5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Fontana
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Joseph Gordon EditorCloseJoseph Gordon Editor
Joseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Do you need to sell your home in Fontana quickly and without the hassle of repairs? “We Buy Houses” companies in Fontana might be your answer. These firms make all-cash offers, often targeting homes that need some repair. This allows homeowners like you, who might lack the time or resources for renovations, to sell fast and move on with your life.
A cash sale can be a lifeline if you’re facing urgent life changes or unexpected financial needs. It’s a straightforward way to access the equity in your home quickly, bypassing the traditional, often lengthy, selling process.
This article will explore the pros and cons of selling your house for cash in Fontana, providing the necessary insights to make an informed decision about your home sale. We will also provide you with some alternatives and explain how the process works.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Fontana area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Fontana
Selling your house in Fontana to a house-buying company can streamline the selling process, especially if you need a quick sale. Here’s a quick look at how it works:
- Research companies: Find reputable cash-for-homes companies in Fontana that buy properties as-is. Check their reviews and track records to ensure they are credible.
- Contact the company: Reach out to the company to express your interest in selling. Provide details about your property to get the process started.
- Receive an offer: The company will likely conduct a quick assessment of your property and present you with a cash offer, usually within a day or two.
- Review the offer: Take some time to review the cash offer. Ensure it aligns with your expectations and the current market conditions in Fontana.
- Accept the offer: If you decide the offer meets your needs, you can accept it to move forward.
- Close the sale: Closing is typically handled by the company, often within a week or two. You’ll receive your cash shortly after the paperwork is completed.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fontana
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Fontana 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 or your parents’ Spanish colonial revival or Mediterranean. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Fontana home in as little as a week or two.
Bigger Equity
BiggerEquity is a nationwide house-buying company that began operations in 2016. The company says it can make a cash offer in as little as seven minutes and close as quickly as seven days.
Locations: BiggerEquity buys houses throughout California, including Fontana. The company serves homeowners in all 50 U.S. states.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; BiggerEquity covers them.
BiggerEquity has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating and 4.8 stars on Google. Customer reviews on Google for BiggerEquity speaks to a smooth, transparent, and up-front process without pressure or surprises.
Website: biggerequity.com/california/fontana
Phone number: 866-333-8377
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Fontana (and across the country) can request a cash offer for their home. Simple Sale connects you to the largest network 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 Fontana.
With Simple Sale, 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 Fontana
Closing costs: No prep costs, agent commissions, or fees charged by HomeLight. Individual investor fees may vary.
Simple Sale is a HomeLight platform. HomeLight was founded in 2012 and is BBB-accredited with an 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.
Learn more: homelight.com/simple
Phone: 844-488-8455
Stewardship Properties
Stewardship Properties was established in 1989 by Bill Syrios. The company specializes in transforming distressed properties into quality affordable housing. They also engage private lenders, ensuring consistent funding and rewarding them generously for their trust.
Locations: Fontana and surrounding areas.
Closing costs: Stewardship Properties often pays for closing costs.
Customers appreciate the ease of communication through both phone and text. A standout feature for clients is the company’s fair cash offers for houses, complemented by their thorough explanation of how they arrive at their offer figures. They have a Google review rating of 4.2.
Website: stewardshipproperties.com/california/fontana
Phone number: 1-855-808-5208
SoCal Home Buyers
SoCal Home Buyers specializes in acquiring various properties, from single-family fixer-uppers to turn-key multifamily homes. After assessing your property, they can offer closing within as little as seven days.
Locations: Fontana, San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties.
Closing costs: You pay no closing costs; SoCal Home Buyers cover them.
SoCal Home Buyers SoCal Home Buyers maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company holds a 4.8-star rating on Google reviews. Clients appreciated recommendations for probate attorneys and a subsequent offer increase.
Website: socalhomebuyers.com/san-bernardino/fontana
Phone number: 855-835-2544
House Buyer Network
House Buyer Network is a nationwide company established in 2004, specializing in buying houses for cash. They serve various locations, including Duluth, MN, and have a reputation for helping homeowners facing challenges such as job relocation, expensive home repairs, inheritance, financial distress, and more.
Locations: Nationwide, including Fontana.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; House Buyer Network covers them.
The company has received positive feedback from customers who appreciate their quick and efficient service. According to their website, homeowners have praised the company for its transparency, ease of the selling process, and the ability to buy houses in various conditions.
Website: housebuyernetwork.com/house-buyers-fontana-california
Phone number: 855-835-2544
Why sell your Fontana house for cash?
There are plenty of valid reasons a Fontana home seller may choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Leading the list are the benefits of speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Fontana, it typically takes around 78 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 36 days on the market plus the typical 42 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan.
Compare that to the typical seven to 10 days promised by many house-buying companies in Fontana, 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.
Here are some reasons why you might want to sell your home for cash:
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job opportunity, selling your house for cash can speed up the process.
- Divorce: During a divorce, selling your home for cash can simplify splitting assets.
- Inherited property: If you’ve inherited a property and want to avoid lengthy probate or maintenance, cash offers provide a quick resolution.
- Downsizing: For those looking to downsize, selling for cash eliminates the stress of staging and open houses.
- Repairs: Selling a home that requires major repairs is easier with a cash offer, as it avoids the need for renovations.
- Foundation issues: Homes with serious structural issues, like foundation problems, are particularly suitable for cash sales.
- Foreclosure: To avoid foreclosure and its impact on your credit, a quick cash sale can be a viable exit strategy.
- Problem tenants: If you’re a landlord dealing with difficult tenants, selling for cash can provide a clean break.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar can be challenging; cash sales simplify this process.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Fontana
One of the biggest advantages of working with a house-buying company in Fontana is the speed of the sale and the ability to sell your home as-is, without spending on repairs or staging. Here are some key benefits at a glance:
- Quick closing: House-buying companies can close on your property in as little as a week, allowing you to move forward quickly.
- No repairs needed: Sell your home in its current condition, avoiding the cost and time involved in making repairs.
- Simplified process: The sale process is straightforward, with fewer contingencies and no need for open houses or extensive marketing.
- Cash payment: Receive a cash payment quickly, which can be crucial if you’re facing financial pressures or need to relocate urgently.
However, the primary drawback is that you might receive an offer below market value for your home compared to selling through a traditional real estate agent. Here are some key drawbacks to consider:
- Lower offers: Expect offers that are below the current market value, as buyers take on the risk and costs of any needed repairs.
- Limited negotiation: Offers from house-buying companies are typically non-negotiable, presenting a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.
- Potential for scams: Always verify the credibility of the house-buying company to avoid falling prey to scams.
- Less market exposure: Selling directly to a house-buying company means your property won’t be listed on the market, potentially missing out on higher offers from other buyers.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
Vetting cash buyers and understanding your home’s worth are crucial steps in ensuring a successful and satisfactory sale to a house-buying company in Fontana. Here’s what you need to know:
- Research the buyer: Before committing, ensure the integrity of the house-buying company. Check their reviews, read testimonials from other sellers, and research their market presence to gauge reliability.
- Understand the offer: Analyze the cash offer carefully. Make sure it aligns with your expectations and the current market conditions in Fontana.
- Read the agreement: Always read the buying agreement thoroughly. Understand all terms and conditions to avoid any surprises after signing.
- Assess your home’s value: Knowing your home’s worth can help you decide whether the offer is fair. Consider getting an independent appraisal or consulting a real estate expert to get an accurate estimate.
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 your market. You can also use HomeLight’s Home Value Estimator to get an initial ballpark estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Fontana home quickly
iBuyers:
iBuyers utilize automated valuation models (AVMs) to quickly offer market-value estimates for homes. Known for their efficiency, the iBuyer process involves mostly online transactions and can close in days. Notable iBuyers include Opendoor and Offerpad, which often charge service fees of around 5%-6%. This option suits sellers with homes in good condition and homogenous markets.
Listing with an agent:
Despite the focus on quick sales, listing your property with an agent could be effective, especially in seller-friendly markets. Agents help maximize sale prices, often significantly above the market average, thanks to expert marketing and strategic pricing. They also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), often free, to help set competitive prices. If you’re considering an agent, HomeLight can connect you with top local professionals to enhance your selling experience.
FAQs on Fontana house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Fontana 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 Better Business Bureau website. Watch for anything that just doesn’t seem right.
As described in our pros and cons list above, most Fontana We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value minus 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 Fontana Spanish colonial revival home could sell for $600,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($600,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $390,000
In this example, a Fontana We Buy Houses company might offer you around $390,000 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 iBuyers look for homes in better condition. An iBuyer might pay you 90% or more of market value while charging a fee for their services.
When you accept an offer from a Fontana We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a double-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 it is accepted. Conversely, 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 will be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, asking the company if any hidden program fees might impact your bottom line is always a good idea.
- Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your Fontana 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 Fontana vs. top Fontana 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 Fontana | Sell with a top Realtor in Fontana |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 78 days average; 36 to attract an offer, 42 to close the loan |
Home preparations | None | Deep clean, declutter, make necessary repairs, landscape, stage home |
Showings | None | 10 to 25 showings 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 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 | 5.8% average |
Closing costs | None | 1% to 3% of the home sale price on top of agent commission |
Example net proceeds
Below, we’ve compiled 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 Fontana is worth about $600,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $625,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Fontana | Sell with a top Realtor in Fontana | |
Estimated sale price | ($625,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $412,500 | $600,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $6,000 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $34,800 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $9,000 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $412,500 | $550,200 |
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 in your situation will depend on the condition of your property, what level of repairs are needed, and your selling objectives. It could be that selling on the open market will be a challenge in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Speed and convenience: Selling your Fontana home to a house-buying company offers a fast and hassle-free process.
- Sell as-is: You can sell your home in its current condition without needing to invest in repairs or upgrades.
- Immediate cash: These companies provide a quick cash payment, which can be essential in pressing financial situations.
- Market comparison: While convenient, remember that offers from these companies may be below market value.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
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 Fontana agent.
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