5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in San Jose
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Kelsey Morrison EditorClose
Kelsey Morrison EditorKelsey Morrison is an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She brings six years of editorial experience covering real estate, home design, cooking, crafting, and pet care. With a background as a commerce editor at World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and an associate editor at Livabl, Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.
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.
If you’re a San Jose homeowner needing to sell your house fast — whether due to a new job opportunity in another city or division of property during a divorce — “We Buy Houses” companies can help you move on quickly. They can also offer relief for homeowners with properties in disrepair who lack the time, expertise, or resources to get them into selling shape.
“We Buy Houses” companies provide all-cash offers for homes in various conditions, or with issues like preforeclosure, troublesome tenants, or foundation damage. Selling for cash can be an attractive option when you’re on a short timeline, but there are potential downsides to weigh, like receiving less than market value for your house.
In this article, we’ll review the pros and cons of selling to a “We Buy Houses” company. We’ll also outline some of the most reputable cash home buyers serving the San Jose market, and discuss other options like selling with a real estate agent or to an iBuyer. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make a decision that aligns with your real estate goals and personal circumstances.
Sell Your San Jose House Fast With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout San Jose.
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 Jose area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in San Jose
Working with a San Jose “We Buy Houses” company can streamline the sales process, especially if you’re looking to close in a matter of days or weeks.
Here’s an overview of the steps involved in selling your house for cash:
1. Research companies: Start by looking into reputable house-buying companies in San Jose. Ensure they have a solid track record and positive reviews from previous sellers.
2. Submit your details: Reach out to your chosen company and provide them with details about your property. This typically involves filling out a form on their website or contacting them directly.
3. Schedule a walkthrough: A representative of the company will likely want to tour your house in person to assess its condition and market value.
4. Receive an offer: After evaluating your home, the company will usually present you with a no-obligation all-cash offer within a few days. Remember, this offer is often non-negotiable.
5. Accept the offer: If the offer meets your requirements, you can proceed by accepting it. This step moves you closer to finalizing the sale.
6. Close the sale: The final step involves closing the sale, which can often be completed in as little as a week. Many companies will allow you to choose the closing date, which is when the cash will be transferred to your account.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Jose
Thinking about selling your San Jose home fast for cash? Before you jump in, you’ll need to find a trustworthy company you can feel good about working with.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ Spanish-style bungalow or Craftsman home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your San Jose home in as little as a week or two.
Peachtree Homes
Peachtree Homes is a local, family-owned real estate investment company based in San Jose. They work with real estate investors, contractors, and real estate agents to provide their clients with several solutions for their problem properties. They can extend a fair cash offer within 24 hours and close a sale in as few as seven days. Peachtree Homes will allow you to choose your preferred closing date, and can even provide moving assistance or a cash advance.
Locations: San Jose and nearby areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Peachtree Homes covers them.
Peachtree Homes has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2022 and holds an A+ rating. The company also has a 4.9-star rating on Google, where customers praise their clear communication, no-pressure attitude, and professionalism. “They truly care about meeting the needs of their customers and are helpful in each step in the process,” reads a recent review. “They worked around my time frame and always asked if there was anything more they could do.”
Website: peachtreehomes.org
Phone number: 408-549-7183
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in San Jose (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 San Jose.
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 Jose
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
Skye Homes
Skye Homes, founded in 2016 by Jake and Apple Knight, is a direct home-buying company based in Northern California that has expanded its operations nationwide. They purchase homes in as-is condition, most commonly in San Jose, Sacramento, and the Bay Area. They can close in as little as seven days, and sellers are able to choose their closing dates. They’ll even allow you to stay in your home after closing if you need more time to move.
Locations: San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, San Francisco, the Bay Area, Oakland, surrounding areas, and all 50 states.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Skye Homes covers them.
Skye Homes has been BBB-accredited since 2023 and holds an A+ rating. They also have a 4.9-star rating on Google. Reviews mention founder Jake Knight’s kindness, problem-solving abilities, and real estate knowledge. “My parents, who are in their eighties, were looking to sell their home of 58 years to be closer to their two sons,” reads a recent review. “[Skye Homes] offered a fair price and were very accommodating relating to the details of the transaction.”
Website: skyehomes.com
Phone number: 866-207-1940
Eugene Bay Area Home Buyers
Eugene Bay Area Home Buyers purchases homes in cities across the Bay Area and promises an initial cash offer in just seven minutes. The company buys homes in any condition and can help homeowners get out of complicated situations like preforeclosure or unwanted inheritance. They can close deals in just a couple of days and pay 100% of sellers’ closing costs.
Locations: Santa Clara County and nearby areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Eugene Bay Area Home Buyers covers them.
Eugene Bay Area Home Buyers has a 5.0 Google star rating based on a limited number of reviews. Former clients praise the company’s professionalism, frequent communication, and quick closing process. “They provided a fair offer for my house and made the entire process seamless and efficient,” wrote a former client.
Website: eugenebayareahomebuyers.com
Phone number: 510-800-6419
Just Better Cash Buyers
Just Better Cash Buyers is based and San Jose and purchases homes in any condition throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Los Angeles Area. Homeowners can request a no-obligation cash offer over the phone or following a walkthrough. The company promises a $10,000 cash credit to pay for your moving costs when you sell to them. Deals can close in as few as seven days and Just Better Cash Buyers pays for all of the seller’s closing costs.
Locations: San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Los Angles Area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Just Better Cash Buyers covers them.
Just Better Cash Buyers has a 5.0-star rating based on a limited number of reviews. One recent client noted the quick closing process and the professionalism of the team, while another highlighted the additional cash credit and flexible moving timeline.
Website: justbettercashbuyers.com
Phone number: 415-301-5555
Why sell your San Jose house for cash?
If speed is the primary motivation behind wanting to sell your house for cash, partnering with a “We Buy Houses” can help you close the deal quickly.
In San Jose, it typically takes around 59 days to sell a home on the market using a real estate agent. That includes an average of 15 days on the market, plus the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Forget the traditional route and waiting weeks for offers — cash-for-homes companies in San Jose promise to buy your house in just 7–10 days. That kind of speed might make waiving some potential profit tempting.
Let’s dive into some common situations where opting for a house-buying company could provide the solution you need:
- Job relocation: When you’re moving for a new job opportunity and need a quick sale without the hassle.
- Divorce: Selling your home quickly can simplify the division of assets during a divorce and help you move on faster.
- Inherited property: If you’ve inherited a home and prefer to sell it easily without going through the traditional market.
- Downsizing: Ideal for those looking to move to a smaller home or a retirement community without the delay of selling their current home.
- Major repairs needed: When your home requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to deal with.
- Avoiding open houses: For sellers who value their privacy and wish to bypass the process of hosting open houses.
- Foundation issues: If your home has serious foundation problems, selling for cash can be a quicker, simpler solution.
- Facing foreclosure: To avoid the complications of foreclosure and potentially salvage your credit score.
- Difficult tenants: For landlords wanting to sell a property quickly without evicting tenants.
- Selling from out of state: A cash sale is convenient for homeowners who are managing the sale from far away.
In situations such as these, a cash offers from a local home-buying company can be a practical option, even if it might not net you top dollar.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in San Jose
Selling your home to a house-buying company in San Jose offers a streamlined and efficient process. Advantages include the ability to sell quickly and without the need for repairs or preparations, while the most notable disadvantage is that you might receive an offer below the market value of your home.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of selling to a San Jose “We Buy Houses” company:
Pros
- Quick sale: You can often close on your home within a week, bypassing the lengthy traditional selling process.
- As-is purchase: These companies will buy your home in its current condition, saving you from costly repairs and renovations.
- No real estate fees: Selling to a house-buying company means you won’t have to pay realtor commissions, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
- Less hassle: Avoid the stress of staging, showings, and dealing with contingencies that come with traditional sales.
Cons
- Below market value: Offers from house-buying companies are typically less than what you might net on the open market.
- Limited negotiation: The offer you receive is often non-negotiable, giving you less flexibility in the sale price.
- Scams: While many companies are reputable, there’s a risk of encountering scams, highlighting the importance of thorough research.
- Not for everyone: This selling route is best for those prioritizing speed and convenience over price, which might not suit all sellers.
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 sell your San Jose house for cash, it’s important to remember that the level of integrity and service offered will differ from company to company.
Your experience will largely depend on the character and professionalism of the person or group making the offer. To ensure you’re dealing with a reputable company, take the time to vet them thoroughly. Check online reviews, read testimonials, and research their market presence and past transactions.
Before accepting an offer, you should read the buying agreement carefully. Understanding the terms and conditions can help you avoid any surprises down the line.
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 San Jose. 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 San Jose home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make instant cash offers online, typically for homes in better condition. The iBuyer process is fast, closing in days to weeks, but may include service fees of 5%–6%. They tend to acquire properties in areas with uniform housing types and pay closer to market value, often around 90%.
Listing with an agent
Listing with an agent could yield the highest sale price, especially in a seller’s market like San Jose. Agents provide valuable insights through a comparative market analysis (CMA), often compiled for free, helping you set a competitive price that will attract buyers’ attention. HomeLight can connect you with top agents who could possibly find cash buyers willing to pay closer to market value.
FAQs on San Jose house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in San Jose 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 solid 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 Jose 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 San Jose could sell for $1,200,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $40,000 of work to get there.
($1,200,000 x .70) – $40,000 = $800,000
In this example, a San Jose We Buy Houses company might offer you around $800,000 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 San Jose We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On the one side, it shouldn’t cost you any additional money because these companies make an offer and handle almost everything once the offer is accepted. On the other side, you’ll likely get less money overall for your home.
Because We Buy Houses for Cash companies tend to focus on distressed homes, they typically have zero fees. Many will even cover your closing costs. In most cases, this means that the cash offer you receive is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to flat-out ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
1. Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your San Jose area. Our list above is a good place to start.
2. Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
3. Schedule any required on-site property visits.
4. Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
5. Close the sale in a week to 30 days and get paid. (Some companies will let you choose a closing date up to 90 days after accepting the offer, which can be helpful when planning a move.)
We Buy Houses for Cash in San Jose vs. top San Jose 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 Jose | Sell with a top Realtor in San Jose |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 59 days average; 15 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 San Jose is currently worth about $1,250,000 and needs about $50,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $1,300,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in San Jose | Sell with a top Realtor in San Jose | |
| Estimated sale price | ($1,300,000 x .70) – $50,000 = $860,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $12,500 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $72,500 (5.8% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $18,750 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $860,000 | $1,146,250 |
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
- Selling to a “We Buy Houses” company in San Jose offers a fast path to closing on your property.
- You can sell your home as-is, avoiding the need for repairs or renovations.
- Vet potential buyers carefully to ensure you’re working with a reputable company.
- Be aware that these groups tend to offer less than the market value of your home to turn a profit. Understanding your home’s value can help you assess the offers presented to you.
- Weigh the pros and cons of selling to a cash buyer versus the traditional market.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers no-obligation, all-cash offers for homes in various conditions in San Jose. With an extensive network of partner investors, it can be a good starting point if you’re unsure who would buy your home.
If you’re a seller in San Jose considering a “We Buy Houses” company, it’s a good idea to gather multiple offers and consider all of your options before making any commitments.
You may also want to consult with a top San Jose agent who can provide expert insights on how soon and for how much your property might sell on the open market. HomeLight can help guide you through the sales process and connect you with the resources you need to make the best decision for your situation.
Header Image Source: (Michael Kahn/Unsplash)