4 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Pittsburgh
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard 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.
When faced with the urgency of selling your home in Pittsburgh, you may recall seeing “We Buy Houses” signs around town. These companies provide all-cash offers, often for homes that need a high level of TLC. Their greatest appeal is speed: no need for repairs, no lengthy wait times, just a straightforward sale that allows you to swiftly transition to the next chapter of your life.
Selling your Pittsburgh property for cash can be the perfect solution if you’re in a pinch, lack the resources for renovations, or simply wish to bypass the traditional real estate dance. But like all meaningful decisions, this one isn’t black and white.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of cash-for-homes companies in Pittsburgh, laying out the pros and cons to ensure you’re well-equipped to make an informed choice.
Sell Your House Fast in Pittsburgh With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Pittsburgh home 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 Pittsburgh.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Pittsburgh area “we buy houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Pittsburgh
Embarking on the journey of selling your home in Pittsburgh to a house-buying company might seem daunting. However, by understanding the process step-by-step, you can move forward with confidence. Let’s break down what selling your Pittsburgh home to a cash-for-homes company typically looks like.
- Reach out for an offer: After identifying a reputable house-buying company in Pittsburgh, your first step is to get in touch. Provide details about your property, and they’ll typically respond with a preliminary offer.
- Schedule a home assessment: The company will arrange a visit to evaluate the condition of your home. This helps them finalize their offer, accounting for repairs or renovations that might be needed.
- Receive a final offer: Once the assessment is done, you’ll receive a no-obligation, final cash offer. You have the autonomy to accept or decline.
- Review the contract: If you’re comfortable with the offer, you’ll be presented with a contract. Review this carefully, and consider consulting with a legal expert.
- Close the deal: After agreeing on the terms, you can set a closing date. On this day, you’ll sign all necessary documents and receive your cash payment.
- Move on with ease: With the sale completed, you’re free to proceed with your future plans, unburdened by a lengthy home-selling process.
Navigating these steps can lead you toward a swift and smooth selling experience in Pittsburgh.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Pittsburgh
If these benefits of selling to a house-buying company in Pittsburgh 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 parents’ American Foursquare to Tudor Revivals or cottage-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Pittsburgh home in as little as a week or two.
We Buy Houses Pittsburgh
Founded in 1998, We Buy Houses is a national homebuying network with independent franchise offices around the country, serving more than 200 markets in over 30 states. They buy single-family homes, condos, land, and other types of real estate. The process includes the seller providing initial information on the property, then the company sending a representative out to view the home and make an offer. Once an offer is accepted, the company sets the closing date, and sellers can expect to close within 7-14 days on average.
We Buy Houses also works with foreclosures, sellers behind on payments, short sales, landlord-tenant situations, and vacant properties.
Locations: Nationwide, including Pittsburgh
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs. We Buy Houses covers them.
We Buy Houses has been BBB accredited since 2020 and holds an A+ rating. Customer reviews for We Buy Houses speak to reliability, responsiveness, and fairness. They express that it was a quick and easy transaction and an overall great experience. One reviewer calls the staff “very professional and personable,” and another said the process was “super simple and easy to understand.”
Website: webuyhouses.com/PA/Pittsburgh
Phone number: 1-877-932-8946
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Pittsburgh (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 Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh
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
Phone: 844-488-8455
Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers LLC
Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers LLC is a local company based in Pittsburgh. They specialize in buying and selling houses quickly, offering cash transactions and creative financing options to expedite the process. Their goal is to provide a stress-free experience for sellers, with closing taking place in as little as 30 days.
The company staff is experienced and dedicated to guiding sellers through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and seamless home-selling journey. Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers focuses solely on the Pittsburgh area and has a track record of delivering excellent results for their customers.
Locations: Reserve Township and nearby areas, including Pittsburgh
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers LLC covers them
Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers LLC has received a high rating of 4.7 stars on Google based on over 70 reviews. One client, who was dealing with the passing of their mother, mentioned that they received numerous low-ball offers from other buyers that seemed like scams. However, their experience with Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers was exceptional. The client appreciated the fair offer, as-is sale terms, and the absence of closing costs and agent commissions. Another reviewer highlighted the excellence of Clayton and his team at Pittsburgh Cash Home Buyers. They described the experience as seamless and emphasized the team’s ability to facilitate quick home sales at favorable prices.
Website: pittsburghcashhomebuyers.com
Phone: 412-900-8261
HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh
Home Buyers of Pittsburgh was founded in 2015 by Aaron Archibald and Ryan Scialabba. They have bought and sold over 750 homes in the Pittsburgh area and are known for purchasing homes in as-is condition, requiring no repairs, commissions, or closing fees from the sellers. One of the company’s goals is to help revitalize Pittsburgh neighborhoods and help people achieve their real estate dreams. They have established themselves as a reputable and reliable presence in the Pittsburgh housing market, offering easy and hassle-free home transactions.
Locations: Pittsburgh and nearby areas, including Westmoreland County, Butler County, Allegheny County, and Beaver County
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Home Buyers of Pittsburgh covers them.
Home Buyers of Pittsburgh has been BBB accredited since 2017 and holds an A+ rating. The company has garnered a positive reputation with over 170 reviews on Google, averaging a 4.9-star rating. Customers have praised their excellent service and competitive sale prices. They have been commended for their professionalism, quick and painless processes, and efficient communication throughout the transaction. The company’s ability to provide quick sales and provide convenient options, such as having a notary come to the customer’s location for closing, has made them a popular choice for those looking to sell their homes in the Pittsburgh area.
Website: homebuyersofpittsburgh.com
Phone: 412-444-8914
Why sell your Pittsburgh house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Pittsburgh home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Pittsburgh, it typically takes around 93 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 50 days on the market, plus the typical 43 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 Pittsburgh, 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 delve into the most common circumstances where Pittsburgh sellers opt for a cash sale over the conventional listing method.
- Property in need of substantial repairs: Homes in Pittsburgh can sometimes present issues such as persistent leaks, foundational cracks, or water damage.
- Urgent life situations: From divorces and medical emergencies to job relocations or other significant life changes, the need for a quick sale arises.
- Absence of funds or inclination for repairs: Not everyone wishes to or can afford to spruce up their property before a sale.
- Avoidance of traditional sale hassles: The idea of dodging home showings, negotiations, and a long-winded sales process appeals to many.
- Desire for a discreet sale: Some homeowners prefer selling their asset off-market for privacy reasons.
- Facing foreclosure: A quick sale can avert more significant credit repercussions by settling debts with lenders.
- Dealing with inheritance: Inheriting a property can sometimes be more of a burden, prompting a quick sale.
- Landlord challenges: Managing a rental can be tedious, especially with troublesome tenants. Selling becomes an enticing escape.
- Elderly transitions: As some age, they choose to move in with family or into care facilities, making a quick home sale both practical and beneficial.
- Out-of-state homeowners: The convenience of a speedy cash sale is especially tempting for those residing elsewhere.
For those in Pittsburgh encountering such situations, reaching out to a We Buy Houses company could be the answer you’re looking for. Yet, it’s essential to view this as an initial step in your solution-seeking journey.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Pittsburgh
Navigating the world of house-buying companies in Pittsburgh involves recognizing the unique benefits and potential drawbacks of such a choice. Let’s explore the major pros and cons.
The upside
Speed and simplicity are undeniably at the forefront of a cash-for-homes transaction in Pittsburgh. These companies are designed to make the process quick, and they’ll often buy homes regardless of their condition.
Here’s an overview of the key advantages:
- Fast transactions: House-buying companies typically close deals quickly, often within days or a few weeks.
- No need for repairs: Your home is purchased as-is, eliminating the stress and cost of home improvements.
- Avoiding agent fees: No commissions or closing costs, which can add up when selling traditionally.
- Reduced sales complications: Fewer contingencies and no worrying about buyer financing falling through.
The downside
However, while the process can be swift, it often comes at a price. The most significant drawback is that you will likely receive an offer below your home’s potential market value, especially compared to listing with a skilled real estate agent.
Here are the main concerns:
- Lower offers: These companies generally propose a price below market value to ensure profitability on their end.
- Less negotiation power: Their take-it-or-leave-it approach might leave you feeling cornered.
- Potential for scams or pressure tactics: Like any industry, there are scams and unscrupulous players taking advantage of sellers in a pinch. Proper vetting is crucial.
- Missed traditional market exposure: Your home won’t be exposed to a broader audience, possibly losing out on higher offers and bidding wars.
As you weigh these pros and cons, it’s essential to delve deeper into the legitimacy and reputation of prospective buyers. Our next segment, “Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth,” will provide you with insights on doing just that.
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
Deciding to partner with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Pittsburgh is just the first step in your journey. The quality of your experience largely hinges on the integrity and professionalism of the individuals or group behind the offer.
It’s paramount that you exercise due diligence. The landscape of house-buying companies can be varied, so take time to sift through reviews, peruse testimonials, and examine their market presence and track record. Your home is a significant asset, and you deserve an honest, transparent transaction. Before committing your signature to any buying agreement, pore over it meticulously, ensuring you understand every clause.
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 home quickly
iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, utilize automated valuation models (AVMs) for swift home value estimates, streamlining the sales process predominantly online. They emerged in the mid-2010s, offering cash closer to market value for homes in decent shape, with a quick turnaround of days to two weeks.
Notably, iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad often levy service fees around 5%-6%. They’re best suited for sellers in areas with consistent housing types and well-maintained properties.
Listing with an Agent
Considering listing with an agent might seem counterintuitive when exploring fast sale options. However, with strategic pricing and marketing, a top agent can secure a rapid home sale. HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents achieve prices up to 10% higher than average agents.
Realtors also offer a comparative market analysis (CMA), a comprehensive report analyzing your home’s value concerning recent local sales. This tool helps pinpoint an optimal listing price and potential sale speed. Many agents provide CMAs for free. Some might even link you with known cash buyers in the Pittsburgh area who can make an offer near market value.
If selling through an agent appeals to you, HomeLight can pair you with a leading local agent.
FAQs on Pittsburgh house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in the Pittsburgh area 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 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 Pittsburgh American Foursquare to Tudor Revivals or cottage-style home could sell for $250,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($250,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $145,000
In this example, a Pittsburgh We Buy Houses company might offer you around $145,000 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 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 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.
- 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. Weigh 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 Pittsburgh vs. top Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh | Sell with a top Realtor in Pittsburgh |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 93 days average; 50 to attract an offer, 43 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 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 Pittsburgh is currently worth about $235,000 and needs about $15,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $250,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Pittsburgh | Sell with a top Realtor in Pittsburgh | |
| Estimated sale price | ($250,000 x .70) – $15,000 = $160,000 | $235,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,350 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $7,050 (3%* of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $3,525 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $160,000 | $222,075 |
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 a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Pittsburgh offer the advantage of selling your home rapidly, often within just a week, and without the usual hassles of repairs, open houses, or showings.
- There’s a good number of credible Cash-For-Homes companies operating in the Pittsburgh area ready to assist sellers.
- Opting for a We Buy Houses company will result in a lesser payout compared to sales mediated by an experienced agent or an iBuyer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform stands out in Pittsburgh, offering cash offers for homes in almost any condition. Given its vast network of trusted investor partners with diverse purchasing criteria, it’s an excellent starting point for uncertain sellers.
House-buying companies are a practical option for homeowners in Pittsburgh wanting a fast sale. However, it’s crucial to balance the speed and convenience against potential downsides.
Before finalizing any deal with a Cash-For-Homes company, it’s recommended to gather multiple offers and compare them. Getting an expert opinion from a top Pittsburgh real estate agent about your property’s potential market value and sell time can be invaluable.
Regardless of your choice, HomeLight stands ready to support all your real estate endeavors!
Header Image Source: (Igor Oliyarnik / Unsplash)
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.
