From San Diego to San Francisco, California’s real estate market is constantly shifting. But cash is still king. Cash sales in Riverside and Anaheim were 33.4% and 31.2%, respectively, which says something. Some cash home buyers in California offered sellers 100% of their home’s market value, while others offered just 40%.
Securing a fair cash offer is like navigating the winding Pacific Coast Highway in California—some stretches are smooth and scenic, while others are full of unexpected turns. The solution? List on a cash buyer marketplace! Your home will be visible to local and national cash buyers instantly.
Reviews: 5 Best “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies in California
1. Houzeo: California’s #1 Cash Home Buyer Marketplace
100% ONLINE
Listing Fee: $199Houzeo is a high-tech platform that streamlines listings, updates, and online showings/offers. Choose from 3 Flat Fee MLS packages to simplify your home sale.
- Silver Package – $199: You can upload 24 photos, and your listing term will be 6 months. You can also make unlimited changes to your listing.
- Gold Package – $249: You can post the maximum number of photos, avail licensed broker assistance, get access to seller disclosures, and a premium yard sign.
- Platinum Package – $299: You get virtual full assistance from a licensed broker and a 12-month listing term.
Houzeo is America’s #1 Flat Fee MLS service because of these reasons:
- Max Exposure: Your home listing is syndicated to popular real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc., increasing its visibility.
- Quicker Sale: Houzeo’s Homes For Sale page showcases your home to thousands of buyers, which may result in a faster sale.
- 100% Online: You can list your home, manage offers, and close deals, all at your fingertips with a powerful mobile app.
- 5-star Customer Service: You have access to listing support and chat services 6 days a week.
- No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay. Houzeo mentions all of its fees upfront on its website.
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Is Houzeo Legit? Discover why so many homeowners are choosing Houzeo to list their properties.
Houzeo is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google and Trustpilot. Homeowners also praise the Houzeo Mobile App, which helps them list, manage, and close their home sales seamlessly—right from their phones.
» Houzeo Reviews: Rated “Excellent” by 11,000+ happy home sellers.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Houzeo’s Gold Plan for most home sellers. It gives you maximum exposure, highest savings, and access to Houzeo technology features. A licensed broker will also assist you with pricing your home, offer negotiations, inspection, and closing.
2. John Medina Buys Houses
LOCAL CASH BUYER WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
Service Fee: NoneJohn Medina Buys Houses offers direct cash purchases to local homeowners. They focus on personalized solutions and work directly with sellers to address their specific needs.
- Typical Offer: Local cash buyers like John Medina usually offer 50% to 70% of the Fair Market Value.
- Eligible Properties: John Medina Buys Houses typically purchases residential properties in any condition within their local service area. You can sell an inherited property, a foreclosed home, even as-is in any condition.
- Closing Offer Terms: They offer flexible closing timelines, typically between 7 to 30 days based on seller needs.
- Service Fee: None.
John Medina Buys Houses benefits sellers who want speed and convenience. Their local presence offers more personal attention and better knowledge of regional market trends.
- Sell As-Is: A significant benefit is the ability to sell your house as is, i.e. no need for minor repairs.
- Fast Cash Offers: You can typically expect to receive a cash offer in as little as 7 days.
- Flexible Closing: They strive to work around the seller’s preferred timeline, offering flexible closing dates.
- No Fees or Commissions: As they charge no upfront fee, you can avoid the typical costs associated with real estate agents as well.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of John Medina Buys Houses.
- Local Focus: The services are generally confined to specific operating areas, in their case, throughout California.
- Lowball Cash Offer: The final cash offer may be below the property’s fair market value, around 70%. They may also deduct repair and closing costs.
- Limited Negotiation: While they may offer a personal touch, the initial cash offer presented might have limited room for negotiation. You should be prepared that the first offer could be their best and final offer.
John Medina Buys Houses has 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55+ reviews on Google.
» John Medina Buys Houses Reviews: Read our in-depth review of John Medina Buys Houses.
👉 Our Take: John Medina Buys Houses presents a potentially attractive option for homeowners in California who prioritize a rapid, as-is sale. However, sellers should enter the process with the understanding that the convenience and speed likely come with a cash offer that is less than the property\'s Fair Market Value.
3. Opendoor
SEASONED IBUYER
Service Fee: 5%Opendoor is the biggest iBuyer in the U.S. They offer cash for your home within 24 to 48 hours of submitting your details on their website. Opendoor is also flexible with closing timelines and move-out dates.
- Typical Offer: 70% to 80% of your property’s Fair Market Value.
- Eligible Properties: Opendoor will make cash offers only on owner-occupied properties built post-1930 with a maximum lot size of 1.5 to 2 acres. Prefabricated homes or homes with tenants do not qualify for Opendoor’s cash offer.
- Closing Offer Terms: Opendoor claims to let you close at your pace, up to 45 days after their offer. However, be aware that your final offer may change.
- Service Fee: You will be charged 5% of the home sale price.
Here are some of the benefits that you get with Opendoor:
- Broad Coverage: Opendoor makes cash offers for houses in 51 markets across the country.
- Sell As-Is: Opendoor helps you avoid the hassle of making minor repairs and you can sell your house as-is.
- Late Checkout up to 14 Days: Opendoor lets you temporarily stay in your home for up to 2 weeks after closing.
- No Cancellation Fees: You can cancel the contract anytime without incurring any fine.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Opendoor:
- Low-ball Cash Offer: You will get around 70% of your property’s Fair Market Value, before deductiong repair and closing costs.
- Hefty Service Fees: Opendoor will charge you a steep 5% service fee.
- Strict Eligibility Criteria: You can’t sell an inherited property, homes wiht tenants, pre-fabricated or mobile homes, and properties located in a flood zone.
Opendoor has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3,405 reviews on Reviews.io.
» Opendoor Reviews: Read customer reviews and our breakdown of Opendoor’s cash offer to make an informed decision.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Opendoor if your home needs minimal repairs. But beware, as you may end up leaving almost 20% to 30% of your home equity on the table.
4. Express Homebuyers
CASH HOME BUYER NETWORK
Service Fee: NoneExpress Homebuyers specializes in making all-cash offers on distressed houses. They cater to home sellers who want to sell their houses fast without making any repairs.
- Typical Offer: You can get up to 50% to 70% of your house’s Fair Market Value.
- Eligible Properties: Express Homebuyers deals with selling inherited properties, homes sold after divorce, foreclosure properties, rental properties, and more.
- Closing Offer Terms: The company has a flexible closing timeline and can buy your home at your convenience. Usually, they close within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Service Fee: None.
Here are some of the highlights of Expess Homebuyers when selling your home:
- Flexible Closing: You can choose closinge date according to your convenience.
- No Charges or Fees: Express Homebuyers does not charge you any fees. You will receive the full price based on market research and the house’s condition.
- Sell As-Is: You need not prep the home for listing, home staging, or worry about making repairs.
You should also consider cons of dealing with a cash company like Express Homebuyers:
- Unresponsive Customer Support: Express Homebuyers have some bad reviews regarding their customer support, like communication and no response.
- Non-Negotiable Offer: You must either accept or decline the offer with no change or modification requests. The offer is usually 80% of property’s Fair Market Value.
Express Homebuyers has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars with 165+ reviews on Google.
» Express Homebuyers Reviews: Want to know more about the company? Read on!
👉 Our Take: Express Homebuyers can be a great option to sell an extremely distressed property. However, if your house needs minimal or no repairs, then you should consider listing on the MLS.
5. Sundae Real Estate
PRE-VERIFIED INVESTOR NETWORK
Service Fee: NoneSundae Real Estate links off-market property sellers with approved investors. Rather than offering cash directly, they create a bidding platform to help sellers secure better prices.
- Typical Offer: Sundae lists typically distressed properties. Offers will likely fall below Fair Market Value, potentially between 60% to 85% based on property condition and investor demand.
- Eligible Properties: Sundae focuses on off-market properties that often require minor repairs or updates. This can include houses with cosmetic issues, structural problems, or those needing significant renovations.
- Closing Time: Sundae aims for a quick 30-60 day process, but the closing times vary by investor. Investor bids determine the final offer.
- Service Fee: None.
Here are some of the benefits that you get with Sundae Real Estate:
- Streamlined Process: Sundae aims to simplify the selling process for off-market properties, handling the listing and connecting you with interested investors.
- Competitive Offers: By listing your property on their marketplace, you can potentially receive multiple offers from different investors.
- Focus on As-Is Sales: Sundae specializes in selling homes as is. This allows you to avoid the costs and hassle of minor repairs and staging.
- Cash Advance of Up To $20,000: Qualified sellers can get up to $20,000 through Sundae’s Cash Advance Program. To apply, tell the closing manager when you sign the purchase agreement. You may become eligible after completing all paperwork.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Sundae Real Estate:
- Limited Reach: Sundae serves only in 11 locations across 5 states in the United States. These are Atlanta, Dallas & Fort Worth, Houston, Inland Empire, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orange County, Sacramento, San Diego, and Seattle.
- Non-Negotiable Cash Offers: Sundae homebuyers will not offer more than 70% of your property’s Fair Market Value. You can try to negotiate, but Sundae investors will rarely budge on the price.
- Uncertainty of Offers: When you sell your house to Sundae, you’re selling to a local investor. The price you’ll receive, depends on investor interest.
- Customer Feedback: Sundae has a significant number of complaints on the Better Business Bureau, primarily revolving around communication, customer service, and discrepancies in offers or fees.
Sundae has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 85+ reviews on BBB.
» Sundae Reviews: Want to know more about the company? Read our in-depth analysis.
👉 Our Take: Sundae Real Estate offers a unique approach by providing a marketplace for off-market properties, potentially leading to more competitive offers than a direct cash sale. However, the significant number of negative reviews regarding communication and fees, raise some questions.
Best Cash Home Buyers Near Me in California
| 1. San Diego | Cash Home Buyers in San Diego, CA |
| 2. San Francisco | Cash Home Buyers in San Francisco, CA |
| 3. Sacramento | Cash Home Buyers in Sacramento, CA |
| 4. Los Angeles | Cash Home Buyers in Los Angeles, CA |
| 5. Fresno | Cash Home Buyers in Fresno, CA |
| 6. Orange County | Cash Home Buyers in Orange County, CA |
| 7. Bakersfield | Cash Home Buyers in Bakersfield, CA |
| 8. Lemon Grove | Cash Home Buyers in Lemon Grove, CA |
Are Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California Legit?
Yes, companies that buy houses for cash are legitimate and operate nationwide. In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) confirms the credibility of cash buyers in California. Need to sell your house for cash and quickly? These companies provide a streamlined process for fast transactions.
However, many homeowners fall prey to “cash for houses” scams. So, check customer reviews, ratings, and their track record to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable cash buyer.
3 Types of Companies That Buy Homes in California
- “We Buy Houses for Cash” Companies: Cash buyers like HomeVestors purchase distressed homes, typically paying 30% to 70% of their Fair Market Value.
- iBuyers: iBuyers, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, provide instant cash offers between 70% and 80% of the home’s value. They have strict eligibility criteria, limiting the types of homes they purchase.
- Home Trade-In Services: Companies like Knock or Orchard offer cash for your home before you move out. This helps you buy your new house without any delay.
How to Sell Your Home for Cash in California?
Whether you’re in Banning, Concord, or Bermuda Dunes, the steps for selling your home for cash remain the same:
- Share Details About Your House: A cash buyer company will collect basic information like the location and condition of your property. This can typically be submitted directly through their website or over the phone.
- Review the Preliminary Cash Offer: Your cash home-buying company will make an initial offer after evaluating your home and checking real estate comps. Typically, it’s 30% to 70% of the house’s fair market value.
- Complete a Home Inspection: If you accept the initial offer, a third-party home inspector will visit your property for an onsite inspection. After they adjust repair expenses and holding costs, the cash house-buying company will send a final offer.
How Much Do Cash Buyers in California Pay?
Companies that pay cash for homes in California usually offer 30% to 70% of a home’s value. However, it depends on factors like the cash buyer you’re selling to, their service fee, etc.
Imagine if you were selling your $786,400 home. A typical cash buyer might offer you only $550,480. On Houzeo, you can easily compare offers from various cash buyers and potentially get top dollar for your home— almost $780,000!
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is California’s best cash buyer marketplace.
Pros and Cons of Cash Home Buyers in California
Here are some pros and cons you must consider before you choose a company that buys houses for cash in California:
✅ Pros
- Quick Cash Offers: “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies often provide fast cash offers within 24 to 48 hours. So, you can sell your home quickly without waiting for financing.
- Flexible Closing: Cash buyers in California close quickly. You can sell your home within 7 to 30 days, depending on your schedule and preferences.
- No Repair Costs: Most cash buyers purchase properties as-is. This eliminates the need for repairs or upgrades before selling, saving thousands of dollars.
❌ Cons
- Lowball Cash Offers: California cash house buyers typically pay only 30% to 70% of your home’s value. So, you leave a significant amount of your home’s equity on the table.
- Non-Negotiable Deals: Investors offering cash for your home in California rarely budge on price. There’s very little room for negotiation, limiting your ability to secure a better offer.
- Possible Closing Costs: Some cash buyers might force you to pay seller closing costs in California. Always check the terms, or you could be out 6.25% to 9% of your home’s value!
Common “We Buy Houses for Cash” Scams 🚩
If any California cash home buyer extends an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert, and don’t fall victim to the following scams:
- Bait-and-Switch Offers: Scammers present appealing offers and then change them later, hoping you’ll accept out of desperation. Always verify the terms before you sell your house fast for cash in California or accept an offer.
- Deed Fraud: Fraudsters can sell or mortgage your home without your consent using fake documents. Check customer testimonials and reviews before you select a cash buyer.
- Loan-Flipping Scams: Some scammers may pressure you to sell your home fast for cash by offering loans that drain your equity. Always consult a trusted advisor before you agree to any cash offer.
- Email Phishing: Scammers send fraudulent emails pretending to be agents, title companies, or lenders. They trick you into wiring money or providing personal details for fake services. Always confirm the authenticity of any cash offer for a home via a phone call.
Alternatives to Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in California
- Flat Fee MLS Services: You can get up to 100% of your home’s FMV with a California Flat Fee MLS listing. Your home is visible to multiple cash buyers, increasing your offers.
- For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you’ll have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using yard signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. FSBO websites in California also limit your home’s exposure, which lowers your home sale price.
- Full-Service Realtors: They provide various services from listing to closing but charge a hefty 5% to 6% commission.
- Discount Real Estate Brokers: They offer services like contract review and negotiation for a lower fee than traditional agents. Discount brokers in California charge between 0.5% to 2.5% as commission.
5 Tips to Sell Your Home Fast in California
- Price Your Home Realistically: Get a Comparative Market Analysis report or use Houzeo’s free home value estimator before finalizing your price. The right price will attract potential buyers faster.
- List on a Cash Buyer Marketplace: On a cash buyer marketplace, your property will be exposed to multiple local and national cash buyers instantly. This significantly increases your chances of receiving many competitive offers.
- Address Minor Repairs: Fix leaky faucets and broken outlets, and give your house a fresh coat of paint to boost its appeal. Even small upgrades can significantly increase your home’s value and help you sell faster.
- Respond to Enquiries Quickly: Answering buyer inquiries promptly demonstrates your commitment to selling your house quickly. Maintain flexibility for weekend showings to accommodate busy buyers’ schedules.
- Create Compelling Virtual Tours: High-quality photos and virtual tours help your listing attract remote buyers and sell your home quickly.
Should You Sell to Cash Home Buyers in California?
Yes, but only if you’re ready to say goodbye to 30% to 70% of your home’s equity. That’s the price you pay for a quick sale. On the other hand, with Houzeo’s cash buyer network, you can compare multiple offers, sell fast, and potentially get top dollar for your home.
