We Buy Houses Pinellas County: Top 5 Companies
- Published on
- 15 min read
-
Joseph Gordon EditorClose
Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
We Buy Houses companies in Pinellas County make all-cash offers for homes regardless of their condition. This enables sellers working under tight budgets or deadlines to sell their homes quickly, particularly compared to the traditional real estate market.
You may need a fast home sale to start a new job. Or maybe you’re facing a financial deadline or an unexpected life change and need to move immediately. Or you may need to cash out an inherited Pinellas County property you’re managing from out of state.
If you need to sell your Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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.
Sell Your House Fast in Pinellas County With a Cash Offer
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform whenever you’re ready. Receive your offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days. No showings, no repairs, no open houses. Available to sellers throughout Pinellas County.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Pinellas County area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Pinellas County
Selling your Pinellas County home to a house-buying company is a simple and fast process. If you’re looking for a quick, as-is sale, here is how it works:
- Reach out to the company: Contact a reputable house-buying company and provide basic information about your property, including its location, size, and condition.
- Schedule a home evaluation: The company will arrange a time to assess your home and determine its cash offer value, often during a brief walkthrough.
- Receive a cash offer: After the evaluation, you’ll get a no-obligation cash offer, typically within 24-48 hours.
- Review the terms: Carefully go over the offer, which usually includes the purchase price, closing timeline, and any additional details.
- Accept the offer: If the terms meet your needs, sign the agreement to proceed with the sale.
- Close the deal: Finalize the sale within a few days to two weeks and receive your cash payment, allowing you to move forward with your plans.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Pinellas County
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Pinellas County 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’ ranch-style or Mediterranean revival. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Pinellas County home in as little as a week or two.
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.
Locations: Throughout Florida, including Pinellas County.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Florida Cash Home Buyers cover them.
Florida Cash Home Buyers has several positive reviews on Google, generating an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. 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 number: 954-519-7040
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Pinellas County (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 Pinellas County.
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 Pinellas County.
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
Reliable Home Buyers
Reliable Home Buyers is a real estate solutions and investment firm based in Florida, specializing in assisting homeowners to sell their properties in any condition quickly. Their services cater to individuals facing various situations, including foreclosure, divorce, or owning unwanted properties.
Locations: Serves multiple counties across Florida, including Pinellas County.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Reliable Home Buyers cover them.
Reliable Home Buyers has a 4.6-star rating on Google.
Website: reliablehomebuyersfl.com
Phone number: 866-392-2177
Max Home Solutions
Max Home Solutions is a Florida-based real estate investment company specializing in purchasing homes for cash, regardless of their condition. They offer a streamlined, hassle-free process, often closing deals in under two weeks.
Locations: Across Florida, including Lake Wales.
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Max Home Solutions covers them.
Max Home Solutions has a 5.0-star rating on Google. The company has also been accredited by the Better BB) since January 28, 2024, with an A- rating.
Website: housefastcashfl.com
Phone number: 561-944-5543
Pinellas Property Solutions
Pinellas Property Solutions, a real estate firm based in St. Petersburg, employs a team with over 30 years of experience in the Florida real estate market. It can close in as little as seven days and buys homes as-is due to any situation, helping sellers dealing with relocation, foreclosure, divorce, probate, and more.
Locations: St. Petersburg and surrounding locations, such as Clearwater, Sarasota, Gulfport, Largo, and Tampa Bay
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Pinellas Property Solutions covers them.
Pinellas Property Solutions has been BBB accredited since 2019 and holds an A+ rating. It has a 5-star rating on Google.
Website: go.ppsflorida.com
Phone number: 727-800-4013
Why sell your Pinellas County house for cash?
Why would a Pinellas County home seller choose to work with a Cash-For-Homes company? The ease and speed of the transaction, combined with the overall convenience, are some of the primary reasons.
In Pinellas County, it typically takes around 100 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 56 days on the market plus the typical 44 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 Pinellas County, 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 common scenarios where this option makes sense:
- Job relocation: If you need to move quickly for a new job, a cash sale allows you to avoid delays and focus on your next steps.
- Divorce: Selling your home during a divorce can help simplify asset division and provide a clean financial break.
- Inherited property: Managing a home you’ve inherited can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s far away or needs repairs.
- Downsizing: If you’re ready to downsize, a cash sale can help you transition quickly without costly updates.
- Repairs needed: Selling a house in poor condition is easier with a cash offer since no fixes are required.
- Avoiding open houses: A cash sale skips the need for open houses and showings, sparing you the inconvenience.
- Foundation issues: Houses with foundation problems can be difficult to sell on the market but are often accepted by cash buyers.
- Facing foreclosure: A cash sale can help you avoid foreclosure and preserve your credit.
- Difficult tenants: Selling a property with tenants is easier when working with cash-for-homes companies familiar with rental situations.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a home sale remotely can be streamlined by working with a cash buyer who handles the details.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Pinellas County
Working with a house-buying company in Pinellas County can be an efficient way to sell your home, especially if you’re on a tight timeline or your property needs work. Below are the key advantages and disadvantages to help you weigh this option:
Pros of selling to a house-buying company
House-buying companies are known for speed and convenience, offering cash for homes in any condition. They can help you avoid the hassle of repairs or preparations and provide a fast path to closing.
- Sell as-is: No need to fix or clean your home. House-buying companies purchase properties in their current condition, saving you time and money.
- Quick closing: Cash buyers typically close within a week or two, far faster than traditional sales that often involve contingencies.
- No showings required: Avoid the inconvenience of showings or open houses by selling directly to a buyer.
- Guaranteed offer: Once you receive an offer, it’s final, with no need to worry about financing falling through or other uncertainties.
Cons of selling to a house-buying company
While convenient, selling to a house-buying company has trade-offs, the most notable being that you’ll likely receive below market value compared to selling traditionally. Here’s what to consider:
- Lower sale price: Offers are typically less than market value, reflecting the convenience and reduced risk for the buyer.
- Limited negotiation: Most offers are take-it-or-leave-it, giving you little room to adjust terms or pricing.
- Potential scams: Not all buyers are legitimate, so it’s crucial to research and avoid scams.
- Missed competitive exposure: Listing with an agent allows for competitive offers, which could result in a higher sale price.
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.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
The level of integrity and service you experience from a We Buy Houses for Cash company can vary, even within an established house-buying group that strives to maintain high standards. This is because many Cash-For-Homes companies are franchises and often use independent investors or wholesaling outfits. Your experience depends on the character of the person or group making the offer.
Before committing to 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.
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 Pinellas County home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad use automated valuation models to provide fast, all-cash offers for homes in good condition, often closer to market value. These tech-focused companies offer a simple, mostly online process, with closings in as little as a few days to two weeks. However, they often charge service fees of 5%-6%. Learn more about the iBuyer process.
Listing with an agent
While less immediate, listing with a top real estate agent can yield a higher sale price. Agents offer services like a comparative market analysis (CMA), which evaluates your home’s value and provides a strategic listing price. CMAs are often free. A proven agent can also connect you with cash buyers or market your property effectively for a competitive sale. HomeLight can connect you with a top agent today.
FAQs on Pinellas County house-buying companies
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 Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County ranch-style home could sell for $405,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($405,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $253,500
In this example, a Pinellas County We Buy Houses company might offer you around $253,500 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 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 Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County vs. top Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County | Sell with a top Realtor in Pinellas County |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 100 days average; 56 to attract an offer, 44 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 | 3%-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 Pinellas County is worth about $405,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $430,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Pinellas County | Sell with a top Realtor in Pinellas County | |
| Estimated sale price | ($430,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $276,000 | $405,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $4,050 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $12,150 (3%) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $6,075 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $276,000 | $382,725 |
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
- Cash sales are fast and convenient: House-buying companies in Pinellas County provide quick closings, often within days, and purchase homes as-is, saving you time and effort.
- You avoid repairs and showings: Cash buyers eliminate the need for costly repairs, staging, or dealing with showings and open houses.
- Offers are typically lower: Cash-for-homes companies usually pay below market value, which reflects the convenience and reduced risks for the buyer.
- Careful vetting is essential: Not all buyers are reputable, so it’s crucial to research companies to ensure a safe and legitimate transaction.
- Agents may provide better outcomes: A top real estate agent can give you a comparative market analysis (CMA) and help you explore all your options.
- 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 Pinellas County agent.
Header Image Source: (B.Bailey/Pexels)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.