6 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Arizona
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- 15 min read
- Briana Yablonski, Contributing AuthorCloseBriana Yablonski Contributing Author
Briana Yablonski is a freelance writer based in Knoxville, TN. When she’s not writing about lifestyle, food, and real estate topics, she’s gardening or exploring local trails.
- Sam Dadofalza, Associate Refresh EditorCloseSam Dadofalza Associate Refresh Editor
Sam Dadofalza is an associate refresh 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.
In certain life situations, you might find yourself needing to sell your home in a hurry. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed Phoenix’s endless sunshine and weekend hikes amid sandstone buttes, but you’ve just accepted a job offer in Denver, and the position starts in two weeks. Or maybe you’re facing unexpected medical expenses and need to quickly sell your Mesa home for cash. Alternatively, you might be facing a financial deadline or an unexpected life change and need to move right away.
When you have little time to go through the usual home selling process, it can feel overwhelming wanting a fair price for your home while managing a fast move. Fortunately, you can work with a We Buy Houses company Arizona company that can quickly provide you with a cash offer. We’ll explain what you can expect when working with these companies and introduce you to some of the top house-buying companies in Arizona.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Arizona “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Arizona
We Buy Houses companies in Arizona typically promise quick, all-cash offers and ultra-fast closings, often in as few as seven days. They tend to target distressed properties in need of repairs and work with sellers who need to move ASAP.
Here’s how the process generally works:
- You request an offer and provide the company with information about your home. Some companies may make a preliminary offer at this stage, but it’s usually subject to change once they’ve inspected your property.
- The company completes a walkthrough of your property, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- The company typically makes a firm offer within 24 hours, and in some cases, the offer is made on-site immediately after the walkthrough. You have the option to accept or decline. Most of these companies will not negotiate on price, so the offer is a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
- If you accept the offer, you’ll both sign a contract, and the closing process will begin. Some companies offer a large deposit or moving cost assistance, and a few may even pay for the home upfront.
- Closing and getting paid is quick, typically 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 Arizona
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Arizona sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust. We’ve compiled some of the best homebuying companies in Arizona that will enable you to quickly sell your home for cash.
Note: Individual program details frequently change. Please visit the company’s website for the most up-to-date information. HomeLight always recommends doing your own research to determine which selling option is best for your situation.
The Trusted Home Buyer
The Trusted Home Buyer started in 2008 and became accredited with the Better Business Bureau in 2010. The company has helped hundreds of homeowners since then, specializing in sellers facing difficult situations, whether it be pre-foreclosure, structural issues, or even challenging personal situations.
Although the company buys homes in three states, it has the broadest coverage in Arizona across eight counties, including Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai. To work with The Trusted Home Buyer, you can set up a home visit and receive an offer on the spot or within a few days. If you accept, you can close in as few as seven days.
Locations: Central Arizona, with a focus on the Phoenix metro area, as well as some areas of Florida and Michigan
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Trusted Home Buyer covers them.
With over 65 Google reviews, The Trusted Home Buyer has a 4.7 out of 5 rating. Customers say that the staff was informative, professional, and friendly, especially when compared to other homebuying companies they spoke with. Many reviewers reported receiving easonable offers and quick closings.
Website: thetrustedhomebuyer.com
Phone: 602-456-4440
Simple Sale
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Arizona (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It has a network of cash buyers on its platform, 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 many locations throughout Arizona. With this platform, 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 Arizona
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. The firm is BBB accredited with an A+ rating and has earned 4.8 stars on Google based on hundreds of 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-sale
Phone: 844-488-8455
Doug Hopkins
Doug Hopkins, whose team is based in Mesa, Arizona, is no stranger to real estate. He has bought and sold more than 10,000 homes in his real estate career, earning a real estate celebrity status of sorts with appearances on “Property Wars” on the Discovery Channel.
With extensive experience in auction, probate, and distressed property sales, Doug is recognized as one of the top buyers of foreclosure properties in the Western U.S. Through his website, sellers can fill out a property information survey in less than five minutes, receive an as-is cash offer in less than 24 hours, and quickly close. The offer applies to properties in need of repairs or in perfect condition.
Locations: Throughout Arizona
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Doug Hopkins covers them.
Doug Hopkins has 300 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Google, although not all reviews speak about a cash home sale. The reviewers who did sell their homes for cash mentioned a stress-free experience and honest communication. Other clients stated that the company was able to offer other home sale methods if a cash offer wasn’t the right option.
Website: doughopkins.com
Phone: 602-567-1505
We Buy Homes in Tucson
Since 1995, We Buy Homes in Tucson has been buying homes and helping homeowners facing various property issues, including bankruptcy, outside liens, title issues, and major disrepair, by providing as-is cash offers. To facilitate a smooth transaction with sellers, the company strives to understand each client’s unique situation and offers personalized solutions. It works with various investors to provide fair offers to sellers.
Locations: Tucson area
Closing costs: We Buy Homes in Tucson often covers all closing costs.
We Buy Homes in Tucson has earned an A+ accreditation with the BBB. Its Google Business Profile has a perfect 5.0-star rating, reflecting the satisfaction level of past clients with the company’s services. Reviewers reported that employees were honest, friendly, and willing to work with customers in tough situations. Many reported receiving fair offers and enjoyed a quick and efficient closing.
Website: webuyhomesintucson.com
Phone: 520-433-9298
Valley Home Buyer
Valley Home Buyer owner and founder Eric Hartsburg has been purchasing homes in the Phoenix metro area since 1996. The company follows a simple transaction process to make the home selling experience easy for local homeowners.
After you contact Valley Home Buyer, the staff schedules a home visit as soon as the same day and provides you with an all-cash offer within 24 hours. Depending on your situation, you may be able to close in as little as a week.
Locations: Phoenix metro area
Closing costs: Valley Home Buyers usually pays for closing costs.
Valley Home Buyer The company has been accredited by the BBB since 2019 and holds an A+ rating. It has a high 4.5-star rating on Google, as its profile generated several positive reviews. Customers highlighted the team’s honesty, patience, and flexibility, as well as their genuine nature. Reviews reported that the home sale process was simple and fast, and there were no hidden fees or last-minute contract changes.
Website: valleyhomebuyer.com
Phone: 602-932-0742
AZ Home Buyer
AZ Home Buyer has been operating as a house buying company for 15 years. To date, it has purchased more than 800 homes in the Phoenix area.
Sellers typically receive an offer after calling AZ Home Buyer and setting up a walkthrough of the property with a company representative. If you accept, you can then set up a closing date that works for you. AZ Home Buyer never charges any fees, and the company provides a $30,000 earnest deposit to show how serious it is about the homes it purchases.
Locations: Phoenix metro area
Closing costs: AZ Home Buyer pays for all standard closing costs.
AZ Home Buyer has earned an A+ accreditation from the BBB. On Google, it has an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers commended the team’s integrity, knowledge, and honesty. Customers reported a low-stress experience and transparent sales process and mentioned quick closing times and fair quotes.
Website: azhomebuyer.com
Phone number: 480-331-1819
Why sell your Arizona house for cash?
There are plenty of reasons an Arizona seller may choose to go the cash-for-homes route — speed and certainty being chief among them.
In Arizona, it typically takes an average of 91 days to sell a home on the open market using an agent. That includes an average of 47 days on the market plus the typical 44 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the seven days promised by many We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Arizona, and you can see why these companies remain popular, even though they don’t always offer top dollar.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Arizona
We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Arizona are a bit of a mixed bag. You get speed and service, but you “pay” a sizable premium for that service. Let’s walk through a few pros and cons to consider while weighing your options.
Pros to We Buy Houses for Cash
One of the biggest advantages of working with We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Arizona 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.
- Speedy transaction: You can often sell your home in as few as seven days.
- No repairs: Lenders may not agree to provide financing for homes that fail to meet minimum property standards as evaluated by a home appraiser. That means your outdated plumbing system, foundation issues, or damaged roof — all common issues for Arizona homes — could trigger delays or cause a contract with a financed buyer to fall through. In contrast, Arizona cash-for-homes companies generally purchase homes as-is and are usually going to be a lot more willing to accept issues both large and small with your home. This creates a clearer path to settlement and can be a huge relief if you don’t have the funds or time for repairs.
- Less hassle: When you choose to sell your Arizona home with a real estate agent, you’re expected to make the extra effort to stow away your hiking boots and organize your kids’ pool toys. Selling to a cash buyer allows you to skip many of these stressful tasks related to prepping and repeatedly showing the home.
- Reduced closing costs: In an agent-assisted sale, you’ll likely pay an agent commission amounting to 3% to 6% of the sale price and may be on the hook for additional concessions and closing costs. Selling to a cash buyer will likely eliminate at least some of these fees, if not all of them. Many We Buy Houses companies in Arizona and across the nation cover a seller’s closing costs in full as part of the deal.
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 working with We Buy Houses companies
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses business, 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 consider:
- Lower offers: Most companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value (or the value that your house could sell for on the market once it’s all fixed up) and then deduct the repair costs. So, the price you get for your home may be appreciably lower than what you’d get on the market.
- Inconsistent marketing knowledge: Not all cash home buying companies are equal. Some are more localized, have specific neighborhood knowledge, and can leverage that expertise into more competitive offers. Others are less knowledgeable about the specifics of your community, which could result in lowball bids.
- Untrustworthy companies: Some firms make extremely low offers to desperate homeowners to boost profits. A few bad players may even engage in fraud, though it’s uncommon.
- Pressure tactics: These companies know that homeowners looking to sell quickly are often in dire situations, and some do take advantage of that by using pressure tactics. You should never feel pressured to accept an offer, especially since there are plenty of We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Arizona from which to choose. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, it’s time to move on to another option.
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 don’t exercise due diligence.
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 call 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. Of course, read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
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. You can also use HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Arizona home quickly
iBuyers
Within the cash-for-homes business, you’ll encounter a particular group of companies known as instant buyers or iBuyers.
iBuyer companies offer sellers many of the same conveniences of other house-buying operations, but they also leverage algorithmic technology, otherwise known as automated valuation models (or AVMs), to give you a near-instant offer on your home and provide a user-friendly, mostly online home-sale experience.
iBuyers have been around since the mid-2010s and are widely available across Arizona. They offer all cash and can close in a matter of days to a few weeks. But unlike more traditional We Buy Houses for Cash companies, they tend to look for homes in better condition and offer much closer to market value, typically in the 85% to 95% range.
However, one thing to note is that major iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad usually charge sizable fees for their services, often about 5% to 6%.
Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in Arizona include those who prefer to skip staging and showing their home, live in an area with somewhat similar housing, and have a home in relatively good shape.
Listing with an agent
We know, we know: You want to sell your house quickly, not in 91 days. But hear us out! Selling on the market generally fetches the highest home price, and that’s especially true if you work with a skilled professional. Our internal transaction data at HomeLight shows that the top 5% of real estate agents sell homes for 10% more than average agents.
This is a big financial decision, so it may make sense to consult with a trusted real estate agent who can complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand your home’s value and how quickly it’s likely to sell.
Your agent may even be able to connect you with cash buyers who are willing to offer closer to market value for your home.
Plus, a CMA is usually free, and you’re under no obligation to list with the agent, so this may be a good tool to explore your options. Even if you decide to work with a cash-for-homes company, at least you’ll know you’re making a sound financial decision.
Struggling to find an agent? HomeLight would be happy to connect you with a top performer in Arizona today.
FAQs on Arizona house-buying companies
Are We Buy Houses companies in Arizona legit or scams?
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legit, and this business model has been around for decades.
However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for scams or anything that just doesn’t seem right. Always thoroughly research companies ahead of time. Verify all professional licenses, check customer reviews, get a referral if possible, and vet the company on the BBB website.
How much will We Buy Houses companies in Arizona pay?
Most cash-for-homes companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value, then deduct the repair costs.
Here’s what that simple formula looks like:
(Your home’s ARV x .70) – repair costs
Now let’s take a look at a practical example. Let’s say your Mesa home could sell for $450,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $80,000 of work to get there.
($450,000 x .70) – $80,000 = $235,000
In this example, an Arizona cash-for-homes company will probably offer you about $235,000 for your property.
However, different types of house-buying companies will offer varying amounts for homes. As mentioned previously, iBuyers tend to pay more like 85% to 95% of market value while charging a fee for their services.
How much does selling a home to a We Buy Houses company in Arizona cost?
Selling a home to a We Buy Houses for Cash company shouldn’t cost you any money, though you’ll likely get less overall for your home.
Since these companies are geared toward distressed homes, they tend to have zero fees, and will even cover your closing costs. That means the offer you get is the price you should walk away with. Make sure to ask about any hidden program fees that could eat into your bottom line.
How do you sell a house for cash in Arizona?
- Research and vet house-buying companies available in your area. The above list is a great place to start.
- Submit offer requests to your top few companies.
- Schedule any on-site visits.
- Field and compare offers. Choose the best option for you.
- Close in a week to 30 days and get paid. Or, choose a later closing date, up to 90 days after the offer.
We Buy Houses for Cash in Arizona vs. top Arizona agent
Wondering how a We Buy Houses for Cash company stacks up against working with a real estate agent? We’ve got you covered.
Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Arizona | Sell with a top Realtor® in Arizona |
Sale timeline | Seven to 30 days | 91 days average; 47 to attract an offer, 44 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Make necessary repairs, deep clean, declutter, landscape, stage home |
Showings | None required, although some companies will complete a walk-through | 10 to 25 showings on average |
Inspections / repairs | None required prior to closing, though iBuyers may deduct a repair credit at closing | May need to make repairs for the buyer or renegotiate the price |
Appraisal | A traditional appraisal is not required, but many companies will use their own analytics to come to a fair price | May need to lower the 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 loan doesn’t clear |
Agent commission | None | 3% to 5.8% average |
Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the sale price on top of commission |
Example net proceeds
Imagine you’re selling your Arizona home, which is currently worth about $435,000 and needs about $15,000 in repairs. Once repairs are made, the home should be worth about $450,000. Here’s what you can expect to earn working with a We Buy Houses company and a top Phoenix real estate agent.
Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Arizona | Sell with a top Realtor® in Arizona | |
Estimated sale price | ($450,000 x .70) – $15,000 = $300,000 | $435,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,350 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $13,050 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,525 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $300,000 | $411,075 |
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 for your situation will depend on the condition of your property, the level of repairs needed, and your selling objectives. Selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Arizona helps you sell your home in as few as seven days with no repairs, showings, or hassles.
- There are many reputable cash homebuying companies across Arizona, but it’s important to vet each potential partner carefully to ensure they align with your selling objectives and needs.
- You could leave significant money on the table using a cash-for-homes company versus going with a top agent or iBuyer.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides all-cash offers for homes in almost any condition in Arizona. Because the platform has partner investors with different buying parameters across the state, 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 Arizona sellers in need of a quick exit from homeownership, but they’re not without drawbacks. However you choose to sell your home, it’s important to avoid making a hasty decision.
For best results, weigh your options, gather offers from multiple companies, and consult with a top agent to see how easily your property could sell on the market. Happy selling!
Writer Chelsea Levinson contributed to this story.
Header Image Source: (Chris Tingom / Unsplash)