5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Sacramento
- Published on
- 15 min read
- Jennifer Schmidt, Contributing AuthorCloseJennifer Schmidt Contributing Author
Jennifer Schmidt is a freelance writer based in Vancouver, Washington, who specializes in real estate, human resources, and technology. When not writing, you’ll find her scanning real estate listings for the latest housing trends and decorating ideas.
- Jedda Fernandez, Associate Refresh EditorCloseJedda Fernandez Associate Refresh Editor
Jedda Fernandez is an associate refresh editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers with more than five years of editorial experience in the real estate industry.
We Buy Houses companies in Sacramento 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.
Maybe you’ve landed a new job in another city, and the employer wants you to start right away. Or perhaps you are facing a major financial challenge or unplanned life change and need to relocate ASAP. Or you may need to cash out an inherited Sacramento property to quickly settle an estate.
If you need to sell your Sacramento home fast, a 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 Sacramento house-buying company might offer for your home and weigh 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.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Sacramento area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Sacramento
We Buy Houses companies in Sacramento typically promise to give homesellers quick, convenient all-cash offers, and exceptionally speedy closings, often wrapping up the property sale in as few as seven days. These house-buying companies have polished their processes to help sellers who need to move ASAP, and tend to target distressed homes in need of repairs.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- 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 typically is completed within 24 to 48 hours. The timeframe may vary depending on the company and market.
- You receive a firm offer. Your official cash offer is typically received within 24 hours of the on-site visit, but can sometimes be presented 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 initially will 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.
Note: Individual program details frequently change. Visit a company’s website for the most up-to-date information on each program’s fees, market coverage, business model, and more. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.
Popular We Buy Houses for cash companies in Sacramento
If these benefits of selling to a house-buying company in Sacramento sound 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 parent’s Craftsman or mid-century modern. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Sacramento home in as little as a week or two.
Rework Cash Offers
Rework Cash Offers buys and renovates houses all over the Sacramento area. Owner Pratik “Pat” Pathapati started the company in 2016. To receive an offer, homeowners can call to provide information about the property or use an online form on the Rework Cash Offers website. A company representative will schedule a time to meet with you at the property and do a walk-through before providing a cash offer.
Rework Cash Offers assures sellers that “no house is too difficult for us.” For sellers who can’t move until they sell, Rework Cash Offers provides rent-back options wherein the company buys your house and then rents it back to you so you have the cash and the time you need to move to your next home.
Locations: Sacramento area
Closing costs: You pay no closing costs; Rework Cash Offers covers them.
Rework Cash Offers has an A+ rating from the BBB and has been accredited since 2022. The company boasts a 5-star rating on Google. Previous clients speak of Pat’s honesty, fairness, and professionalism. They also express their appreciation for a straightforward, easy process. “I needed a fast solution — Pratik and team came to my rescue,” reads a recent review. “Professional and trustworthy. Highly recommend!”
Website: www.reworkcashoffers.com
Phone: 916-866-3327
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Sacramento (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 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 different locations throughout Sacramento.
With Simple Sale, you can get an all-cash offer in as few as 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 Sacramento
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no 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 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-sale
Phone: 844-488-8455
Laurel Buys Houses
For more than 20 years, Laurel Buys Houses has been buying and renovating houses, focusing on helping homeowners regain control of their situations and start living life on their terms. They say they offer a stress-free alternative to selling a house without the added fees of a traditional realtor.
Laurel Buys Houses will buy your house in as-is condition, no matter how ugly and no matter the location, so no need to clean or make any repairs before moving out. They say they are focused on helping people find positive solutions so they can sell their home fast and stress-free.
Locations: Sacramento area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Laurel Buys Houses covers them.
Laurel Buys Houses has been BBB accredited since 2017 and holds an A+ rating. BBB customer reviews speak to the speed and ease of selling a house quickly under often difficult circumstances and how patient and understanding Laurel Buys Houses was. The company has a 4.7-star rating on Google, and reviewers say the team was fair and knowledgeable, with one reviewer saying, “Laurel Buys Houses is truly unmatched when it comes to dedication and commitment to exceeding expectations.”
Website: www.laurelbuyshouses.com
Phone: 916-476-2381
Sell Quick California
Buying homes since 2002, Sell Quick California advertises that they offer a “better, faster, and easier” way to sell your house. After they gather information about the home, a local cash buyer will present an offer within 24 hours.
The company purchases all types of real estate, including houses, condos, and townhomes. They specialize in properties that need to be sold due to financial distress, necessary repairs, or issues with tenants or vacancies in rental properties. Sell Quick California doesn’t require repairs or cleaning, and will buy as-is. There is no obligation to accept an offer or pay any fees or commissions that are traditionally included when selling a home.
Locations: California, including Sacramento
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Sell Quick California, LLC covers them.
Sell Quick California has been BBB accredited since 2019 and holds an A+ rating. BBB customer reviews for Sell Quick California speak to their professionalism, trustworthiness, and honesty. Reviewers express how each step of the process is explained, as well as the company’s knowledge of the local market. The company maintains a perfect 5-star rating on Google.
Phone number: 866-497-8248
Fast Home Buyer California
Fast Home Buyer California is a family-owned business, specializing in purchasing properties for cash throughout the state. For those selling a house in California and seeking a committed team that goes above and beyond to provide the highest possible offer, they offer a no-obligation, all-cash proposal. Their services are entirely free of charge, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
For over a decade, this company has been helping homeowners by buying houses for cash, basing their fair offers on market value and needed repairs. They pride themselves on ethical, professional business practices and are committed to treating clients with respect and transparency.
Locations: California, including Sacramento
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Fast Home Buyer California covers them.
Customer Google reviews for Fast Home Buyer California attest to the company’s professionalism, efficiency, knowledgeable team, and hassle-free process in making the sale of your home simple and stress-free. Reviewers also express how people at the company go beyond what is asked to ensure transparency. They are also BBB accredited with an A+ rating.
Website: fasthomebuyercalifornia.com
Phone: 916-235-3805
Why sell your Sacramento house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Sacramento homeseller may choose to work with a cash-for-homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Sacramento, it typically takes about 68 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes 24 days to attract a buyer, plus the typical 44 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 Sacramento, 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 becoming increasingly popular, especially for sellers looking to avoid the lengthy process of preparing, marketing, and closing a traditional home sale. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons Sacramento 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: You want to quickly divide assets and move on with your life.
Inherited property: You’ve inherited a house and prefer a quick sale to dealing with maintenance or renting.
Downsizing: 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 requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to manage.
Avoiding open houses: You prefer to avoid the stress and inconvenience of multiple showings and open houses.
Foundation issues: Your home has structural problems, making it less attractive to traditional buyers.
Foreclosure: 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 a quick sale of your rental property.
Selling from out of state: You own a property in Sacramento but live elsewhere and want the ease of a fast, remote sale.
If you are a homeowner facing any of these circumstances, requesting a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company 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 Sacramento
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Sacramento 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 to We Buy Houses for Cash in Sacramento
- Speed: You typically can sell your house in as few as seven to 10 days, providing a quick solution for urgent situations.
- Buy as-is: Companies will buy your house as-is, meaning no repairs or cleaning are required before the sale.
- Certainty: These companies offer firm cash deals with few or no contingencies, ensuring a smoother, more predictable process.
- Convenience: Skip the hassle of showings, open houses, and negotiations, making the sale process much easier and less stressful.
Cons to We Buy Houses for Cash in Sacramento
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:
- Lower offers: Expect offers to be lower than what you might receive on the open market.
- Potential for scams: Be cautious of scams and dishonest companies; always vet your buyers.
- 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.
Your home is more than a place where you make memories with family; it’s also likely your biggest asset. Sure, you want to sell quickly, but you could be leaving major money on the table if you choose to work with one of these We Buy Houses for Cash companies.
Always do your research, compare your options, and consult with a trusted advisor before accepting any offer.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
For many homesellers, We Buy Houses for Cash companies can be a solid solution to get a property sold quickly or to access cash for an expected life challenge. On the other hand, the “cash for your home” rehabbing business model has also led to what some housing advocates call predatory tactics.
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.
If you are considering a cash offer, vet the company thoroughly. Check reviews, read testimonials, and research its presence and performance in the market. And, of course, read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
Get a home value estimate
Before committing to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, HomeLight suggests you consult with a top agent to get a better idea of what your home might be worth if sold on the open market. Then, compare cash offers to what a top agent might be able to get for your home. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in your market.
You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated-valuation models (AVMs) to offer near-instant home value estimates. They provide a mostly online experience, offering all-cash deals typically closer to market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process from offer to closing is quick, usually within a few days to two weeks. However, companies like Opendoor and Offerpad charge service fees of 5% to 6%.
Listing with an agent
Listing with a top real estate agent can also result in a fast sale, especially in a seller-friendly market. An agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), which helps determine an appropriate listing price and estimate the time to sell. Many agents offer CMAs, often free.
Partnering with a proven agent can yield the highest selling price and they may even connect you with buyers offering cash closer to market value. If you are interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
Key takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Sacramento can make it possible to conveniently sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, open houses, or showings.
- There are a number of reputable cash-for-homes companies serving Sacramento.
- 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.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Sacramento. 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.
FAQs on Sacramento house-buying companies
By and large, 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 being said, as with any financial transaction, it’s a good idea to be on 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.
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), 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 Sacramento bungalow-style home could sell for $613,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $40,000 of work to get there.
($613,000 x .70) – $40,000 = $389,100
In this example, a Sacramento We Buy Houses company might offer you about $389,100 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 85%-95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company, you likely will be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On 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. On the other side, 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 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 area. Our list above is a good place to start.
- Submit offer requests to a few of the 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 Sacramento vs. top Sacramento 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 look 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 Sacramento | Sell with a top Realtor® in Sacramento |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 68 days average; 24 to attract an offer, 44 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 | 3%-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 compiled 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 mid-century modern home in Sacramento is currently worth about $573,000 and needs about $40,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $613,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Sacramento | Sell with a top Realtor® in Sacramento | |
Estimated sale price | ($613,000 x .70) – $40,000 = $389,100 | $573,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $5,730 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $17,190 (3% of sale price)* |
Closing costs | 0 | $8,595 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $389,100 | $541,485 |
As this example illustrates, financially it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
Agent commission changes
*On March 15, 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced a landmark lawsuit settlement that will change the way real estate agent commissions are handled in the future. These changes will “decouple” seller and buyer agent compensation. Industry experts predict that this decoupling will likely lower agent fees and give buyers the ability to negotiate commission amounts directly. Learn more.
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 challenging in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
House-buying companies can be a good alternative for Sacramento 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 consider 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!
Header Image Source: (Stephen Leonardi / Pexels)