houses groups will make a preliminary offer shortly after you submit the request. However, the initial offer is typically subject to change after they have inspected your home.
- The company performs a walk-through. This on-site property visit is typically completed within 24 to 48 hours, but the timeframe may vary depending on the company and market.
- You receive a firm offer. Your official cash offer is typically received within 24 hours of the on-site visit but can sometimes be presented at the end of the walk-through. At this point, you can accept or decline the offer. The majority of house-buying companies do not negotiate. They usually present a take-it-or-leave-it sale price.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a sales contract. With a signed sales agreement, the closing process will begin. Some house-buying companies will initially provide a large deposit or funds to assist the seller with moving costs. Others will pay for the property upfront.
- Close the sale and get paid quickly. We Buy Houses companies can typically close your home sale 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 Lakeland, Florida
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Lakeland sounds good 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 parents’ Mediterranean Revival or bungalow. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Lakeland 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.
Rob JR Buys Houses
Run by a Central Florida local real estate professional, Robert B. Sanders, this company is a multi-service real estate solutions and investment firm. It was established in 2017 and quickly developed a solid reputation within the local area. The company focuses on simplifying the home-selling process and provides a no-obligation cash offer within 48 hours.
Locations: Lakeland, Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Rob JR Buys Houses covers them.
As of writing, Rob JR Buys Houses has 4.7 stars on Google, a high rating that reflects the company’s commitment to customer care. Past clients praise the team for its honesty and professionalism. Moreover, they commended Rob’s real estate knowledge and responsiveness.
Website: robjrbuyshouses.com
Phone: 863-712-3023
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Lakeland (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to one of the largest networks of cash buyers in the U.S. 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 Lakeland. With this platform, you can get an all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Lakeland, Florida
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 accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A rating. Based on hundreds of reviews, the company achieved 4.8 stars on Google.
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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Lakeland Property Buyers
Lakeland Property Buyers is known for its speedy home-buying process. It strives to deliver an all-cash offer within 24 hours and works to close deals within seven days, making the company a good option for sellers who are pressed for time. The team is willing to step in and resolve tough situations for property owners, including when tenants refuse to leave. It’s committed to providing a quick, easy home-selling experience.
Locations: Lakeland, Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Lakeland Property Buyers covers them.
Lakeland Property Buyers has 5 out of 5 stars on Google, which highlights the company’s dedication to excellent service. Customers mentioned the team’s professionalism and competence in facilitating quick processes. Reviewers also praised the company’s ability to simplify complicated real estate transactions, including helping to navigate the probate process.
Website: lakelandpropertybuyers.com
Phone: 863-606-8081
I Buy FL
I Buy FL specializes in purchasing homes in as-is conditions, allowing residents to sell quickly without going through expensive, stressful repairs. Founded in 2015, this family-owned firm has established a solid reputation in the local market as it strives to provide the highest possible offer to its clients, conducting due diligence and extensive research. According to its website, the firm has bought and flipped over 100 houses.
Locations: Lakeland, as well as the Orlando metro, including Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Deltona, Ocoee, and Winter Park
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; I Buy FL covers them.
I Buy FL has been BBB accredited since 2020 with an A+ rating. Meanwhile, its Google Business Profile has 4.7 stars, as it earned various positive customer testimonials. Clients noted that their experience with the company has been consistently positive, highlighting its friendly service and prompt cash offers.
Easy Homes 123
First founded in 2004, Easy Homes 123 works as a one-stop property solutions shop. In addition to providing cash-for-homes options, it also runs a broader homebuilding, financing, and real estate operation. It’s connected with several local organizations, including Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce, the Polk County Real Estate Investors Association, and the BBB.
According to its website, the company provides instant cash and closes on homes in two or three days. It aims to help people avoid common problems through their home sales, including foreclosures, credit issues, and bankruptcy.
Locations: Lakeland, Florida
Closing costs: No closing cost details are listed on the company website, but Easy Homes 123 does not charge broker or real estate fees.
Easy Homes 123 has been BBB accredited with an A+ rating since 2012. It has 3.9 out of 5 stars on Google with 19 reviews. Customer reviews mentioned company agents by name, emphasizing the team’s professionalism and the company’s values. Reviews also noted the staff’s responsiveness, always quick to answer customer questions.
Why sell your Lakeland house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Lakeland home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Lakeland, it typically takes around 90 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 46 days on market, plus the 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Lakeland, and it’s clear why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top dollar for the homes they purchase.
These companies are growing in popularity, especially for sellers who do not have the typically required long weeks or months to prepare, market, and close on a traditional home sale. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons Lakeland, Florida sellers decide to use a We Buy Houses for Cash company over listing a property the traditional way.
- The home has significant repair issues common in Lakeland, such as water, hurricane, or sinkhole damage.
- The seller needs to cash in quickly or move ASAP due to a divorce, medical need, financial strain, job relocation, or some other pressing family or life change.
- The seller doesn’t have the necessary funds or desire to make home repairs.
- The seller doesn’t want the stress, work, or headaches of prepping the home, coordinating showings, negotiating, or navigating a lengthy or complex sales process.
- The seller desires the privacy of selling their property quietly off-market to a cash buyer.
- The seller is facing foreclosure and wants to sell the home and settle their debts with the lender before the situation (or credit history) gets worse.
- The seller wants a convenient and fast way to unload an inherited property.
- The seller is a landlord who no longer wants to manage a rental property, or wants to relieve themselves of a problem tenant.
- The aging homeowner plans to downsize and move in with a relative or into a care facility, prompting their family to sell the property for convenience or to help fund the move.
- The seller is living out of state and desires the benefits of an easy, quick cash sale.
If you are a homeowner facing any of these circumstances, requesting a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company might be a good option to consider. However, it’s prudent to think of this as a starting point in your search for solutions. You won’t know if it’s your best move until you know more about other options available to you, which we’ll help you review in a minute.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Lakeland, Florida
At this point, you’ve probably noticed that We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Lakeland can trigger a mixed bag of thoughts that can be difficult to sort. You may like the idea of speed and convenience, but you might be worried you’re missing out on lucrative home sale opportunities.
In this next section, we’ll walk you through some of the pros and cons of using a We Buy Houses company so you can better weigh your options.
Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash in Lakeland
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Lakeland 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.
Here are some other pros to consider:
- Fast transaction: You can typically sell your house in as few as seven to 10 days.
- More certainty: With a pre-offer walk-through, a house-buying company can provide a firm cash offer with few or no contingencies. We Buy Houses companies have refined their transaction methods to remove many traditional roadblocks so sellers can plan with more confidence.
- No repairs: Again, if your home is in need of repairs you can’t afford, you can skip them altogether. Or, if you don’t have the desire or time to tackle repairs, a We Buy Houses company can be a fitting solution to sell a home in poor condition.
- Less hassle: You won’t need to worry about showings, open houses, fielding offers, negotiating, low appraisals, or the risk of the buyer’s financing falling through. When you work with a reputable We Buy Houses for Cash company in Lakeland, you’re likely going to experience a smooth journey from offer to close.
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 We Buy Houses for Cash in Lakeland
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses company, remember that these are house-buying firms, 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-priced offers: Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 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 then deduct repair costs. This means the cash offer you receive may be markedly lower than what you could get for your home on the market.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: There can be a vast difference in a house-buying company’s knowledge of a market. One may have localized information, such as specific neighborhood data, which enables the company to leverage that knowledge into more competitive cash offers. A company without this expertise may give you a lowball offer.
- Untrustworthy company: As with any industry, there’s a risk of falling in with a less trustworthy company. Some cash-offer outfits deliberately make low offers to desperate homeowners, while others may engage in fraud, though it’s rare.
- Pressure tactics: We Buy Houses for Cash companies know that homeowners in need of a quick sale are often facing a dire situation. While many offer real solutions, some companies take advantage of this urgency by applying pressure tactics. If you feel pressured to accept an offer, step away and reassess your options. There are a good number of established We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Lakeland to choose from.
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 consider various selling approaches.
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 sell a property quickly or access cash for an expected 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 house-buying 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.
Get a home value estimate
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 Lakeland, Florida. You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
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Other options to sell your home quickly
iBuyers
Within the Cash-For-Homes industry, you’ll 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 automated valuation models (AVMs), which use algorithmic technology to apply historic and current market data to their estimates. AVMs allow iBuyers to make 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 Florida. They provide all-cash offers for homes and can close a sale in a matter of days to a few weeks. However, unlike typical We Buy Houses for Cash companies, iBuyers generally seek out homes in better condition and usually provide cash offers that are closer to market value, typically in the 85% to 95% range.
When considering the iBuyer option, it’s important to note that major iBuyer companies like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge sizable service fees that can range between 5% and 6%.
Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in Lakeland include those who prefer to skip staging and showing their home, live in an area with somewhat similar housing, and have a home in relatively good shape.
Listing with an agent
It might be surprising to see this agent option included in our story about Cash-For-Homes businesses. Most homeowners seeking information about house-buying companies want to sell a home quickly, not in 90 days. But it’s wise to consider all your options.
If your home is in a housing market that’s seller-friendly, listing your property with a top real estate agent can result in a fast sale, especially if the house is strategically priced and superbly marketed.
Depending on the property and local market conditions, using an agent could pay off. Selling on the market typically yields the highest selling price, even more so if you partner with a proven professional. HomeLight’s internal real estate transaction data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Another significant benefit of consulting with a trusted agent is the insight they can provide through a comparative market analysis (CMA). This is a market report presented to home sellers, giving insight into the home’s value. It evaluates a house’s size, features, location, age, and other details in relation to similar properties that have recently sold in the area. A CMA can help you determine an appropriate listing price, which can help estimate how quickly it might sell.
In addition, an experienced agent who knows your market may even be able to connect you with buyers who are willing to provide you with a cash offer that’s closer to your home’s market value.
Many agents will provide a CMA for free, with no obligation to list your home with them. It can be a valuable tool to weigh your options. If, in the end, you decide to sell to a house-buying company, you can proceed with more confidence, knowing you fully examined your options and made a sound financial decision.
If you are interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
FAQs on Lakeland, Florida house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legitimate businesses. Their services and transaction fees may differ, but the business model has been around for decades. If you use an established group with a track record, you can be fairly confident it’s legit.
That said, as with any financial transaction, it’s a good idea to be on alert for scams. Always research companies before you sign a contract. Check customer reviews, look at their online presence, verify professional licenses, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value, then deduct their estimated repair costs.
Here’s an example of what a simplified formula might look like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
To see how this might work in a real-world scenario, let’s take a look at an example offer equation. Let’s say your Lakeland bungalow could sell for $380,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($380,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $236,000
In this example, a Lakeland We Buy Houses company might offer you around $236,000 for your home.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more than We Buy Houses companies because they look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On the one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. On the other hand, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because We Buy Houses for Cash companies tend to focus on distressed homes, they typically have zero fees. Many will even cover your closing costs. In most cases, this means that the cash offer you receive is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to flat-out ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your area. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
- Schedule any required on-site property visits.
- Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
- Close the sale in a week to 30 days and get paid. (Some companies will let you choose a closing date up to 90 days after accepting the offer, which can be helpful when planning a move.)
We Buy Houses for Cash in Lakeland vs. top Lakeland agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a real estate agent. Let’s take a glance at how different aspects of the sale might look and compare possible proceeds.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Lakeland, Florida | Sell with a top Realtor in Lakeland, Florida |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 90 days average; 46 to attract an offer, 44 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
| Inspections / repairs | None | May need to make additional repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
| Appraisal | None | May need to lower your asking 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 buyer’s loan doesn’t clear |
| Agent commission | None | 3% to 5.8% of the home sale price |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home sale price on top of agent commission |
Example net proceeds
Below, we’ve put together one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your bungalow home in Lakeland is currently worth about $365,000 and needs about $15,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $380,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Lakeland, Florida | Sell with a top Realtor® in Lakeland, Florida | |
| Estimated sale price | ($380,000 x .70) – $15,000 = $251,000 | $365,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $3,650 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $10,950 (3% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $5,475 (1.5% of sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $251,000 | $344,925 |
As this example illustrates, it’s usually in your best financial interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best for your situation will depend on the condition of your property, the level of repairs needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Lakeland, Florida help you conveniently sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, open houses, or showings.
- There are a number of reputable Cash-For-Homes companies serving Lakeland, but it’s important to vet each potential partner carefully to ensure they align with your selling objectives and needs.
- Using a We Buy Houses company could mean leaving a significant amount of money on the table compared to an agent-assisted or iBuyer sale.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Lakeland. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the region, 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 Lakeland sellers in need of a quick home sale, but it’s important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to selling your home, it’s wise to avoid making any hasty decisions.
Before making a commitment to a Cash-For-Homes company, gather multiple offers and take the time to weigh your options. Consider consulting with a top agent for expert insights on how soon and for how much your property might sell on the market. Whatever you decide, HomeLight would be happy to help with your real estate needs.
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