How to Sell My House for Cash in Sacramento
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Alexandra Lee Associate EditorClose
Alexandra Lee Associate EditorAlexandra is an associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.
If you’re considering selling a house for cash in Sacramento, you’re probably aiming for a quick and straightforward sale. With this type of transaction, you can often bypass home prep, skip repairs and showings, and close on a timeline that works for you.
The three big questions on your mind might be:
- How do I sell a house for cash in Sacramento?
- What does this convenience cost?
- How much more can I get for my Sacramento house if I make repairs?
In this post, we’ll break down the two most common options to get a cash offer for your Sacramento home, and what your cash offer might look like depending on who you sell to and whether you choose to make repairs or sell as-is.
Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Agent
No staging, no open houses, no repairs. Request a cash offer from HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform and close in as little as 10 days. You can also receive and compare an estimate of what a top agent might be able to get for your house.
Options to sell my house for cash in Sacramento
Homeowners typically have two ways to sell for cash: work directly with a house-buying company or investor, or hire a real estate agent who can help attract a cash offer from a traditional buyer. Each option can result in different levels of proceeds.
Before we dive into the details, use the calculator below to get a quick estimate of how a cash offer in Sacramento might compare depending on how you sell.
As you can see, your cash offer amount will be significantly higher if your Sacramento home is in good condition, but not everyone has the time, money, or desire to take on major repairs. For homeowners dealing with a sudden life or job change, financial strain, or needing to sell an inherited property from out of state, the convenience of an all-cash offer can’t be beat.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect from each option to sell for cash in Sacramento.
Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Sacramento
House-buying companies and investor groups specialize in purchasing homes for cash. Many of them buy properties in “as-is” condition, meaning there’s no need to clean, stage, or fix up your Sacramento home. They are commonly known as “We Buy Houses” companies.
Other house-buying companies that serve Sacramento, known as iBuyers, only purchase homes in good condition or move-in-ready “turnkey properties.” The most well-known iBuyers are Opendoor and Offerpad, which pay higher cash offers but charge a fee of around 5% of the home’s price.
We Buy Houses companies in Sacramento typically follow a similar streamlined process:
- You submit information about your Sacramento property online or over the phone.
- They assess the home’s value using local market data and an on-site visit.
- You receive a no-obligation cash offer, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you accept, they can close in as little as 7 to 14 days.
Some Sacramento cash buyers fix and flip homes, while others rent them out or hold them as investments. They typically aim to purchase below market value to generate higher profits.
Most We Buy Houses investors in Sacramento follow the 70% rule of house flipping, which suggests that the purchase price should not exceed 70% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV), minus estimated repair costs. Our calculator above applies a formula to show a range of the 70% rule and an 80% guideline used by many rental property investors.
Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and some Sacramento house-buying companies may offer more or less depending on the property’s location and condition.
»Learn more: 5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Sacramento
Pros and cons of selling to a Sacramento cash buyer company
| Pros | Cons |
| Speed: Close and have cash in hand within days instead of months | Lower sale price: Cash offers typically come in below market value |
| No repairs required: There’s no need to fix up or renovate the property | No negotiation: House-buying companies usually present a take-it-or-leave-it offer |
| Convenience: Skip showings, open houses, and back-and-forth negotiations | Less competition: By selling off-market, you’re not exposing the home to multiple buyers |
| No fees or commissions: Most cash buyers cover the closing costs and eliminate commissions | Not suitable for all situations: An agent-assisted sale has advantages in certain circumstances |
| Certainty: Without a lender involved, there’s less risk of a deal falling through | Unscrupulous buyers and scams: Some companies lack transparency or have questionable practices |
While Sacramento has many reputable investors, it’s still wise to watch for red flags of a potential scam. Be cautious of companies that use high-pressure tactics or lack a clear track record or online presence. Instead, focus on buyers with verified reviews, strong local expertise, and open, honest communication.
»Learn more: We Buy Houses Pros and Cons: Make an Informed Decision
A better way to find trusted cash buyers in Sacramento
HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of pre-vetted cash buyers in Sacramento and throughout the country, helping you review offers without having to navigate the investor world on your own.
Here is the 4-step Simple Sale process:
To start, you’ll enter a few details about your Sacramento home and obtain a no-obligation offer within 24 hours. If you choose to move forward, you can close in as few as 7 days or select your preferred closing date. In addition, you’ll also receive a professional estimate of what your home might sell for with a top Sacramento real estate agent, so you can easily compare your options.
Option 2: Attract a cash buyer with a top Sacramento agent
Not all cash offers come from investors or companies. In Sacramento’s competitive housing market, many individual buyers come prepared with cash, whether they’re downsizing, relocating after selling a home in the Bay Area, or looking for a second home to prep for retirement. A top Sacramento real estate agent can help position your home to attract these buyers.
»Learn more: Why Hire a Real Estate Agent When You’re Selling or Buying
Pros and cons of selling with a top Sacramento agent
| Pros | Cons |
| A higher sale price: Agents can boost exposure to drive more competitive offers | Longer timeline: A traditional listing in Sacramento can take weeks or longer to close |
| Professional guidance: Agents handle the pricing strategy, marketing, and negotiations for you | Prep work required: You will likely need to clean, stage, or make repairs to the property before listing |
| Broad market access: You can reach more cash buyers through the MLS and local agent networks | Showings and disruptions: Selling this way typically involves open houses and multiple showings |
| Reduced stress: Agents manage the complexities of the process, reducing stress and saving you time | Agent fees: You’ll need to budget for agent commissions (a percentage of the sale price) |
| Legal protection: Agents offer guidance on California’s disclosures and federal fair housing laws | Uncertainty of sale: A fast sale isn’t guaranteed, and deals have a higher risk of falling through |
»Learn more: Should I Sell to a Home Investor or List With an Agent?
The easy way to find top-rated Sacramento agents
If you’re considering listing with an agent, HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with Sacramento’s top-performing agents based on actual transaction data. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is the right fit based on your unique needs.
Whether you’re hoping to attract a cash offer or weigh your options further, a top Sacramento agent can help you make the most of your home sale. For a no-obligation consultation with a trusted agent, share a few details about your selling goals and timeline.
Which cash sale option is right for you?
If you’re prioritizing speed, simplicity, and a hassle-free experience, working with a vetted Sacramento cash buyer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform could be the way to go.
If you’re willing to take more time to potentially secure a higher price — and don’t mind prepping your property for listing — partnering with a top Sacramento agent may be your best approach.
When you request an offer from Simple Sale, you’ll also receive an expert estimate of what your Sacramento home could sell for with a top agent, so you can confidently compare both options.
Still undecided about selling a house for cash in Sacramento? Use our Home Cash Offer Comparison Calculator above to get an idea of what your home might sell for, depending on how you choose to sell it. Then, request a no-obligation offer or consult with a trusted Sacramento expert.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right tools and expert support, you’ll be well-equipped to make a confident decision regarding your best path forward.
Header Image Source: (UnonaArt/DepositPhotos)
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