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Seller’s Advantage is a top-rated cash buyer that offers a hassle-free selling experience for homeowners throughout California.
You can expect a streamlined home-selling process free from repairs, showings, and lengthy closing periods, but you'll probably make less money than you would with a realtor — even if your house needs work.
Online reviews show that most customers are pleased with the service they receive from Seller’s Advantage, and many customers rave about the reasonable offers, easy process, and no-pressure sales team. Occasional complaints arise around lower offers or offers that are lowered at the last minute.
If you’re planning to request an offer from Seller's Advantage, it’s smart to compare it with a few others before deciding. With more offers in hand, you can get a more accurate picture of your home's cash offer value. Sellers with multiple offers to fall back on often get better prices and contract terms.
You can request offers on your own, with the help of a top local realtor, or through a cash offer marketplace like Clever Offers. Enter a few home facts to see what offers you qualify for and quickly compare options from investors, iBuyers, and more — no added fees or obligation to move forward.
Is Seller's Advantage right for you?
If you want to sell your home quickly without putting it on the market, selling to a cash buyer like Seller’s Advantage may be the right choice for you. A cash buyer may also be your best bet if:
- Your home needs significant repairs
- You want to sell a rental or inherited property that needs some work
- You want to sell a multi-unit property or mobile home easily
- You need to sell fast as a result of tax liens, foreclosure, or divorce proceedings
However, you might want to consider a different route if you don’t need a quick sale or your home doesn’t require significant repairs. Cash buyers like Seller’s Advantage function as real estate investors, which means they need to offer low to make a profit.
Working with a real estate agent — especially from a brokerage that offers a competitive commission rate — will help you earn more money for your home.
You may also find a better deal with a competitor or through a free cash offer network like Clever Offers, which helps you compare competing offers from top cash home buyers in your area. You can request a free home valuation to find out what your home is worth on the open market.
Top Seller's Advantage alternatives
Seller's Advantage is one of the most recognizable cash home buying brands in Southern California. However, it's important to shop around to ensure you're getting a competitive offer.
Another investor may be able to offer a better sale price or more accommodating terms to suit your situation.
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Clever Offers helps you find and compare offers from leading cash buyers in your area — all with a proven track record of ethical dealings with home sellers.
Because Clever's network includes local/national investors, iBuyers, and agents with experience listing homes as is, you get a range of offers to choose from — including alternative deal types that deliver a higher payout over time.
The 5-star rated company gets top marks for helping you make an informed decision without pressuring you to move forward. See our full Clever Offers review.
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Opendoor is for home sellers who want to skip the hassles of a traditional home sale — without sacrificing too much on price.
You can get an initial offer within 24–48 hours, choose your closing date, and skip repairs and showings. The company also pays much closer to market value than traditional house flippers.
Opendoor does charge a 5% service fee, and some customers complain that final offers are lower than initial estimates. See our full Opendoor review.
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If you’re considering selling for cash, and live in CA or TX, Sundae is one of the better options. Their auction-style platform gives you multiple bids to choose from, and they handle the listing details and marketing on your behalf.
Reviews of Sundae are overwhelmingly positive. Customers claim the service is fast and easy with better-than-expected offers (though not always). Sundae also offers cash advances of up to $10,000.
Sundae does a percentage of the winning bid (deducted before you're shown each offer through what's called a Buyer's Premium), so it's worth exploring other options to see what investors might offer you directly. See our full Sundae review.
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We Buy Houses is a solid choice if you need to sell fast or have a home that’s difficult to sell. You don’t need to worry about repairs and can close extremely quickly, sometimes in just a week.
The company has been around since 1997, carefully vets its investors' reputations, and is available in most of the U.S.
Franchise owners have a high degree of independence when it comes to the types of offers they can make. While the customer experience may vary between locations, most offices maintain above-average ratings. See our full We Buy Houses review.
Seller's Advantage reviews and complaints
| Source | Average Rating | Review Count |
|---|---|---|
| BBB | 4.9 | 278 |
| 4.7 | 413 | |
| Yelp | 4.2 | 125 |
| Weighted Average: | 4.7 | 816 |
Seller's Advantage reviews are generally quite positive. The company has an overall average rating of 4.69/5 across 816 online customer reviews.
Customers praise Seller’s Advantage for its reasonable cash offers, a worry-free selling process, and a prompt, caring customer service team. The few negative reviews it receives are generally from home buyers complaining that Seller’s Advantage changed their initial offer.
✅ Quick selling process without surprises
One of the most common compliments customers have about Seller’s Advantage is the simple selling process. Many reviewers are quick to say that it is hassle-free.
“I used Seller's Advantage to sell a home that I purchased in [redacted]. They closed the home quickly within 14 days, and I received a good price for the home. It was an overall 5-star experience. It is a very honest and straightforward company. Top Notch.”
✅ Outstanding customer support
Customer representatives at Seller’s Advantage are often described as informative and professional. Customers also rave about how the team works with them every step of the way.
“I highly recommend Sellers' Advantage. We had been working with realtors and seeking other investors to expedite the sale of this property. Upon contacting Sellers' Advantage, the process was remarkably swift and straightforward. Alvin, who conducted the initial property assessment, was transparent and forthright in his findings. He meticulously guided us through every detail of the contract, ensuring our complete comfort with the offer. The entire team demonstrates exceptional integrity and character. From inception to completion, this was the most favorable experience we could have anticipated.”
✅ Reasonable offers
Seller’s Advantage offers customers a reasonable price for their homes without needing to haggle or negotiate fees.
“Always having dealt with a realtor, we were a bit scared and skeptical that the process was so easy...and as advertised. Knowing the good/bad of my home and what the repair costs would be, the recent comps in the area, what agent fees would estimate, I knew the amount at which I would feel comfortable selling, and Seller's Advantage met it. To be able to pick our closing date and not have to fix/repair, haggle with time, stage the home, find buyers, negotiate...what a blessing!
“Super easy to work with. I knew what price I needed to match what I would expect if I sold using the conventional method, and they met my price, no haggling needed. I would recommend Seller's Advantage to anyone who wants a quick, easy sale without any of the stress that comes with a conventional real estate transaction.”
✅ Fast closings
Seller’s Advantage offers fast turnaround times, with closings as quick as 7 days after the offer. Customers can also choose a closing date that fits with their selling timeline.
“I had the best experience with Seller’s Advantage. They helped me with one of my rentals that I wanted to sell. The Seller’s Advantage team is like a well-oiled machine. Everyone was friendly and did exactly what they said they were going to do. The whole process was completed in 14 days. They made it so easy. I would highly recommend this company. You won’t be sorry.”
❌ Last-minute offer changes
Many negative reviews centered around Seller’s Advantage changing its offer.
“Our experience with Sellers Advantage was not good at all. It started out great, the [redacted] came out, and after we talked, he gave us a great, fair offer for our house. On the morning of signing the contract, everything was still great. But then, just 3 hours late,r right before we were going to sign, Sellers Advantage called back and pulled the rug out from under us. They said they couldn't honor the original offer and countered with an offer $80,000 less than the original. We never got a clear answer to why they did that, so that made it even worse. I am happy that they have been able to help out others, but for me, because of what happened, I can't even stand to watch their commercials anymore.”
❌ Below fair market value offers
There were also a few negative reviews from homeowners who expected to get the full asking price for their homes when selling as-is to a cash investor.
“Terrible and predatory company. Had an awful experience with extreme seller's remorse. I did not find them to be respectful or informative. Stay away unless you want to get ripped off for 20%.”
How Seller's Advantage works
Seller’s Advantage gives home sellers an alternative to the open market by buying homes “as-is” from customers. The cash buyer covers all closing costs and helps sellers avoid fees associated with traditional home sales by offering a lower (but reasonable) valuation on homes.
Here’s how the process works:[2]
- Fill out the online form or call the company directly.
- Talk to a representative about your closing requirements and why you are selling.
- A Seller’s Advantage representative inspects your home and makes an offer within 24 hours.
- Review and accept the offer.
- Close on your home in as little as 7 days with no closing costs or hidden fees.[1]
How much does Seller's Advantage pay?
Cash homebuying companies like Seller’s Advantage typically pay 60-80% of your home’s after-repair value (ARV) — its estimated value after needed home improvements.
Seller’s Advantage determines your offer amount after reviewing:[3]
- Current market conditions
- Comparable home sales
- Your property’s condition
It likely also evaluates:
- Your home’s age and size
- Needed repairs and renovations
- Local amenities
Note that the focus for cash home buyers is on providing a fast, convenient home sale with no contingencies, rather than maximizing your home’s sale price. Seller’s Advantage also needs room to repair and resell your home for a profit.
That said, many reviewers said Seller’s Advantage’s offer was fair and reasonable. While people received below fair-market value for their homes, they saved on realtor fees and closing costs, helping to offset some of the loss.
Seller's Advantage fees and other costs
Seller’s Advantage doesn’t charge any fees. There’s no:
- Realtor commissions
- Closing costs
- Repair or renovation costs
- Staging or preparation costs
- Inspection and appraisal fees
However, you typically only receive about 70% of your home's ARV when selling for cash, allowing companies like Seller’s Advantage to generate a profit and remain in business.
Even though you save on traditional home sale fees, the savings likely aren’t enough to offset the indirect cost of a cash home sale.
What types of homes does Seller's Advantage buy?
Seller’s Advantage purchases homes throughout California (including San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties).[4] Types of homes they purchase include:
- Single-family homes[5]
- Duplexes[5]
- Triplexes[5]
- Four-plexes[5]
- Condos[6]
- Mobile homes with property[7]
📍Seller's Advantage locations
Seller's Advantage is available in the following locations. Select your local market to find additional cash offer products available near you.
Is Seller's Advantage reputable?
Seller’s Advantage is a legitimate company founded by Damon Lines and Doug Hopkins. It started in 2010, and is headquartered in Irving, CA. Seller’s advantage has helped thousands of Californians sell their homes quickly and easily[1].
There are some things to watch out for if you go through Seller’s Advantage, though. While the company advertises selling in most major U.S. metropolitan areas, it has recently responded to homeowners that it only operates in California.[8][9] You can also expect to make less on your home than you would if you listed it on the open market.
We suggest shopping around and comparing Seller’s Advantage to a few other companies that buy houses for cash before taking an offer. It’s also important to understand your home’s market value to know the trade-offs of choosing a cash buyer.
You can compare your selling options on your own or use a free cash offer comparison service like Clever Offers.
FAQs
How do 'we buy houses' companies work?
Most companies that buy houses for cash in are professional real estate investors who purchase properties, fix them up, then resell or rent them out for a profit.
- Many property investors look to buy “distressed” homes (properties that need major repairs, have complex title or tax issues, or whose owners are under pressure to sell fast).
- Because investors usually pay with cash, they can close faster than retail buyers who need approval from a lender. Some can close in as few as 2-3 days after making an offer.
- Buying complicated properties fast carries a lot of risk, so investors typically pay less than you'd net on the open market to ensure they don't end up losing money on the deal.
- This tradeoff can be worth it if you need speed and certainty or can't sell your home on the open market.
But cash investors aren't always your best or only option. We suggest trying an offers marketplace like Clever Offers, which brings you competing cash offers and other sell-fast solutions to compare so you get the best price and sale outcome.
Should I sell to a company that buys houses for cash?
Consider a cash home buyer company if you're selling a house that needs major repairs, has complicating factors (e.g., title problems, liens, tax issues), or are under pressure to sell your house fast because of pre-foreclosure, financial issues, or unexpected life changes.
If you need to sell fast and have a newer, well-maintained house, you may want to look into an iBuyer or Buy-Before-You-Sell (aka bridge loan) service, if they're available in your area. iBuyer and Bridge Loan services may help you get a higher price without sacrificing speed and certainty.
If you have a more flexible selling timeline, it’s worth finding a real estate agent to get a free comparative market analysis so you know what you could get for your home on the open market. Listing with an agent means less control over timing, but will generally net you the most money in the end — even if you're selling a house as-is.
Are 'we buy houses' companies a ripoff?
Most "We Buy Houses for Cash" companies are legit. But there are definitely bad actors and frauds to watch out for. Here are some quick tips that can help you avoid potential scams or predatory buyers.
- Look for an established online presence. E.g., BBB accreditation with a high letter grade; excellent customer ratings and lots of reviews (including recent ones) on third-party platforms like Google; a legitimate-looking website with info about owners, customer testimonials, and other credibility signals.
- Always request offers from more than one cash buyer. This will help ensure, at minimum, that you get a fair price and, ideally, help you net the most possible cash in the end. (Note: Clever Offers makes this process fast, safe, and easy).
- Ask for a proof of funds letter along with the cash offer. Legit and experienced cash investors should be happy to provide this to you.
- Make sure all the key details are in the contract. The earnest money deposit, sale price, closing date, and other key terms should be clearly stated in the purchase agreement. If it’s not in writing, the buyer can make last minute changes or back out of the deal and you have zero recourse.
- ⚠️ DON’T call the phone numbers on those generic “Cash for Houses” signs posted by the side of the road, especially when there are no details about the company.
- ⚠️ WALK AWAY if the cash investor or company representative is getting aggressive, pushy, or making you uncomfortable in any way.
- ⚠️ NEVER wire anyone money or give out your personal financial information without professional representation or a licensed third-party (like an attorney or title company) involved.
🚨 Important: If you or someone you know has been in contact with or possibly taken advantage of by a company you think is a scam or fraud, please (a) report it to your local police via 911 and (b) all relevant government protection agencies online:
Recommended Reading
Methodology
We evaluate each company that buys houses for cash based on five core criteria:
- Customer reviews
- Service quality
- Offer quality
- Fees and other costs
- Credibility
Customer reviews
Review analysis. We perform an in-depth analysis of all the available customer reviews to determine trends. We break down the reviews by theme and sentiment, and filter out spam reviews to determine our rating.
Company responsiveness. Negative reviews are part of doing business; however, we take note of whether a company is actively involved in resolving customer complaints.
Service quality
Customer experience. We rely on secret shopping and fact-checking interviews with company representatives to look for indicators that the company is professional, communicative, customer-focused, and ethical in its dealings with customers. We verify this information against customer reviews and interviews with past customers or professionals (realtors, former employees) who have had direct experience working with the brand.
Offer quality
Price. While nearly all cash buyers pay less than market value for homes, we look at how competitive the company's offers are compared to similar companies.
Purchase criteria. We also look at the company's purchase criteria to see how flexible and accommodating they are in making offers. Companies that offer a fair price for homes that other buyers won't purchase can still earn our endorsement for offer quality.
Fees and other costs
Competitiveness. We look at how the company's fees and other costs compare to competitors.
Value. We consider whether the fees are justified by the value offered.
Credibility
Trust signals. We look at how long the company has been in business, the number of verified customer reviews it has, how willing the company was to answer questions about their business model when we contacted them, and how easy it is to find detailed information on their website — including the names and contact details of specific team members. We also look at customer reviews indicating whether the company acts with honesty and integrity in their business dealings.