5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in West Palm Beach
- Published on
- 15 min read
- Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorCloseKelsey Morrison Former HomeLight Editor
Kelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
When you need to sell your West Palm Beach house fast or don’t have the funds for much-needed updates, “We Buy Houses” companies can help you cash out your investment and move on with your life.
These companies make all-cash offers on properties in “as-is” condition, allowing you to skip the repairs, cleanings, and showings that often come with listing on the open market. They can also offer a lifeline to Florida homeowners facing urgent circumstances like a sudden job loss or a move to a long-term care facility. While speed and convenience are tempting, these benefits often come at the cost of below-market-value offers.
In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of working with a house-buying company in West Palm Beach. We’ll highlight some of the most reputable cash home buyers in the area and explore alternative options for selling your home. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to make a confident and informed decision that aligns with your home-selling goals.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of West Palm Beach area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in West Palm Beach
Selling your West Palm Beach home to a house-buying company can be a fast and easy process. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:
1. Find a company: Research local “We Buy Houses in West Palm Beach” companies to find a reputable buyer. Look for those with positive reviews and a track record in your area.
2. Inquire: Contact your chosen company to express your interest in selling. This step usually involves filling out a form on their website or making a phone call.
3. Home evaluation: The company will assess your home’s condition, often with a quick visit to the property. This evaluation helps them make a fair cash offer.
4. Receive an offer: Based on the evaluation, the company will present you with a no-obligation cash offer. Remember, these offers are typically non-negotiable and are designed for a quick sale.
5. Accept the offer: If you decide the offer meets your needs, you can accept it to move forward with the sale.
6. Close the sale: Closing is usually quick and hassle-free, often occurring within a matter of days or weeks. You’ll most likely receive cash for your home via a wire transfer.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in West Palm Beach
If you’re thinking of selling your West Palm Beach house, a cash buyer can be a great option. Before you proceed, it’s important to find a trustworthy company that will give you a fair deal.
We’ve outlined some of the top companies that will pay cash for your parents’ Spanish-style residence or Art Deco townhouse. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your West Palm Beach home in as little as a week or two.
The Friendly Home Buyer
Established in 2017, The Friendly Home Buyer is a Miami-based house-buying company that services the state of Florida. After a brief phone conversation, they’ll present you with a no-obligation cash offer if your house is a good fit. They can schedule the closing in as few as three days, or whenever works best for you. The Friendly Home Buyer will also give you additional time to move after the closing date if needed.
Locations: Statewide, including West Palm Beach
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; The Friendly Home Buyer covers them.
The Friendly Home Buyer has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2017 and touts an A+ rating. They also have a 4.9-star rating on Google. Customers commend their fair offers, caring approach, and quick, hassle-free closing process. “Our experience with The Friendly Home Buyer went smoothly from start to finish,” wrote a former client. “We were very happy with their offer for our house. It allowed us to ‘get out from under.’”
Website: thefriendlyhomebuyer.com
Phone number: 888-713-9158
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in West Palm Beach (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. 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 West Palm Beach.
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 West Palm Beach
Closing costs: No prep costs, no agent commissions, and no 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
All About Real Estate
All About Real Estate (AARE) buys houses “as-is” in more than 200 cities in Florida, including West Palm Beach. They present fair, no-obligation cash offers after touring properties in person, and can close deals in as few as five business days. There’s no need for repairs, upgrades, or clean-up, and AARE will even pay for the closing costs, too.
Locations: Statewide, including West Palm Beach
Closing costs: Seller pays no closing costs; All About Real Estate covers them.
All About Real Estate has been BBB-accredited since 2018 and holds an A+ rating. They also maintain a perfect 5-star rating on Google. Customers praise the employees’ attentiveness, transparency, and willingness to answer questions. “If you want to sell your house fast, this is the place to call,” reads one review. “Professional and friendly, they don’t make you feel uncomfortable about selling your house fast even if it is messy and you haven’t fixed anything in ages.”
Website: allaboutrealestate.com
Phone number: 786-753-8500
FL Cash Home Buyers
FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC has been in business since 2011 and has completed over 1,400 real estate transactions to date. They’ll present you with a price range in the initial phone call and then follow up with a no-obligation cash offer. The closing process typically takes 15–30 days but can be completed in as few as five days if needed. Sellers can even request a cash advance to help with moving expenses.
Locations: Statewide, including West Palm Beach
Closing costs: Seller pays no closing costs; FL Cash Home Buyers covers them.
FL Cash Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2015 and boasts an A+ rating. They also have a 4.8-star rating on Google based on over 150 reviews. Past customers praise the company for its competitive offers, easy-going employees, and efficient closings. “It is a scary situation selling a house remotely but Florida Cash Buyers is a great outfit to work with,” wrote a former client. “They gave a fair price and no closing costs.”
Website: floridacashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 954-519-7040
Freedom Cash Home Buyers
Based in Davie, Freedom Cash Home Buyers is a family-owned company that was founded in 2015. They buy homes in any condition and at any price point. It typically takes 10–15 days to complete the entire process once the agreement is signed. Sellers can choose a closing date that fits their schedule and aren’t on the hook for any fees or commissions.
Locations: Statewide, including West Palm Beach
Closing costs: Freedom Cash Home Buyers covers closing costs with the exception of property taxes.
Freedom Cash Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2017 and has an A rating. They also boast a 4.9-star rating on Google. Many reviews speak of the employees’ quick responses to calls and emails, as well as their ability to truthfully answer questions. “Freedom was able to put joy back into my family member’s life,” reads a recent review. “After being told her family home was going to be auctioned off due a tax deed, the team at Freedom was able to assist with saving their home and putting cash in their hands.”
Website: freedomcashhomebuyers.com
Phone number: 855-675-1924
Why sell your West Palm Beach house for cash?
Selling your West Palm Beach house to a “We Buy Houses” company can be a great option in many circumstances. These companies offer a simplified and stress-free way to sell your home compared to the traditional process. This can be ideal if you need to sell quickly, are facing a tough situation, or simply want to avoid the hassle of showings and open houses.
In West Palm Beach, it typically takes around 92 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 48 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 West Palm Beach, and it’s easy to see why these Cash-For-Homes groups are an attractive option, even though they don’t always offer top dollar for the homes they purchase.
Let’s look at some of the most common reasons West Palm Beach homeowners decide to work with a “We Buy Houses” company:
- Job relocation: When you need to move quickly for a new job opportunity, selling for cash can speed up the process.
- Divorce: Selling your home can simplify the division of assets during a divorce, offering a clean break for both parties.
- Inherited property: Managing or maintaining an inherited home can be overwhelming, making a quick sale an appealing option.
- Downsizing: As you look towards retirement or simplifying your lifestyle, selling for cash can make downsizing smoother.
- Major repairs needed: When your home requires extensive repairs that you can’t afford or manage, a cash sale can be a relief.
- Avoiding open houses: If you prefer not to deal with the inconvenience of staging and open houses, a cash offer provides an alternative.
- Foundation issues: Selling a home with significant issues like foundation problems is simpler through a cash offer.
- Facing foreclosure: To avoid foreclosure and its impact on your credit, a fast cash sale can be a viable exit strategy.
- Problem tenants: Selling a rental property quickly can resolve issues with problem tenants without lengthy evictions.
- Selling from out of state: Managing a sale from afar can be cumbersome; a cash sale simplifies this process.
If you’re facing any of these scenarios, considering a cash offer from a house-buying company could provide the quick, uncomplicated solution you need.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in West Palm Beach
Selling your West Palm Beach home to a house-buying company offers a unique set of advantages, particularly if you’re looking for a quick sale or if your home needs significant repairs. However, this convenience can come at a cost, like receiving an offer that’s below market value.
Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of selling to a house-buying company in West Palm Beach:
Pros
- Quick sale: The most significant advantage is the ability to close on your property quickly, often within days, which is ideal for urgent financial needs or if you’re relocating for a job.
- Buy as-is: These companies will buy your home in its current condition, eliminating the need for costly repairs or upgrades.
- No contingencies: This selling method typically bypasses many of the common hurdles found in traditional sales, such as financing or inspection contingencies.
- Simplified process: The entire process is straightforward, with minimal paperwork and no need for open houses or staging, saving you time and stress.
Cons
- Below market value: The most significant drawback is that you will likely receive an offer that’s below the current market value of your home, which could mean leaving money on the table.
- Limited negotiation: Offers from these companies are typically non-negotiable, giving you little room to negotiate if you’re seeking a higher price.
- Risk of scams: While many reputable companies operate in this space, there’s always a risk of encountering scams. Vet each company carefully to avoid this fate.
- Not ideal for high-value homes: If your home is in a highly desirable area or has significant value, you might benefit more from selling on the conventional market.
Vet cash buyers and know your home’s worth
When considering selling your West Palm Beach home to a “We Buy Houses” company, remember that not all cash buyers are created equal. The integrity and service level you experience can significantly differ based on who is making the offer. Before jumping at the first cash offer that comes your way, take a moment to vet the company thoroughly. Look into their reviews, read through testimonials from previous sellers, and research their market presence and history in West Palm Beach to ensure they’re reputable.
It’s also crucial to understand the value of your home before committing to any offer. This knowledge will give you a baseline to assess whether the cash offer is fair. Always read the buying agreement with a critical eye, paying close attention to the details before signing. A little due diligence can go a long way in ensuring you have a positive selling experience with a cash buyer.
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 it to your cash offer. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach home quickly
iBuyers
iBuyers, or instant buyers, use automated valuation models (AVMs) to make fast, all-cash offers, often closer to market value for homes in better condition. The iBuyer process, which is mostly conducted online, can close in as little as a few days to two weeks. This path is best suited for homeowners who live in areas with homogenous housing. Note that companies like Opendoor and Offerpad often charge service fees of around 5%–6%.
Listing with an agent
Selling through a real estate agent could yield a higher price, especially in a seller-friendly market. Agents use a comparative market analysis (CMA), often provided for free, to set competitive listing prices. An experienced agent could even leverage their network to connect you with a cash buyer willing to pay close to market value for your home. If you’re interested in exploring this option, HomeLight can match you with a top agent in your area.
FAQs on West Palm Beach house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach bungalow could sell for $340,000 after repairs, but it’s going to need $30,000 of work to get there.
($340,000 x .70) – $30,000 = $208,000
In this example, a West Palm Beach “We Buy Houses” company might offer you around $208,000 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 West Palm Beach We Buy Houses for Cash company, you will likely be coming to grips with a two-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 the offer is accepted. On the other side, 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 is going to be the price you walk away with at the end of the deal. Of course, it’s always a good idea to flat-out ask the company if there are any hidden program fees that might impact your bottom line.
1. Research and vet the house-buying companies that serve your West Palm Beach area. Our list above is a good place to start.
2. Submit offer requests to a few of the companies you like best.
3. Schedule any required on-site property visits.
4. Compare offers. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the best option for you.
5. 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 West Palm Beach vs. top West Palm Beach agent
Another helpful exercise is to compare how a “We Buy Houses” 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 West Palm Beach | Sell with a top Realtor in West Palm Beach |
Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 92 days average; 48 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 | 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” company and an agent-assisted sale.
Let’s say your home in West Palm Beach is currently worth about $340,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $365,000.
Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in West Palm Beach | Sell with a top Realtor in West Palm Beach | |
Estimated sale price | ($365,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $230,500 | $340,000 |
Market preparations | 0 | $3,400 (1% of sale price) |
Agent commissions | 0 | $19,720 (5.8% of sale price) |
Closing costs | 0 | $5,100 (1.5%) |
Estimated take-home for seller | $230,500 | $311,780 |
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
- Selling your West Palm Beach home to a house-buying company can be much faster than the traditional market.
- It’s important to research and vet any cash-for-homes company before proceeding with a sale.
- You can sell your home as-is, without the need for repairs or renovations.
- The selling process is streamlined, with fewer steps and less paperwork than traditional sales.
- Be prepared that the offer may be below market value, reflecting the trade-off for convenience and speed. That’s why it’s important to know your home’s value before you agree to sell.
- HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform extends no-obligation, all-cash offers on homes in various conditions in West Palm Beach, connecting sellers with a wide network of investors. This option is ideal for sellers who are uncertain about finding a buyer.
When considering a West Palm Beach Cash-For-Homes company, gathering multiple offers and carefully weighing your options is a winning strategy. Remember, consulting with a top West Palm Beach agent can provide you with expert insights on how quickly and for how much your property might sell on the market. Whether you’re exploring a quick cash sale or the traditional agent route, let HomeLight help you navigate your real estate needs with confidence.
Header Image Source: (Richard Sagredo/ Unsplash)