7 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Central Florida
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Eileen Wubbe, Contributing AuthorCloseEileen Wubbe Contributing Author
Eileen Wubbe is a New York-based writer and editor covering finance and real estate.
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Richard Haddad, Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
“We Buy Houses” Central Florida companies make all-cash offers for homes that often need some work, enabling sellers who lack the time, expertise, and money for repairs to move quickly and receive the cash proceeds from their home sooner if they need it.
Perhaps you need to sell a home quickly to move for a new job opportunity. Or maybe a family member is facing an unexpected health challenge and needs to relocate fast. Or you might need to cash out an inherited property to settle an estate.
If you need to sell your Central Florida home quickly, a top We Buy Houses for Cash company could be the best solution. However, before you request a cash offer, it’s important to understand how much a Central Florida house-buying company might offer for your home and consider your options. Once you’re familiar with the process, you can opt to select a company on our list of some of the top contenders and get moving.
Working with house-buying companies in Central Florida
The cash sale process in Central Florida is ideal for sellers who want to avoid repairs, showings, and lengthy negotiations. House-buying companies offer a streamlined experience with fast closings. Here’s an overview of the process of selling your home for cash:
- You request an all-cash offer. The company will ask you to provide information about your house and property. Some We Buy Houses groups will make a preliminary offer shortly after you submit the request. However, the initial offer typically is subject to change after they have inspected your home.
- The company performs a walk-through. This on-site property visit is completed within 24 to 48 hours. The timeframe may vary depending on the company and market.
- You receive a firm offer. You receive your official cash offer within 24 hours of the on-site visit, but the company can sometimes present it at the end of the walk-through. At this point, you can accept or decline the offer. The majority of house-buying companies do not negotiate. They usually present a take-it-or-leave-it sale price.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a sales contract. With a signed sales agreement, the closing process will begin. Some house-buying companies will initially provide a large deposit or funds to assist the seller with moving costs. Others will pay for the property upfront.
- Close the sale and get paid quickly. We Buy Houses companies typically can close your home sale 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 Central Florida
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Central Florida sounds good 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 parents’ property, whether that’s a Spanish Colonial Revival or Mediterranean. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Central Florida home in as little as a week or two.
House Heroes
House Heroes, a Florida-based house-buying firm, buys single-family homes, land, condos, and apartments in any condition. It offers homeowners a hassle-free way to sell as-is, eliminating the need for expensive repairs or agent fees.
Sellers usually receive a cash offer within 24 hours and can select their preferred closing date. When determining fair cash offers, the company factors in repair costs so clients can avoid paying for any fixes themselves.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; House Heroes covers them.
Known for its commitment to ethical standards, House Heroes has been BBB accredited since 2017 and holds an A+ rating. Clients highlight the team’s reliability, determination, and willingness to go the extra mile during difficult circumstances. They note that, even when challenges emerged, the company stayed focused and successfully closed the deal.
Many praise the approachable, professional manner of the staff and the consistent, open communication, making House Heroes a trusted choice for those looking to sell their homes with confidence.
Website: househeroes.com
Phone: 954-676-1846
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Davenport and across the country can request a cash offer for their home. It features one of the largest networks of cash buyers in the US, and 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 locations throughout Davenport. With the platform, you can get an all-cash offer in as little as 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 7 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Central Florida
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 and currently holds an A+ rating. The company has 4.8 stars on Google based on hundreds of user 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
Phone: 844-488-8455
I Buy FL
I Buy FL is a trusted homebuying company in Florida that has purchased and sold hundreds of properties across Orlando, Tampa Bay, and nearby areas. It offers homeowners a way to bypass the delays and stress of traditional listings by providing cash offers within 24 hours. Sellers have the flexibility to choose their closing date, making the process both fast and convenient.
The house-buying firm acquires houses in any condition, whether a complete fixer-upper or move-in ready, and in any situation. With no repairs, commissions, or complications, the team makes selling simple and hassle-free.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; I Buy FL covers them.
Accredited by the BBB since 2017, I Buy FL now maintains an A+ rating. On Google, past clients gave it a high review score of 4.5 stars. Clients say the process was quick and straightforward, with the team managing all the details throughout. They appreciate that the transaction was completed smoothly, even while they were out of state.
Many highlight the convenience of not having to travel or leave their home to finalize the deal. Reviewers note the professionalism and efficiency shown during the entire process.
Website: ibuyfl.com
Phone: 407-630-7777
Zenn Home Buyers
As seasoned cash home buyers in Orlando, Zenn Homebuyers brings deep knowledge of the local real estate market and a proven track record of helping hundreds of homeowners sell quickly. Their expertise allows them to present fair offers and close without delay.
Operating as direct buyers, the team eliminates commissions, fees, and unnecessary complications. Using their own funds rather than relying on bank approvals, they ensure a fast and certain transaction. Cash offers are provided within 24 hours, with closings completed in as little as seven days.
Locations: Orlando, Florida, and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Zenn Homebuyers covers them.
Praised for prioritizing trust and accountability, Zenn Homebuyers received BBB accreditation in 2017 and now holds an A+ grade from the bureau. Its Google Business Profile features a high 5-star rating, with many commending the team for its professionalism, compassion, and reliability.
They emphasize the team’s consistency in following through on promises and maintaining transparency throughout the process. Reviewers appreciate the accuracy, teamwork, and dedication shown from the very first meeting to closing.
Website: zennhomebuyers.com
Phone: 407-910-2385
Express Homebuyers
Since 2003, Virginia-based Express Homebuyers has been purchasing homes nationwide in any condition, from well-maintained properties to those with fire or water damage. Over the years, the company has acquired more than 4,000 properties, earning a strong reputation for delivering quick and dependable home-selling solutions. Homeowners can expect a cash offer within 24 hours of reaching out, with closings often completed in as little as seven days.
Locations: Throughout Florida and other states, such as Virginia and California
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Express Homebuyers covers them.
Express Homebuyers has been BBB accredited since 2004 and holds an A+ rating. On Google, the firm received a 4.4-star rating from past clients.
Some emphasize the professional, trustworthy experience throughout the entire process. Others noted the team’s clear communication, strategic planning, and proactive attention to every detail. Many appreciated the reliability, integrity, and leadership that made complex transactions feel straightforward.
Website: expresshomebuyers.com
Phone: 877-804-5252
The Friendly Home Buyer
The Friendly Home Buyer began with a sincere commitment to make selling homes easier for Florida residents. Established by a team dedicated to real estate and community support, the company’s mission centers on providing a fair, straightforward, and hassle-free selling experience. With years of experience, they have continually refined their methods to adapt to the changing needs of homeowners.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Friendly Home Buyer covers them.
Since 2017, The Friendly Home Buyer has been BBB accredited and currently holds an A+ rating. With an average Google rating of 4.7 stars, clients often commend the company for its empathetic and supportive approach, particularly during difficult personal circumstances. Many appreciate the team’s flexibility and respectful communication, which help make the selling experience more comfortable and reassuring.
Website: thefriendlyhomebuyer.com
Phone: 888-713-9158
Pinellas Property Solutions
Based in St. Petersburg, Pinellas Property Solutions is a real estate company supported by a team with over 30 years of experience in Florida’s property market. It delivers efficient, client-centered service, presenting cash offers within 24 hours.
It specializes in purchasing homes as-is, assisting sellers dealing with various challenges such as relocation, foreclosure, divorce, probate, and other complex circumstances. The company can complete sales in as little as seven days.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Pinellas Property Solutions covers them.
Known for its honesty and fairness, Pinellas Property Solutions has held BBB accreditation since 2019 and maintains an A+ rating. The company enjoys a perfect 5-star rating on Google, with clients praising the process as quick and straightforward.
Many reviewers mention that the team was cooperative and helped them close their sale promptly without complications. Others appreciated receiving their cash exactly when they needed it.
Website: go.ppsflorida.com
Phone: 727-800-4013
Why sell your Central Florida 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 Central Florida, selling a home on the market using an agent takes about 110 days. That includes an average of 69 days listed on the market until a signed contract, plus the typical 41 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the usual seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Central Florida, and it’s clear why these cash-for-homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top dollar for the homes they purchase.
These companies are gaining popularity, particularly among sellers who don’t have the time for the lengthy process of preparing, marketing, and closing a traditional home sale. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons Central Florida sellers decide to use a We Buy Houses for Cash company over listing a property the traditional way.
- Job relocation: You need to move quickly for a new job and can’t wait for a traditional home sale.
- Divorce settlement: You want to quickly divide assets and move on with your life.
- Unwanted inheritance: You’ve inherited a house and prefer a quick sale to dealing with maintenance or renting.
- Downsizing transition: You’re looking to move into a smaller home or a retirement community without the hassle of prepping and showing your current home.
- Repairs needed: Your home is in poor condition and requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to manage.
- Open house stress: You prefer to avoid the stress and inconvenience of multiple showings and open houses.
- Structural damage: Your home has foundation problems, making it less attractive to traditional buyers.
- Foreclosure fix: You’re facing foreclosure and need to sell quickly to settle your debts.
- Problem tenants: You’re a landlord tired of managing tenants and want to quickly sell your rental property.
- Remote home sale: You own a property in Central Florida but live elsewhere and want the ease of a fast home sale from out of state without the hassle of traveling back and forth.
If you are a homeowner facing any of these circumstances, requesting a cash offer from a top We Buy Houses for Cash company in Central Florida might be a good option to consider. However, it’s prudent to think of this as a starting point in your search for solutions. You won’t know if it’s your best move until you know more about other options available to you, which we’ll help you review in a minute.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Central Florida
Selling to a house-buying company can make things easy, but it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Being aware of the advantages and disadvantages beforehand can help you avoid unexpected issues and reduce stress. This way, you can choose the option that suits your needs best.
In this next section, we’ll walk you through some of the pros and cons of using a We Buy Houses company so you can better evaluate your options.
Pros of We Buy Houses for Cash in Central Florida
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Central Florida is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of a cash sale:
- Speedy transaction: You can sell your house in as few as seven to 10 days.
- Guaranteed deal: With a pre-offer walk-through, a house-buying company can provide a firm cash offer that comes with few contingencies, or no contingencies at all.
- No repairs: If your home needs repairs you can’t afford, you can skip them altogether and still sell.
- Less hassle: You won’t need to worry about showings, open houses, multiple offers, negotiations, low appraisals, or the risk of the buyer’s financing falling through.
Cons to We Buy Houses for Cash in Central Florida
While convenient, partnering with a house-buying firm may result in lower profits compared to listing with an agent. Here are some potential downsides to consider:
- Lower-priced offers: The cash offers you receive may be markedly lower than what you could get for your home on the market, as investors take into consideration the repair costs and profit margins.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: There can be a vast difference in a house-buying company’s knowledge of a market. One may have localized information, such as specific neighborhood data, which enables the company to leverage that knowledge into more competitive cash offers. A company without this expertise may give you a lowball offer.
- Scam risks: Some entities pose as cash buyers, but actually operate house-buying scams, so research potential partners carefully before proceeding with the transaction.
- Pressure tactics: Certain We Buy Houses for Cash companies exploit homeowners’ urgency by forcing homeowners to make quick decisions. If you feel pressured, step back and consider other reputable buyers available in Central Florida.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
If you’re considering partnering with a cash-for-homes firm, know that the level of integrity and customer service you experience can vary, even within an established house-buying company that strives to maintain consistent business standards.
This is because many We Buy Houses for Cash companies are franchises and often use independent investors or local wholesaling outfits. Your experience greatly depends on the character of the person or group making the offer.
Before committing to a cash offer, here’s how you can check if they’re a reliable buyer:
- Research the buyer: Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the company’s reputation. A reliable buyer should have a solid track record and positive feedback from previous sellers.
- Understand market value: Know your home’s market value by comparing it with similar properties in Central Florida. This knowledge will help you assess whether the cash offer is fair.
- Examine the agreement: Read the buying agreement carefully before signing. Ensure you understand all terms and conditions to avoid any surprises later.
- Seek professional advice: Consider consulting with a real estate attorney or an experienced agent to review the offer and agreement. This step can provide an extra layer of security and ensure that your interests are protected.
An experienced local agent can give you a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. With this, you can compare your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market. You can also try our free Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers or iBuyers use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home sale experience. They make all-cash offers for homes and can close a sale in a matter of days to a few weeks. They present offers that are closer to market value, typically in the 90% range.
However, unlike typical We Buy Houses for Cash firms, iBuyer companies generally seek out homes that are in better condition. Moreover, major operators like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge sizable service fees that can range between 5% and 6% of the home’s sale price.
Listing with an agent
If your home is in a seller-friendly housing market, listing your property with a top real estate agent can result in a fast sale. The key is strategic pricing and marketing. Real estate professionals can provide pricing insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often offered for free.
Aside from a fast sale, listing on the open market with a proven agent typically yields the highest selling price. HomeLight’s internal real estate transaction data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
An experienced agent who knows your market may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to pay closer to your home’s market value. If you are interested in exploring the agent option, use HomeLight to find a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
FAQs on Central Florida house-buying companies
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legitimate businesses. Their services and transaction fees may differ, but the business model has been around for decades. If you use an established group with a track record, you can be fairly confident that it’s legitimate.
That said, as with any financial transaction, it’s a good idea to be on the alert for scams. Always research companies before signing a contract. Check customer reviews, look at their online presence, verify professional licenses, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), then deduct their estimated repair costs.
Here’s an example of what a simplified formula might look like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
To see how this might work in a real-world scenario, let’s take a look at an example offer equation. Let’s say your Central Florida Mediterranean-style home or coastal contemporary-style home could sell for $375,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($375,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $232,500
In this example, a Central Florida We Buy Houses company might offer you about $232,500 for your home. However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes.
As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more than We Buy Houses companies because they look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of the market value while charging a fee for their services.
Accepting an offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company comes with a trade-off. The advantage is that it typically won’t cost you any additional money, as they handle most of the process after the offer is made. However, the downside is that you’ll likely receive a lower price for your home compared to selling through traditional methods.
Because We Buy Houses for Cash companies tend to focus on distressed homes, they typically have zero fees. Many will even cover your closing costs. In most cases, this means that the cash offer you receive is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might affect your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Central Florida area. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few companies you like best.
- Schedule any required on-site property visits.
- Compare offers. Consider the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
- Close the sale in a week to 30 days and get paid. Some companies will let you choose a closing date up to 90 days after accepting the offer, which can be helpful when planning a move.
We Buy Houses for Cash in Central Florida vs. a top Central Florida agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a We Buy Houses for Cash company might stack up against working with a real estate agent. Let’s take a glance at how different aspects of the sale might look, and compare possible proceeds.
Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Central Florida | Sell with a top Realtor® in Central Florida |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 110 days average; 69 to attract an offer, 41 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, and stage the home |
Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings on average |
Inspections and repairs | None | May need to make additional repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
Appraisal | None | May need to lower your asking 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 buyer’s 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
Below, we’ve put together one example of how net proceeds may differ between selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your Mediterranean-style home in Central Florida is currently worth about $345,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $375,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Central Florida | Sell with a top Realtor in Central Florida | |
Estimated sale price | ($375,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $232,500 | $345,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,450 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $10,350 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $5,175 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $232,500 | $326,025 |
As this example illustrates, it’s usually in your best financial interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent. However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home.
What’s best for your situation will depend on the condition of your property, the level of repairs needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent’s timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Hassle-free transaction: We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Central Florida can make it possible to conveniently sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, open houses, or showings.
- Due diligence: There are a number of reputable cash-for-homes companies serving Central Florida, but it’s important to research potential partners carefully to ensure they align with your selling goals.
- Quick sale alternatives: Using a We Buy Houses company could mean leaving a significant amount of money on the table compared to an agent-assisted or iBuyer sale.
- Legitimate cash buyers: HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Central Florida. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the region, 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 Central Florida sellers in need of a quick home sale, but it’s important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to selling your home, it’s wise to avoid making any hasty decisions.
Before making a commitment to a cash-for-homes company, gather multiple offers and take the time to weigh your options. Consider consulting with a top agent for expert insights on how soon and for how much your property might sell on the market. Whatever you decide, HomeLight would be happy to help with your real estate needs.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Central Florida 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.
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