6 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in San Francisco
- Published on
- 15 min read
-
Jennifer Schmidt, Contributing AuthorClose
Jennifer Schmidt Contributing AuthorJennifer 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.
-
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.
“We Buy Houses” San Francisco companies make all-cash offers for homes that often need some work. This enables 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.
Need to Sell Your House Fast in San Francisco?
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 in San Francisco.
Living in Northern California, particularly in cities like San Francisco, often comes with a high cost of living and a fast-paced lifestyle, which can lead to significant financial strain and stress. As a result, many residents are opting to relocate to more affordable regions where they can enjoy a slower pace of life.
You might also be facing an unexpected job relocation that prompts you to move quickly, or perhaps you’re looking to sell a property due to an inheritance or the need to settle an estate. In these cases, you may find yourself in a position where a swift sale is crucial to meet deadlines and financial obligations.
If you need to sell your San Francisco home quickly, a top We Buy Houses for Cash company could be the best solution. However, before you request an all-cash offer, it’s important to understand how much a San Francisco house-buying company might offer for your home and consider 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.
Working with house-buying companies in San Francisco
We Buy Houses companies in San Francisco typically promise to give home sellers 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 they tend to target distressed homes in need of repairs.
Here’s how the process of selling a house for cash 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 is subject to change after they have inspected your home.
- The company performs a walk-through. This on-site property visit is completed within 24 to 48 hours, but the timeframe may vary depending on the company and market.
- You receive a firm offer. You get your official cash offer within 24 hours of the on-site visit, but the company representative can sometimes present it 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 provide a large deposit or funds to assist the seller with moving costs, while others 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 house-buying companies often enjoy flexibility in selecting a move-out date that works for them.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Francisco
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in San Francisco sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some of the top We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Francisco that will pay cash for your parents’ Victorian-style or Rousseau-style home.
By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your San Francisco home in as little as a week or two.
WeBuyHouses.com
Founded in 1997, WeBuyHouses.com operates in over 200 markets across 30 states, purchasing residential properties in any condition. The company assists homeowners navigating financial challenges such as mortgage delinquency or foreclosure. Its process begins with collecting details from the seller, followed by market research and a property walkthrough.
Within 24 to 48 hours of the tour, sellers typically receive a no-obligation cash offer. Once accepted, transactions are generally finalized within 7 to 14 days, providing a swift and streamlined alternative to traditional home sales.
Locations: Nationwide, including San Francisco
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; WeBuyHouses.com covers them.
WeBuyHouses.com has held accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2020 and currently has an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile reflects a 3.7-star average, as clients commend the company for its seamless and efficient selling process.
Some noted the team’s fairness and professionalism, while others appreciated the prompt communication, straightforward offers, and personable service, noting that the process was both fast and stress-free.
Website: webuyhouses.com
Phone: 877-932-8946
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in San Francisco (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Its platform has a vast network of cash buyers, 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 San Francisco. With the platform, you can get an all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as little as 7 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including San Francisco
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a platform by HomeLight, a real estate solutions company founded in 2012. Given its strong focus on excellent customer service, the company received its BBB accreditation in 2019 and now holds an impressive A+ rating. It has 4.6 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Brothers Buy Homes
Brothers Buy Homes, established in 2018, simplifies the selling process by allowing homeowners to submit basic property information through an online form, followed by a brief in-person visit. Within 24 hours, sellers receive a no-obligation cash offer that requires no repairs, fees, or commissions.
Once the offer is accepted, escrow is initiated, and the transaction proceeds swiftly. Depending on the home’s condition and the seller’s preferred timeline, closings can occur in as little as seven days, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Locations: San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Brothers Buy Homes covers them.
Recognized for its commitment to integrity, Brothers Buy Homes has been BBB accredited since 2021 and holds an A+ rating. Customers praise the team for offering convenience and a fast turnaround on receiving a cash offer.
They express their appreciation for working with a company that understands how to handle difficult situations, including those involving inherited properties and out-of-state sales. Google reviewers give the company 4.4 stars out of 5.
Website: brothersbuyhomes.com
Phone: 415-692-5133
Seller’s Advantage
Seller’s Advantage is a Southern California-based home-buying company backed by over 25 years of experience in the local real estate market. The team is composed of area residents who bring a personalized, solutions-focused approach to every transaction.
They work with homeowners facing a range of challenges, from mortgage issues and probate cases to those simply looking to bypass the traditional listing process. Known for their emphasis on clear communication and client care, Seller’s Advantage delivers cash offers within 24 hours and helps homeowners close in 7 days.
Locations: Major metropolitan areas in California
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Seller’s Advantage covers them.
Backed by a BBB accreditation since 2015, Seller’s Advantage boasts an A+ rating from the bureau. Customers praise the fast and fair offers and the team’s competence in navigating difficult estate sales.
They express their appreciation for not having to deal with repairs or title companies directly, and how Seller’s Advantage would answer all their questions to make their sale as smooth as possible. Google reviewers give the company 4.7 stars.
Website: sellersadvantage.com
Phone: 800-208-3243
Express Homebuyers
Express Homebuyers, established in 2003 and headquartered in Virginia, is a nationwide real estate investment company that specializes in purchasing homes in any condition, including those with fire or water damage. With over 4,000 properties acquired to date, the company has earned a reputation for providing swift, reliable solutions for homeowners seeking to sell quickly.
Express Homebuyers delivers cash offers within 24 hours of initial contact and can finalize the sale in as little as seven days. Their streamlined process eliminates traditional obstacles, making it possible to close without the delays of repairs, inspections, or agent fees.
Locations: Throughout California, including San Francisco, and other states, such as Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Express Homebuyers covers them.
Known as a business driven by integrity, Express Homebuyers has been BBB accredited since 2004 and has an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile has an average review score of 4.4 stars. Clients say working with the company made selling their property simple and stress-free.
Many appreciated receiving a fair offer without the need for renovations, saving time, effort, and money. The process was straightforward, and sellers were often surprised at how quickly everything came together.
Website: expresshomebuyers.com
Phone: 877-804-5252
Twin Home Buyer
Twin Home Buyer offers a streamlined solution for homeowners in California looking to sell quickly. Backed by 22 years of real estate experience, the company purchases properties throughout the Bay Area and covers all closing costs.
Regardless of the property’s condition, Twin Home Buyer is prepared to make a fair cash offer, presented quickly within seven minutes of providing key property information. Their process emphasizes speed and simplicity, aiming to close deals efficiently.
Locations: Throughout California, including San Francisco
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Twin Home Buyer covers them.
Since 2022, Twin Home Buyer has been BBB accredited, and it currently holds an A+ rating. Google reviewers gave it an average review score of 4.6 stars, reflecting a strong track record of customer satisfaction.
Clients say the team offers a refreshingly down-to-earth approach, blending professionalism with approachability. They appreciate the seamless transactions, clear communication, and the respectful, low-pressure environment throughout the selling process.
Website: twinhomebuyer.com
Phone: 510-756-3692
Why sell for cash in San Francisco?
If you’ve ever sold your home through the traditional real estate market, you know the process can drag on for months, and there’s no guarantee of a sale. But when you sell to a We Buy Houses company, you’re looking at a guaranteed sale in just a matter of days. Speed, convenience, and certainty are the top reasons many homeowners choose to work with a cash-for-homes firm.
In San Francisco, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes about 79 days. That includes 38 days from listing the property to securing a signed contract, plus the typical 41 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 Francisco, 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 among sellers who don’t have the time to spend weeks or months preparing, marketing, and closing a traditional home sale. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons San Francisco sellers decide to use a top 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 settlement: You want to quickly divide assets and move on with your life.
- Unwanted inheritance: You’ve inherited a house and prefer a quick sale to dealing with maintenance or renting.
- Downsizing transition: 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 is in poor condition and requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to manage.
- Open house hassles: You prefer to avoid the stress and inconvenience of multiple showings and open houses.
- Structural damage: Your home has foundation problems, making it less attractive to traditional buyers.
- Foreclosure solution: 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 to sell your rental property quickly without the complications of evicting renters.
- Remote home sale: You own a property in the San Francisco Bay Area but live elsewhere and want the ease of a fast, out-of-state cash sale that eliminates the need to travel back and forth.
If you’re a homeowner dealing with these situations, requesting a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company could be a viable option. But it’s wise to view this as just the beginning of your search for solutions. You won’t know if it’s the best choice until you explore other available options, which we’ll help you examine shortly.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in San Francisco
We Buy Houses for Cash companies in the San Francisco Bay Area offer speed and convenience, but you might also be concerned about the higher cost of their cash offers. In this next section, we’ll walk you through some of the pros and cons of using a cash-for-homes company so you can better evaluate your options.
Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash in San Francisco
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Francisco 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:
- Speedy transaction: You typically can sell your house in as few as seven to 10 days.
- More certainty: With a pre-offer walk-through, a house-buying company can provide a firm cash offer with few or no contingencies. We Buy Houses companies have refined their transaction methods to clear away many traditional roadblocks so sellers can plan with more confidence.
- No repairs: If your home requires repairs that you can’t afford or simply don’t have the time or inclination to do them, a We Buy Houses company can be an ideal solution for selling a home in less-than-perfect condition.
- Less hassle: You won’t need to worry about showings, open houses, offer comparisons, negotiations, low appraisals, or the risk of the buyer’s financing falling through. When you work with a reputable We Buy Houses for Cash company in San Francisco, you’re likely going to experience a smooth journey from offer to close.
That all may sound pretty great to you as a seller if you’re looking to move within weeks rather than the months it might take you to list and sell your home on the market with an agent. However, there are downsides to working with cash-for-homes companies. Namely, they typically offer substantially below market value for your home.
Cons to We Buy Houses for Cash in San Francisco
When evaluating an offer from a We Buy Houses company, keep in mind that these companies are in the business of making a profit. They intend to renovate your home and either resell it or rent it out, which requires significant time, expertise, and investment.
Here are some potential downsides to consider:
- Lower-priced offers: Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV), the value that your house could sell for on the market once it’s all fixed up, minus repair costs. This means the cash offer you receive may be markedly lower than what you could get for your home on the market.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: There can be a vast difference in a house-buying company’s knowledge of a market. One may have localized information, such as specific neighborhood data, which enables the company to leverage that knowledge into more competitive cash offers. A company without this expertise may give you a lowball offer.
- Untrustworthy company: As with any industry, there’s a risk of dealing with a less trustworthy company. Some may pose as cash-for-homes entities but are actually involved in house-buying scams.
- Pressure tactics: We Buy Houses for Cash companies know that homeowners in need of a quick sale are often facing a desperate situation. While many offer real solutions, some companies take advantage of this urgency by applying pressure tactics. If you feel pressured to accept an offer, step away and reassess your options. There are a good number of established We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Francisco from which to choose.
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 home sellers, We Buy Houses for Cash companies can be a solid solution to selling a property quickly or accessing 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 say are 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 try our free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
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.
Other options to sell your home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage automated valuation models (AVMs), which use algorithmic technology to apply historic and current market data to their estimates.
AVMs allow iBuyers to make a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home sale experience. These businesses deliver all-cash offers for homes and can close a sale in a matter of days to a few weeks.
However, unlike typical We Buy Houses for Cash companies, iBuyers generally seek out homes that are in better condition and usually provide cash offers that are closer to market value, typically in the 90% range.
When considering this option, it’s important to note that major iBuyer companies like Opendoor and Offerpad typically charge sizable service fees that can range between 5% and 6% of the home’s sale price.
Listing with an agent
If your home is in a seller-friendly housing market, listing your property with a top real estate agent can result in a fast sale, especially if the house is strategically priced and superbly marketed.
What’s more, selling on the market typically yields the highest selling price, even more so if you partner with a proven professional. HomeLight’s internal real estate transaction data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Another significant benefit of consulting with a trusted agent is the insight they can provide through a comparative market analysis (CMA). This market report calculates the home’s value based on its size, features, location, age, and other details in relation to similar properties that have recently sold in the area. A CMA can help you determine an appropriate listing price, which can help estimate how quickly it might sell.
In addition, an experienced agent who knows your market may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to pay closer to your home’s market value.
Many agents will provide a CMA for free, with no obligation to list your home with them. It can be a valuable tool for weighing your options. If in the end, you decide to sell to a house-buying company, you can proceed with more confidence, knowing you fully examined your options and made a sound financial decision.
If you are interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
FAQs on San Francisco 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 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 BBB 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 San Francisco Victorian-style home could sell for $1,450,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $85,000 of work to get there.
(1,450,000 x .70) – $85,000 = $930,000
In this example, a San Francisco We Buy Houses company might offer you about $930,000 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 they look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of the market value while charging a fee for their services.
Accepting an offer from a We Buy Houses for Cash company offers the benefit of a quick and hassle-free sale, with minimal effort on your part since the company handles most of the process. However, you may end up receiving a lower sale price 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 companies you like best.
- Schedule any required on-site property visits.
- Compare offers. Evaluate 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 Francisco vs. top San Francisco 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 examine 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 Francisco | Sell with a top Realtor® in San Francisco |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 79 days average; 38 to attract an offer, 41 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, and stage the home |
| Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings on average |
| Inspections and 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 the title before you can sell the 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% to 6% of the home’s sale price |
| Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home’s sale price on top of the agent’s 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 Victorian-style home in San Francisco is currently worth about $1,365,000 and needs about $85,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $1,450,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in San Francisco | Sell with a top Realtor® in San Francisco | |
| Estimated sale price | (1,450,000 x .70) – $85,000 = $930,000 | $1,365,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $13,650 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $40,950 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $20,475 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $930,000 | $1,289,925 |
As this example illustrates, it’s usually in your best financial interest to partner with an experienced real estate agent.
However, net proceeds are not the only consideration when selling a home. What’s best for your situation will depend on the condition of your property, the level of repairs needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent’s timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Quick, convenient sale: We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Francisco let you sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, open houses, or showings.
- Due diligence: There are a number of reputable cash-for-homes companies serving the San Francisco Bay Area, but it’s important to vet each potential partner carefully to ensure they align with your selling goals.
- Fast sale alternatives: 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.
- Legitimate cash buyers: HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides no-obligation all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in San Francisco. 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.
House-buying companies can be a good alternative for San Francisco 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.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of San Francisco area “We Buy Houses” companies are not endorsements. Moreover, the program details mentioned above may change. Visit the home-buying company’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Header Image Source: (Chris Leipelt / 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.
Homelight
415-610-7414
100 California St. Ste. 800
San Francisco, CA
94111