Cash home buyers promise speed, simplicity, and as-is offers.
But how do you REALLY know if the company you’re considering will deliver?
Let’s take a fair, in-depth look at one of these companies, House Buyers of America. We’ll explain who they are, describe their process, and share what real customers experienced. We’ll also compare the company to other homebuying companies.
By the end of this review, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether they’re a good fit for you or not.
What Is House Buyers of America?
House Buyers of America is a residential real estate investment company that has been operating as a cash homebuying company since 2001.
Their headquarters are based in Tysons, Virginia, and they focus on buying properties for cash directly from homeowners.
Their homebuying process is simple and convenient. The company buys houses “as-is,” whether they are move-in ready or in need of expensive renovations.
House Buyers of America’s service area currently covers all of Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Texas, and 22 other states.
House Buyers of America positions itself as a faster ‘alternative to the traditional real estate market’, often promising to close a sale in just days. This speed is one of the company’s primary selling points, particularly for homeowners who lack the time or resources to undergo a traditional listing process.
Is House Buyers of America Legitimate?
House Buyers of America has been in operation since 2001 and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), holding an A+ rating that indicates it maintains high standards for transparency and customer service.
They are not a scam. With over twenty years in business and having completed thousands of transactions, they have established a reputation as a well-known name in their region.
It’s important to understand that, as with any company, ‘legitimate’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘best fit for you.’
Their offers, like most cash buyers, are typically below market value, which makes them better suited to sellers who prioritize speed and simplicity over maximizing every last dollar from their sale.
How Does House Buyers of America Work?
The House Buyers of America intentionally made their process as simple and easy as possible.
Step 1: A seller completes the online request form or calls their 24/7 customer service number.
Step 2: House Buyers of America schedules a home visit or a virtual viewing, whereafter they will make you an accurate cash offer.
Step 3: If you choose to accept, the sale proceeds to closing.
House Buyers of America can close in as little as seven days for sellers who need to move quickly, or they can delay the closing for up to 45 days. Since they pay in cash, there’s no waiting for mortgage approvals or last-minute withdrawals.
The compromise, as with any other cash purchase, is that the price you receive will be less than what you might get on the traditional realtor market.
House Buyers of America Pricing
Homeowners who sell to House Buyers of America generally receive between 50 – 70% of their home’s fair market value.
When House Buyers of America buys a property, it takes on all of the risk and responsibility for repairs and renovations. They also pay the carrying costs like property taxes, insurance, and utilities, until the home is resold. Additionally, they’ll work in a profit margin to make the transaction worthwhile from an investment standpoint.
For many sellers, the value in this deal isn’t just the cash they receive but the speed, certainty, and minimal effort required to complete the sale.
What Customers Say About House Buyers of America
Real customer experiences and reviews from the House Buyers of America website provide valuable insight into what you can expect.
Sarah M., for example, shared that she needed to sell quickly due to a job relocation. Within days, she had a fair cash offer, and the process was “completely hassle-free”.
James L. inherited a property that still had tenants. Not wanting to manage it or deal with repairs, he sold it as-is to House Buyers of America and avoided the expense and time commitment of working through a realtor.
The Pros and Cons of Working with House Buyers of America
Selling to House Buyers of America has some clear benefits.
- They buy properties in any condition. There’s no need for any repairs, cleaning, or staging.
- There are no realtor commissions with cash sales, and the buyer often covers closing costs.
- Their ability to close quickly can be priceless in situations where time is critical. Cash buying companies have the resources to handle complex sales.
The downsides are equally important to understand.
- As with most other cash buying companies, House Buyers of America’s cash offers are typically lower than what you might get with a traditional sale.
- Some sellers have reported that the initial cash offer was reduced after the walkthrough, which can be frustrating.
- With cash sales, negotiation is limited, and their service area is not nationwide, so they’re not an option for everyone.
Who Should Consider Selling to Home Buyers of America?
House Buyers of America is a great option for homeowners who need to move quickly, have properties that require significant repairs, or want to avoid the uncertainty of the traditional market.
If your home is in good condition, you’re not under time pressure, and you’re willing to hosts showings and negote, you’ll likely get a higher price by listing with a real estate agent.
How Cash Buyers Operate
It’s important to understand the basics of how companies like House Buyers of America work, to be able to make an informed decision.
These businesses are real estate investors who buy properties below market value, invest in repairs or renovations, and then resell them at a profit. In some cases, they may keep the home as a rental property.
Since the buyer takes on all the risk, they build that cost into the cash offer. That’s why cash offers tend to be lower than what you’d see in a traditional sale.
House Buyers of America vs. Selling with a Realtor
Selling through a realtor can result in a higher sale price, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
First, you’re likely to have to pay a commission of around 5 -6%, and you may need to invest in repairs, cleaning, and staging to attract buyers. The traditional selling process can take months, and deals can fall through if buyers can’t secure financing.
By contrast, House Buyers of America removes most of those hurdles. You sacrifice some of the sale price for a faster, more predictable process. Choosing between the two options simply comes down to your priorities, time, and convenience compared to potential profit.
Alternatives to House Buyers of America
While House Buyers of America offers a fast, as-is sale, it’s not the only option for homeowners looking to sell for cash.
If you’re looking for a combination of speed, transparency, and nationwide service, We Buy Houses Cash may be the better fit.
Unlike House Buyers of America, We Buy Houses Cash buys homes in all 50 states. Whether you own a condo in Miami, a rental in Phoenix, or a farmhouse in Ohio, we have the resources to make a fair, competitive cash offer tailored to your market.
From the very first conversation, we’ll explain exactly how we calculate your offer by taking into account local sales data, property condition, and current market demand.
At We Buy Houses Cash, we buy homes as-is, so you don’t have to fix a leaky roof, replace worn-out flooring, or even clean before we take possession. We also cover all closing costs, handle all paperwork, and can close in as little as 7 days.
If you want a truly stress-free sale from a company that values clear communication and honest offers, fill out a form today for a free, no-obligation cash offer and see how easy selling your home can be.
There are also other alternatives you can look into. Houzeo, for example, is a flat-fee listing management system that provides wider market exposure while avoiding traditional 5–6% commissions, and
Clever Offers is a nationwide marketplace that empowers homeowners to compare multiple cash offers and quick-sale alternatives, all in one place.
Even if you have a problem property, you have many options to choose from.
FAQs
Is House Buyers of America a scam?
No. They are a legitimate, BBB-accredited business with more than twenty years of experience.
What areas do they serve?
The company’s service area currently covers all of Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Texas, and 22 other states.
How quickly can they close?
They can close in as little as seven days or delay up to forty-five days if the seller needs more time.
Do they buy homes in poor condition?
Yes. They buy homes in any condition, including those that need major repairs.
House Buyers of America offers a straightforward way to sell a home quickly, particularly for people dealing with tight timelines or properties that aren’t market-ready.
