California cash home buyers will buy almost any property, including homes that need repairs or homes with complicating factors, like title issues or tax defaults, that could make a regular sale difficult.
Cash home buyers typically pay in cash, so they can often help you sell your house faster than a conventional buyer who has to wait to get approved for a mortgage — sometimes within just a few days.
Buying complicated properties quickly brings a lot of risk, so these investors typically pay less for homes than you would get in an open market sale, to ensure they don’t end up taking a loss.
This tradeoff can be well worth it for sellers who need speed, certainty, privacy, or problem-solving to get a deal done. Just make sure to thoroughly vet any cash home buyer and get multiple offers to compare. It's also worth considering alternatives like selling with a low commission realtor.
Cash home buyer alternatives
If you need to sell fast or on a very specific timeline and your home is relatively new and in good condition, you may want to consider an iBuyer instead. iBuyer companies offer similar speed and flexibility but pay closer to fair-market value.
If you have a bit of timeline flexibility, 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.
Top companies that buy houses for cash in California
Exceptional average rating of 5 based on 129 reviews, but response rate to feedback is low.
Recent activity is moderate with two reviews in the last six months.
Has a long track record since 2016, but inconsistent customer reviews suggest fluctuating business.
Lacks transparency due to absence of team member information and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
The Cardoza Real Estate Group - Legacy Real Estate Inc. has been serving statewide in California since 2016. It has a perfect customer rating but lacks a BBB profile which may cause concerns. Despite this, it maintains a significant market activity, indicating its active buying of homes. However, its transparency score is low and its response rate to reviews is minimal. It is safe to consider this company, but additional research is recommended.
Excellent average rating of 5 based on 29 reviews and the company consistently responds to feedback.
It's BBB accredited with an A+ rating, showing high credibility.
Moderate recent activity, with three reviews in the past six months.
Active since 2019 with a strong track record of customer interactions.
Demonstrates transparency with customer testimonials, but lacks team member information on its site.
Our take: 🔵 Worth considering
Sell Quick California, LLC is a home-buying company active in the Sacramento County area since 2019. With a noteworthy recent activity score, an A+ BBB rating, and accreditation, it has a strong standing in the market. It lacks customer testimonials but is transparent about its team. Despite a lower number of reviews, its response rate is commendable. This company is worth considering for potential home sellers in Sacramento.
High average rating of 4.9 based on 50 reviews, and it regularly responds to feedback.
Not BBB accredited.
Quite active recently, with three reviews in the past six months.
Active since 2016 and consistent customer interaction indicates a good track record.
Displays team member names and photos on its site but lacks customer testimonials, limiting its transparency.
Our take: 🔵 Worth considering
Help-U-Sell Bakersfield Equity Savers is an active cash home buyer in the Kern County area since 2016. Despite not being accredited, it has a high customer rating. The company is somewhat transparent, offering some information about team members. While it doesn't have as many customer testimonials as some other companies, it has a good track record. This makes it a company worth considering for those selling homes in Bakersfield, California.
Maintains a perfect 5-star rating, but has no recent reviews.
No recent activity, with no reviews in the past six months.
Active for a couple of years since 2020, but infrequent customer reviews suggest sporadic business.
Strong transparency signals with available team member information and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Property Sales Group is a home buyer company operating in the Sacramento County area since 2020. Despite not having a BBB profile, it has a perfect customer rating based on a moderate number of reviews. The company is also very transparent, sharing information about team members and customer experiences. Although it's a relatively new company with less market activity, it is safe to consider this company for your home selling needs.
Exceptional 5-star average rating based on a sizable number of 493 reviews, with an impressive 89% response rate.
High recent activity with 87 reviews in the past six months.
Has a strong track record since 2020, with high customer interaction nearly every month.
Poor transparency due to lack of team member information and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Made 4 More, active since 2020, has received a perfect customer satisfaction score and has a high recent activity rate in the Placer County area. However, the company lacks a BBB profile and does not offer much transparency about its team or customer experiences. While it has a solid track record, potential customers should approach this company with caution due to the lack of available information.
Stellar average rating of 5 based on a sizable 127 reviews, and frequently responds to feedback.
High recent activity, with eight reviews in the past six months.
A strong track record since 2016, with active customer interactions.
Limited transparency due to lack of team member information and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Jay Friedman Realty Team at eXp has been serving the Placer County area since 2016. The company is very active in the market with a high customer rating. However, it lacks transparency as there is no information about its team or customer testimonials. Its BBB accreditation status is unverified, contributing to the company being safe to consider, but requiring additional checks for potential customers.
Excellent average rating of 5 based on 90 reviews, but does not respond to feedback.
Very active recently, with a high frequency of new reviews.
Strong track record since 2018, with consistent customer interaction over time.
Lacks transparency due to absence of team member details and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Adam Hammodat Real Estate Group KW is an active home buyer in the Orange County area with a perfect customer rating. However, it lacks a BBB profile, and there is no clarity about its BBB accreditation or any complaints. The company also offers limited transparency about its team and customer experiences. Nevertheless, its track record since 2018 and recent activity make it safe to consider for selling homes in Lake Forest, California.
Excellent average rating of 4.9 based on 86 reviews, responding well to customer feedback.
Active recently, with nine reviews in the past six months.
Solid track record since 2018 with regular customer interactions.
Limited transparency due to absence of team member information and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Home Helpers Group, active in the Tulare County area since 2018, has a high customer rating. Despite its lack of a BBB profile, the company shows a strong track record and is very active in the market. However, it lacks transparency as it doesn't provide information about its team or customer testimonials. This company is safe to consider, but potential customers may want to seek more information.
High average rating of 5 from 162 reviews, with a solid 53% response rate.
Very active recently, with 57 reviews in the past six months.
Strong track record since 2017, with consistent customer interaction.
Limited transparency due to lack of team member information and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Whissel Realty Group has been active in the San Diego County area since 2017. Although it lacks BBB verification and transparency about its team and customer testimonials, it has a perfect customer rating and has shown high recent activity in the market. However, it responds to just over half of its reviews. The company is safe to consider for selling homes in the La Mesa area.
Impressive 5-star average rating from 63 reviews, and the company frequently responds to reviews.
High recent activity with two reviews in the last six months.
Active since 2018, showing a good track record.
It lacks transparency with no team member information or customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Nick Phillips Properties Group | South Bay Realtor operates in the Los Angeles County area and has a perfect customer rating. The company, active since 2018, is currently very active in the market. However, it lacks a BBB profile, doesn't share team information, and provides no customer testimonials. Despite this, its strong track record and high level of market activity make it safe to consider when selling a home in the Hermosa Beach area.
Exceptional average rating of 5, but doesn't engage much with customer feedback.
One review in the past six months indicates limited recent activity.
Active since 2017, but the low frequency of reviews suggests it doesn't get a lot of business.
Lacks transparency, no team member information or customer testimonials provided on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Proud Start, LLC has been serving the Contra Costa County area since 2017. Despite its lack of BBB profiling and low transparency, the company has a high customer rating and remains relatively active in the market. Its track record is solid, though the response rate to reviews is low. For those planning to sell their homes in Walnut Creek, it is safe to consider Proud Start, LLC, but additional checks may be useful.
Excellent average rating of 5 based on 37 reviews, and consistently responds to feedback.
High recent activity with 14 reviews in the past six months.
Short track record since 2022, but high customer interaction indicates solid business.
Lacks transparency, with no team member details or customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
SD House Guys is a highly active company in the San Diego County area, even though it was established recently in 2022. It has a perfect customer rating based on a decent number of reviews, and its review response rate is 100%. However, it lacks a BBB profile and doesn't provide any team information or customer testimonials, indicating limited transparency. It's safe to consider this company, but additional checks are advisable.
Perfect 5-star rating based on 12 reviews, while its response to reviews is quite low.
Moderate recent activity with two reviews in the past six months.
Active since 2020, with customer interactions spread unevenly over its business months.
Some transparency with team member names and photos displayed but lacks customer testimonials.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
We Buy San Diego Houses is an active player in the Encinitas real estate market. The company, active since 2020, has a perfect customer rating based on a few reviews. Although it lacks a BBB profile and customer testimonials, it is transparent about its team. The company's review response rate is low, but given its recent activity, it is safe to consider for those looking to sell their homes in the Encinitas area.
High average rating of 4.8 based on 174 reviews, and the company often responds to feedback.
Some recent activity with two reviews in the last six months.
Longstanding business since 2016, with consistent customer interactions over the years.
Low transparency due to lack of team member information and customer testimonials.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Tom Daves Real Estate Team - eXp Realty is an active company in the Placer County area, with a strong track record since 2016. Even without BBB accreditation, it still managed to secure a high customer rating. However, the company lacks transparency, with no information about the team or customer testimonials available. It's safe to consider this company when selling your home in Roseville, California, but additional checks may be necessary.
High average score of 4.8 derived from 140 reviews, with consistent responses to feedback.
Very active recently, with 36 reviews in the past six months.
It has been consistently active with customer reviews since its inception in 2020.
Lacks transparency due to absence of team member information and customer testimonials.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
John Buys Bay Area Houses is an active home buying company in the Contra Costa County area since 2020. It has a high customer satisfaction score but does not have a BBB profile. The company is not very transparent, with no information about the team or customer testimonials available. Even though it responds to a small percentage of reviews, it's still safe to consider this company, given its high activity in the real estate market.
High average rating of 4.7, based on 85 reviews, but does not respond to reviews.
High recent activity with 37 reviews in the past six months.
Short but strong track record since 2021, with consistent customer interaction.
No transparency signals available on its site.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
INS Home Buyers, INC is a highly active home buying company in the Sherman Oaks area with a solid customer satisfaction score. However, it lacks a BBB profile and transparency about its team and customer experiences, with a zero response rate to reviews. Active since 2021, it's safe to consider this company, but potential sellers should perform due diligence before making a decision.
Stellar 5-star average rating from 39 reviews, but doesn't respond to feedback.
Shows strong recent activity with three reviews in the past six months.
Has a strong track record since starting in 2020, with consistent customer interaction.
Limited transparency due to lack of team member information and customer testimonials.
Our take: 🟣 Safe to consider
Bryan Suarez Real Estate, based in Laguna Hills, is very active in the Orange County area. The company has a perfect customer rating, though it lacks a BBB profile and doesn't provide any information about its team or customer testimonials. With its recent start in 2020, it has a decent track record but could improve its review response rate. Potential customers can consider this company, but additional research is recommended.
Holds a high average rating of 4.8 based on 67 reviews, but responses to reviews are rare.
Active since 2012, but the percentage of active months with customer reviews is low.
Limited transparency due to a lack of team member information and customer testimonials.
Our take: 🟡 Use caution
Rick Fuller Real Estate Agent, based in Antioch, California, has a high customer satisfaction rating, but lacks a BBB profile, accreditation and there's no information on any complaints. It has a good track record since 2012, but the company is currently not very active in the market. There's limited transparency about the team and customer testimonials. Therefore, potential customers should approach with caution.
Exceptional average rating of 5 from 32 reviews, and it consistently responds to customer feedback.
Recent activity is high, with 26 reviews in the past six months.
Though only active since 2023, its high customer interaction suggests steady business.
Lack of team member information and customer testimonials indicates limited transparency.
Our take: 🟡 Use caution
Priority Home Buyers operates in the Los Angeles County area and shows high recent market activity. However, it lacks a BBB profile and there's no verification of its BBB accreditation. The company isn't transparent about its team or customer testimonials, and it has a low response rate to reviews. Despite its perfect customer rating, potential customers should approach this company with caution.
High average rating of 4.9, but the company does not respond to reviews.
Limited recent activity with only one review in the past six months.
Active since 2020, but infrequent reviews suggest the company doesn't get a lot of business.
Does not share any team member information or customer testimonials, limiting its transparency.
Our take: 🟡 Use caution
Oak Valley Homebuyers, operating in the Tulare County area since 2020, maintains a high customer rating. However, the company lacks a BBB profile and offers no transparency on its team or customer testimonials. It has shown moderate recent activity in the market but has not responded to any customer reviews, indicating possible communication issues. Consumers are advised to approach this company with caution.
Solid average rating of 4.6 based on 14 reviews, with a decent response rate.
Low recent activity with no reviews in the last six months.
Established in 2016, but irregular customer interactions may suggest less frequent business.
Limited transparency due to absence of team member information and customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟡 Use caution
Your Home Sold GUARANTEED is a cash home buyer company in the Orange County area. It has been operating since 2016 and has a good average customer rating. However, it lacks a BBB profile and transparency about its team and customer experiences. The company also shows a low recent market activity score. Therefore, it is advisable to approach this company with caution.
Excellent average rating of 5 based on only two reviews, with no responses to feedback.
Limited recent activity, as it only received two reviews in the last six months.
Recently started in 2024, and its low review count suggests limited business.
Shows no transparency signals, as it doesn't provide team member information or customer testimonials.
Our take: 🟡 Use caution
Capitol Buys Houses, LLC operates in the Tulare County area and is very active in the market. It has a perfect customer rating but has a limited number of reviews. The company lacks a BBB profile, and there's no information about its team or customer experiences. Despite its recent establishment in 2024, it needs to improve its transparency and engagement with customer reviews. Approach this company with caution.
Perfect 5-star average rating, but based on a small number of reviews.
Active since 2019, and the infrequency of reviews points to limited customer interaction.
No transparency signals like team member information or customer testimonials on its site.
Our take: 🟡 Use caution
Liberty House Buyer is a less established home buyer in the Baywood-Los Osos area, active since 2019. It lacks a BBB profile and does not provide any team or customer testimonial information, indicating a lack of transparency. However, it does have a perfect customer rating based on a small number of reviews. Given its limited track record and activity, it's advised to approach this company with caution.
Cash home buyers can be useful if you have a complicated home sale, you want to sell your house fast, you've inherited a house, or you have goals that would be difficult to achieve selling with a real estate agent on the open market. Your options, offer prices, and closing speed will depend on your situation.
You may need to contact numerous cash buyers to get workable offers. Cash buyers are investors with varying budgets, goals, and constraints. Some will pay cash for almost any home under any circumstance at any time. Others specialize in locations, price ranges, property types, or situations.
Cash offers will be unique to your home. How much "we buy houses for cash" companies will pay — and how fast they can close — depends on the home and situation. Investors can pay more for turnkey properties than those in need of major repairs.
The selling process is condensed. Some companies that buy houses for cash can close deals within 2–3 days. However,houses with complicated legal issues could take months to close.
Most cash home buyers pay closing costs. You won't have to pay any unexpected fees on your closing date. Companies that buy houses for cash usually factor the seller's closing costs into their offer.
Requesting a cash offer is always free, and there’s zero obligation to accept it. You may not get the fair market value many sellers get using a real estate agent. But you decide if you're offered a fair price and if the terms are acceptable based on your situation. If you feel pressured to accept an offer, walk away. If you suspect a scam or financial exploitation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends you report it to the Federal Trade Commission and take these additional steps.
How to choose a cash home buyer and get good offers
Make sure the cash buyer is legit. Stick to buyers with credible websites that include owner information and video testimonials from real customers. Look for a solid number of legitimate positive customer reviews on established, external platforms like Google. Also, look for companies with Better Business Bureau (BBB) profiles accredited with A+ ratings.
Verify the buyer has the funds. Ask the buyer for an official proof of funds (POF) letter from their bank. Experienced and legitimate cash home buyers will expect this question or provide the POF without you even asking. The cash buyer should also provide a sufficient earnest money deposit (usually 1–2% of the sale price) when you go under contract, which represents their commitment to the sale.
Get multiple cash offers. Just like when getting quotes from contractors or shopping for the best mortgage rates, getting several offers from legit "we buy houses for cash" companies to compare and choose from will help you get the best terms and outcome.
Best Companies That Buy Houses for Cash: Our team spent hundreds of hours researching "we buy houses" companies and iBuyers. Many of these companies have local franchises throughout the nation.
Our research team evaluated 23 cash home buyers serving . It also compiled and analyzed 99,470 publicly available data points tied to past transactions, customer reviews, and more to evaluate each of the home buyers and create our final list and rankings.
Methodology
Our team used public business directories to identify every company serving the area calling itself a cash home buyer. We filtered that list and ranked the top options based on the following criteria:
Credibility: Is the company a legitimate and safe option? Before we recommend any company, we assess its owners and/or team members, customer testimonial videos, Better Business Bureau status, total Google reviews, and the legitimacy of those reviews.
Activity: Is the company actively buying a large number of homes? We consider Google and BBB reviews an indicator of sales activity. We examine how many reviews the company has had in the past six months and whether the company responds to its reviews.
Satisfaction: Are sellers generally happy with their experience and outcome? We gauge how compassionate, helpful, fair, and reliable a cash home buyer is by evaluating its Google and BBB reviews for average rating, total reviews, and negative reviews.
✍️ Editor’s note: We don't disqualify a company for limited or missing data, but we do lower the company’s ranking. We base our rankings on objective measurements and can only measure what we see. We regularly search for missing data to update our rankings accordingly.
