7 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Florida
- Published on
- 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.
- Taryn Tacher, Senior EditorCloseTaryn Tacher Senior Editor
Taryn Tacher is the senior editorial operations manager and senior editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. With eight years of editorial and operations experience, she previously managed editorial operations at Contently and content partnerships at Conde Nast. Taryn holds a bachelor's from the University of Florida College of Journalism, and she's written for GQ, Teen Vogue, Glamour, Allure, and Variety.
Selling your Florida home quickly isn’t always easy, especially when life throws unexpected situations your way. Maybe you’re looking to move out of your Orlando home as you’re navigating a complicated divorce process. Or perhaps you need to sell your mission-style Miami property so you can start your new job in Atlanta, but repairs have gotten away from you.
Whatever the case, you don’t have time or energy to get your home ready for the market and go through the lengthy, traditional home sale. This is where “We Buy Houses” Florida companies come in. These firms provide all-cash offers to homeowners, allowing them to quickly start the next phase of their lives.
In this blog, we explored the pros and cons and process of working with a house-buying firm. To help you select a trustworthy option, we’ve compiled a list of reputable providers serving locations within the state.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Florida “we buy houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Florida
We Buy Houses companies in Florida 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 some 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 walk-through of your property, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- The company makes a firm offer, usually within 24 hours, but sometimes on-site after the walk-through, which you can 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 begins. 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 Florida
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Florida sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust. We’ve compiled some of the best home-buying companies in Florida 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.
FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC
Formed in 2011, FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC, or Florida Cash Home Buyers, has completed over 800 real estate transactions. It promises a fast closing process that typically takes two to four weeks, but the company can be flexible depending on the seller’s level of urgency and preferred timeline.
Along with providing full cash offers for homes in as-is condition, Florida Cash Home Buyers provides another sale option, which they refer to as “Novation.” With this method, the company completes necessary repairs on the property and helps you find a third-party buyer. Due to the improved state of your home, the company says that you may receive 10% to 15% more than you would with a regular cash offer.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Florida Cash Home Buyers covers them.
Florida Cash Home Buyers has several positive reviews on Google, generating an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Customers speak highly of the employees’ attentiveness, responsiveness, and ability to answer questions. Most people report that the closing process was fast and simple, even when customers were dealing with difficult circumstances. FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2015 and holds an A+ rating.
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone: 954-519-7040
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Florida (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. It connects you to the largest network of cash buyers in the U.S., 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 different locations throughout Florida. With this, you can get an all-cash offer in 24 hours and sell your home in as little as 10 days, skipping the months it can take to sell the traditional way.
Locations: Nationwide, including Florida
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 company founded in 2012. It has been BBB accredited since 2019 and currently holds an A+ rating. The firm has 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
Freedom Cash Home Buyers
Founded in 2017, Freedom Cash Home Buyers prides itself on having no hidden fees or closing deductions.
To work with Freedom Cash Home Buyers, you’ll first speak with a representative over the phone and provide information about your home and needs. After inspecting your home, the team presents an offer over the phone. If you accept the offer, you’ll complete a contract and typically receive your cash 10 to 20 business days after signing.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Freedom Cash Home Buyers covers closing costs, with the exception of property taxes.
Freedom Cash Home Buyers has generated various Google reviews, achieving an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating. Many reviews mentioned the employees’ quick responses to calls and emails and professional guidance on various selling situations. Sellers also report a simple closing process, even if a home is in poor condition. Freedom Cash Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2017 and has an A+ rating.
Website: freedomcashhomebuyers.com
Phone: 877-806-2641
All About Real Estate
The founder of All About Real Estate (AARE), Petru Pusta, is a licensed real estate broker and has been doing real estate transactions since 2008. The company is family-owned and operated and has completed over 1,500 transactions to date. It closes on homes in as little as five days but is also flexible in accommodating longer closings.
To work with AARE, you’ll speak with a company representative over the phone or online, where you can explain your current situation. The firm is flexible in the types of homes it buys. It purchases distressed homes or properties with an abundance of clutter, hostile tenants, city and county liens, or violations.
The company analyzes comparable sales and considers necessary repair costs to determine a fair offer amount. After its in-person home inspection of the property, it typically makes an offer right away. Once you accept, you can set a closing date of your choosing.
Locations: Across the U.S., including all of Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; All About Real Estate covers them.
Although All About Real Estate has only 37 reviews on Google, it has a perfect 5-star rating. In addition, it has been BBB accredited since 2018 and has earned an A+ rating. Past customers praised the team’s honesty, professional service, and communication. Reviews also mentioned a fast and seamless closing process.
Website: allaboutrealestate.com
Phone: 786-753-8500
The Friendly Home Buyer
This house-buying firm focuses on providing a “stress-free, efficient home selling experience” aimed at making the process simpler for sellers in various situations. It embraces fairness, efficiency, and adaptability to clients’ needs.
To get started with partnering with The Friendly Home Buyer, call the company to discuss your situation and needs. A representative then goes to your home for an inspection. After the assessment, the team presents a no-obligation cash offer.
Locations: Throughout Florida
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Friendly Home Buyer covers them.
The Friendly Home Buyer has been BBB accredited since 2017 and has earned an A+ rating. Its Google Business Profile is filled with positive reviews, thus it achieved a 4.9-star rating. Reviewers raved about the team’s professional and friendly service as well as their patience, honesty, and knowledge of real estate. Customers reported that the service leads to a worry-free sales process.
Website: thefriendlyhomebuyer.com
Phone: 888-713-9158
Cornerstone Home Buyers
Cornerstone Homebuyers has been purchasing properties for over 15 years, establishing its reputation as a trusted house-buying company in Florida and other states. After touring the property in person or virtually, the company will make a cash offer with no fees or commissions attached. If you choose to accept the offer, the staff coordinates with you to schedule a closing date that works for you.
Locations: Throughout Florida, with a focus on the Miami area
Closing costs: Cornerstone Homebuyers covers closing costs.
Cornerstone Homebuyers is BBB accredited with an A+ rating. It has a high rating of 4.3 stars on Google. Many customers reported that the team went above and beyond to create a smooth sales process, even in difficult situations. They commended the staff’s in-depth knowledge of navigating home sales involving foreclosure, tenants, and probate.
Website: cornerstonehomebuyers.com
Phone: 305-615-2888
My Florida Home Buyers
My Florida Home Buyers helps homeowners sell their homes fast and close on their terms. It typically makes offers within 24 hours of getting key property information. The offer is based on the property location and condition, repairs needed, and values of comparable houses recently sold in the area. The company closes in as little as seven days.
Locations: Orlando and the surrounding area
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; My Florida Home Buyers covers them.
My Florida Home Buyers has been accredited by the BBB since 2018 with an A+ rating. It has an average rating of 5 stars on Google, reflecting the company’s commitment to excellent customer service. Reviewers praised how the team provided guidance and information in a no-pressure way, which allowed sellers to trust the company. Others appreciated getting a fair price and closing the sale quickly, even in complicated situations.
Website: myfloridahomebuyers.com
Phone number: 352-519-4512
Why sell your Florida house for cash?
There are plenty of reasons a Florida seller may choose to go the Cash-For-Homes route, with speed and certainty being chief among them.
In Florida, it typically takes around 98 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 54 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 Florida, and you can see why these companies remain popular, even though they don’t always offer top dollar.
Not every seller has months to prep, market, show, and close. Let’s look at some common reasons Florida sellers choose cash-for-homes companies over listing the traditional way.
- Job relocation: You need to move quickly for a new job and can’t wait for a traditional home sale.
- Divorce: You want to quickly divide assets and move on with your life.
- Inheritance: You’ve inherited a house and want a quick sale rather than dealing with maintenance or renting.
- Downsizing: You’re looking to move into a smaller home or retirement community without the hassle of prepping and showing your current home.
- Poor property condition: Your home requires significant repairs that you can’t afford or don’t want to manage.
- Open house hassle: You prefer to avoid the stress and inconvenience of multiple showings and open houses.
- Foundation issues: Your home has structural problems, making it less attractive to traditional buyers.
- Foreclosure: You’re facing foreclosure and need to sell quickly to settle your debts.
- Problem tenants: You’re a landlord tired of managing tenants and want to sell your rental property quickly.
- Sale from out of state: You own a property in Florida but live elsewhere and want the ease of a fast, remote sale.
If you can identify with any of these situations, requesting a cash offer from a Florida We Buy Houses for Cash company might be a good starting point. However, it’s not your only option and may not be your best move (we’ll dive into your other options in just a minute).
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Florida
We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Florida are a bit of a mixed bag. You get speed and service, but you may not maximize returns from the quick home sale. 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 Florida is that you can sell your home as-is with no repairs required since they 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.
- Zero 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 a sunroom addition without a permit or a water-damaged bathroom could trigger delays or cause a contract with a financed buyer to fall through. In contrast, Florida 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 Florida home with a real estate agent, you’re expected to hide messy piles of flip-flops before showings and trim your overgrown bougainvillea. Selling to a cash buyer allows you to skip many of these stressful tasks related to prepping and repeatedly showing the home.
- Reduced closing fees. In an agent-assisted sale, you’ll likely pay an agent commission amounting to 3%-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 Florida 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 We Buy Houses for Cash
When considering an offer from a We Buy Houses firm, 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:
- 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 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 homebuying companies are equal. Some are more localized, have specific neighborhood knowledge, and are able to 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 businesses make extremely low offers to desperate homeowners. 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 Florida to choose from. 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 consider other avenues for a quick sale.
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. And, 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. Then, compare cash offers to what a top agent might be able to get for your home.
HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Florida. You can also try our free Home Value Estimator right now to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Florida home quickly
iBuyers
Within the cash-for-homes industry, you’ll encounter a particular group of companies known as iBuyers, or instant buyers.
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.
Instant buyers have only been around since the mid-2010s, but are now widely available across Florida. 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, iBuyers 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, usually around 5% to 6%.
Sellers who may be a good fit to work with an iBuyer in Florida 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 98 days. But hear us out! With many housing markets being largely seller-friendly, you can sell your home quickly, especially if it’s priced strategically.
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 up to 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 end up deciding to work with a Cash-For-Homes company, at least you’ll know you’re making a sound financial decision.
Feeling overwhelmed trying to find an agent? HomeLight would be happy to connect you with a top performer in your area today.
FAQs on Florida house-buying companies
“We Buy Houses Florida” refers to companies or investors in Florida that specialize in purchasing properties directly from homeowners. These companies offer convenience by buying houses in as-is condition and providing fast cash offers, allowing homeowners to sell their properties quickly and without the hassle of repairs, showings, or traditional sales processes.
“We Buy Houses Florida” companies evaluate your property, make cash offers based on its condition and market value, and aim for quick closings, often within a few weeks. Selling to these companies eliminates the need for repairs, marketing, or staging, providing a streamlined option for homeowners seeking a fast sale.
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies are legit, and you can rest assured that 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.
Similarly, consulting with real estate professionals or trusted advisors can help you determine the reputation and legitimacy of these companies. You can access pre-approved We Buy Houses firms through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform.
“We Buy Houses Florida” companies typically provide cash offers below the market value to account for the convenience and quick sale they offer. The exact price depends on factors like the property’s condition, location, and current market conditions. It’s advisable to obtain multiple offers, compare them, and carefully evaluate the terms and conditions before accepting an offer.
Most Cash-For-Homes companies follow the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you 70% of your home’s after-repair value, and 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 Fort Lauderdale ranch home could sell for $428,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $80,000 of work to get there.
($428,000 x .70) – $80,000 = $219,600
In this example, a Florida cash-for-homes company will probably offer you around $219,600 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.
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 the housebuying company about any hidden program fees that could eat into your bottom line.
- 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 you can often choose a later closing date, up to 90 days after the offer).
Selling to a “We Buy Houses Florida” company can be a suitable option for homeowners who prioritize speed, convenience, and a hassle-free selling experience. It can also benefit those facing time constraints, financial difficulties, or properties in need of significant repairs. However, homeowners should carefully assess their needs, evaluate the offered price, and ensure it aligns with their goals before deciding if it’s the right choice for them.
We Buy Houses for Cash in Florida vs. Top Florida 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 Florida | Sell with a top Realtor in Florida |
Sale timeline | 7 to 30 days | 98 days average; 54 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 walkthrough | 10 to 25 showings 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 up with 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% of the home’s sale price |
Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home’s sale price on top of commission |
Example net proceeds
Let’s say you want to sell your home in Orlando. It is currently worth around $413,000 and needs about $15,000 in repairs. Once repairs are made, the home should be worth $428,000.
Here’s what you can expect to earn working with a We Buy Houses company and a top Florida real estate agent.
Sell to a We Buy Houses company in Florida | Sell with a top Realtor® in Florida | |
Estimated sale price | ($428,000 x .70) – $15,000 = $284,600 | $413,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,130 (1% of the sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $12,390 (3% of the sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,195 (1.5% of the sale price) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $284,600 | $390,285 |
Key Takeaways
- We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Florida can help you sell your home in as few as seven days without repairs, showings, or hassles.
- There are many reputable cash home-buying companies across Florida, 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 Florida. 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 Florida 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: (Antonio Cuellar / Unsplash)