5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in St. Petersburg, FL
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- 14 min read
- Richard Haddad, Executive EditorCloseRichard Haddad Executive Editor
Richard 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.
- Sam Dadofalza, Associate EditorCloseSam Dadofalza Associate Editor
Sam Dadofalza is an associate editor at HomeLight, where she crafts insightful stories to guide homebuyers and sellers through the intricacies of real estate transactions. She has previously contributed to digital marketing firms and online business publications, honing her skills in creating engaging and informative content.
For most homeowners in St. Petersburg, Florida, the traditional process of selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially when facing financial strain, moving to a new location for a new job, or managing an estate. The lengthy timeline of listing, staging, and negotiating adds stress to an already challenging situation. This is where “We Buy Houses” St. Petersburg, Florida, companies can be helpful.
These businesses specialize in purchasing homes as-is, allowing sellers to skip the hassle of traditional home sales. Since these firms provide cash offers, they facilitate a quick and straightforward sale, which helps you focus on more important life matters. If you want to relocate fast, secure money right away, or simply avoid the headaches associated with conventional selling, work with a We Buy Houses company in St. Petersburg.
Working with house-buying companies in St. Petersburg
If you’re in a pinch and require a quick sale, house-buying companies in St. Petersburg can provide a straightforward path to relief. Here’s a breakdown of the process of selling to a Cash-For-Homes company:
- Research companies: Start by identifying reputable house-buying companies in St. Petersburg. Look for testimonials, reviews, and any local references.
- Request an offer: Contact your chosen company and provide details about your property. They’ll typically assess the information and make a preliminary cash offer.
- Let the company evaluate the property: The company will send a representative to inspect your home. This allows them to confirm details and potentially adjust the offer based on the home’s condition.
- Review the offer: Once you receive the final offer, take your time to review it. Ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs.
- Complete paperwork: If you agree to the offer, you’ll proceed with the necessary legal documentation, typically facilitated by the buying company.
- Close the deal: After all the paperwork is settled, you’ll finalize the sale and receive your cash payment, allowing you to move on to the next chapter in your life.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in St. Petersburg
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in St. Petersburg sounds good to you, it’s time to find an established business you can trust.
We’ve compiled the top companies that pay cash for your Mediterranean-style home or your parents’ Bungalow. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your St. Petersburg home in as little as a week or two.
Pinellas Property Solutions
Pinellas Property Solutions is a St. Petersburg-based real estate firm backed by a team with more than 30 years of experience navigating Florida’s property market. Known for its efficient and client-focused approach, the company provides cash offers within 24 hours and can finalize transactions in as little as seven days.
It specializes in buying homes in as-is condition and assisting sellers facing a wide range of challenges, including relocation, foreclosure, divorce, probate, and other complex situations. The team’s deep market knowledge and proven track record make them a trusted choice for homeowners seeking speed, flexibility, and reliability.
Locations: St. Petersburg and surrounding locations
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Pinellas Property Solutions covers them.
Trusted for transparent and fair dealings, Pinellas Property Solutions has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2019 and holds an A+ grade. It has a 5-star rating on Google, with customers describing the selling process as simple and fast. Reviewers share that the staff was easy to work with and helped them close ASAP without any issues. Others noted that they got the cash they needed right on time.
Website: go.ppsflorida.com
Phone number: 727-800-4013
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in St. Petersburg (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to one of the largest networks 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 St. Petersburg.
With this platform, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as few as 7 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including St. Petersburg
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, it received BBB accreditation in 2019 and currently maintains an impressive 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone number: 844-488-8455
Revival Homebuyer
Revival Homebuyer is a locally rooted, family-owned company specializing in buying houses in the Tampa Bay real estate market. With a strong commitment to integrity, transparency, and reliability, the firm has built a reputation for delivering a streamlined and trustworthy selling experience.
Over the past five years, Revival Homebuyer has successfully acquired more than 1,000 properties, offering homeowners a competitive and efficient alternative to the traditional sales process. The company provides cash offers within 24 hours and can close transactions in as little as seven days, regardless of property condition or seller circumstances.
Locations: All over St. Petersburg
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Revival Homebuyer covers them.
Since 2019, Revival Homebuyer has been BBB accredited and now proudly holds an A+ rating. Given the team’s professionalism, it has achieved an impressive 5-star Google rating, generated from more than a hundred reviews.
Customers expressed appreciation for individual company representatives who expertly removed the stress of home selling and made it a pleasant experience. Many sellers noted how attentive the staff were to their concerns, patiently and competently answering questions and guiding them through the process.
Website: revivalhomebuyer.com
Phone number: 813-548-3674
We Buy Houses St. Petersburg
Founded in 1998, We Buy Houses is a national homebuying network with independent franchise offices nationwide, including St. Petersburg. It buys single-family homes, condos, land, and other types of real estate.
The selling process includes the seller providing initial information on the property, and then the company sending a representative out to view the home and make an offer. Once an offer is accepted, the company sets the closing date, and sellers can expect to close within seven to 14 days on average.
We Buy Houses also works with foreclosures, sellers behind on payments, short sales, landlord-tenant situations, and vacant properties.
Locations: Nationwide, including St. Petersburg
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; We Buy Houses covers them.
We Buy Houses has been BBB accredited since 2020 and has an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile earned an average review score of 3.7 stars. Many clients reported excellent experiences, highlighting smooth transactions and giving high ratings.
However, a few raised concerns about the company’s outreach methods, such as receiving calls without clear identification. Overall impressions differ, with satisfaction largely depending on each client’s experience.
Website: webuyhouses.com
Phone number: 813-452-4844
FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC
Founded in 2011, FL Cash Home Buyers has completed over 800 property deals, building a strong reputation for dependable and efficient home-buying service. The company offers a flexible and simplified selling process tailored to the specific needs of each homeowner.
After confirming the necessary details, closings can happen in as little as five days. The team works closely with sellers to align with their preferred timelines and circumstances.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including St. Petersburg
Closing costs: Seller pays no closing costs; FL Cash Home Buyers covers them.
FL Cash Home Buyers has built an excellent reputation over the years, having been BBB accredited since 2015 and currently holding an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile reflects an average customer score of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with over 200 reviews.
Clients say working with the company is a smooth and rewarding experience. Many highlight the team’s professionalism, efficient service, and ability to close deals quickly. Some also note the company’s knack for helping them uncover great opportunities, making the process both productive and enjoyable.
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 954-519-7040
Why sell your St. Petersburg house for cash?
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 St. Petersburg, selling a home using an agent takes around 104 days. That includes an average of 62 days listed on the market until a signed contract, plus the typical 42 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the usual seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in St. Petersburg, and it’s clear why these We Buy Houses 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 that might make selling to a house-buying company in St. Petersburg a good choice:
- Financial distress: Your home’s mortgage is becoming a financial burden, and selling quickly for cash can provide relief.
- Job relocation: You landed a new job in another city or state and need a rapid sale to facilitate your move.
- Foreclosure prevention: Before your credit takes a severe hit, selling for cash can help you settle lender debts and avoid foreclosure.
- Inherited property: You’ve inherited a St. Petersburg home and want an uncomplicated way to offload it without the traditional sales hassles.
- Tenancy troubles: Managing rental property is no longer appealing, especially when dealing with problematic tenants.
- Property conditions: Your home is in poor condition, requiring substantial repairs, and you’d rather not invest time or money before selling.
- Elderly transition: You or a family member is downsizing or transitioning to assisted living, and a swift sale is preferable to fund and facilitate the move.
- Divorce settlements: Splitting assets can be smoother with a quick home sale, helping both parties move on.
- Privacy preference: You favor a discreet off-market sale without public listings, showings, or open houses.
- Out-of-state homeowner: Managing a St. Petersburg property sale from afar feels daunting, and a cash deal offers simplicity.
For homeowners in these situations, the allure of a fast cash sale is undeniable. But before diving in, it’s important to review the pros and cons and explore all your options.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in St. Petersburg
House-buying companies in St. Petersburg can be a mixed bag, helpful in some cases, but not always the best fit. It largely depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. Below are some key advantages and drawbacks of working with such companies.
Pros
For many, the upsides of house-buying companies in St. Petersburg lie in their promise of speed and willingness to buy properties as-is, eliminating the need for costly repairs or intensive preparations. Here are the standout benefits:
- Fast process: One of the major advantages is the swift transaction. Often, you can close within days or weeks instead of months.
- No repairs needed: Regardless of your home’s condition, these companies will buy it, saving you time and money on renovations or fixes.
- Simple transactions: In cash offer deals, you engage directly with the buyer. You bypass the complexities of traditional real estate deals and enjoy smoother transactions.
- No commissions or fees: These companies don’t require agent commissions, and they often cover all the closing costs, saving you potential expenses.
Cons
While the Cash-For Homes business model is fast and streamlined, you will likely not get the best bang for your real estate buck. The most notable drawback is that you will likely receive less than the market value of your property.
- Below market value: Generally, offers from these companies tend to be lower than what you might get on the open market with an experienced agent.
- Less negotiation and competition: With a fixed offer in hand, there’s typically less room for price negotiation. You also forfeit the opportunity of starting a bidding war that can happen with a traditional sale.
- Predatory practices: Some house-buying outfits may prey on your urgent situation, leading to pressure tactics or unfavorable deals.
- Scam risks: As with all industries, there is a risk of being targeted by scammers. Perform due diligence to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable company.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
While house-buying companies in St. Petersburg offer a convenient and rapid solution for your selling needs, it’s essential to remember that the integrity and service levels can differ vastly from one company to the next. Your experience will largely hinge on the character and professionalism of the individual or group presenting the offer.
Before you commit to any cash offer, vet the company meticulously. Dive into online reviews, sift through testimonials, and investigate their market presence and track record. Knowledge is your ally. Moreover, always make sure to read the fine print in the buying agreement. Understand every clause, term, and implication before committing.
Consult with an experienced St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg, Florida. While searching and screening agents, use our Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your St. Petersburg home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, like Opendoor and Offerpad, offer a mostly online, quick home sale experience through automated valuation models. These models rapidly estimate home values using current and past market data.
Generally, iBuyer companies provide all-cash offers closer to market value for homes in decent condition, with the entire process taking as little as a few days to two weeks. However, keep in mind they charge service fees, typically around 5% to 6% of the home’s sale price.
Listing with an agent
Though it might seem counterintuitive in a discussion about rapid sales, listing with a top St. Petersburg real estate agent can be swift, especially in seller-friendly markets.
A well-priced, strategically marketed property can sell fast. Moreover, HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
Beyond potential profits, agents offer a comparative market analysis (CMA), a report that evaluates your home against recently sold similar properties. This can guide your pricing decision and predict your sale speed. Many agents offer a CMA for free.
Moreover, some agents might link you with cash buyers offering a price closer to your home’s market value. If you’re considering an agent, HomeLight can connect you with St. Petersburg’s best professionals.
FAQs on St. Petersburg house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in St. Petersburg 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 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 BBB website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
Most St. Petersburg We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer about 70% of the home’s after-repair value (ARV) then deduct 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 St. Petersburg Bungalow-style home could sell for $450,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $45,000 of work to get there.
($450,000 x .70) – $45,000 = $270,000
In this example, a St. Petersburg We Buy Houses company might offer you around $270,000 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.
When you accept an offer from a St. Petersburg We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-edged sword. On the one hand, 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 hand, 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 any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg vs. top St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg | Sell with a top Realtor in St. Petersburg |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 104 days average; 62 to attract an offer, 42 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 / 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 home in St. Petersburg is currently worth about $405,000 and needs about $45,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $450,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in St. Petersburg | Sell with a top Realtor in St. Petersburg | |
Estimated sale price | ($450,000 x .70) – $45,000 = $270,000 | $405,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,050 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $12,150 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,075 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $270,000 | $382,725 |
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 St. Petersburg property, the level of repairs needed, and your selling objectives. Selling on the open market could be a challenge in your area, or the agent’s timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Make a quick sale: Cash-For-Homes companies in St. Petersburg facilitate a rapid sale process, freeing you from the hassle of traditional listings.
- Sell your house as-is: You can avoid repair and preparation costs since these companies buy your home regardless of its condition.
- Receive below-market offers: House-buying firms typically offer less than what you might receive on the open market with a seasoned real estate agent.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be informed about your home’s market value. This ensures you’re getting a fair deal, whether selling to a cash buyer or through an agent.
- Consider alternative options: From iBuyers to traditional real estate agents, there are multiple routes to selling your home quickly in St. Petersburg.
As you contemplate selling to a St. Petersburg Cash-For-Homes company, it’s wise to gather multiple offers and carefully weigh your options. Taking a step back to consider all avenues can ensure you make the best decision for your unique situation.
At HomeLight, we’re happy to lend a guiding hand in navigating your real estate journey. Let us help you make an informed and confident decision, whether you’re looking for a no-obligation cash offer through a trusted platform like Simple Sale or seeking to consult with a top St. Petersburg agent.
Editor’s note: This post is for educational purposes only. Links to and mentions of St. Petersburg 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: (felixtm/ Deposit photos)