5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Irvine
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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.
Selling your Irvine home can feel overwhelming, particularly if your home isn’t in tip-top shape. You might consider selling your home to a “We Buy Houses” company. These companies make quick, all-cash purchases for properties that might be worn around the edges.
This is ideal for sellers who do not have the time or money to repair their homes, or need to dispose of their property quickly due to unexpected circumstances, such as job relocation or sudden inheritance.
For Irvine homeowners caught in a bind or facing sudden life changes, selling for cash presents a practical escape hatch. It’s a direct path to liquidity, sidestepping the usual hurdles of property sales.
This article will explore both sides of the coin, laying out the benefits and drawbacks of cash-for-home sales in Irvine to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Sell Your House Fast in Irvine 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 Irvine.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Irvine area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Irvine
Working with house-buying companies in Irvine can provide a no-hassle path to sell your home quickly. Here’s a brief look at the process:
1. Find a reputable company: Research and select a house-buying company in Irvine with a solid reputation and positive reviews from past clients.
2. Submit your information: Contact the company with details about your property. This typically involves filling out a form on their website or giving them a call.
3. Receive an offer: The company will assess your information and possibly schedule a visit to your property. Expect to receive a cash offer shortly after.
4. Review the offer: Take your time to consider the cash offer. Remember, these companies usually offer no-obligation, so you’re free to accept or decline.
5. Accept the offer: If it aligns with your needs, you can accept it. The company will then begin the process of closing the sale.
6. Close the sale: The closing process is often swift, and you could receive your cash in as little as a week, allowing you to move forward with your life plans without delay.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Irvine
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Irvine 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’ ranch and Spanish-Mediterranean style. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Irvine home in as little as a week or two.
OC Home Buyers
OC Home Buyers, owned by Nathaniel and Taylor Looney will provide a no-obligation cash offer on your home. Prospective sellers are asked to provide contact information, along with some basic information about their property to begin the process.
Locations: Orange County, including Irvine
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; OC Home Buyers covers them.
OC Home Buyers earned BBB accreditation, achieving an A rating in 2024. The company holds a 5.0 Google rating. A recent customer described their experience as the easiest real estate transaction, with escrow completed in a few weeks, followed by a smooth closing process.
Website: ochomebuyers.com
Phone number: 949-329-2302
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Irvine (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, even those that need some or a lot of work, in different locations throughout Irvine.
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 Irvine
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 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
Home Offer Direct
Home Offer Direct offers a simplified process for selling your home. The company will typically contact you within a business day after completing the “Get My Offer Today” form, and you can receive a no-obligation cash offer.
Locations: Orange County, including Irvine
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Home Offer Direct covers them.
Home Offer Direct has been BBB accredited since 2023 and holds an A rating. Home Offer Direct received positive feedback on the BBB website. A customer shared their experience, stating they were in a difficult situation with their mother’s home after her passing. The customer found the representative kind and very helpful throughout the selling process. The company holds a 5.0 Google rating.
Website: homeofferdirect.com
Phone number: 866-928-4635
Seller's Advantage
Seller’s Advantage, based in Irvine, CA, is a family-owned company dedicated to eliminating the challenges typically associated with selling your house. Their team consists of experienced local Southern California residents who specialize in buying California houses.
Locations: Orange County and nearby areas, including Irvine
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Seller’s Advantage covers them.
Seller’s Advantage has been BBB accredited since 2015, earning an A+ rating with a 4.9/5 star score. A recent BBB review said they efficiently facilitated a quick sale with minimal effort, providing friendly and engaged service. Additionally, the company maintains a 4.7 Google star.
Website: sellersadvantage.com
Phone number: 800-208-3243
Superior Home Buyers
Superior Home Buyers, originally started in 2014 as SJO Investments, has assisted hundreds of California homeowners by solving their unique real estate problems. They offer quick solutions, often purchasing homes in as little as seven days.
Locations: Orange County and nearby areas, including Irvine
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Superior Home Buyers cover them.
Superior Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2016 and holds A+ rating with 4.98/5 star score. A recent BBB review for Superior Home Buyers highlights their fair offer for the family home. The reviewer notes a team member’s invaluable assistance and patience during the contracting process. The company also holds a 4.5-star rating from over 80 Google reviews.
Website: superiorhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 951-499-5889
Why sell your Irvine house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons an Irvine home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. The benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience are leading the list.
In Irvine, selling a home on the market typically takes around 76 days using an agent. That includes an average of 29 days on the market, plus the typical 47 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine home for cash can be the right move in various situations. This decision might resonate with you if you find yourself in one of the following scenarios:
- Job relocation: Rapidly relocating for a job? Selling for cash can simplify the move, allowing you to focus on your new role without property worries.
- Divorce: Navigating a divorce? A cash sale can streamline the asset division process, reducing stress during this challenging time.
- Inherited property: Dealing with an inherited house? Selling it for cash offers a quick resolution, bypassing the lengthy traditional sales process.
- Downsizing: Considering downsizing? A cash sale can facilitate a smoother transition to your new, smaller home or retirement community.
- Need for repairs: Confronted with a home that needs repairs? Selling for cash allows you to bypass the hassle and expense of fixing it up.
- Avoiding open houses: Dislike the idea of open houses? A cash sale eliminates the need for showings and open houses, offering more privacy and convenience.
- Foundation issues: Faced with foundation problems? Cash buyers often purchase homes “as-is,” avoiding the deal-breakers that might scare off traditional buyers.
- Foreclosure threat: If you’re under the threat of foreclosure, a quick cash sale can offer a way out before it damages your credit history.
- Problematic tenants: Have tenants that are making life difficult? Selling the property for cash can be a clean break from landlord responsibilities.
- Selling from afar: Need to sell a property in Irvine while living out of state? A cash transaction simplifies the sale, making geographical distance a non-issue.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Irvine
When considering selling your Irvine home to a house-buying company, the promise of speed and simplicity stands out. These companies offer a straightforward way to sell your home in any condition, eliminating the need for costly repairs or time-consuming preparations. Here’s a quick look at the major benefits:
Pros:
- Quick sale: The process is fast, often closing in as little as a week, which is ideal for sellers needing to move on quickly.
- No repairs needed: Your home can be sold as-is, avoiding the expense and hassle of making any repairs or renovations before the sale.
- No staging or showings: Eliminates the stress and intrusion of staging your home for showings and open houses, saving time and privacy.
- Simplicity: The sale process has fewer contingencies, making it smoother and more predictable than traditional sales.
However, while the benefits are significant, it’s essential to consider the other side of the coin. The most notable downside is receiving an offer below market value.Here’s a summary of the potential downsides:
Cons:
- Below market value: Offers from house-buying companies are typically less than what you might achieve on the open market, impacting your profit.
- Limited negotiation: The price offered is usually take-it-or-leave-it, with little room for negotiation.
- Potential for scams: Not all house-buying companies are reputable. Sellers should be cautious of scams.
- Less profit: Besides the lower offer, the absence of agent fees might not always compensate for the difference in sale price, leading to less profit.
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 selling your Irvine home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company, it’s crucial to remember that your experience can significantly vary depending on the integrity and service quality of the company or individual making the offer.
Before you commit to a cash offer, take the time to vet the company thoroughly. Look for reviews online, read testimonials from previous sellers, and research its market presence and performance in Irvine. Additionally, be diligent in reading the buying agreement carefully before signing.
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 Irvine home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, utilize automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer a fast, mostly online selling experience, typically providing offers closer to market value for homes in better condition.
The iBuyer process, from offer to closing, is expedited, often completed in just a few days to two weeks. Companies like Opendoor and Offerpad represent this option, ideal for sellers in regions with uniform housing and properties in good shape despite service fees of around 5%-6%. Learn more about iBuyers.
Listing with an agent
Listing with an agent can also facilitate a quick sale, particularly in a seller’s market. Strategic pricing and effective marketing by a top real estate agent might secure a fast transaction at a higher selling price.
An agent can provide valuable insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), which is often free and helps set a competitive listing price. Furthermore, experienced agents might connect sellers with cash buyers willing to pay close to market value. If exploring this route, HomeLight can connect you with a leading agent in your area.
FAQs on Irvine house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine Spanish-Mediterranean could sell for $1,500,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $50,000 of work to get there.
($1,500,000 x .70) – $50,000 = $1,000000
In this example, an Irvine We Buy Houses company might offer you around $1,000,000 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 an Irvine We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-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. 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 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 Irvine 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 Irvine vs. top Irvine 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 Irvine | Sell with a top Realtor in Irvine |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 76 days average; 29 to attract an offer, 47 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 Irvine is currently worth about $1,450,000 and needs about $50,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $1,500,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Irvine | Sell with a top Realtor in Irvine | |
| Estimated sale price | ($1,500,000 x .70) – $50,000 = $1,000,000 | $1,450,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $14,500 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $84,100 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $21,750 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $1,000,000 | $1,329,650 |
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
- Quick sale: Selling to a house-buying company in Irvine can significantly speed up the process, offering a fast closure.
- As-is convenience: You have the option to sell your property in its current state, without investing in repairs or renovations.
- Simple process: The sale involves fewer steps and less paperwork compared to traditional real estate transactions.
- Below market offers: Be prepared for offers that may be lower than the market value of your home.
- Vet carefully: Ensure the integrity and reliability of the house-buying company by thoroughly researching their reputation and reading all agreements closely.
- 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 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 Irvine agent.
Header Image Source: (Ariel Blanco/ Unsplash)
