5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in San Diego
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Richard Haddad Managing EditorClose
Richard Haddad Managing EditorRichard Haddad is the managing 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.
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 home in San Diego can be a daunting task, especially if your property needs repairs or you’re facing an urgent need to sell. That’s where “We Buy Houses” companies come in. These businesses make all-cash offers for homes, often providing a quick and easy solution for sellers who may not have the time, money, or expertise for home repairs. If you’re in an unexpected or urgent situation, a cash sale can provide the funds you need to move forward.
However, is selling to a cash-for-homes company the right choice for you? In this post, we’ll examine the pros and cons of working with these companies in San Diego. We’ll help you explore your options and make a well-informed decision based on your unique circumstances.
We’ll also introduce you to popular house-buying companies in San Diego, offer guidance for vetting cash buyers, and discuss alternative options for a speedy home sale.
Sell Your House Fast in San Diego With an All-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 San Diego.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of San Diego area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in San Diego
Working with a San Diego house-buying company might be the solution you’re seeking. These companies streamline the selling process, enabling you to sell your house quickly without the need for costly repairs or time-consuming showings. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Contact a house-buying company: Reach out to a reputable house-buying company in San Diego. Share details about your home, such as its location, size, and condition.
- Schedule an inspection: Most companies will arrange a time to visit your property for a quick assessment. They’ll review your home’s condition, layout, and note any repairs that might be needed.
- Receive a no-obligation offer: After assessing your property, the company will provide you with a cash offer, usually within a few days. This offer will be based on your home’s current market value and condition, minus the cost of repairs and the company’s profit margin.
- Accept or decline the offer: If the offer meets your expectations or requirements, you can accept it and move forward with the sale. If not, you’re free to decline without any obligations.
- Close the deal: Once you accept the offer, the company will handle the paperwork and closing process. You’ll typically close within a few days or weeks, depending on your preferences and the company’s timeline. You’ll receive payment and be free to move on to your next chapter.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Diego
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in San Diego 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 Craftsman Bungalow or your parents’ Ranch-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your San Diego home in as little as a week or two.
Gordon Buys Homes
Gordon Buys Homes has been a trusted house-buying service in San Diego since 2012. With a commitment to understanding each seller’s unique needs, they pride themselves on being friendly, approachable, and helpful. Their experience spans both sides of real estate; they’ve bought and sold a significant number of homes, offering them a comprehensive understanding of the process. Unlike traditional sales that involve multiple stakeholders, with Gordon Buys Homes, clients deal directly with owners Tim and Sara Gordon, ensuring clear and straightforward communication.
Locations: San Diego
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Gordon Buys Homes covers them.
Clients consistently praise Gordon Buys Homes for its fair, prompt, and hassle-free home-buying process. Reviews highlight the company’s ability to provide competitive cash offers, especially for homes that require repairs. Tim Gordon is commended for his understanding, personal service, and empathy toward unique situations, such as dealing with inherited properties or homes with tenant occupants. Many appreciate the straightforward communication, the absence of additional fees, and the company’s adaptability to cater to their needs. Overall, Gordon Buys Homes comes highly recommended by clients who’ve had diverse home-selling challenges. Google rating is 4.9.
Website: gordonbuyshomes.com
Phone number: 858-264-1900
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in San Diego (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 San Diego.
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 San Diego
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 4.6 stars on Google based on more than 500 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
Trusted House Buyers
Trusted House Buyers, a San Diego-based real estate company, strives to help local homeowners sell their properties with fair offers and a seamless process. With the experience of handling nearly 100 homes in recent years, they boast a depth of knowledge and expertise to cater to any homeowner’s unique situation. As a family-owned enterprise, they are deeply rooted in the community. Emphasizing their commitment to transparency and integrity, they interact directly with sellers, ensuring open communication and a process free from unpleasant surprises. Their core value is founded on providing win-win solutions and ensuring homeowner satisfaction.
Locations: San Diego and surrounding areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Trusted House Buyers covers them.
Trusted House Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2021 and has an A+ rating. Customers praise staff for their professionalism, transparency, and excellent communication. Reviewers particularly commend the company’s supportive and patient approach during the home-selling process, valuing the guidance provided through every step. A consistent theme across the feedback is the commendation for the personal touch, with several reviews singling out the company’s sincerity and kindness. The overall sentiment suggests that the company makes potentially stressful home-selling experiences smooth and hassle-free. Google rating is 4.6.
Website: trustedhousebuyers.com
Phone number: 619-786-0973
I Buy SD - GG Homes
I Buy SD – GG Homes, a family-owned real estate investment firm, has been serving Southern California since its establishment in 2014. With a commitment to buying and selling homes quickly in the San Diego area, they have successfully transacted hundreds of properties. What sets them apart is their specialization in providing swift cash offers, often within a week, regardless of the home’s condition — be it tenant complications or fire damage. Their approach is rooted in transparency, fairness, and open communication, ensuring homeowners feel supported and informed throughout the sale process. Their deep-rooted connection with the local community underscores their credibility and dedication.
Locations: San Diego
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; I Buy SD GG Homes covers them.
Clients who worked with I Buy SD – GG Homes consistently report a highly positive experience. They particularly value the company’s flexibility in transaction terms, with notable mentions of customizing escrow periods based on individual needs. Team members receive praise for their professionalism and communication throughout the selling process. Clients also appreciated the no-repair clause, enabling them to sell their homes “as is,” and noted that the offers made by GG Homes were fair, often exceeding expectations. Overall, GG Homes is characterized as trustworthy, efficient, and understanding of the unique circumstances home sellers face. Google rating is 4.8.
Website: ibuysd.com
Phone number: 858-219-0042
SD House Guys
Founded by co-founders Jon and Alex, SD House Guys is a San Diego-based home-buying company renowned for its core values: integrity, support, flexibility, and honesty. Locally owned and deeply rooted in the San Diego community, their approach stands out due to the personal touch they bring in every homeowner interaction, focusing on creating win-win situations. The company takes pride in its commitment to homeowners, offering tailored services, flexible closing terms, and shouldering closing costs. Despite being a small business, SD House Guys has garnered numerous 5-star reviews, a testament to its dedication to homeowners throughout San Diego County, from Oceanside to National City.
Locations: San Diego
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; SD House Guys covers them.
SD House Guys has been BBB accredited since March 2023 and has an A- rating. Clients of SD House Guys frequently laud the company for its honesty, integrity, and transparency. Notable experiences often highlight the ease of the selling process, particularly the fact that homeowners can sell their properties as-is, without the need for repairs or cleaning. Customers appreciate the consistent and clear communication, with many pointing out the company’s trustworthy reputation. The local, “mom-and-pop” nature of the business is also a significant factor that endears clients. Google rating is 5.0.
Website: sdhouseguys.com
Phone number: 858-585-4160
Why sell your San Diego house for cash?
There are plenty of sound reasons a San Diego home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and extraordinary convenience.
In San Diego, it typically takes around 72 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes around 29 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 San Diego, 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 scenarios where selling your house for cash to a San Diego We Buy Houses company might be a suitable solution.
- Significant repair needs: Your home has major issues, such as a faulty HVAC system, mold, or structural problems, and you lack the funds or desire to make repairs.
- Urgent need for cash or relocation: You need to move quickly due to divorce, medical needs, financial strain, job relocation, or other pressing life changes.
- No time or desire to make repairs: You don’t have the time or interest in making the necessary home repairs before selling.
- Desire for a hassle-free sale: You don’t want the stress or work of prepping your home, coordinating showings, negotiating, or navigating a lengthy sales process.
- Preference for privacy: You want to sell your property quietly off-market to a cash buyer without publicizing the sale.
- Facing foreclosure: You’re on the brink of foreclosure and want to sell your home and settle debts with the lender before your credit history worsens.
- Inherited property: You’ve inherited a property and want a convenient, quick way to sell it without going through a lengthy sales process.
- Relieving landlord responsibilities: You’re a landlord who no longer wants to manage a rental property or deal with problematic tenants.
- Moving to assisted living: You or a family member is moving into a care facility, and selling the property quickly would provide funds or alleviate responsibilities.
- Out-of-state homeowner: You live out of state and want the benefits of an easy, fast cash sale without the need to travel or manage a traditional sale process.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, considering a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company might be a good starting point. However, it’s essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks and be familiar with your other options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in San Diego
Selling your San Diego house to a house-buying company offers certain advantages and disadvantages. The most significant benefits are the speed of the sale and the fact that these companies will buy your house in any condition, without requiring any repairs or preparations.
Pros
- Speed: House-buying companies typically make cash offers within days and can close the deal quickly, often within a week or two. This can be especially helpful if you’re facing an urgent need to sell.
- No need for repairs: These companies buy homes in any condition, eliminating the need for costly or time-consuming repairs.
- Simplified process: Selling to a house-buying company eliminates many of the complexities of a traditional sale, such as staging, showings, and negotiations.
- Certainty: With a cash offer, there’s no risk of a buyer’s financing falling through, giving you more certainty that the sale will go through.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The most significant downside is that these companies typically offer less than market value for your home, compared to what you might achieve by selling on the market with an experienced real estate agent.
Cons
- Lower offers: House-buying companies usually offer below market value because they factor in the cost of repairs, their profit margin, and the convenience of a quick sale.
- Less competition: By selling to a single buyer, you miss out on potential competition among multiple buyers, which can drive up the sale price.
- Limited negotiation: There’s often little room for negotiation on the offer price, as house-buying companies typically have set formulas for determining their offers.
- Potential for scams: While most house-buying companies are legitimate, there are scams out there. It’s essential to do your due diligence and work with a reputable company.
As you weigh the pros and cons of selling to a house-buying company in San Diego, it’s essential to also do your due diligence.
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 you decide to work with a We Buy Houses for Cash company in San Diego, it’s important to remember that the quality of service and integrity can vary significantly depending on the company. Your experience will largely depend on the character of the person or group making the offer.
Before deciding on a cash offer, thoroughly vet the company by checking reviews, reading testimonials, and researching its presence and performance in the market. If you request an offer, carefully read the buying agreement before signing, so you understand all the terms and conditions of the deal.
HomeLight suggests you consult with an experienced San Diego 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 local 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
iBuyers, or instant buyers, offer a mostly online home sale experience by using automated valuation models (AVMs) for near-instant home value estimates. They provide all-cash offers, often closer to market value, for homes in better condition, with the process from offer to closing typically ranging from a few days to two weeks.
However, iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge service fees of 5%-6% and are best suited for sellers with homes in good condition and in regions with homogeneous housing.
Listing with an agent
Even if you’re considering Cash-For-Homes companies for a quick sale, don’t discount listing with a seasoned San Diego real estate agent. In seller-friendly markets, strategically priced and well-marketed homes can sell quickly. Selling with an agent often yields the highest price, with top agents selling homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Agents can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), helping you determine an appropriate listing price and estimate how quickly it might sell. Many agents offer a free CMA, allowing you to weigh your options and make an informed decision. An experienced agent may even connect you with buyers willing to make a cash offer closer to market value.
If you’re interested, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your San Diego market.
FAQs on San Diego house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego Ranch style home could sell for $935,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($935,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $624,500
In this example, a San Diego We Buy Houses company might offer you around $624,500 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 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego vs. top San Diego 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 San Diego | Sell with a top Realtor in San Diego |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 72 days average; 29 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 | 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 San Diego is currently worth about $935,000 and needs about $45,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $980,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in San Diego | Sell with a top Realtor in San Diego | |
| Estimated sale price | ($980,000 x .70) – $45,000 = $641,000 | $935,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $9,350 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $54,230 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $14,025 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $641,000 | $857,935 |
As this example illustrates, financially, it’s usually in your best interest to partner with an experienced San Diego 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
- Speed and convenience: We Buy Houses companies in San Diego offer a quick and convenient selling process, making them a good option for those who need to sell their house fast.
- No need for repairs: These companies typically buy homes in any condition, saving you time and money on repairs and renovations.
- Lower offers: While selling to a cash-for-homes company can be fast and convenient, you’re likely to receive an offer below market value compared to selling on the open market with an experienced real estate agent.
- Vet companies thoroughly: The integrity and service of these companies can vary greatly. It’s important to do your homework, check reviews and research the company’s presence and performance in the market.
- Know your home’s worth: Consult with a top San Diego agent for expert insights on how soon, and for how much, your property might sell on the market. Get a preliminary estimate using HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator.
- Explore all options: Don’t forget to consider other selling options, such as iBuyers or listing with a top real estate agent. It’s important to gather multiple offers and take the time to weigh your options.
House-buying companies can be a good alternative for San Diego sellers in need of a speedy home sale, but it’s important to consider all your options before making a commitment.
At HomeLight, we’re here to assist you with your real estate needs, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer or seeking to consult with a top San Diego agent to help you sell your property quickly and at the best price. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision.
Header Image Source: (Max Bender / Unsplash)
