5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Queens
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- 15 min read
- 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” companies in Queens, New York, make all-cash offers for homes that often need some work. This enables sellers who lack the time, expertise, and money for repairs to move quickly and receive the proceeds from their homes sooner if they need it.
If you’re confronted with an urgent home-selling situation, a cash-offer company can provide a fast solution, allowing you to embark on the next chapter of your life. However, like any significant decision, selling to a cash-for-homes company comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
In this post, we’ll explain the process and cover the pros and cons of partnering with a Queens-area house-buying company, giving you valuable insights to make an informed decision.
Working with house-buying companies in Queens
If you’re thinking about partnering with a Queens-area We Buy Houses company for a quick sale, here’s what you can expect from the process of selling your house for cash:
- Research potential buyers: Research and identify reputable house-buying companies in Queens. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any red flags.
- Contact your chosen company: Once you’ve chosen a company, reach out to them. Typically, they’ll ask you to provide details about your home and its condition.
- Schedule a property inspection: After initial contact, the company will likely arrange a visit to inspect your home. This helps them evaluate its condition and determine an appropriate offer.
- Receive an all-cash offer: Based on the inspection, the company will present you with an all-cash, no-obligation offer. These offers are often fixed, with little to no room for negotiation.
- Review the contract details: If you’re comfortable with the offer, ensure you go through the contract thoroughly. Understand all terms and conditions, and consult a lawyer if necessary.
- Close the deal: Once everything is agreed upon, the company will handle most of the closing logistics, and you’ll receive your cash, often within days.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Queens
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Queens 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 rowhouse-style home or your parents’ Dutch-Colonial house. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Queens home in as little as a week or two.
Leave the Key Homebuyers
Leave the Key Homebuyers is a locally operated real estate investment company known for providing a fast, hassle-free way to sell homes across New York. With extensive experience in buying properties in as-is condition, the team has helped hundreds of homeowners avoid the stress of repairs and traditional listings.
They specialize in streamlining the process, offering a straightforward approach tailored to each seller’s situation. Homeowners can expect a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours of reaching out.
Locations: Queens and surrounding areas, including Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Leave The Key Homebuyers covers them.
Recognized for its ethical business practices, Leave The Key Homebuyers has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2023 and now holds an A+ rating. It has a perfect 5-star rating on Google, thanks to numerous positive customer testimonials.
Clients say the company delivers a seamless and stress-free selling experience, especially for those managing properties from afar. The team is noted for being responsive, professional, and attentive from start to finish. Sellers appreciate their clear communication and hands-on approach, often going above and beyond expectations. Many would gladly recommend the company for its honesty and reliability.
Website: leavethekey.com
Phone: 631-430-0783
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Queens 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 Queens.
With the platform, you can get a no-obligation, 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 Queens
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 received BBB accreditation in 2019 and now maintains an impressive A+ rating. The company has 4.8 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
Phone: 844-488-8455
We Buy Land Property NY
We Buy Land Property NY has solidified its standing in the New York real estate arena with more than 10 years of experience. Committed to streamlining the property-selling journey, the firm’s adept managers excel in crafting solutions that cater to each client’s distinct requirements.
With years of experience in real estate, We Buy Land Property NY has built a solid reputation for being reliable and handling all kinds of situations with ease. It focuses on personalized service and aims to make every sale as smooth and beneficial as possible for the homeowner.
Locations: Brooklyn and the surrounding areas, including Queens
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Land Property NY covers them
Because of its dedication to customer satisfaction, We Buy Land Property NY earned a 5-star Google rating. Past clients value the company’s direct and streamlined method of acquiring properties. Some sellers who grappled with issues like managing troubled properties or overwhelming paperwork were pleased by the company’s smooth approach.
Others expressed satisfaction in receiving a fair price for their property without the hassle of paperwork. There are also those who appreciated their professionalism in contrast to other companies that broke promises and made low offers during a stressful time.
Website: webuylandpropertyny.com
Phone: 646-693-0573
Five Boro Home Buyers
Five Boro Home Buyers has established itself as a trusted name in the New York real estate market, backed by years of experience. Specializing in providing win-win solutions, the company assists homeowners facing challenges like foreclosure, burdensome properties, or other pressing circumstances.
This family-owned business prioritizes a supportive approach, ensuring clients feel comfortable throughout the process and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions without pressure. It presents offers within 24 hours of initial contact and closes in as little as 7 days.
Locations: Office in Hempstead, serving the five boroughs, including Queens and Staten Island
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Five Boro Home Buyers covers them.
Customers have given Five Boro Home Buyers a Google review rating of 4.8 stars, and consistently praise the team’s kindness, professionalism, and genuine attentiveness, highlighting a seamless experience in selling their properties. Many recommended the company for its knowledgeable and responsive service, ensuring a pleasant transaction.
Overall, the reviews reflect a strong endorsement of the company’s commitment to client satisfaction and support.
Website: newyorkhomesforcash.com
Phone: 516-870-4462
Prestige Home Buyers
Prestige Home Buyers is a trusted homebuying company serving Long Island homeowners with practical, market-based cash offers. It focuses on creating a stress-free experience for sellers by removing the usual obstacles tied to traditional real estate transactions.
Whether a homeowner is facing urgent repairs, relocating quickly, or navigating financial difficulty, the company offers flexible solutions tailored to individual needs. Sellers benefit from avoiding agent fees, open houses, and repair costs. Prestige Home Buyers is known for its ability to close deals in as little as seven days.
Locations: Queens and surrounding areas, such as Bronx, Hempstead, Huntington, and Brentwood
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Prestige Home Buyers covers them.
Since 2020, Prestige Home Buyers has been BBB accredited and now holds an A+ rating. On Google, it earned a near-perfect review rating of 4.9 stars.
Clients describe the company as a trustworthy partner for those needing to sell quickly and without stress. Many appreciate the team’s patience, understanding, and ability to navigate challenging situations with professionalism. Sellers highlight smooth transactions, fair offers, and consistent follow-through from start to finish, making the experience both efficient and reassuring.
Website: prestigehomebuyers.co
Phone: 631-212-1746
Why sell your Queens 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 Queens, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes about 108 days. That includes an average of 67 days on the market, from listing to signed contract, plus the typical 41 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 Queens, 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.
Let’s take a quick look at some common situations where Queens homeowners might see a house-buying company as an appealing solution:
- 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 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 solution: 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 sell your rental property quickly.
- Remote home sale: You own a property in Queens but live elsewhere and want the ease of a fast, remote cash sale, which eliminates the need to travel back and forth.
If any of these situations resonate with you, exploring a We Buy Houses company could be a smart step forward. However, view this as just the beginning of your journey toward finding the best solution. To make a well-informed decision, it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons while reviewing all your available options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Queens
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Queens is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required, and they’ll buy homes in any condition.
If your home was severely damaged in a weather event, or you’ve fallen years behind on routine maintenance, you can still sell without needing to make the extensive repairs that financed buyers may require.
Here are some other pros to consider:
Pros
- Speedy transaction: You can typically sell your house in as few as seven to 10 days, providing a quick solution for urgent situations.
- As-is purchase: Companies will buy your house as-is, meaning no repairs or cleaning are required before the sale.
- Guaranteed deal: These companies offer firm cash deals with few or no contingencies, ensuring a smoother, more predictable process.
- Convenient transaction: Skip the hassle of showings, open houses, and negotiations, making the sale process much easier and less stressful.
The most significant con of selling to a house-buying company is that they will likely offer you below market value for your home compared to selling on the market with an experienced real estate agent. Here are some of the key drawbacks:
Cons
- Lower offers: Expect offers to be lower than what you might receive on the open market.
- Scam risks: Although rare, house-buying scams exist. Always vet your buyers to avoid dishonest companies.
- Limited negotiation: There’s typically little to no room for negotiating the price.
- No agent expertise: You miss out on the professional guidance and market knowledge that a real estate agent provides.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When you choose to sell your Queens home to a top We Buy Houses for Cash company, remember that the level of service and integrity can vary widely. Much of your experience hinges on the character of the individuals or group behind the offer.
Before you commit, it’s essential to vet the company thoroughly. Look into their reviews, sift through testimonials, and gauge their market presence and track record. Moreover, don’t let the allure of a quick sale blind you to the finer details. Always read the buying agreement with a discerning eye before signing.
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 Queens market. You can also try our Home Value Estimator to get an initial estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Queens home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make almost immediate home value estimates, offering a streamlined, largely online selling process. Founded in the mid-2010s, they focus on giving all-cash offers, often near market value, for well-maintained homes.
The entire sale, from offer to close, can span from days to two weeks. Notable iBuyer companies like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge fees of 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price. This method best suits properties in areas with similar housing types and homes in good shape.
Listing with an agent
Though perhaps unexpected in this context, listing with an agent can lead to swift sales, especially in seller-friendly markets and with strategic pricing and marketing. Selling on the open market usually fetches higher prices, more so with top agents. HomeLight data indicates that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
A seasoned agent will offer valuable insights, like a comparative market analysis (CMA), which helps determine your home’s value and potential selling speed. A CMA, often provided free, lets you make an informed decision when pricing your home.
Some agents with local market expertise may also connect you with cash buyers who offer closer to market value. If you’re interested in exploring this option, HomeLight can help by linking you with top real estate agents in the Queens area.
FAQs on Queens house-buying companies
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Queens 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 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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most Queens 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), 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 Queens rowhouse-style house could sell for $695,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $35,000 of work to get there.
($695,000 x .70) – $35,000 = $451,500
In this example, a Queens We Buy Houses company might offer you about $451,500 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.
When you accept an offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company, you’re likely facing a trade-off. On one hand, it won’t cost you extra since these companies manage nearly everything after the offer is accepted. On the other hand, you’ll probably receive 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 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 Queens 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 Queens vs. a top Queens 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 Queens | Sell with a top Realtor® in Queens |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 108 days average; 67 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 / 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 home in Queens is currently worth about $660,000 and needs about $35,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $695,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Queens | Sell with a top Realtor in Queens | |
Estimated sale price | ($695,000 x .70) – $35,000 = $451,500 | $660,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $6,600 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $19,800 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $9,900 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $451,500 | $623,700 |
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
- Fast sale: House-buying companies in Queens offer speedy transactions, often finalizing deals in days or weeks.
- No need for repairs: These companies purchase homes in as-is condition, eliminating the need for costly repairs or renovations.
- Straightforward offers: While there’s minimal room for negotiation, you get a straightforward, no-obligation offer.
- Below-market-value offers: Selling to a house-buying company typically results in a lower offer than the market value of your home.
- Quick sale options: Remember that iBuyers and top real estate agents in Queens also present quick and profitable selling options.
- Home value insights: Know your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
For those considering a Queens cash-for-homes company, it’s smart to collect multiple offers and thoroughly assess your options before sealing the deal.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand in navigating 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 Queens agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of Queens 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: (Greg Keelen / Unsplash)