5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Rochester
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Joseph Gordon EditorJoseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.
Are you considering selling your home in Rochester, New York, but daunted by the prospect of repairs and a lengthy sale process? We Buy Houses companies in Rochester offer a compelling solution, making all-cash offers for homes that might need a little or a lot of TLC. This option is particularly appealing if you’re short on time, expertise, or funds to get your house market-ready.
Opting for a cash sale can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re in an urgent situation or need to move on with your life plans quickly. It bypasses the traditional, often time-consuming home-selling process, providing a straightforward path to selling your property.
In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of working with house-buying companies in Rochester. Our goal is to give you the information you need to understand your options and make an informed decision about selling your home for cash.
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Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of Rochester area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered endorsements.
Working with house-buying companies in Rochester
Navigating the sale of your Rochester home to a house-buying company can be straightforward and fast. Here’s a simple guide to the basic steps involved in this process, tailored for homeowners in Rochester looking for a quick and hassle-free sale.
- Research companies: Look for reputable We Buy Houses for Cash companies with a history of buying homes in your area. Check their reviews and ratings to ensure they are legitimate and trustworthy.
- Initial contact: Reach out to the company you’ve chosen. This usually involves filling out a form on their website or making a phone call. Provide basic information about your property, such as location, size, and condition.
- Schedule a visit: The company likely will schedule a visit to assess your home. This assessment helps them make an accurate offer. It’s typically a quick and non-invasive process.
- Receive an offer: After evaluating your property, the company will present you with a cash offer. Remember, this offer usually is non-negotiable and is based on the current condition of your home.
- Accept the offer: If you decide to accept the offer, you’ll move forward with the sale. The process typically is much faster than a traditional home sale since it’s a direct cash transaction.
- Close the sale: Finally, you’ll close the sale. The closing process is often expedited with house-buying companies, and you could receive your cash in as little as a week.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Rochester
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Rochester sounds good to you, it’s time to find a legitimate operation you can trust.
We’ve compiled some top companies that will pay cash for your or your parents’ Tudor-style or modern-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Rochester home in as little as a week or two.
Brett Buys Roc Houses
Founded in Rochester, Brett Buys Roc Houses aims to help homeowners navigate the complexities of selling their homes. The company prides itself on helping sellers tackle challenging situations like bank or tax foreclosures. The company buys homes in any condition.
Brett Buys Roc Houses is dedicated to supporting the community by allowing sellers to choose a charity to receive a $250 donation at closing, which does not impact the sale proceeds. Additionally, a portion of their annual profits goes toward educating children in Guatemala, highlighted in a short video showcasing Brett’s mission trip to Antigua.
Locations: Rochester, New York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Brett Buys Roc Houses covers them.
Brett Buys Roc Houses has a 4.8-star rating on Google reviews, and clients laud the professionalism and integrity of the team, emphasizing its transparent communication. Clients also commended the company’s straightforward and supportive approach. Brett Buys Roc Houses holds an A+ rating with the BBB and has been accredited since 2019.
Website: brettbuysrochouses.com
Phone: 585-299-9709
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Rochester 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 US, 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 locations throughout Rochester.
With Simple Sale, you can get a no-obligation, all-cash offer in as little as 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 Rochester, New York
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
Flower City House Buyers
Flower City House Buyers, a Rochester-based company, offers expertise in transforming fixer-uppers and assisting sellers. It has more than a decade of experience in the business of buying homes for cash.
Locations: Rochester, New York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Flower City House Buyers covers them.
Flower City House Buyers has earned a 4.9-star rating on Google reviews, and reviews highlight Larry’s professionalism, trustworthiness, and ability to make the selling process easy and stress-free. Many clients appreciated his respectful and personable approach, noting that he took the time to explain the process and address any questions they had. Multiple reviewers mentioned that the offers were fair and that the as-is sales allowed them to avoid extensive cleaning or repairs. Overall, clients felt comfortable and well-supported throughout the transaction, often recommending Larry and the company to others looking to sell their homes quickly and fairly. Flower City House Buyers holds an A+ rating with the BBB and has been accredited since 2020.
Website: flowercityhousebuyers.com
Phone: 585-678-5050
Nelson House Buyers
Barrington and his partners have a combined nine years of experience in real estate investment, having formed several companies since starting their partnership in 2012, including Smith and Nelson LLC and Nelson House Buyers. Based in Rochester, they specialize in purchasing homes as investments and aim to educate homeowners about selling directly to real estate investors. This method offers a quicker alternative to traditional sales, avoiding the stress of showings and repairs. Their straightforward three-step process involves submitting a form, scheduling a property visit, and receiving a cash offer, all while ensuring seller privacy.
Locations: Rochester, New York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Nelson House Buyers covers them.
Nelson Home Buyers holds a 4.9-star rating on Google reviews, with clients highlighting a consistently positive experience for homeowners selling their properties. Many reviewers highlight Barrington and his team’s professionalism, responsiveness, and efficiency throughout the home sale process. Clients appreciated how quickly issues were resolved and the straightforward nature of the transactions, often describing the process as simple and stress-free. The prompt communication regarding property evaluations and cash offers contributed to a smooth experience. Overall, clients highly recommend the company for its dedication to providing a seamless home-selling experience, ensuring that sellers feel supported and well-informed at every step. Nelson House Buyers currently has no BBB presence.
Website: nelsonhousebuyers.com
Phone: 585-209-3144
Helping Homes REI
Helping Homes REI specializes in providing essential solutions to homeowners facing challenges like foreclosure or divorce. It offers flexible, hassle-free transactions for homeowners across all walks of life.
Locations: Rochester, New York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Helping Homes REI covers them.
Helping Homes REI has a 4.9-star rating on Google reviews, and the company is praised for its commitment to helping homeowners navigate the selling process with ease and integrity. Chris, a key representative, is described as helpful, honest, and knowledgeable, making the experience smooth and stress-free for clients. Reviewers highlight his professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care for their situations, often noting that he provides fair offers and thorough communication without pressure. Many clients appreciate Chris’s dedication to finding the best solutions for all parties involved, showcasing his passion for real estate and commitment to client satisfaction. Overall, the company comes highly recommended for those looking to sell their homes efficiently and with confidence. Helping Homes REI has an A+ rating with the BBB but is not currently accredited.
Website: helpinghomesrei.com
Phone: 585-294-4658
Why sell your Rochester house for cash?
There are numerous reasons why a home seller in Rochester might want to work with a We Buy Houses company. The primary benefits are speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience.
In Rochester, selling a home on the market typically takes 59 days using an agent. That includes an average of 15 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 Rochester, and it’s clear why these cash-for-homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t offer top-dollar for the homes they purchase.
Depending on your circumstances, choosing to sell your Rochester home for cash to a house-buying company can be the right move. Let’s explore why you might work with a We Buy Houses company.
- Significant repairs needed: If your home requires major repairs, like window replacements or plumbing fixes, selling for cash can be a practical choice.
- Quick cash or move needed: Facing a divorce, medical need, financial strain, or job relocation? A cash sale can expedite your move.
- Lack of repair funds: If you can’t afford or don’t want to invest in home repairs, a cash offer provides an easy out.
- Avoiding stress and work: Selling for cash means no prepping, showings, negotiating, or navigating a complex sales process.
- Privacy concerns: Opt for a private, off-market sale to keep the transaction discreet.
- Facing foreclosure: Quickly sell your home to settle debts and avoid further credit damage.
- Inherited property: A cash sale is a convenient way to handle an inherited property without the usual hassles.
- Landlord issues: If you’re tired of managing a rental or dealing with difficult tenants, selling for cash is a straightforward solution.
- Elderly relocation: For seniors downsizing, a quick cash sale simplifies the transition.
- Out-of-state owner: If you live far away, a cash sale offers an easy, hassle-free way to sell your Rochester property.
If you are a homeowner facing any of these situations, requesting a cash offer from a We Buy Houses company might be a good option. However, it’s best to consider this a starting point. You won’t know if it’s your best move until you know more about other options, which we’ll help you review in the next section.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Rochester
When considering selling your Rochester home to a house-buying company, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. These companies offer a fast, hassle-free sale, often buying homes in any condition. This can be a significant advantage for those needing a quick sale without the stress of home repairs.
Pros
- Speed of sale: Companies typically close quickly, often within days, making this an excellent option for urgent sales.
- No repairs needed: They buy homes as-is, saving you the time and money to fix up your property.
- Simple process: The sale process is straightforward, with less paperwork and no need for showings or open houses.
- No real estate fees: Selling to these companies means you avoid realtor commissions and closing costs.
However, selling to a house-buying company often means accepting a lower price than what might be achieved on the open market.
Cons
- Below market value offers: Offers are typically lower than market value, reflecting the convenience and speed of the sale.
- Limited negotiation: The price is usually a take-it-or-leave-it deal, with little to no room for negotiation.
- Potential for scams: It’s crucial to research companies thoroughly, as there are potential scams in this sector.
- Less market exposure: Your home won’t be listed on the open market, potentially limiting the pool of buyers and competitive offers.
Understanding these pros and cons is essential when deciding whether a house-buying company is right for you. Next, we’ll explore how to vet cash buyers and accurately assess your home’s worth, ensuring you make the most informed decision possible.
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
When you decide to work with a top We Buy Houses for Cash company in Rochester, it’s important to remember that the level of integrity and service offered to you can vary significantly. Your experience largely will depend on the character and professionalism of the individual or group making the offer. Before committing to any cash offer, take the time to vet the company thoroughly.
Check online reviews, read testimonials from previous sellers, and research the company’s presence and performance in the Rochester market. This due diligence can give you a clearer picture of their reputation and reliability. Additionally, be sure to read the buying agreement carefully before signing.
Understanding every clause and condition will help you make a well-informed decision about selling your home. HomeLight suggests you consult an experienced local agent to better understand your home’s 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 for an initial estimate in less than two minutes.
Other options to sell your Rochester home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to offer near-instant home value estimates. They provide a mostly online experience, offering all-cash deals typically closer to market value for homes in good condition. The iBuyer process from offer to closing is quick, usually within a few days to two weeks. However, companies like Opendoor and Offerpad charge service fees of 5% to 6%.
Listing with an agent
Listing with a top real estate agent also can result in a fast sale, especially in a seller-friendly market. An agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA), which helps determine an appropriate listing price and estimate the time to sell. Many agents offer CMAs, often free.
Partnering with a proven agent can yield the highest selling price and they may even connect you with buyers offering cash closer to market value. If you are interested in exploring the agent option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing real estate agent in your area today.
FAQs on Rochester house-buying companies
Most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Rochester are legitimate businesses. Their services and transaction fees may differ, but the business model has existed for decades. If you use an established group with a track record, you can be fairly confident it’s legitimate.
As with any financial transaction, being alert for scams is a good idea. 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.
Most Rochester We Buy Houses for Cash companies apply the 70% rule, meaning they’ll offer you about 70% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV) 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 look at an example offer equation. Let’s say your modern Rochester home could sell for $230,000 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($230,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $131,000
In this example, a top We Buy Houses for Cash company in Rochester might offer you about $131,000 for your home.
However, different types of house-buying companies 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.
Accepting an offer from a Rochester We Buy Houses for Cash company can feel like a double-edged sword. On the positive side, it typically won’t cost you extra since these companies manage almost everything once the offer is accepted. However, the downside is that you’ll likely receive less money for your home overall.
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 hidden program fees might affect your bottom line is always a good idea.
We Buy Houses for Cash in Rochester vs. a top Rochester 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 quick look at how various aspects of the sale could unfold and compare the potential proceeds.
| Aspect of the sale | Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Rochester | Sell with a top Realtor® in Rochester |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 59 days average; 15 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 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% to 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 put together 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 Rochester is currently worth about $230,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth about $255,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Rochester | Sell with a top Realtor in Rochester | |
| Estimated sale price | ($255,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $153,500 | $230,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $2,300 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $6,900 (3% of sale price) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $3,450 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $153,500 | $217,350 |
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 challenging in your area, or the agent timeline might not fit your immediate needs.
Key takeaways
- Speed and simplicity: Selling your Rochester home to a cash-for-homes company is fast and straightforward, ideal for urgent situations.
- Know your home’s worth: Always be aware of your property’s estimated market value before you proceed with a cash-offer company.
- No repairs needed: These companies buy homes as-is, saving you the hassle and expense of repairs.
- Below market offers: Be prepared to receive offers below market value, a trade-off for convenience and speed.
- Research is vital: Thoroughly vet any house-buying company before committing. Check reviews and understand their buying agreement.
- Other options: Consider alternatives like iBuyers or listing with a real estate agent, especially if your home is in good condition or in a seller-friendly market.
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 Rochester agent.
Header Source: (debramillet / Depositphotos)
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.
