7 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in California
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Briana Yablonski, Contributing AuthorClose
Briana Yablonski Contributing AuthorBriana Yablonski is a freelance writer based in Knoxville, TN. When she’s not writing about lifestyle, food, and real estate topics, she’s gardening or exploring local trails.
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Taryn Tacher, Senior EditorClose
Taryn Tacher Senior EditorTaryn Tacher is the senior editorial operations manager and senior editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. With eight years of editorial and operations experience, she previously managed editorial operations at Contently and content partnerships at Conde Nast. Taryn holds a bachelor's from the University of Florida College of Journalism, and she's written for GQ, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Allure, and Variety.
Many California homeowners find themselves in situations where a quick home sale is necessary. Life changes, such as job relocations and divorce, compel them to look for ways to sell properties fast. However, they often struggle to meet tight timelines because their homes aren’t yet prepared for listings or showings. They themselves aren’t prepared either for open houses or lengthy negotiations with buyers. This is where “We Buy Houses” California companies present a viable solution.
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform in 24 hours and close in as few as 7 days. No showings or repairs. You’ll also receive an expert estimate of what your home might sell for using a top-rated California agent.
Compare a Cash Offer With a Top California Agent Estimate
House-buying businesses provide cash offers for properties in any condition, streamlining the selling process. This allows homeowners to move on to the next chapter of their lives more quickly, avoiding the hassle of traditional home sales, including repairs and renovations.
In this post, we dug into the details of We Buy Houses for Cash companies across California and rounded up some of the best options available. We also provide guidance on how these businesses function, how much they might offer for your home, and how you can weigh your options so you’re happy with your sale.
Working with house-buying companies in California
Companies advertising “We buy houses California for cash” typically promise quick, all-cash offers and ultra-fast closings, often in as few as seven days. They tend to target distressed properties in need of repairs and work with sellers who need to move ASAP.
Here’s what you can expect from the process of selling your home for cash:
- You request an offer and provide the company with some information about your home. Some companies may make a preliminary offer at this stage, but it’s usually subject to change once they’ve inspected your property.
- The company completes a walkthrough of your property, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- The company makes a firm offer (usually within 24 hours, sometimes on-site after the walkthrough), which you can accept or decline. Most of these companies will not negotiate on price, so the offer is a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a contract, and the closing process will begin. Some companies offer a large deposit or moving cost assistance, and a few may even pay for the home upfront.
- The deal closes, and you receive your cash payment quickly, typically 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 California
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in California sounds appealing 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 parent’s property, whether that’s a mission-style home in San Diego or your Oakland duplex.
By working with one of the best companies that buy houses for cash, you’ll be able to sell your California home in as little as a week or two.
Sell Quick California, LLC
Sell Quick California purchases homes in any condition, requiring no repairs or cleaning. Whether a property is cluttered or in complete disarray, the company relieves homeowners of the burden of preparation.
Clients can request a fair cash offer online, typically delivered within 24 hours, and select a closing date within 7 to 14 days. The streamlined process ensures a swift, hassle-free transaction, with funds promptly disbursed at closing
Locations: Bay Area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sell Quick California covers them.
Sell Quick California has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2019 and has an A+ rating. It has maintained a perfect 5-star rating on Google, with past clients commending the fast and transparent communication, quick sales, and fair offers. Some reviewers remark that the staff was excellent at informing sellers of all their options, even if that led them to sell elsewhere.
Website: sellquickcalifornia.com
Phone: 925-854-5040
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in California (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 California. With the platform, you can get an all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as little as 7 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including California
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a platform by HomeLight, a real estate solutions company founded in 2012. Given its strong focus on excellent customer service, it has been BBB accredited since 2019 and now holds an impressive A+ rating. It has 4.5 stars on Google based on hundreds of reviews.
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-sale
Phone number: 844-488-8455
SoCal Home Buyers
SoCal Home Buyers is a reputable home-buying company serving Fontana and nearby communities. The team specializes in fast, stress-free sales, providing cash offers within 24 hours. Whether dealing with foreclosure, an inherited property, or simply seeking a quick sale, homeowners can rely on SoCal Home Buyers as a streamlined alternative to the traditional market.
They purchase homes in any condition, with no repairs, agents, or showings required. Closings can occur in as little as seven days, enabling sellers to move forward on their own terms
Locations: San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; SoCal Home Buyers covers them.
Recognized for its ethical business practices, SoCal Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018 and has an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile has an average rating of 4.8 stars. Reviews commend the quick process from initial communication to closing. Customers also praise the employees’ friendliness and warmth, as well as their transparency and professionalism.
Website: socalhomebuyers.com
Phone: 951-331-3844
Premier Property Buyers
Premier Property Buyers acquires homes in any condition, offering solutions tailored to each owner’s unique situation. Sellers receive a transparent cash offer within 24 hours, complete with a detailed explanation of how the amount was determined. With no fees and the ability to close in as little as seven days, Premier Property Buyers provides a fast, seamless alternative to the traditional home-selling process in Southern California.
Locations: Southern California
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Premier Property Buyers covers them.
With dedication to transparency and genuine customer care, Premier Property Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018 and earned an A+ rating. Southern California customers praise the company’s professional services, yielding a perfect 5-star rating on Google.
Past sellers mention the business owner’s service and demeanor, commending his knowledge, patience, and responsiveness throughout the entire sale process. Reviewers also note fair offers, especially compared to other area companies they considered.
Website: premierpropertybuyers.com
Phone number: 714-475-7526
Laurel Buys Houses
Laurel Buys Houses, also known as Alcala Properties, has acquired numerous homes throughout the Sacramento area, purchasing properties as-is, regardless of their condition. After gathering information via an online form or phone consultation, the company conducts a home visit and presents a fair cash offer.
When the seller accepts, Laurel Buys Houses can accommodate an accelerated timeline, with closings possible within just a few days when required, ensuring a seamless and efficient transaction.
Locations: Sacramento area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Laurel Buys Houses covers them.
Laurel Buys Houses has been accredited by the BBB since 2017 with an A+ rating. It has accumulated a hundred positive reviews on Google, generating a high 4.8-star rating. Many reviews mention the staff’s kindness, honesty, and interest in doing what’s right. Customers also praise quick closings and a stress-free and seamless process.
Website: laurelbuyshouses.com
Phone number: 916-476-2381
Trusted House Buyers
Trusted House Buyers, based in San Diego, helps homeowners sell their properties quickly, fairly, and without hassle. The company handles sensitive situations such as relocations, family emergencies, uncooperative tenants, or late payments, guiding clients through these challenges with ease. It delivers offers within 24 hours and completes closings in as little as seven days, providing sellers with a streamlined and efficient process.
Locations: Throughout San Diego
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Trusted House Buyers covers them.
Accredited by the BBB since 2021, Trusted House Buyers reflects a high A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile features 4.7 stars, as many clients share that the house-buying firm provides a clear, transparent, and personable selling experience.
The team is praised for delivering prompt offers, explaining each step thoroughly, and making the process simple from start to finish. Many note the consistent communication and competitive offers compared to other investors.
Website: trustedhousebuyers.com
Phone number: 619-786-0973
Property Homebuyers CA
Property Homebuyers CA offers fast, straightforward solutions for those needing to sell quickly, whether due to foreclosure, relocation, inherited property, or financial difficulties. Homes are purchased in any condition, with no repairs or cleaning required, and sellers receive transparent cash offers with no hidden fees or commissions. The team can close transactions in as little as seven days, providing a smooth and efficient selling experience.
Locations: San Jose
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Property Homebuyers CA covers them.
Committed to integrity, Property Homebuyers CA has been BBB accredited since 2024 and maintains an A+ rating. On Google, its profile received positive customer feedback, generating a perfect review score of 5 stars.
Clients commend the fair cash offers and appreciate how all the paperwork is handled efficiently. They mention the team’s helpfulness, especially when navigating the sale of a condo or family property.
Website: propertyhomebuyersca.com
Phone number: 408-385-9874
Why sell your California house for cash?
If you’ve ever sold your home through the traditional real estate market, you know the process can drag on for months, and there’s no guarantee of a sale. But when you sell to a We Buy Houses company, you’re looking at a guaranteed sale in just a matter of days. Speed, convenience, and certainty are the top reasons many homeowners choose to work with a cash-for-homes firm.
In California, selling a home on the open market using an agent takes around 80 days. That includes an average of 39 days on the market (from listing to signed contract) plus the typical 41 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
In contrast, when you work with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in California, you can usually expect to receive an offer in as little as a day or two and close in as few as seven days.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in California
We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California are a bit of a mixed bag. You get speed and service, but you “pay” a sizable premium for that service. Let’s walk through a few pros and cons to consider while weighing your options.
Pros of We Buy Houses for Cash
One of the biggest advantages of working with a company advertising “We Buy Houses California” online is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required, and they’ll buy homes in any condition. Here’s a summary of the benefits of this transaction:
- Fast transaction: If you’re wondering, “Can I sell my house fast California, in a matter of days?” the answer is yes. Cash-for-home companies streamline the process, skipping appraisals, financing delays, and lengthy negotiations so you can close quickly and move forward with ease.
- Zero repairs: Lenders may refuse financing if a home fails to meet minimum standards set by a home appraiser, with issues like fire damage, foundation cracks, or faulty wiring potentially derailing a sale. In contrast, California cash-for-homes companies typically buy homes as-is and are more willing to accept both major and minor problems.
- Less hassle: Selling on the open market with a real estate agent often means tidying up and staging your home for buyers, but selling to a cash buyer lets you skip these stressful prep and showing tasks.
- Reduced closing fees. Agent-assisted sales often come with 3% to 6% commission plus potential concessions and closing costs, whereas selling to a cash buyer can reduce or eliminate these fees, with many We Buy Houses companies covering closing costs entirely.
Cons of We Buy Houses companies
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses site, remember that these are house-buying companies, 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 offers. Most companies present below market value offers as they account for repair costs and profit margins.
- Inconsistent marketing knowledge. Not all cash home-buying companies are the same. Some use local knowledge to make competitive offers, while others may lack that expertise, leading to lowball bids.
- Untrustworthy companies. Some companies make extremely low offers to desperate homeowners. A few bad players may even engage in house-buying scams, though it’s uncommon.
- Pressure tactics. Some cash home-buying companies may use pressure tactics, but you should never feel forced to accept an offer. If an approach feels uncomfortable, move on to another California We Buy Houses company.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Before committing to a cash offer, it’s crucial to vet the company thoroughly. The level of service and integrity you experience from a house-buying company can vary, so make sure to:
- Research market presence: Investigate how long the company has been buying homes in your area and how they’ve performed in the market.
- Check reviews: Look for online reviews and ratings to see what other sellers have said about their experience with the company.
- Ask for referrals: Go beyond reviews and ask actual clients to get a better sense of the company’s reputation and trustworthiness.
- Examine the agreement: Before signing anything, read the buying agreement carefully to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of the sale.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced local agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then, compare your cash offer.
HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in California. You can also use our free Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your California home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers or iBuyers offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage algorithmic technology, otherwise known as automated valuation models (or AVMs), to give you a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home sale experience.
Unlike more traditional We Buy Houses for Cash companies, they tend to look for homes in better condition and offer much closer to market value, typically in the 85% to 95% range. However, major iBuyer companies like Opendoor and Offerpad usually charge sizable fees for their services, usually between 5% and 6% of the home’s sale price.
Listing with an agent
With the right timing and marketing strategy, partnering with an agent could facilitate a fast home sale. On top of that, selling on the market generally fetches the highest home price, and that’s especially true if you work with a skilled professional. Our internal transaction data at HomeLight shows that the top 5% of real estate agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Consult with a trusted real estate agent who can complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) so you can understand your home’s value and estimate how quickly it’s likely to sell. Your agent may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to offer closer to market value for your home.
A CMA is usually free, and you’re under no obligation to list with the agent. Use HomeLight’s Agent Match tool to connect with a top performer in California today.
FAQs on We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California
“We Buy Houses California” refers to companies or investors that purchase homes directly from sellers in California, often in cash and with a quick closing process. These companies aim to provide a hassle-free and convenient option for homeowners who want to sell their properties without the traditional process of listing, staging, and waiting for a buyer.
“We Buy Houses California” companies typically offer a streamlined process. Homeowners can submit their property details online or through a phone call. The company will then assess the property and, if interested, make a cash offer. Upon accepting the offer, the sale can be completed in a matter of weeks, allowing homeowners to bypass the traditional selling process.
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legit, and you can rest assured that this business model has been around for decades. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for scams or anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Always thoroughly research companies ahead of time. Verify all professional licenses, check customer reviews, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the BBB website.
Selling to a “We Buy Houses California” company can offer several benefits. These include a faster sale process, the ability to sell a property in any condition (avoiding repairs or renovations), and a cash offer that eliminates the need for financing contingencies. Additionally, it can provide convenience, especially for homeowners facing time constraints, financial difficulties, or other circumstances.
While selling to a “We Buy Houses California” company can be advantageous, it’s essential to consider potential downsides. The offered price may be lower than the market value, reflecting the convenience and quick sale. This is why it’s important to weigh its financial outcome compared to selling traditionally with an agent.
Additionally, thoroughly review the terms, contracts, and any associated fees to ensure they align with your goals and expectations. Before you proceed with a sale, check your home’s fair market value and consider consulting with a top real estate agent for their opinion.
Most Cash-For-Homes companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), then deduct repair costs.
Here’s what that simple formula looks like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
Now let’s take a look at a practical example. Let’s say your Buena Park home could sell for $875,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $80,000 of work to get there.
($875,000 x .70) – $80,000 = $532,500
In this example, a California cash-for-homes company will probably offer you around $532,500 for your property. However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes.
As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more, about 85% to 95% of the market value, while charging a fee for their services.
Selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company shouldn’t cost you any money, though you’ll likely get less overall for your home. Since these companies are geared toward distressed homes, they tend to have zero fees and will even cover your closing costs.
That means the offer you get is the price you should walk away with. But make sure to ask about any hidden program fees that could eat into your bottom line.
- Research and vet house-buying companies available in your California area. The above list is a great place to start.
- Submit offer requests to your top few companies.
- Schedule any on-site visits.
- Field and compare offers. Choose the best option for you.
- Close in a week to 30 days and get paid (or you can often choose a later closing date, up to 90 days after the offer).
We Buy Houses for Cash in California vs. top California agent
Wondering how a We Buy Houses for Cash company stacks up against working with a real estate agent? We’ve got you covered.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses company in California | Sell with a top Realtor® in California |
| Sale timeline | 7 to 30 days | 80 days average; 39 to attract an offer, 41 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Make necessary repairs, deep clean, declutter, landscape, and stage the home |
| Showings | None required, although some companies will complete a walkthrough | 10 to 25 showings on average |
| Inspections and repairs | None required prior to closing, though iBuyers may deduct a repair credit at closing | May need to make repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
| Appraisal | A traditional appraisal is not required, but many companies will use their own analytics to come to a fair price | May need to lower the 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 loan doesn’t clear |
| Agent commission | None | 3% to 6% of the home’s sale price |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home’s sale price on top of the agent’s commission |
Example Net Proceeds
Imagine you’re selling a home in Buena Park that is currently worth $795,000, but it needs about $80,000 worth of repairs. Once repairs are made, the home should be worth about the median home sale price for the area, $875,000. Here’s what you can expect to earn working with a We Buy Houses company and a top California real estate agent.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses company in California | Sell with a top Realtor in California | |
| Estimated sale price | ($875,000 x .70) – $80,000 = $532,500 | $795,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $7,950 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $23,850 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $11,925 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for the seller | $532,500 | $751,275 |
Key takeaways
- Fast home sale: We Buy Houses for Cash companies in California offer a way to sell your home in as few as seven days without repairs, showings, or hassles.
- Due diligence: There are many reputable cash home-buying companies across California, but it’s important to vet each partner thoroughly to ensure they align with your selling needs and goals.
- Quick sale alternatives: You could leave significant money on the table using a Cash-For-Homes company versus going with a top agent or iBuyer.
- Legitimate cash buyers: HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in California. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the state, 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 California sellers in need of a quick exit from homeownership, but they’re not without drawbacks. However you choose to sell your home, avoid making a hasty decision.
For best results, weigh your options, gather offers from multiple companies, and consult with a top agent to see how easily your property could sell on the market.
Writer Chelsea Levinson contributed to this story.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of California area “We Buy Houses” companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the home-buying company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Header Image Source: (Sven Piper / Unsplash)
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