5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Tampa Bay
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McCoy Worthington, Contributing AuthorClose
McCoy Worthington Contributing AuthorMcCoy Worthington is a freelance writer and full-time copywriter. His professional experience branches across magazine writing, PR, social media, and content marketing. He’s passionate about learning, education, and telling the stories of people and companies around the world.
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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 Tampa Bay companies make all-cash offers for homes that often need some work. This enables homeowners who lack the time, expertise, and money for repairs to sell quickly and receive the cash proceeds from their homes sooner if they need it.
Maybe you inherited a property, but you live outside of Florida, so you need to sell it in a hurry. Perhaps you were recently laid off or relocating for a new job outside of Tampa and have to move right away. Or maybe you’ve fallen on hard financial times and need cash to pay off an urgent debt.
Compare a Cash Offer With a Top Tampa Bay Agent Estimate
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform in 24 hours and close in as few as 7 days. No showings or repairs. You’ll also receive an expert estimate of what your home might sell for using a top-rated Tampa Bay agent.
If you need to sell your Tampa Bay home quickly, a We Buy Houses for Cash company could be the best solution. However, before you request a cash offer, it’s important to understand how much a Tampa Bay house-buying company might offer for your home and weigh your options. Once you’re familiar with the process, you can select a company on our list of some of the top contenders and get moving.
Working with house-buying companies in Tampa Bay
We Buy Houses companies in Tampa Bay 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 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 typically subject to change after they have inspected your home.
- The company performs a walk-through. This on-site property visit is typically 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 may 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 will initially provide a large deposit or funds to assist the seller with moving costs. Others will pay for the property upfront.
- You proceed to closing and get paid quickly. We Buy Houses companies can typically close your home sale within seven days to a few weeks. This can vary by company, and sellers who work with a house-buying company often enjoy flexibility in selecting a move-out date that works for them.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Tampa Bay
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Tampa Bay 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 parents’ property, whether it’s a ranch-style home or a condo. By working with one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Tampa Bay home in as little as a week or two.
Cash House Buyers Tampa
Cash House Buyers Tampa features a simple home-selling process: call the company, provide the details of the property, and receive an offer within 24 hours. It specializes in buying homes in poor condition, purchasing pre-foreclosure or inherited houses, and working with homeowners in other distressed situations.
Out-of-state sellers can still get a cash offer, as the staff can drive by the property and make an offer over the phone or coordinate with tenants or a trusted contact for access. The team is dedicated to streamlining the selling process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for homeowners.
Locations: Tampa Bay and surrounding Florida areas
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cash House Buyers Tampa covers them.
With the confidence of its clientele, Cash House Buyers Tampa earned a high average customer review score of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google. Clients emphasize the company’s straightforward process and professionalism, which made transactions easier. They express gratitude to the company for its helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Website: cashhousebuyerstampa.com
Phone: 813-278-6948
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Tampa Bay (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 Tampa Bay.
With this platform, you can get an all-cash offer in as little as 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 Tampa Bay
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 has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2019 and has earned a high 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.
Website: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Tampa Fast Home Buyer
Established in 2016, Tampa Fast Home Buyer specializes in cash home purchases and brings over 40 years of combined real estate experience to every transaction. The staff manages various areas of property deals, including acquisitions, repairs, development, and sales.
Unlike some home-for-cash buyers, the firm doesn’t rely on outside financial partners when purchasing properties. Moreover, it helps sellers find a new home or move out. The company extends cash offers within 24 hours and closes in as little as 7 days.
Locations: Tampa Bay, as well as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Largo, Seminole, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, Lakeland, and Valrico
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Tampa Fast Home Buyer covers them.
Tampa Fast Home Buyer has been BBB accredited since 2021 and holds an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile reflects a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, as many clients commend the company’s professional approach to house-buying. Some customers praise the team’s responsiveness and trustworthiness, while others highlight how the staff expertly delivers on their promises.
Website: tampafasthomebuyer.com
Phone: 813-906-9011
Emperor House Buyers LLC
Founded in 2018, Emperor House Buyers LLC is a trusted homebuying company that purchases homes in as-is condition. It employs a streamlined approach: homeowners first discuss their property over a call, followed by a brief 15-minute on-site evaluation, and then a representative presents a competitive cash offer.
With a guaranteed offer and the flexibility to close in as little as seven days, the company provides homeowners with an efficient, convenient solution for selling their property and moving forward with confidence.
Locations: Hillsborough County, including Tampa Bay, as well as Pinellas and Pasco Counties
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Emperor House Buyers LLC covers them.
Noted for its responsible and transparent approach, Emperor House Buyers achieved a high A+ rating from the BBB. It also earned a notable 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google, as sellers express satisfaction with the smooth process.
Some share that the team made selling their inherited home in Tampa fast and easy. Others appreciate the strong, all-cash offers, quick closings, and the convenience of not having to make any repairs.
Website: emperorhousebuyers.com
Phone: 813-803-2777
Revival Homebuyer
Revival Homebuyer is a family-owned company that has been buying homes for cash since 2005. It accommodates sellers who are avoiding foreclosure, going through a divorce, handling property in probate, and facing other tough situations.
It specializes in buying different types, from houses, condos, and apartments to duplexes, townhouses, and mobile homes. The staff purchases homes in any condition, whether they’re rundown or inherited unexpectedly. Prioritizing efficiency in transactions, the company closes in as little as 7 days.
Locations: Tampa Bay and other areas in Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Revival Homebuyer covers them.
Accredited by the BBB since 2019, Revival Homebuyer holds an A+ rating. On Google, it earned 5 out of 5 stars, as many customers commend the company’s quick responses and trustworthy service. They also say the team has experience buying distressed properties, including inherited homes, assisting in the probate process.
Website: revivalhomebuyer.com
Phone: 813-548-3674
Why sell your Tampa Bay 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 in Florida, 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 Tampa Bay, selling a home on the open market using an agent typically takes around 93 days. That includes 52 days listed on the market until a signed contract, plus the 41 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 Tampa Bay, 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.
House-buying companies are growing in popularity, especially for sellers who do not have the typically required long weeks or months to prepare, market, and close on a traditional home sale. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons Tampa Bay sellers decide to use a We Buy Houses for Cash company over listing a property the traditional way.
- Costly, time-consuming home fixes: The home has significant issues common in Tampa Bay, such as flooding, drainage problems, or roof damage. The seller isn’t willing or can’t afford to make repairs.
- Sudden life changes: The seller needs to cash in quickly or move ASAP due to a divorce, medical need, financial strain, job relocation, or some other pressing family or life change.
- Selling inconvenience: The seller doesn’t want the stress, work, or headaches of prepping the home, coordinating showings, negotiating, or navigating a lengthy or complex sales process.
- Discreet home sale: The seller desires the privacy of selling their property quietly off-market to a cash buyer.
- Foreclosure solution: The seller is facing foreclosure and just wants to sell the home and settle their debts with the lender before the situation (or credit history) gets worse.
- Unwanted inheritance: The seller wants a convenient and fast way to unload an inherited property.
- Landlord retirement: The seller is a landlord who no longer wants to manage a rental property, or wants to relieve themselves of a problem tenant.
- Downsizing transition: The homeowner is growing old and moving in with a relative or into a care facility, prompting their family to sell the property for convenience or to help fund the move.
- Remote home sale: The seller is living out of state and desires the benefits of an easy, quick cash sale, which eliminates the need to travel back and forth.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Tampa Bay
Working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Tampa Bay can trigger a mixed bag of thoughts that can be difficult to sort. You may like the idea of speed and convenience, but you may be worried about leaving major money on the table.
In this next section, we’ll walk you through some of the pros and cons of using a We Buy Houses company so you can better weigh your options.
Pros of We Buy Houses
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Tampa Bay is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required, and they’ll buy homes in any condition. Here’s a summary of the pros to consider:
Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash in Tampa Bay
- Speedy transaction: You can typically sell your house in as few as seven to 10 days.
- More certainty: With a pre-offer walk-through, We Buy Houses companies can give firm cash offers with little to no contingencies, streamlining the process and giving sellers more confidence.
- No repairs: If your home needs repairs you can’t or don’t want to handle, a We Buy Houses company offers a convenient way to sell it as-is, even in its poor condition.
- Less hassle: Working with a reputable We Buy Houses for Cash company in Tampa Bay lets you avoid showings, negotiations, and financing risks, ensuring a smooth process from offer to close.
Cons of We Buy Houses
When considering an offer from an investor, remember that these are house-buying companies, which means they’re ultimately trying to make a profit. They plan to fix up your home and either resell it or rent it out. That takes considerable time, skill, and investment. Here are some potential downsides to weigh:
Cons to We Buy Houses for Cash in Tampa Bay
- Lower-priced offers: Most companies pay below market value, so you can expect a lower profit than selling your home through the traditional market.
- Inconsistent market knowledge: A house-buying company with local market knowledge can make competitive cash offers, while one without it may provide a lowball offer.
- Untrustworthy company: Some cash-offer outfits deliberately make low offers to homeowners in urgent situations, pressure them into quick decisions, or even engage in fraudulent tactics.
Your home is more than a place where you make memories with family, as 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
The level of service and integrity you experience from a house-buying company can vary. Before committing to a cash offer, vet the company thoroughly with these steps:
- Research market presence: Investigate how long the company has been buying homes in your area and how they’ve performed in the market.
- Check reviews: Look for online reviews and ratings to see what other sellers have said about their experience with the company.
- Ask for referrals: Go beyond reviews and ask actual clients to get a better sense of the company’s reputation and trustworthiness.
- Examine the agreement: Before signing anything, read the buying agreement carefully to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of the sale.
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 your cash offer.
HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Tampa Bay. You can also use our free Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your home quickly
Working with iBuyers
Instant buyers, or iBuyers, are a segment of the Cash-For-Homes industry that use automated valuation models (AVMs) to generate near-instant, mostly online cash offers. These firms can close sales in days to a few weeks and generally target homes in good condition, offering around 90% of the market value.
Major iBuyer companies like Opendoor and Offerpad often charge service fees of 5 to 6% of the home’s sale price. They are a good fit for sellers who want to skip staging and showings, live in areas with comparable homes, and have well-maintained properties.
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. Moreover, an agent can help you achieve a higher selling price, especially when working with top performers, who can sell homes up to 10% above average.
Real estate professionals provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), usually at no cost, evaluating your home against similar properties to determine an appropriate listing price and estimate potential time on the market. Experienced agents may also connect you with cash buyers willing to pay closer to market value. Use HomeLight’s Agent Match tool to find a reliable real estate agent in your area today.
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.
FAQs on Tampa Bay 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 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 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), 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 Tampa Bay ranch-style home could sell for $395,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($395,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $246,500
In this example, a Tampa Bay We Buy Houses company might offer you around $246,500 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 they look for homes in better condition. They might pay you 90% or more of the market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a 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 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 there are any hidden program fees that might impact 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 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 Tampa Bay vs. top Tampa Bay 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 Tampa Bay | Sell with a top Realtor in Tampa Bay |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 88 days average; 47 to attract an offer, 41 to close the loan |
| Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary fixes, 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 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 ranch-style home in Tampa Bay is currently worth about $365,000 and needs about $30,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $395,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Tampa Bay | Sell with a top Realtor® in Tampa Bay | |
| Estimated sale price | ($395,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $246,500 | $365,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $3,650 (1% of the sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $10,950 (3% of the sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $5,475 (1.5% of the sale price) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $246,500 | $344,925 |
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
- Fast transaction: We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Tampa Bay can make it possible to conveniently 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 Tampa Bay, but it’s important to vet each potential partner carefully to ensure they align with your selling objectives and needs.
- Quick 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 Tampa Bay. 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 Tampa Bay 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 weigh 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 Tampa Bay 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.
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