In Q2 2024, over 30% of US homes sold for cash. A cash sale means no repairs, no delays, and a quick 7-14 day closing. No wonder San Diego homeowners ditch repairs and choose cash buyers for a hassle-free sale!
But here’s a downside! Cash buyers offer just 30% to 70% of your home’s Fair Market Value. Don’t stress—just enter a cash buyer marketplace. Here you can receive offers that can reach up to 100% of your home’s value!
Reviews: 5 Top Cash Home Buyers in San Diego
1. Houzeo.com: San Diego’s #1 Cash Home Buyer Marketplace
MAX EXPOSURE TO CASH BUYERS
Listing Fee: $199Houzeo is the best option if you’re looking for multiple cash offers. Your MLS listing will be exposed to local and national cash buyers, increasing the number of offers you receive.
- Pricing: $149 + 1% at closing
- MLS Listing: Your home gets full 6-month MLS exposure with unlimited high-quality photos showcasing its best features.
- Cash Buyer Network: Your listing is automatically visible to major cash buyers like Opendoor, HomeVesters, Offerpad, We Buy Houses, and dozens more.
- Unlimited Updates: Make as many listing changes as needed—adjust price, photos, or details without restrictions or extra fees.
- Closing Support: Get expert guidance from contract to closing with dedicated consulting to ensure a smooth transaction.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is one of America’s best “Sell my house for cash” option.
Houzeo is America’s #1 “Sell my house for cash” option because:
- Your Property will be on All Major Real Estate Websites: Houzeo’s packages give you access to the MLS. This showcases your property on 100s of websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc.
- 5-Star Customer Service: Houzeo’s customer service desk is available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week.
- 100% Online: Houzeo has cutting-edge tech. For you, this means easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers on your phone, from your couch.
With Houzeo, there are no dealbreakers—it’s so simple, a 5-year-old could sell a house!
» Houzeo Pros and Cons: Read the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Houzeo to sell your home for cash.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
👉 Our Take: For sellers looking to maximize their cash offers, we recommend Houzeo’s Gold plan, which comes with no hidden fees. You can access Houzeo’s advanced features to negotiate the best terms for your cash offer.
With Houzeo, you can connect with San Diego’s best cash home-buying companies and individual investors. You can also get multiple competitive offers for your home. This increased exposure helps you get maximum profit.
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.
John and Yvette Medina founded Los Angeles, CA based “John Medina Buys Houses” in 2013. In the last two years, they have expanded their business to the entire state of San Diego.
They offer quick closing and instant cash deals. However, previous customers have complained that the deal did not go through and they received no explanation.
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.
Opendoor offers a simple, convenient platform to request cash for your home. However, Opendoor’s service fees can be as high as 5% of your home’s sale price. The repair cost breakdown is not disclosed in the closing statement.
In 2023’s slow real estate market, Opendoor may not be the best option to sell your home. Their offer will be below the fair market value of your property.
4. Express Home Buyers
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.
Jud Allen and Brad Chandler founded Express Home Buyers in 2003. Though they are available in 27 states and DC, they are based in Springfield, VA.
Express Home Buyers is a cash home buyer with over 20 years of experience. However, they have poor customer support which can delay your sale.
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.
Sundae Real Estate is a pre-vetted network of investors. It is ideal for home sellers looking to offload their property as is.
No matter the condition of the property, you will get an offer when you list it on Sundae.com. The cash offer will likely be 50% to 70% of the home’s market value though.
Are Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in San Diego Legit?
Yes, companies that buy houses for cash are legitimate and operate legally nationwide. In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) validates cash buyers in the America’s Finest City. However, be sure to read company reviews and seller testimonials to find a legitimate cash buyer.
3 Types of Companies That Buy Homes in San Diego
- We Buy Houses for Cash Companies: Cash buyers like HomeVestors and John Medina Buys Houses purchase distressed homes, typically paying 30% to 70% of their FMV.
- iBuyers: iBuyers, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, provide instant cash offers between 70% and 80% of the FMV. They have strict eligibility requirements, 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.
4 Steps to Sell Your Home for Cash in San Diego
Not sure how to sell your home for cash in San Diego? Just follow these 4 steps:
- Find a Cash Home Buyer: Research all local companies buying houses for cash and opt for one with great client testimonials.
- Request an Offer: Once you’ve selected a cash buyer, request an offer on their website. You’ll have to provide information like the property type, number of rooms, asking price, etc.
- Schedule a Home Visit: A company representative will then inspect your house. The final cash offer will be based on the outcome of this inspection.
- Close the Deal: If you’re happy with the offer, finalize the deal. Remember to get all the paperwork for selling a house without a Realtor verified by a real estate attorney.
How Much Do Cash Buyers in San Diego Pay?
San Diego cash house buyers usually offer between 30% to 70% of a home’s After-Repair Value. However, it depends on factors like the company you’re selling to, their service fees, etc. Here’s how the After-Repair Value is calculated:
After-Repair Value (ARV) = Property Purchase Price (PPP) + Cost of Repairs (COR)
Imagine if you were selling your $946,350 home in San Diego. With a traditional cash home buyer, you could get just $662,445. But on a cash buyer marketplace like Houzeo, you could get multiple offers, potentially driving your sale price to 100% of its FMV.
| Service Provider | Service Fee | ARV Estimate | Actual Offer |
| Cash Buyer | None | 70% | $662,445 |
| iBuyer | 5% | 80% | $757,080 |
| Houzeo | $199* | Up to 100% | $946,151 |
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is San Diego’s best cash buyer marketplace.
Pros and Cons of Cash Home Buyers in San Diego
Given that more sellers are opting for companies that buy houses for cash in San Diego, here are some pros and cons you must consider before you sell with them:
✅ Pros
- Fast Cash Offers: “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies extend offers within 24-48 hours.
- Flexible Closing: Cash buyers in San Diego close quickly and on your timeline. So you can sell your home anywhere between 7 days to 30 days.
- No Repair Costs: Most cash buyers purchase properties as-is. This eliminates the need for repairs, saving thousands of dollars.
❌ Cons
- Lowball Cash Offers: San Diego cash house buyers typically pay only 30% to 70% of a home’s FMV. So you leave a significant amount of your home’s equity on the table.
- Non-Negotiable Deals: Such cash offers are usually take-it-or-leave-it. There’s little to no room for negotiation, which limits 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%!
Common “We Buy Houses for Cash” Scams 🚩
If any San Diego cash home buyer extends an offer that seems to-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 for cash or accept an offer.
- Deed Fraud: Fraudsters can sell or mortgage your home without your consent using fake documents. Check customer testimonials and online 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 agreeing 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.
» We Buy Houses Ripoff: Learn how to avoid falling victim to the scam.
Alternatives to Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in San Diego
- Flat Fee MLS Services: You can get up to 100% of your home’s FMV with a California Flat Fee MLS listing service. 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. California FSBO websites 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 San Diego charge between 0.5% to 2.5% as commission.
Should You Sell to Cash Home Buyers in San Diego?
Yes, you can sell to cash buyers. But 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, on a cash buyer marketplace, you can get multiple offers, sell fast, and potentially keep more money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best company that buys houses for cash in San Diego?
Houzeo is the best cash buyer marketplace in San Diego. Companies like John Medina Buys Houses and Opendoor are other great options for selling homes for cash.
How can you sell to companies that buy houses for cash in San Diego?
To sell to companies that buy houses for cash, first research local cash buyers in San Diego or use a cash buyer marketplace. Then, submit your home’s information and get an offer within 24-48 hours. You can complete the sale in as little as a week once you finalize the agreement.
How fast can I sell my San Diego house?
You can sell your house fast for cash in California within 7 to 30 days with a cash home buying company. However, you get only 30% to 70% of your property's Fair Market Value. To get a higher price, sell to a cash buyer marketplace like Houzeo and attract multiple cash offers.
What to look for when choosing cash home buyers?
Look for legitimate cash home buyers that have a great reputation in the industry. They should have positive customer reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot that highlight their transparent processes and fair offers.
