The Ultimate Guide to Cash Home Buyers in Harrisburg

Inside the Harrisburg cash home buyers market

Harrisburg’s cash home buying market attracts a wide range of buyers, each with their own reasons for investing in Pennsylvania’s capital. Let’s look into a few different types of cash buyers to understand what draws them to this area.

New residents seeking a lower cost of living

Harrisburg is becoming a popular destination for people seeking a lower cost of living compared to other major cities. With its affordable housing market and reasonable living expenses, a number of new residents are choosing to relocate here. Between 2020 and 2023, Dauphin County’s population grew by 1%, gaining 2,832 new residents, according to Census Bureau data.

Newcomers who have sold their previous homes in more expensive cities may be willing to purchase Harrisburg homes outright. Whether they’re young professionals with high-paying jobs or families looking for a budget-friendly community, these cash buyers are hoping to gain an advantage over financed buyers and settle into their new lives quickly.

Baby Boomers

Harrisburg was recently named the best place to retire in 2024 by U.S. News, earning praise for its housing affordability, access to quality healthcare, and abundance of outdoor recreation. Although the capital city is relatively young with a median age of 32, approximately 11% of its residents are aged 65 and over. These mature buyers are increasingly likely to pay for homes outright as they settle into retirement or downsize.

Across the U.S., 51% of Older Boomers (born 1946–1954) paid all cash for home purchases they made in 2023, as 32% of Younger Boomers (born 1955–1964). If your Harrisburg home touts accessible features that appeal to Baby Boomers, such as minimal stairs, a first-floor primary suite, or a curbless shower, highlight them in your listing description to win over mature buyers ready to pay in cash.

Property investors

Homeowners in Harrisburg may find more success selling to property investors rather than traditional buyers when it comes to cash sales. This group typically includes institutional buyers, house flippers, buy-and-hold investors, wholesale investors, and iBuyers.

Real estate investors are attracted to Harrisburg and its surrounding areas because of the metro’s gradual population growth, diverse economy, and relatively stable rents. These investors, who often pay in cash, are typically looking for affordable properties they can quickly turn around for a profit or rent out.

Pros of working with a Harrisburg cash home buyer

For homeowners looking for a quick and hassle-free sale, cash buyers can be an excellent choice. Here are some key benefits of working with a cash home buyer in Harrisburg:

How to request a cash offer in Harrisburg

If you’re looking for an easier way to secure a cash offer for your home, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of vetted and pre-approved investors in the U.S. After answering a few basic questions about your home, you’ll receive a no-obligation, all-cash offer within 24 hours. If you accept the offer, you can close the sale in as few as 10 days. You can skip the repairs, prep work, and endless showings, and choose a move-out date that works for you — up to 30 days from closing.

While cash buyers typically offer less than what you might get on the open market, selling the traditional way comes with fees that consume 9% to 10% of your sale price. Depending on your needs, a cash buyer could still save you money in the long run by avoiding these costs and providing a quick, hassle-free transaction.

How much are Harrisburg cash home buyers willing to pay?

Cash home buyers often pay below market value for properties in exchange for speed and convenience. One common pricing strategy used by house flippers is the 70% rule, which means they offer to buy a home for 70% of its after-repair value minus any repair costs.

In a hot market, cash offers might come closer to the market value because buyers are eager to secure properties quickly. Meanwhile, in a slower market, cash offers will likely be lower than market value as buyers use their advantage to negotiate better deals. Understanding these dynamics can help you set realistic expectations when considering a cash home sale in Harrisburg.

What’s the process of selling to a Harrisburg cash home buyer?

For a fast and straightforward home sale, opting for a cash buyer might be your best bet. Here’s a look at how the process generally unfolds:

Complete the Pennsylvania Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement

In Pennsylvania, when selling your home, you are required to complete the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. This document details various aspects of your property, including the condition of systems and appliances, structural issues, and the presence of hazardous substances. An accurate disclosure allows the potential buyer to make an informed decision about the property.

If you’re working with a Harrisburg “We Buy Houses” company, they will likely handle all necessary paperwork, including the disclosure statement. However, you can speed up the paperwork process by completing it ahead of time. These companies typically conduct their own inspections and buy homes in any condition, so the disclosure is more about legal compliance than anything else.

The buyer runs a title search on the property

The cash buyer will also conduct a title search to verify your legal ownership of the property. This process identifies any liens or claims that could complicate the sale. Common title issues include boundary disputes, unknown easements on the property, undisclosed heirs with potential rights, public record errors, or even forgery attempts. Addressing these issues upfront, if necessary, helps ensure a smooth transaction.

The seller pays any associated fees

While a cash sale typically involves fewer closing costs than a traditional sale, there are still some fees that sellers may need to cover. These can include transfer taxes, title insurance, escrow fees, and attorney fees.

In Dauphin County, where Harrisburg is located, there is a 2% transfer tax on the home’s sale price that is split between the state, local municipality, and the school district. Traditionally, the buyer and seller each pay half of the transfer tax amount, although this is negotiable. (Tip: If you’re looking to avoid closing costs altogether, “We Buy Houses” companies often pay these fees in exchange for a lower offer.)

Deciding to sell to Harrisburg cash home buyers

Harrisburg’s active investor market creates a strong opportunity for homeowners to secure a cash sale. Whether you choose to research cash buyers yourself, partner with a local real estate agent, or request an offer through Simple Sale, HomeLight can connect you with valuable resources and top professionals to streamline your selling experience. Leveraging Harrisburg’s investor market can help you find a fast and efficient solution for your home sale needs, resulting in a smooth and hassle-free process.

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