We Buy Houses York, PA: Top 5 Companies
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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.
Need to sell your York, PA, home fast? “We buy houses” companies offer cash for homes as-is, letting you skip repairs, cleaning, and the drawn-out listing process. For homeowners pressed for time or resources, this can be an efficient way to move forward.
Whether you’re facing an urgent situation like a relocation, divorce, or inherited property, selling for cash can provide quick funds and peace of mind. These companies specialize in fast, hassle-free transactions, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.
This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of working with York cash-for-homes companies, compare them with other selling options, and help you make an informed choice.
Sell Your House Fast in York 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 York.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of York area “We Buy Houses” companies should not be considered an endorsement.
Working with house-buying companies in York
Selling your house to a cash-for-homes company in York, PA, is designed to be a quick and straightforward process. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Contact the company: Reach out to a house-buying company in York, often by phone or through their website, to share basic details about your property.
- Schedule a property visit: Set up a time for the company to inspect your home, either in person or virtually, to assess its condition.
- Receive an offer: After evaluating your home, the company will present you with a no-obligation cash offer, typically within 24-48 hours.
- Review the terms: Take time to consider the offer and any conditions, such as closing timelines or required documentation.
- Accept the offer: If you agree to the terms, sign the purchase agreement to move forward with the sale.
- Close the deal: Work with the company to finalize the sale, often within a week, and receive your cash payment.
Popular We Buy Houses for Cash companies in York
If the process of selling to a house-buying company in York] 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’ Colonial or Victorian. By selling to one of these companies, you should be able to sell your York home in as little as a week or two.
717 Home Buyers
717 Home Buyers, a family-owned real estate solutions company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers quick cash for houses. Simply fill out a short property information form, and they’ll provide an all-cash offer within 24 hours.
Locations: throughout Pennsylvania, including York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; 717 Home Buyers cover them.
717 Home Buyers has been BBB-accredited since 2021, holding an A+ rating and a 4.13/5-star customer score. Additionally, they have a 4.8-star rating on Google, based on over 60 reviews.
Website: 717homebuyers.com/sell-your-house/york
Phone number: 717-639-2164
Simple Sale (a HomeLight platform)
Simple Sale, a solution from HomeLight, is an online platform where sellers in York (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 in different locations throughout York, even those that need some or a lot of work.
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 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
We Buy Houses
WeBuyHouses.com was founded in 1997 and buys houses in 200 markets and 30 states in any condition. According to their website, they have been trusted by 1 million homeowners and can present a cash offer even if the homeowner is behind on their mortgage or facing foreclosure.
Locations: Nationwide, including York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; WeBuyHouses.com covers them
WeBuyHouses.com has been BBB accredited since August 2020 and has an A+ rating.
Website: webuyhouses.com/PA/York
Phone number: 877-932-8946
Riverwalk Property Solutions
Riverwalk Property Solutions makes selling your Harrisburg home easy and stress-free. They offer fair cash offers, flexible closing dates, and buy homes in any condition. Whether facing foreclosure or avoiding traditional sales, they provide support every step of the way.
Locations: Central Pennsylvania, including York
Closing costs: Riverwalk Property Solutions often pays closing costs.
Riverwalk Property Solutions has a 5-star Google rating from 11 reviews. The company is not listed on the BBB website.
Website: selltorw.com
Phone number: 717-200-8875
First Choice Home Buyers
First Choice Home Buyers is a Harrisburg-based company with decades of experience buying homes for cash in any condition. They follow a simple 5-step process and offer tailored solutions for homeowners facing challenges like debt, job loss, or relocation. Known for their strong values, they aim to create win-win outcomes for every client.
Locations: Central Pennsylvania, including York
Closing costs: Sellers pay no closing costs; First Choice Home Buyers covers them.
First Choice Home Buyers has a 4.4-star Google rating, with customers praising their professionalism, transparency, and excellent service. First Choice Home Buyers has been BBB accredited since 2022 and holds an A+ rating.
Website: firstchoicehomebuyers.com
Phone number: 717-744-9113
Why sell your York house for cash?
Many valid reasons exist for a York home seller to work with a Cash-For-Homes company. Speed, certainty, and remarkable convenience are among the most common.
In York, it typically takes around 55 days to sell a home on the market using an agent. That includes an average of 11 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 York, 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.
Selling your home for cash in York can be a smart choice if you’re facing an urgent situation or want to simplify the selling process. Here are some scenarios where working with a house-buying company might make sense:
- Job relocation: You need to sell quickly to settle into a new job opportunity.
- Divorce: A cash sale helps you divide assets during a challenging life transition.
- Inherited property: Selling for cash avoids the hassle of maintaining or renovating a home you’ve inherited.
- Downsizing: Transitioning to a smaller home or retirement community is faster with a cash buyer.
- Major repairs needed: Avoid the costs and stress of addressing significant home repairs.
- Dislike open houses: Skip the stress of preparing your home for showings and events.
- Foundation issues: Sell your home without addressing costly structural repairs.
- Facing foreclosure: A cash sale can help you avoid financial strain and protect your credit.
- Problem tenants: Selling to a cash buyer ends the hassle of managing difficult renters.
- Selling from out of state: Manage the sale remotely without repeated trips to finalize the transaction.
Pros and cons of house-buying companies in York
Working with a house-buying company in York has distinct advantages and disadvantages. These companies are known for offering quick sales and buying homes as-is, but sellers often trade speed for lower profits. Below, we’ve outlined the key pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros of house-buying companies
Selling to a house-buying company offers speed and simplicity. They will purchase your house in any condition, eliminating the need for repairs or preparations. Here are the biggest benefits:
- Fast closing times: House-buying companies typically close within 7-10 days, letting you move forward quickly without the delays of traditional sales.
- Sell as-is: These companies will buy your home as-is, so you don’t have to invest in costly repairs or cleanup.
- No showings or staging: Avoid the hassle of preparing for open houses or multiple buyer walkthroughs.
- Certainty of sale: Cash offers come without contingencies that might derail the process, giving you a guaranteed outcome.
Cons of house-buying companies
While house-buying companies offer convenience, they typically pay below market value, which can mean leaving money on the table. Here are the key drawbacks:
- Lower offers: Expect to receive significantly less than what your home might fetch on the traditional market.
- Limited negotiation: Most companies present take-it-or-leave-it offers, giving you little room to discuss terms.
- Risk of scams: Some buyers operate unethically; it’s essential to watch out for potential scams.
- Missed agent expertise: Selling without an agent means you lose professional advice that could maximize your home’s value.
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 York home quickly
If you’re considering alternatives to house-buying companies, iBuyers and real estate agents may offer solutions for a fast sale. Here’s a quick overview:
iBuyers
iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad provide near-instant cash offers for homes using automated valuation models. The iBuyer process is mostly online, takes a few days to two weeks, and offers close-to-market-value prices for homes in good condition. However, service fees (5%-6%) can reduce your proceeds.
Listing with an agent
A top real estate agent can help you sell quickly by strategically pricing and marketing your home. Agents provide valuable insights through a comparative market analysis—often free—to set a competitive price. Partnering with the right agent can yield top-dollar offers and even connect you with cash buyers. If you’re interested, HomeLight can connect you with a top agent in your area.
FAQs on York house-buying companies
By and large, most We Buy Houses for Cash companies in York 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 York 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 York Victorian could sell for $148,050 after repairs, but it will need $30,000 of work to get there.
($148,050 x .70) – $30,000 = $73,635
In this example, a York We Buy Houses company might offer you around $73,635 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 York 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 York 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 York vs. top York 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 York | Sell with a top Realtor in York |
| Selling timeline | 7 to 30 days | 55 days average; 11 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 York is worth about $148,000 and needs about $25,000 in repairs. Once the repairs are completed, the home might be worth around $173,000.
| Sell to a We Buy Houses for Cash company in York | Sell with a top Realtor in York | |
| Estimated sale price | ($173,000 x .70) – $25,000 = $96,100 | $148,000 |
| Market preparations | 0 | $1,480 (1% of sale price) |
| Agent commissions | 0 | $4,440 (3%) |
| Closing costs | 0 | $2,220 (1.5%) |
| Estimated take-home for seller | $96,100 | $139,860 |
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
When deciding whether to sell your York house to a Cash-For-Homes company, here are the main points to remember:
- Fast and easy sales: House-buying companies specialize in quick transactions, often closing within days, and require no repairs or preparations on your part.
- Lower offers: Cash buyers typically pay below market value, which may not maximize your home’s potential profit.
- As-is purchases: These companies will buy your house as-is, saving you the cost and hassle of making improvements.
- Limited negotiation: Offers are usually take-it-or-leave-it, so it’s essential to be prepared for firm terms.
- Alternative options: iBuyers, real estate agents, and other methods may offer a better balance of speed and financial return, depending on your situation.
- 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 York agent.
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