We Buy Houses Port St. Lucie, FL: 5 Top Companies
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- 14 min read
- Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorCloseKelsey Morrison Former HomeLight Editor
Kelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
If you’re a homeowner in Port St. Lucie, Florida, facing the need to sell your house quickly, whether due to an unexpected life event, financial hardship, or pending divorce, you might be considering “We Buy Houses” companies.
These businesses make all-cash offers on properties that usually require a bit of TLC, but they can also provide an out for homeowners facing a variety of other circumstances. Selling to a “We Buy Houses” company also allows you to sidestep the hurdles of traditional home selling, like appraisal issues and financing delays.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of selling your home to a cash investor, and outline some of the top companies serving the Port St. Lucie market. By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to compare your options and make a confident decision about selling your home.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Port St. Lucie area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Port St. Lucie
Partnering with a house-buying company streamlines the selling process, and may be the right move for homeowners who prioritize speed and convenience. Here’s what to expect:
- Find a reputable company: Research cash-for-homes companies in Port St. Lucie and reach out to a few of the most credible cash buyers to gather more information.
- Submit your home details: Provide the company with details about your property, either online or over the phone, to initiate the sale process.
- Schedule a walk-through: A representative from the company will likely request to tour your home in person to determine its condition and market value.
- Receive an offer: Based on the information provided and the findings of the walk-through, the company will present you with a no-obligation cash offer, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- Accept the offer: If the offer aligns with your expectations, you can accept it to move forward with the sale.
- Close the sale: Once everything is in order, closing can occur in as little as seven days, allowing you to receive cash for your home quickly and hassle-free.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Port St. Lucie
Tempted by the speed and ease of selling to a Port St. Lucie house-buying company? Finding a trustworthy and legitimate business is key.
We’ve come up with a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ quaint ranch-style home or Mediterranean-inspired villa. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Port St. Lucie home in as little as a week or two.
The Friendly Home Buyer
Established in 2017, The Friendly Home Buyer is a Miami-based company that purchases houses in “as-is” condition all throughout the state, including Port St. Lucie. After a brief phone call, they will present you with a no-obligation cash offer. If you accept, they’ll let you choose the closing date and will pay all closing costs. You can also opt for a remote closing if you live out of state.
Locations: Statewide, including Port St. Lucie.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Friendly Home Buyer covers them.
The Friendly Home Buyer has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2017 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a 4.9-star rating on Google. Customers commend their speed, professionalism, and kindness. “Our experience with The Friendly Home Buyer went smoothly from start to finish,” wrote a recent client. “We were very happy with their offer for our house. It allowed us to ‘get out from under.’”
Website: thefriendlyhomebuyer.com
Phone number: 888-713-9158
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Port St. Lucie (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. 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 Port St. Lucie.
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 Port St. Lucie.
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
All About Real Estate
Petru, the founder of All About Real Estate (AARE), has over 25 years of experience in the industry and buys houses anywhere in Florida. The company presents fair offers and pays 100% of closing costs. Closings can take place in as little as seven days, or longer according to the seller’s needs.
Locations: Statewide, including Port St. Lucie.
Closing costs: Seller pays no closing costs; All About Real Estate covers them.
All About Real Estate has been BBB-accredited since 2018 and touts an A+ rating. The company also maintains a 5-star rating on Google. Reviews praise AARE’s transparent processes, market knowledge, and responsiveness. “They bought my home in awful condition, with violations on it and with a squatter living inside,” wrote a former client. “I didn’t even have to lift a finger and got more than I thought the home was worth.”
Website: allaboutrealestate.com
Phone number: 786-753-8500
FL Cash Home Buyers
Formed in 2011, FL Cash Home Buyers has completed hundreds of real estate transactions. They can close deals in as few as five days and purchase homes in any condition. In some instances, you can even secure a cash advance of $2,500 to $10,000. FL Cash Home Buyers pays all closing costs and can assist with probate and other complicated situations.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including Port St. Lucie.
Closing costs: You pay no closing costs; FL Cash Home Buyers covers them.
FL Cash Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2015 and boasts an A+ rating. They also have a 4.8-star rating on Google. Past customers speak highly of the employees’ ability to answer questions, the seamless process, and fair offers. “They took a stressful situation and turned it into a very easy one,” reads a recent review. “They were on top of everything from day one, and things went much smoother and quicker than I expected.”
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 954-519-7040
Freedom Cash Home Buyers
Freedom Cash Home Buyers has been in business for six years and has purchased over 400 properties. They buy houses in any condition and even those with challenges like title issues, code violations, or liens. Freedom Cash Home Buyers covers all closing costs and will allow you to pick your closing date.
Locations: Statewide, including Port St. Lucie.
Closing costs: Freedom Cash Home Buyers covers closing costs with the exception of property taxes.
Freedom Cash Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2017 and holds an A rating. They also have a 4-9-star rating on Google. Many reviews speak of the employees’ quick responses to calls and emails, professionalism, and attention to detail. “Freedom Cash Home Buyers gave me the best offer I could have asked for and with none of the games or run around that you get everywhere else,” wrote a former client.
Website: freedomcashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 855-491-2352
Why sell your Port St. Lucie house for cash?
If you’re on a short timeline and can’t wait for a traditional sale, selling your house for cash might be the best solution.
In Port St. Lucie County, it typically takes around 121 days to sell a home on the open market using a real estate agent. That includes a median of 77 days on the market, 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 Port St. Lucie, 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.
Here are several scenarios where reaching out to a cash-for-homes company could be the right decision:
- Job relocation: If you’re moving for a new job and need to sell quickly, a cash sale can simplify the transition.
- Divorce: Selling your home can be a necessary step when going through a divorce. A fast cash sale can ease this transition.
- Inherited property: Managing a home you’ve inherited can feel overwhelming. Selling for cash is a straightforward way to handle it.
- Downsizing: When it’s time to move to a smaller home or a retirement community, a quick cash sale makes downsizing easier.
- Major repairs needed: If your home requires significant repairs you can’t afford or manage, selling for cash can be a relief.
- Avoiding open houses: For those who prefer not to deal with the stress and invasion of privacy that comes with open houses.
- Foundation issues: Selling a home with foundation problems is difficult, but a cash buyer can take it off your hands.
- Facing foreclosure: To avoid the ramifications of foreclosure, a quick cash sale might be your best option.
- Problematic tenants: If you’re a landlord tired of dealing with tenants, selling for cash offers a simple way out.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar is challenging; a cash sale can be a more practical solution.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, considering a cash offer from a “We Buy Houses” company in Port St. Lucie might make a lot of sense. This approach is just one way to move forward, especially when you’re looking for a quick and straightforward sale. However, it’s important to weigh all of the options available to you.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Port St. Lucie
Selling your Port St. Lucie home directly to a house-buying company offers a streamlined process but comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s explore the benefits that make these companies attractive, while also unpacking the potential drawbacks to consider before making a decision.
Pros
- Fast closing: Companies can often close within a week, making this a great option for sellers who need to move quickly.
- No repairs needed: Sell your house in its current condition, without the need for costly and time-consuming repairs.
- Simple process: The sale process is straightforward, with fewer contingencies and less paperwork than traditional real estate transactions.
- No fees or commissions: Unlike working with real estate agents, selling to a house-buying company means you don’t have to pay commissions or closing fees.
Cons
- Lower offers: Expect offers that are below market value, as these companies aim to profit from future sales.
- Limited negotiation: Offers from these companies are often non-negotiable, take-it-or-leave-it deals.
- Risk of scams: Not all house-buying companies are reputable. Sellers should be cautious of scams and thoroughly research companies before proceeding.
- Loss of potential profit: Selling on the open market could yield a higher sale price, even after factoring in repair and agent costs.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When you decide to sell your Port St. Lucie home to a “We Buy Houses for Cash” company, it’s important to remember that the level of integrity and service you receive can vary greatly. The experience largely depends on the character of the individual or group extending the offer. Before you commit to any cash offer, take the time to vet the company thoroughly. Checking online reviews, reading testimonials, and researching the company’s presence and performance in the Port St. Lucie market can give you a good sense of their reputation and reliability.
You should also have an understanding of your home’s worth before signing any agreement. This knowledge will help you evaluate the fairness of the offer. Always read the buying agreement carefully to ensure there are no unexpected terms or conditions that could negatively affect the deal.
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 it to your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in the St. Lucie area. 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 Port St. Lucie home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, offer a modern, fast-selling experience by using automated valuation models (AVMs) to make near-instant, all-cash offers for homes in good condition. Closings can occur within a few days or weeks. The iBuyer route is best for someone with a property in good shape that’s located in an area with homogenous housing. The major players in this industry are Opendoor and Offerpad, and they often charge service fees of 5%-6%.
Listing with an agent
Selling your home through a top real estate agent could lead to a quick sale if your home is well-priced and marketed effectively. Agents use a comparative market analysis (CMA), often compiled for free, to set a competitive list price. They may also be able to connect you with a cash buyer willing to pay close to market value. For homeowners seeking the highest possible price, this route offers significant advantages. If you’re in need of an agent, HomeLight can connect you with a top performer in the St. Lucie market.
FAQs on Port St. Lucie house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie 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 ranch-style home in Port St. Lucie could sell for $390,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($390,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $243,000
In this example, a Port St. Lucie We Buy Houses company might offer you around $243,000 for your home.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more than We Buy Houses companies because iBuyers look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie vs. top Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie | Sell with a top Realtor in Port St. Lucie |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 121 days average; 77 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 | 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 Port St. Lucie is currently worth about $365,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $390,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Port St. Lucie | Sell with a top Realtor in Port St. Lucie | |
Estimated sale price | ($390,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $248,000 | $365,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,650 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $21,170 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $5,475 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $248,000 | $334,705 |
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
- Cash-for-homes companies in Port St. Lucie offer a quick sale, often closing within days.
- You can sell your home in its current condition without making any repairs.
- Be prepared to receive offers that are below the market value of your home. It’s a good idea to know your home’s value before you commit.
- Selling to a cash buyer means you won’t pay realtor commissions or, typically, closing costs.
- Ensure you’re working with a reputable company to avoid scams.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers no-obligation cash offers for almost any Port St. Lucie property, regardless of condition. This pathway is ideal if you’re unsure who might want to buy your home.
Selling your house to a cash-for-homes company in Port St. Lucie can be a straightforward way to quickly move on from your property. However, it’s important to gather multiple offers and thoroughly consider all your options before making a decision.
Consulting with a top Port St. Lucie agent can provide valuable insights into how quickly and for how much your property could sell on the open market. For those looking to maximize their profits or just wanting to explore all available routes, HomeLight can connect you with experts and tools to meet your real estate needs.
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