In Q2 2024, over 30% of US homes sold for cash. A cash sale means no repairs, no delays, and a quick 7-14 day closing. No wonder Austin homeowners ditch repairs and choose cash buyers for a hassle-free sale!
But here’s a downside! Cash buyers offer just 30% to 70% of your home’s Fair Market Value. Don’t stress—just enter a cash buyer marketplace. Here you can receive offers that can reach up to 100% of your home’s value!
Reviews: 5 Best Cash Home Buyers in Austin
1. Houzeo.com: Austin’s #1 Cash Home Buyer Marketplace
MAX EXPOSURE TO CASH BUYERS
Listing Fee: $199Houzeo is the best option if you’re looking for multiple cash offers. Your MLS listing will be exposed to local and national cash buyers, increasing the number of offers you receive.
- Pricing:
- Silver Plan – $199: 6-month MLS listing, 24 photos.
- Gold Plan – $249: Maximum photos, contract review, seller disclosures, licensed broker assistance.
- Platinum Plan – $299: Everything in Gold with a 12 month listing and virtual full-service with licensed broker.
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is one of America’s best cash buyer marketplaces.
Houzeo is America’s #1 cash buyer marketplace because of 5 reasons:
- Max Exposure: Houzeo’s packages give you access to the MLS and 100s of websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, etc.
- 5-Star Customer Service: Houzeo’s customer service desk is available 6 days a week. Chats and emails are open 7 days a week.
- 100% Online: Houzeo is high-tech. For you, this means easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and online offers.
- No Listing Commission: You’ll pay just a small flat fee to list on MLS. You get to bypass the 3% listing agent commission!
There are no dealbreakers with Houzeo.
» Houzeo Pros and Cons: Read the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Houzeo to sell your home for cash.
Houzeo is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars by thousands of home sellers on Google & Trustpilot.
With Houzeo, your home gets maximum exposure to Austin’s best cash home-buying companies and individual investors. You could get multiple competitive offers for your home, driving up its final sale price.
2. We Buy Ugly Houses
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Service Fee: NoneWe Buy Ugly Houses is a well-known cash home-buying company that helps homeowners sell in any condition. It offers a fast, hassle-free sale without the need for repairs or staging.
- Typical Offer: 50% to 70% of your property’s Fair Market Value.
- No Closing Costs: You don’t have to pay any seller closing costs; it is covered by the company.
- Eligible Properties: Distressed properties with structural issues, homeowners facing relocation, homes with flawed mortgage financing, inherited homes, or homes in high-crime neighborhoods, etc.
- Service Fee: None
Here are some of the benefits that you get with We Buy Ugly Houses:
- Sell Your Home As Is: You can save thousands in repair costs by selling your distressed home.
- Quick Closing Timeline: Once you accept the offer, you can sell your house within 2 weeks.
- Save on Minor Repair Costs: When you sell your house for cash, you don’t incur upfront costs to fix, prepare, or stage your house.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of We Buy Ugly Houses:
- Lowball Offers: Cash offers typically range from 50% to 70% of a home’s Fair Market Value, based on condition and location.
- Limited Negotiation: We Buy Ugly Houses extends “take-it-or-leave-it” offers. You can try to negotiate, but usually, they won’t budge.
- Not Ideal for High-Value Homes: This option may not be best for homes in high-demand areas where you could get more by listing on the MLS.
We Buy Ugly Houses is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 90+ reviews on Google.
» We Buy Ugly Houses Reviews: Read this in-depth review to learn more about them.
We Buy Ugly Houses operates as a franchise under its parent company, HomeVestors. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. This leads to variations in service quality and customer experience across different locations nationwide.
Further, if your home requires extensive repairs, you may just 30% to 50% of your home’s fair market value.
3. House Buyers Texas
Local Cash Buyer
Service Fee: NoneHouse Buyers Texas was founded by an ex-marine, Steve Hoeke. His reliability is undeniable and further, his local market knowledge has made the company a leading cash home-buying expert.
- Service Fee: None
- Typical Offer: 50% to 70% of Fair Market Value (FMV)
- Eligible Properties: They buy houses in any condition. Be it distressed properties with structural damage, inherited properties, tenant problems, code violations, etc.
- Closing Offer Terms: House Buyers Texas can close a deal within 3 days if you are ready. They also provide flexibility with the closing dates.
👉 Our Take: House Buyers Texas is a good option if you need to sell your house fast for cash. They usually provide a no obligation offer within 24 hours.
- Additional Services: House Buyers Texas offers credit repair services and moving services.
- Fast Cash Offers: You will get an offer in approximately 24 hours after providing your details.
- Closing Time: You can close in as little as three days or whenever you are comfortable.
- Sell As-Is: You do not prep the home for the company visit or make any repairs before the sale.
- Non-Negotiable Cash Offers: House Buyers Texas will not offer more than 80% of your property’s fair market value. They rarely increase the price quoted in the initial cash offer.
- House Buyers Texas is Not 100% Online: House Buyers Texas does not have the technology to do all the procedures online. Most processes, like requesting a counteroffer or managing inspections, will be offline and manual. House Buyers Texas does not offer a mobile app either.
House Buyers Texas has 5 out of 5 stars with 30+ reviews on Google.
» House Buyers Texas Reviews: Read our in-depth review to know more
House Buyers Texas was founded by ex-Marine Steve Hoeke. They purchase homes as is, so you don’t need to concern yourself with cosmetic repairs. They also provide moving services.
4. Texas All Cash Home Buyers
LOCAL FAMILY CASH HOME BUYER
Service Fee: NoneTexas All Cash Home Buyers is a family-owned business based in San Antonio. They follow a simple three-step process for home sellers to make an offer: Click, Meet, and Sell.
- Service Fee: None.
- Typical Offer: You may get up to 50% to 70% of your house’s Fair Market Value (FMV).
- Eligible Properties: Distressed properties with structural damage, tenant problems, code violations, inherited properties, etc.
- Closing Offer Terms: Texas All Cash Home Buyers provides a 7 to 30-day closing for its cash offer.
- Fast Cash Offers: You can get a ‘no obligation offer’ for your house within 24 hours of a primary home inspection.
- No Additional Charges: When you sell to Texas All Cash Home Buyers you need not pay any extra charges such as Texas closing fees and title fees.
- Lowball Cash Offers: Texas All Cash Home Buyers may extend lowball cash offers of around 60% to 80% of the Fair Market Value. This is lower than what you can get on a cash buyer marketplace.
Texas All Cash Home Buyers has 4.5 stars out of 5 stars from 110+ reviews on Google.
» Texas All Cash Home Buyers Reviews: Read our in-depth review on Texas All Cash Home Buyers.
Texas All Cash Home Buyers offers cash for all types of properties, including damaged ones. You can sell your home as is without making any repairs!
They cover San Antonio, Austin, and other areas in Texas. They also buy houses that are avoiding foreclosure in Texas, damaged by fire, or with bad rental tenants.
5. Opendoor
BIGGEST IBUYER
Service Fee: 5%Opendoor is the biggest iBuyer in the U.S. They offer cash for your home within 24 to 48 hours of submitting your details on their website. Opendoor is also flexible with closing timelines and move-out dates.
- Typical Offer: 70% to 80% of your property’s Fair Market Value.
- Eligible Properties: Opendoor will make cash offers only on owner-occupied properties built post-1930 with a maximum lot size of 1.5 to 2 acres. Prefabricated homes or homes with tenants do not qualify for Opendoor’s cash offer.
- Closing Offer Terms: Opendoor claims to let you close at your pace, up to 45 days after their offer. However, be aware that your final offer may change after the condition adjustment.
- Service Fee: You will be charged 5% of the home sale price.
Here are some of the benefits that you get with Opendoor:
- Broad Coverage: Opendoor makes cash offers for houses in 51 markets across the country.
- Sell As-Is: Opendoor helps you avoid the hassle of making repairs and you can sell your house as-is.
- Late Checkout up to 14 Days: Opendoor lets you temporarily stay in your home for up to 2 weeks after closing.
- No Cancelation Fees: Opendoor does not charge any cancelation fee. You can cancel the contract anytime.
In our research, we have found certain drawbacks of Opendoor:
- Lowball Cash Offer: Opendoor’s final cash offer may be below your property’s Fair Market Value, around 70%. They also deduct repair and closing costs.
- Hefty Service Fees: Opendoor will charge you a steep 5% service fee for their services.
- Strict Eligibility Criteria: Opendoor doesn’t pay cash for inherited properties, homes with tenants, pre-fabricated or mobile homes, and properties located in a flood zone.
Opendoor has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Reviews.io.
» Opendoor Reviews: Read customer reviews and our breakdown of Opendoor’s cash offer to make an informed decision.
Opendoor is a good option if your home needs minimal repairs. You can get a maximum of ~80% of your property’s fair market value. However, this means leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Their service fee is also a steep 5% of your home’s sale price.
Are Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in Austin Legit?
Yes, companies that buy houses for cash are legitimate and operate legally nationwide. In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) validates cash buyers in Austin. However, be sure to read company reviews and seller testimonials to find a legitimate cash buyer.
3 Types of Companies That Buy Homes in Austin
- We Buy Houses for Cash Companies: Cash buyers like HomeVestors purchase distressed homes, typically paying 30% to 70% of their FMV.
- iBuyers: iBuyers, such as Opendoor and Offerpad, provide instant cash offers between 70% and 80% of the FMV. They have strict eligibility requirements, limiting the types of homes they purchase.
- Home Trade-In Services: Companies like Knock or Orchard offer cash for your home before you move out. This helps you buy your new house without any delay.
4 Steps to Sell Your Home for Cash in Austin
Not sure how to sell your home for cash in Austin? Just follow these 4 steps:
- Find a Cash Home Buyer: Research all local companies buying houses for cash and opt for one with great client testimonials.
- Request an Offer: Once you’ve selected a cash buyer, request an offer on their website. You’ll have to provide information like the property type, number of rooms, asking price, etc.
- Schedule a Home Visit: A company representative will then inspect your house. The final cash offer will be based on the outcome of this inspection.
- Close the Deal: If you’re happy with the offer, finalize the deal. Remember to get all the paperwork for selling a house without a Realtor verified by a real estate attorney.
How Much Do Cash Buyers in Austin Pay?
Austin cash house buyers usually offer between 30% to 70% of a home’s After-Repair Value. However, it depends on factors like the company you’re selling to, their service fees, etc. Here’s how the After-Repair Value is calculated:
After-Repair Value (ARV) = Property Purchase Price (PPP) + Cost of Repairs (COR)
Imagine if you were selling your $516,290 home in Austin. With a traditional cash home buyer, you could get just $361,403. But on a cash buyer marketplace like Houzeo, you could get multiple offers, potentially driving your sale price to 100% of its FMV.
| Service Provider | Service Fee | ARV Estimate | Actual Offer |
| Cash Buyer | None | 70% | $361,403 |
| iBuyer | 5% | 80% | $413,032 |
| Houzeo | $199* | Up to 100% | $516,091 |
» Houzeo Reviews: Find out why Houzeo is Austin’s best cash buyer marketplace.
Pros and Cons of Cash Home Buyers in Austin
Given that more sellers are opting for cash buyers in Austin, here are some pros and cons you must consider before you sell with them:
✅ Pros
- Fast Cash Offers: “We Buy Houses for Cash” companies extend offers within 24-48 hours.
- Flexible Closing: Cash buyers in Austin close quickly and on your timeline. So you can sell your home anywhere between 7 days to 30 days.
- No Repair Costs: Most cash buyers purchase properties as-is. This eliminates the need for repairs, saving thousands of dollars.
❌ Cons
- Lowball Cash Offers: Austin cash house buyers typically pay only 30% to 70% of a home’s FMV. So you leave a significant amount of your home’s equity on the table.
- Non-Negotiable Deals: Such cash offers are usually take-it-or-leave-it. There’s little to no room for negotiation, which limits your ability to secure a better offer.
- Possible Closing Costs: Some cash buyers might force you to pay seller closing costs in Texas. Always check the terms, or you could be out 6.25% to 9%!
Common “We Buy Houses for Cash” Scams 🚩
If any Austin cash home buyer extends an offer that seems to-good-to-be-true, it probably is. Stay alert, and don’t fall victim to the following scams:
- Bait-and-Switch Offers: Scammers present appealing offers and then change them later, hoping you’ll accept out of desperation. Always verify the terms before you sell your house for cash or accept an offer.
- Deed Fraud: Fraudsters can sell or mortgage your home without your consent using fake documents. Check customer testimonials and online reviews before you select a cash buyer.
- Loan-Flipping Scams: Some scammers may pressure you to sell your home fast for cash by offering loans that drain your equity. Always consult a trusted advisor before agreeing to any cash offer.
- Email Phishing: Scammers send fraudulent emails pretending to be agents, title companies, or lenders. They trick you into wiring money or providing personal details for fake services. Always confirm the authenticity of any cash offer for a home via a phone call.
» We Buy Houses Ripoff: Learn how to avoid falling victim to the scam.
Alternatives to Companies That Buy Houses for Cash in Austin
- Flat Fee MLS Services: You can get up to 100% of your home’s FMV with a Texas Flat Fee MLS listing service. Your home is visible to multiple cash buyers, increasing your offers.
- For Sale By Owner: In a FSBO sale, you’ll have to opt for “DIY” marketing strategies like using yard signs, word of mouth, open houses, etc. Texas FSBO websites also limit your home’s exposure, which lowers your home sale price.
- Full-Service Realtors: They provide various services from listing to closing, but charge a hefty 5% to 6% commission.
- Discount Real Estate Brokers: They offer services like contract review and negotiation for a lower fee than traditional agents. Discount brokers in Austin charge between 0.5% to 2.5% as commission.
Should You Sell to Cash Home Buyers in Austin?
Yes, you can sell to cash buyers. But say goodbye to 30% to 70% of your home’s equity. That’s the price you pay for a quick sale. On the other hand, on a cash buyer marketplace, you can get multiple offers, sell fast, and potentially keep more money.
