We Buy Houses Staten Island, NY: Top 5 Companies
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- 15 min read
- 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.
Selling a house quickly in Staten Island can be tough, especially if it needs repairs and you’re short on time and money. That’s where We Buy Houses companies step in. These businesses offer an alternative to the traditiaonl market—all-cash offers on homes, purchased as-is, which allows you to skip the time and cost of fixing up your property.
We Buy Houses companies in Staten Island, NY can be especially helpful for sellers facing challenges like a pending foreclosure or a sudden inheritance, letting you sell your home in a matter of days, rather than months.
In this post, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of working with these companies, helping you decide if selling for cash is the right fit for your situation. We will also 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 Staten Island area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in Staten Island
Working with a house-buying company in Staten Island can help you sell your home quickly without the typical hassle of showings and repairs. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Contact the company: Reach out to a local house-buying company to express your interest in selling your property.
- Provide property details: Share basic information about your home, including its condition, size, and any needed repairs. This helps the company assess the property’s value.
- Schedule a home visit: The company will likely arrange a time to visit and inspect your property, often at no cost to you.
- Receive a cash offer: After the inspection, the company will present a take-it-or-leave-it cash offer, usually within a few days.
- Accept the offer: If you’re satisfied with the offer, you can accept it, and the company will handle the paperwork.
- Close the sale: Close on your timeline, often within a few weeks, and receive your cash proceeds directly.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Staten Island
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in Staten Island 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 Colonial-style home. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your Staten Island home in as little as a week or two.
Real Property Buyers
Real Property Buyers offers custom solutions to homeowners looking to sell their property quickly, enabling homeowners to resume their lives without the stress of unwanted properties. It serves customers across New York City.
Locations: New York City and Long Island
Closing costs: Real Property Buyers often pay for closing costs.
Real Property Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. The company also holds a 5-star Google rating.
Website: www.rpbuyers.com
Phone: 516-226-9690
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in Staten Island (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 Staten Island.
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 Staten Island.
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
Leave The Key Homebuyers
Leave The Key Homebuyers simplifies the home-selling process for those interested in cash offers. Its three-step transaction involves requesting an offer online, meeting the company for inspection, and choosing the closing date. According to its website, the firm buys different types of properties, including single-family, multi-family, land, and even commercial.
Locations: Buffalo and surrounding areas, including Staten Island
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Leave The Key Homebuyers covers them.
Leave The Key Homebuyers earned the highest rating from the BBB and has been accredited since 2023. Additionally, it has 5.0 stars on Google.
Website: leavethekey.com/ny/buffalo/
Phone number: 631-519-9133
Cash Buyers New York
Established in 2000, Cash Buyers New York is a seasoned company deeply acquainted with the local real estate market. The company’s professional team assists sellers throughout the transaction process, emphasizing a friendly, expert-guided experience.
Locations: All over New York, including Staten Island
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Cash Buyers NY covers them.
Cash Buyers NY holds a Google rating of 5.0.
Website: cashbuyersny.com
Phone number: 646-920-8900
Five Boro Home Buyers
Five Boro Home Buyers is a family-owned real estate solutions company based in The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The company is dedicated to providing win-win solutions for homeowners in challenging situations like foreclosure or owning burdensome properties.
Locations: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, NYC, Queens, Riverdale, Staten Island
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; Five Boro Home Buyers covers them.
Five Boro Home Buyers holds a Google rating of 4.8.
Website: newyorkhomesforcash.com
Phone number: 516-870-4462
Why sell your Staten Island house for cash?
Selling your Staten Island home for cash isn’t the right move for every homeowner, but if you need a quick transaction, with no headaches, and a guaranteed sale, it is a great alternative to the traditional market.
In Staten Island, it typically takes around 108 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 64 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 Staten Island, 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 common scenarios where a house-buying company may be the right fit.
- Job relocation: You’ve received an offer in another city and need to sell quickly to make your move easier.
- Divorce: Selling the home for cash during a divorce can provide a quick and clean break for both parties.
- Inherited property: If you’ve inherited a house that needs work, selling to a cash buyer can simplify the process.
- Downsizing: You’re ready to downsize and don’t want to invest in repairs or upgrades.
- Extensive repairs: If your home needs significant repairs you can’t afford, selling as-is to a cash buyer can be practical.
- Avoiding open houses: You’d prefer not to hold open houses and invite strangers into your home.
- Foundation issues: A house with foundation problems may be hard to sell on the open market, but cash buyers may consider it.
- Facing foreclosure: If you’re at risk of foreclosure, a cash sale can help you avoid credit damage.
- Problem tenants: You have tenants who make showings difficult, and a fast sale is your best solution.
- Selling from out of state: If you live elsewhere, selling remotely to a cash buyer can save you travel and time.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in Staten Island
Working with a house-buying company in Staten Island comes with its share of upsides and downsides. Below, we outline some of the main pros and cons so you can determine if a cash sale is the right solution for you.
Pros of house-buying companies
A significant advantage of a Staten Island house-buying company is the speed and convenience it offers. You can sell your house as-is without worrying about repairs or staging. Here are some other key benefits of selling to a cash buyer.
- Quick sale: Cash buyers often close within days or weeks, allowing you to move forward with your plans without a lengthy wait.
- Any condition: Selling as-is means you can avoid costly repairs or updates, no matter what condition your house is in.
- No showings: You won’t need to stage your home or hold open houses, making the process more private and less stressful.
- Fewer contingencies: Cash buyers generally eliminate contingencies that can delay or complicate traditional sales, ensuring a smoother, more direct transaction.
Cons of house-buying companies
While house-buying companies offer a streamlined experience, you’ll likely receive below market value for your property compared to selling through an agent. Here are other potential drawbacks to keep in mind.
- Lower offers: Expect a cash offer to be less than your home’s full market value, as buyers factor repairs and their own profit into the price.
- Potential scams: The cash-buying industry has scams to watch out for, so it’s essential to verify the legitimacy of any company before you commit.
- No agent guidance: You may miss out on expert advice that a real estate agent would provide to help you maximize your sale.
- Limited buyer pool: Selling to a house-buying company can reduce your pool of potential buyers, which might limit options if you’re looking for the highest possible price.
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 Staten Island home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to estimate home values quickly, allowing for a nearly instant offer. These companies, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, provide all-cash offers closer to market value for homes in good condition, with closings typically within days to two weeks. However, iBuyers often charge a service fee of 5%-6%, making them ideal for sellers whose homes are well-maintained in regions with uniform housing. Learn more about the iBuyer process.
Listing with an agent
Listing with a top agent can be a smart option if your home is market-ready. Agents may deliver higher offers than cash buyers, with the top 5% of agents often achieving up to 10% more than average agents. An agent will also provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) — often free — to help set the right price. Additionally, an experienced agent might connect you with buyers willing to make a competitive cash offer. If you’re interested in exploring this option, HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent.
FAQs on Staten Island house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in Staten Island 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 Staten Island 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 Staten Island Colonial-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 Staten Island 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 Staten Island 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 Staten Island 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 Staten Island vs. top Staten Island 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 Staten Island | Sell with a top Realtor in Staten Island |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 108 days average; 64 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 | 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 Staten Island is worth about $450,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $475,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in Staten Island | Sell with a top Realtor in Staten Island | |
Estimated sale price | ($475,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $307,500 | $450,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $4,500 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $26,100 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $6,750 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $307,500 | $412,650 |
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
- Fast closing: House-buying companies can offer a quick and simple sale, often closing within days or weeks.
- No repairs needed: Cash buyers typically purchase homes as-is, allowing you to skip costly repairs or upgrades.
- Lower offers: Expect cash offers from these companies to be below market value, as they factor in resale and repair costs.
- Ideal for urgent situations: If you’re dealing with a time-sensitive or complex situation, cash sales provide a streamlined solution without traditional listing hassles.
- Alternative options: iBuyers and listing with an agent can also lead to a faster sale while providing more competitive offers in many cases.
- 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 Staten Island, NY agent.
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