5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Clearwater
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Joseph Gordon Associate EditorJoseph Gordon is an Associate Editor with HomeLight. He has seven years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of San Francisco.
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
In Clearwater, “We Buy Houses” companies offer a fast solution for homes that might need a bit of repair. This option is ideal for homeowners who are short on time, expertise, or funds to handle repairs or just need to make a quick cash sale.
This post will cover the process of working with these companies, as well as pros and cons, giving you the tools and knowledge to make a decision that fits your budget and timeline.
Whether you’re facing financial difficulties, a sudden move, or simply want to avoid the traditional home-selling process, understanding how this process works can give you a better idea of whether it’s the right move for you.
Sell Your House Fast in Clearwater With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Clearwater.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Clearwater area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Clearwater
Selling your home to a house-buying company is much faster than the traditional selling process, making it an attractive option for those needing a quick sale. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Research companies: Look for reputable “We Buy Houses” companies in Clearwater. Check their credentials, reviews, and past transactions to ensure they’re legitimate.
2. Submit property details: Contact your chosen company with information about your property. This typically involves filling out an online form or making a phone call to provide details about your home’s condition, location, and size.
3. Receive an offer: The company will review your submission and may conduct an on-site inspection. They’ll then present you with an all-cash offer based on their assessment of your property’s value.
4. Accept the offer: If you’re satisfied, you can accept it. Remember, these companies usually present a take-it-or-leave-it offer with little room for negotiation.
5. Close the sale: The company will handle most of the closing process upon acceptance. You’ll agree on a closing date, sign the necessary paperwork, and receive your cash payment.
6. Move out: Prepare to vacate your home by the agreed-upon date, taking all personal belongings. The company will cover the rest, including any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Clearwater
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Clearwater sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some top companies that will pay cash for you or your parents’ coastal contemporary or craftsman-style house. You can sell your Clearwater home in as little as a week or two by selling to one of these companies.
FL Cash Home Buyers
Formed in 2011, FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC has completed over 800 real estate transactions. Along with providing full cash offers to purchase homes in “as is” condition, Florida Cash Home Buyers will completes necessary repairs on the property and helps you find a third-party buyer, should that work better for you.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including Clearwater.
Closing costs: You pay no closing costs; FL Cash Home Buyers cover them.
FL Cash Home Buyers has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews. Past customers speak highly of the employees’ attentiveness, responsiveness, and ability to answer questions.
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 954-519-7040
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Clearwater (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale connects you to the largest network 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 in different locations throughout Clearwater, even those that need some or a lot of work.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Clearwater.
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight was founded in 2012 and is BBB-accredited with 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.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Freedom Cash Home Buyers
Founded in 2017, Freedom Cash Home Buyers prides itself on having no hidden fees or closing deductions. To work with Freedom Cash Home Buyers, you’ll first speak with a representative over the phone and provide information about your home and needs.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including Clearwater.
Closing costs: Freedom Cash Home Buyers covers closing costs except property taxes.
Freedom Cash Home Buyers has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Google Reviews. Many reviews speak of the employees’ quick responses to calls and emails and their ability to answer questions truthfully. Sellers also report a simple closing process, even if a home is in poor condition.
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 954-519-7040
All About Real Estate
All About Real Estate (AARE) has held BBB accreditation with an A+ rating since 2018. It offers closings in as little as seven days, longer if needed. This extends to various property types, including distressed homes or those with challenges like hostile tenants, liens, or violations.
Locations: All over Florida, including Clearwater.
Closing costs: You pay no closing costs; All About Real Estate covers them.
All About Real Estate maintains a 5.0 rating. Customers laud the company’s integrity, prompt delivery on promises, and legitimacy as real estate buyers in South Florida. Other reviews praise their knowledge and transparent processes.
Website: allaboutrealestate.com
Phone number: 786-753-8500
Lightning Capital House Buyers
Lightning Capital House Buyers is a family-owned company based in Clearwater serving the real estate community for almost ten years. They help homeowners who want to sell their homes move forward by providing cash solutions.
Locations: Clearwater, FL, and nearby areas.
Closing costs: You pay no closing costs; Lightning Capital House Buyers covers them.
Lightning Capital House Buyers has a Google average rating of 4.3. It maintains an A+ BBB accreditation. Customers commend the company’s straightforward approach, patience, and expertise.
Website: lchousebuyers.com
Phone number: 727-314-7937
Why sell your Clearwater house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Clearwater home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company, with speed and convenience being the biggest benefits sellers look.
In Clearwater, it typically takes around 103 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 57 days on the market plus the typical 46 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Clearwater, 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.
Selling your home for cash isn’t always the right decision, but for some people, it can be a life-saving decision. Here are some common situations where sellers might need to divest of their property for cash:
- Job relocation: When a sudden job transfer requires you to move quickly, selling your house for cash can fast-track the process.
- Divorce: A quick cash sale can simplify the property division process during a divorce, making it less stressful for everyone involved.
- Inherited: Handling an inherited property can be complex and emotionally taxing; a cash sale offers a simple resolution.
- Downsizing: For those looking to downsize, especially seniors moving to retirement communities, a cash sale is quick and uncomplicated.
- Repairs: If your home requires extensive repairs, selling for cash can be a practical solution, avoiding costly fixes.
- Open houses: To bypass the stress and invasion of privacy from open houses, selling for cash offers a private and straightforward alternative.
- Foundation issues: Significant structural problems, like foundation issues, can deter traditional buyers but not cash buyers.
- Foreclosure: Facing foreclosure, a fast cash sale can help you settle debts and avoid further damage to your credit score.
- Tenants: If you’re dealing with difficult tenants and wish to sell, a cash buyer can take the property off your hands without hassle.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a property sale from another state can be challenging; a cash offer simplifies this process.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Clearwater
If you deecide to sell your to a “We Buy Houses” company, it’s important to get a good idea of what the pros and cons are. Here are some of the key things to consider:
Pros:
- Speed of sale: Sell your home fast, often within a week, which is ideal for those needing to relocate or access funds quickly.
- No need for repairs: Companies purchase homes as-is, saving you the time and money that would otherwise go into making repairs and upgrades.
- Simple process: The selling process is straightforward, with fewer contingencies and no need for showings, staging, or open houses.
- Cash payment: You receive a cash payment, avoiding the delays of mortgage approvals and other financing issues that can slow down traditional sales.
Cons:
- Below market value: You may receive an offer that’s below market value, which means you could end up with less money compared to a traditional sale.
- Limited negotiation: The offer you get is typically take-it-or-leave-it, with little to no room for negotiation on price.
- Potential for scams: It’s crucial to research and verify the legitimacy of the buying company to avoid falling victim to scams.
- Lack of local market knowledge: Some national companies may not have a deep understanding of the Clearwater market, potentially leading to lower offers.
Before deciding to sell your home to a cash buyer, it’s essential to vet these companies carefully and understand the true value of your property. This preparation can help ensure you make the best decision for your situation. Next, we’ll guide you on vetting cash buyers and knowing your home’s worth.
Curious What Your Home Is Worth?
Get a near-instant real estate house price estimate from HomeLight for free. Our tool analyzes the records of recently sold homes near you, your home’s last sale price, and other market trends to provide a preliminary range of value in under two minutes.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When you decide to work with a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company, it’s important to remember that the integrity and service level offered can significantly differ from one buyer to the next.
Your experience will largely depend on the character of the person or group behind the offer. Before you commit to a cash sale, take the time to vet the company thoroughly. Check online reviews, read through testimonials from previous sellers, and research their market presence and performance to ensure they’re reputable.
Additionally, understanding the true value of your home is crucial before accepting any cash offer. Reading the buying agreement carefully before signing is essential to ensure there are no surprises down the line.
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 your market. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Clearwater home quickly
Exploring alternatives to selling your home quickly in Clearwater involves considering iBuyers and traditional real estate agents.
iBuyers, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer a fast, mostly online selling process. They provide all-cash offers for homes in good condition, often closer to market value, with the entire iBuyer process taking a few days to two weeks. However, service fees typically range from 5%-6%.
Listing with an agent might seem counterintuitive when seeking quick sales solutions. However, in seller-friendly markets, this option can secure a fast sale if your property is well-priced and marketed.
A key benefit is receiving a comparative market analysis (CMA), usually often free, providing valuable insight into your home’s value. Agents may also connect you with cash buyers, offering a price closer to market value. If exploring this route, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your area.
FAQs on Clearwater house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Clearwater 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 legit.
That said, as with any financial transaction, it’s a good idea to be on the alert for scams. Always research companies before you sign a contract. Check customer reviews, look at their online presence, verify professional licenses, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Clearwater We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value, minus 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 Clearwater craftsman-style house could sell for $280,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($280,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $166,000
In this example, a Clearwater We Buy Houses company might offer you around $166,000 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 iBuyers look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Clearwater We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-edged sword. On the one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. Conversely, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
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 flat-out ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
1. Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Clearwater area. Our list above is a good place to start.
2. Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
3. Schedule any required on-site property visits.
4. Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
5. 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 Clearwater vs. top Clearwater 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 Clearwater | Sell with a top Realtor in Clearwater |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 103 days average; 57 to attract an offer, 46 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings average |
| Inspections / 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 title before you can sell 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 | 5.8% average |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home sale price on top of agent 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 home in Clearwater is currently worth about $280,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $305,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Clearwater | Sell with a top Realtor in Clearwater | |
| Estimated sale price | ($305,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $188,500 | $280,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,800 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $16,240 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $4,200 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $188,500 | $256,760 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best in your situation will depend on the condition of your property, what level of repairs are needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Speed and convenience: Selling your home to a Cash-For-Homes company in Clearwater can be much faster than the traditional market sale.
- As-is sale: You can sell your home as it is, without needing to invest in repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The selling process is streamlined, with minimal paperwork and no need for showings.
- Below market offers: Be prepared that these companies’ offers are likely below market value.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand on your real estate journey. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer through a trusted platform like Simple Sale or seeking to consult with a top Clearwater agent.
Header Image Source: (Anita Denunzio/ Unsplash)
