11 Best Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California (2023 Updates)

California’s housing market is in a steady decline. Home prices dropped by 4.2% between December 2021 and 2022, and the average number of days a house was on the market was 45. This reflects an 18-day-increase Y-O-Y in The Golden State.

So, if you are looking to sell your home quickly, getting a cash offer may be your best bet.

Companies that buy houses for cash in California close on a property quickly, with little to no hassle. Typically, there are two types of cash house buyers:

1. iBuyers: iBuyers in California offer 70% to 100% of the property’s Fair Market Value and don’t generally purchase distressed homes. They can have high service fees.
   
   
2. “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies: Buyers paying cash for homes in California typically offer about 50% to 70% of the property’s Fair Market Value. They have no service or closing fees. Further, “We Buy Houses in California” companies purchase distressed or rented homes.

👉 Get Top Dollar Cash Offers on Your Terms: House buyers like Opendoor have submitted cash offers for homes listed on Houzeo. An MLS listing via Houzeo.com gives you maximum exposure to real estate cash buyers in California. List NOW!

Reviews: 11 Best Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California

1. Houzeo.com

iBuyer companies, aka instant buyers, use technology and market data to calculate the best cash offers for houses in California. Hence, they have strict home purchase criteria.

Moreover, these home-buying companies service only limited locations.

» More: How Does Selling to an iBuyer Work?

2. Opendoor

📢 Select Markets Only: Opendoor only buys houses for cash in select markets of California but has strict purchase criteria.

3. Offerpad

📢 Select Markets Only: Offerpad only offers cash for houses in select markets of California but has strict purchase criteria.

4. RedfinNow

The 7 Top “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies in California

“We Buy Houses in California for Cash” companies are conventional, fast home buyers. They make an instant cash offer on a house, even an extremely distressed property.

Generally, as-is cash home buyers are a “franchise” network of real estate investors and local house flippers. They offer as low as 30% of the home’s Fair Market Value.

» More: How Do “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies Work?

5. Sell Quick California, LLC

6. Express Home Buyers, California

7. Sundae Real Estate, California

8. HomeVestors, California

9. John Medina Buys Houses, California

10. We Buy Houses, California

11. I Buy Houses, California

Are Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California Legit?

Yes, companies buying houses in California with cash are legitimate and operate nationwide. So, they are the best option if you are selling your house for cash.

Nonetheless, “We Buy Houses for Cash” scams or companies following “malign practices” exist in the industry. Hence, you should never pay any money while requesting a cash offer for your house.

Further, check customer reviews to inspect how the company operates before signing any property documents.

Companies That Buy Houses for Cash Near Me

1. San Diego	We Buy Houses for Cash in San Diego, CA
2. San Francisco	We Buy Houses for Cash in San Francisco, CA
3. Sacramento	We Buy Houses for Cash in Sacramento, CA
4. Los Angeles	We Buy Houses for Cash in Los Angeles, CA
5. Fresno	We Buy Houses for Cash in Fresno, CA
6. Orange County	We Buy Houses for Cash in Orange County, CA
7. Montclair	We Buy Houses for Cash in Montclair, CA
8. Oxnard	We Buy Houses for Cash in Oxnard, CA
9. Santa Maria	We Buy Houses for Cash in Santa Maria, CA
10. Ventura	We Buy Houses for Cash in Ventura, CA
11. Bakersfield	We Buy Houses for Cash in Bakersfield, CA
12. Brentwood	We Buy Houses for Cash in Brentwood, CA
13. Casitas Springs	We Buy Houses for Cash in Casitas Springs, CA
14. Coachella Valley	We Buy Houses for Cash in Coachella Valley, CA
15. Stockton	We Buy Houses for Cash in Stockton, CA
16. Modesto	We Buy Houses for Cash in Modesto, CA
17. Lemon Grove	We Buy Houses for Cash in Lemon Grove, CA

Understanding Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California

Companies offering cash for houses in CA include institutional “We Buy Homes Fast for Cash” companies, local house flippers, and real estate investors. They make all-cash offers on homes and generally pay 70% to 90% of the house’s Fair Market Value.

Cash buyers in California don’t negotiate the offer. So, you have limited scope to get 100% of what your home is worth.

💲Cash for My House: Get 100% Fair Market Value of your property with Houzeo.com.

Types of Cash Home Buyers in CA

Cash companies buying homes in California help sellers skip the hassle of listing on the MLS, marketing, home staging, etc. Two types of real estate cash buyers make offers on homes for sale:

1. “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies: Lowball Cash Offers But Zero Service Fees

Companies paying cash for houses buy distressed properties as-is. They typically pay 30% to 70% of the home’s Fair Market Value.

We recommend “We Buy Any House in California for Cash” companies if you:

• Are a homeowner with an inherited home that needs extensive repairs.
• Have a home with structural issues.
• Own a property facing foreclosure.
• Are going through a divorce.

Companies like HomeVestors and We Buy Houses are “franchise” networks of pre-vetted real estate investors. Every office is operated autonomously by investors who pay cash for homes.

Usually, this network includes retail home cash buyers, local house flippers, and nationwide investors.

» Selling an Inherited House in California: Check out our guide if you want to sell your family home.

2. iBuyers: Fair Cash Offers But Hefty Service Fees

Home-buying companies in CA provide cash offers for homes based on the following:

• The property’s location.
• The house’s condition.
• The required repair costs.
• The After Repair Value (ARV).

You get 70% to 90% of the home’s Fair Market Value.

Fast cash house buyers compare local market data and rely on in-house experts before engaging in cash sales. On the other hand, iBuyer companies in California use proprietary algorithms to compare historical pricing trends to determine a competitive cash offer.

Opendoor offers the most cash compared to other iBuyers, while Offerpad is famous for setting an early closing date.

» More: How Does Selling to an iBuyer Work?

How Do I Sell My House Fast for Cash in California?

Listing on the MLS is the fastest way to sell your house for cash. Cash home buyers in California and local real estate investors are always scouring the MLS for properties.

If you want to sell your house fast for cash, you can also consider the below tips:

• List on the MLS.
• Price your home competitively.
• Offer a competitive buyer agent commission.
• Respond fast to inquiries, showings, and offers.

» Sell My House Fast for Cash California: Here’s a guide to help you sell your home fast for cash in California.

Should I Sell My California House As Is?

Selling “as is” is to sell your house in its existing condition without any improvements. Those selling their homes as-is in CA are usually in unprecedented situations like:

• A sudden financial crisis.
• Impromptu relocation.
• Bad tenants.

» Selling a House As Is in California: Check out our guide to selling your house as-is.

Selling a House to an iBuyer in CA

When selling your house to an iBuyer, technology and data go hand-in-hand to calculate your home’s worth. Each iBuyer may have different ways of functioning. However, this is what typically happens when you sell your home to an iBuyer in California:

Step 1 – Submit Information About Your Home: iBuyers collect information through an online form or over the phone. For this, sellers need to share the property’s location and basic details of the house.

Step 2 – Receive a Preliminary Cash Offer: After an initial evaluation to check if your house passes its eligibility criteria, you usually get a preliminary cash offer. This offer is typically a take-it-or-leave-it deal.

Step 3 – Complete a Home Inspection: The company schedules an onsite visit if you accept the preliminary cash offer. Here, the representative conducts a home inspection to assess your property.

Step 4 – Review the Final Cash Offer: Repair costs and expenses are adjusted in the preliminary cash offer. Then, the iBuyer sends a final cash offer for the house.

Step 5 – Close the Deal: iBuyers provide more flexibility on the closing schedule. You may be able to close within 7 days!

👉 Know Your Home’s Worth Before Selling to an iBuyer: Get an estimate from a local realtor to know how much your home is worth on the open market before selling to an iBuyer.

» iBuyer Reviews: Check out our rankings for the top iBuyers and marketplaces in 2023!

Which Homes Qualify for Most California iBuyers?

iBuyers only buy houses in California that meet their purchase criteria. Usually, these requirements are similar for major iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad:

• Home Types: Single-family homes, townhouses, duplexes, condominiums
• Year Built: After 1930
• Lot Size: Maximum lot size of 1–2 acres, depending upon market
• Value: Between $100,000 and $600,000 (can be as high as $1.4 million in some markets)
• Occupancy: Owner-occupied only

iBuyers have made exceptions in some markets. So, it’s best to request a cash offer from iBuyers that buy homes in California.

👉 Cash for Distressed Properties: Houses listed on the MLS receive offers as long as one can reside in them after purchase. So, even distressed properties may get better cash offers when listed on the open market.

How Much Do iBuyers Pay?

Fair Market Value. However, iBuyers are ideal only if you have a pretty house that needs minimal or no repairs.

👉 iBuyers Offer Cash for Houzeo.com Homes: Opendoor and Offerpad have made full cash offers on the properties listed on Houzeo. So, increase your chances of meeting an iBuyer in CA with a free listing on Houzeo.com. Start NOW!

How Much are iBuyer Fees?

The hassle-free convenience of iBuyers comes at the expense of service fees. Generally, you can expect the final service fee to be around 10% to 18% of the home’s sale price.

iBuyer fees primarily depend on the property’s condition and location. If you have a house needing minimal repairs in a desirable neighborhood, then the service fee will be around 5% to 7%.

👉 Save 3% Listing Agent Commission: If you list with a Flat Fee MLS website, you save 50% commission right away. You only have to pay 2.5% to 3% of the home’s sale price to the buyer agent. This is much lower than the closing costs associated with iBuyers, which can be as high as 18%.

» How to Calculate Closing Costs for Seller in California: Break down the closing costs you incur as a CA home seller.

✅ Pros of Selling Your House to an iBuyer in California

• Instant Cash Offer and Sale: iBuyers in CA make an offer in 24-48 hours. If you accept it, they will move fast to close on the property. Thus, you skip the annoyance that comes with a traditional home sale.
• Fast Closing: When you sell to an iBuyer, you can close on your property in as little as 7 days. So, you skip the hassle of a traditional home sale by getting quick cash for your house.
• Certainty of Sale: iBuyers are home-buying companies with enough finances. So, the chances of your home sale falling through are less than selling your home with a realtor.
• No Upfront Costs: A home seller must spend on house repairs, real estate photography, virtual staging, etc., when listing on the open market. These costs get eliminated when you sell to an iBuyer.

❌ Cons of Selling Your House to an iBuyer in California

• Non-Negotiable Cash Offers: The cash deal is usually take-it-or-leave-it when dealing with an iBuyer. You can’t expect more than 95% of the market value of your home. They provide final cash offers for homes to help sustain their business model with the re-selling profits.
• Limited Coverage: iBuyers purchase homes only in the markets they operate in. So, selling a house for cash to an iBuyer is not a choice for most Americans. You won’t stand a chance if your property lies outside their coverage area.
• Strict Eligibility Criteria: There are specific prerequisites a home must adhere to for an iBuyer to buy it. Most iBuyers only offer cash for houses built post-1930 or less than 1.5 acres. Because of the stringent purchase criteria, distressed homes don’t qualify for sale.

» How Big is an Acre: Everything you need to know about this unit of measurement.

How Do Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California Work?

“We Buy California Houses for Cash” companies buy houses “as-is” at a much lower rate than the market price. They mostly work offline, and their primary target audience is distressed home sellers.

Let’s take a look at how you can sell your house with a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company:

Step 1 – Share Details About Your House: Most California cash house buyers will collect basic information via phone or online. Consequently, sellers have to share their home’s location and property condition.

Step 2 – Review the Preliminary Cash Offer: There is an initial assessment of your property. Then, the home-buying company will make a non-negotiable cash offer.

Step 3 – Complete a Home Inspection: An onsite visit is scheduled if you accept the initial offer price. Here, a third-party home inspector or a local firm representative will complete the onsite inspection. Your final offer will be modified proportionately if any essential repairs are required.

Step 4 – Accept the Final Cash Offer: After adjusting repair costs and expenses, the California home buyer sends a final cash offer. You only need to accept, sign a purchase agreement, and schedule closing if it satiates your ideal requirements.

Step 5 – Close on Your Schedule: “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies can pace up the process and provide more flexibility on timing. You don’t have to wait for a bank to subscribe to a mortgage. In some cases, you may be able to close within ten days.

» Home Inspectors California: What do inspectors look for when inspecting a home in California?

How Much Do “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies Pay in California?

Companies that pay cash for your house in CA often use the 70% rule. This means they’ll pay no more than 70% of your home’s market value.

However, sometimes, home repairs are required, and some cash house buyer companies in CA deduct these overhead expenses from your sale proceeds.

Cash Offer = (Market Value of Your House x 70% Offered) – Repairs Costs

Suppose your home is worth $300,000 at FMV but needs $25,000 in repairs. Then, you might expect a cash offer of only $185,000 from the cash home buyer companies.

Conversely, you can list your home with a real estate agent if you have a capital of $25,000 to spend on repairs. That’s the open market. So, you may get a deal worth as much as or more than your home’s current market value.

But, some local home buyers will pay less than 70% of the home’s value after renovations/repairs.

Hence, we recommend requesting cash offers from multiple cash home buyer companies, with no obligation to close with them.

» Cash for Houses: Check out the top 15 companies that offer cash for houses in 2023’s slow market.

“We Buy Houses for Cash in CA” Companies: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

• Fast Cash Sale: In the traditional model, you have to list on the MLS and wait for potential buyers. However, with a cash house buyer, you get a cash offer within 24-48 hours of submitting their online form.
• Flexible Closing: “We Buy Houses Fast California” companies provide quick cash because they don’t have to wait for mortgage approval or listing paperwork. Many companies provide a two-week to a one-month closing guarantee.
• No Service Fees: Companies offering cash for homes acquire your property as-is and don’t charge any service fees. Their lowball offers are enough to recover profits by reselling your property after anticipated repairs. Many cash home buyers in California also offer to cover the closing costs, saving you money.
• No Upfront Costs: A home seller incurs costs while listing and prepping the house for sale, whether they choose a real estate broker or a Flat Fee MLS company. Since cash buyers acquire your home as-is, required repairs and marketing your home creatively are some expenses you can avoid.

❌ Cons

• Non-Negotiable Cash Offers: As-is house buyers in CA generally extend a take-it-or-leave-it deal. Although there may be room for negotiations, you can’t expect more than 70% of the market value of your home. While some may let you make your case, they may refuse to budge on the price.
• Lowball Offers: “We Buy Homes in California for Cash” companies generally pay 50% to 70% of the home’s Fair Market Value. They deduct all repair, utility, and re-selling expenses. Since they want to sell the home on the open market, they will offer you marginal prices to ensure a profit when they re-sell.

“We Buy Houses for Cash” California Scams

Cash home buyers are legitimate, but there are scammers in every industry. Two common “cash for houses” scams are:

1. Fake “We Buy Houses for Cash” Ad:

Scammers post signs and blast emails with a “We Buy Houses for Cash” ad. Consequently, families in need of liquid cash or struggling to make their mortgage payments fall for this. So, they end up signing property-related documents in a hurry to close the cash transaction.

“Cash for houses” companies in CA then lease the property to a new tenant. However, the owner is still responsible for making the mortgage payments while losing control of the house.

2. Re-Assignment Clause in the Listing Agreement:

Often, cash home-buying companies have made home sellers sign a listing agreement with a “reassign” clause. In other words, the seller is permitting somebody else to take control.

Home sellers who fall into this trap lose the right to sell their own house!

⚠️ Don’t Get Lured by Such Deceptive Cash Home Buyers: Thoroughly investigate the company before signing any legal documents related to your house. Even title insurance coverage may not be able to save you from such scammers!

Selling to Local Real Estate Investors in California

Selling to local real estate investors directly is an option if you don’t want to work with a cash home buyer. Investors that buy houses are always searching for properties.

Real estate cash buyers, also called retail cash house buyers, can be classified as:

• House Flippers: They buy a house in CA, renovate, and re-sell the property on the open market.
• Landowners or Landlords: They buy a home in California, renovate and rent the property.

You can find such investors either online or through in-person meetups. Real estate cash buyers in California often purchase the property as-is and acquire homes for less than the Fair Market Value. You can do a comparative price analysis and find how much your property is worth before you deal with local real estate investors.

🏘️ California House Flipping: Is flipping houses still profitable in 2023’s slow market?

Selling a Home in Poor Condition in California

Having a structurally unsound property with obnoxious items lying around can tempt you to sell your house to a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company in CA. You get to skip the repairs and expensive upgrades but lose the chance to get better offers on the open market.

A real estate agent can help you deal with an unwanted property without compromising the sale price and opting for a lowball offer. Your property directly gets exposure to 90% of potential buyers with an MLS listing. On an open market, you have the chance to get maximum cash for your distressed home.

👉 Cash for Homes: Check out the best companies that offer cash for distressed houses in the U.S.

What About Selling My House with a California Real Estate Agent?

It depends!

Listing on the MLS increases the chance of a competitive cash offer. However, opting for a real estate agent to get on the MLS would defeat the purpose of maximizing your cash offer.

A realty agent in America will not save you 6% real estate commission. In fact, it might be the worst option if you want to earn maximum cash.

But, with Flat Fee MLS companies like Houzeo.com, listing your house on the MLS can be done effortlessly at just $349! You save on the 3% listing agent commission by selling your home as an owner.

» Multiple Listing Service California: Pick a Flat Fee MLS company and bypass agent commissions!

Should I Sell My Property for Cash to a Company That Buys Houses in CA?

Most home buyers purchase homes with a mortgage. Selling your house to a cash buyer will almost always net you between 10% to 30% less than a financed offer.

We recommend you sell for cash in CA only in select circumstances. If you-

• Are on a Severely Tight Timeline: If you’re going through a rough patch in your life, such as a divorce or an immediate move, cash home buyers or real estate investors can help you sell faster.
• Need to Sell an Inherited Property: Selling to a company offering cash for a house in California can be a viable option if you have a deceased relative’s property far away or in terrible shape.
• Are in Urgent Need of Cash: Selling your house for cash could help you escape a negative credit impact if you’re facing foreclosure.
• Own a Distressed Property: Most banks will not finance a property in poor condition. However, if your property is in poor condition, you can look for local house buyers who buy ugly houses for cash.

Listing on the MLS would be ideal if you can wait for a while. With high-tech FSBO websites like Houzeo.com, you can start your listing process on any device and finish all the paperwork seamlessly.

Alternatives to Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California

1. Listing Your Home with Flat Fee MLS Service

Listing with a Flat Fee MLS service in the U.S. gets your property on the market within 24-48 hours. So, Flat Fee MLS is the best way to sell your house fast. If you’re still not convinced, here are a few more significant benefits:

• MLS is the fastest way to hit the market. Further, your listing is syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.
• Your property listing gets maximum exposure.
• You can negotiate all offers.
• You skip paying commission or service fees.

👉 Flat Fee MLS CA: List your property on your local California MLS within 24 to 48 hours for just $349!

2. Hiring a Top Real Estate Broker

Top real estate brokers have the expertise to help you sell your property fast within a set timeline. They handle most of the work, making home selling hassle-free.

But the downsides are just as huge. The best realtors will charge between 5% to 7% commissions. So, you end up paying thousands of dollars in realtor commission. Additionally, even with the best low commission realtor, you may get no technology tools, and their service quality can be unpredictable.

👉 We recommend selling with a real estate broker only if you are not tech-savvy or concerned about FSBO paperwork. 

» Best Real Estate Brokers in California: Check out California’s top brokers, their services, and commission.

3. Sell By Owner

Selling your home purely For Sale By Owner implies that you won’t get access to the MLS. So, you market your property, conduct market research, handle offers, manage showings, etc., all by yourself.

 77% of FSBO home sellers closed on their homes within two weeks because the homes were sold to someone the seller knew. The most significant disadvantage of selling with no MLS or tech support is that you probably may not be able to sell your home quickly.

» California FSBO: Here’s how you can sell your home yourself if you have a buyer lined up to purchase your property.

California House Cash Buyers: Yay or Nay

Cash home buyers are a great choice if you are short on time or money. While iBuyers have strict purchase criteria, “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies in California buy distressed properties as-is.

But, if you have the luxury of time, consider Houzeo.com. Here, you can get multiple cash offers from different real estate investors.

Eager to Know How Houzeo Works?

We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand how Houzeo works and why it is one of the best free websites to list for sale by owner in the U.S.

» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo.com reviews and learn why it is one of the best FSBO sites in America.

Frequently Asked Questions about California Cash Buyers

Resources for Selling Your California Home

• Sell My House Fast California: It takes approximately 90 days to sell a house in CA from list to close. Here’s how you can sell your house fast and for more cash.
• Selling a House in California: Want to navigate the complex process of selling a house in California? This blog will help you out!
• Seller Disclosures California: Check out what you need to disclose as a seller in California.
• Closing Costs on a House in California: See how you can negotiate your closing costs in California.
• Who Pays Closing Costs When Buying a Home in California: Read our comprehensive guide on who has to pay the closing costs in California.
• What are the Closing Costs for the Seller in California: Discover the closing costs you will have to pay as a seller.
• California Housing Market Predictions: Is California’s housing market going to crash in 2023?

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California iBuyers Reviews