Gordon Buys Homes is a cash buyer in San Diego owned by Tim Gordon, who promises a personal and transparent process.
Customer reviews highlight Gordon's integrity, reliability, professionalism, and simple and upfront selling process. He gives non-contingent offers in a matter of days, which can help you sell quickly. And like many other cash buyers, he covers closing costs and charges no fees.
To ensure you get the best offer on your home, you may want to compare your Gordon Buys Homes offer with offers from other cash buyers. You can do this on your own or use a free service like Clever Offers.
Clever Offers is a fast way to source offers from trusted cash buyers in your area. Simply fill out a form with details about your home, review offers without obligation, and sell in as little as 7 days — with no added fees or commissions.
Gordon Buys Homes at a glance
| ⭐ Customer rating | 4.9/5 (89 reviews) |
| 💲 Offer range | Above average* (80–85% of potential market value) |
| 🤝 How it works | Get a cash offer within 72 hours and close in as little as 7–10 business days |
| 💵 Fees and other costs | No fees, but sellers cover the transfer tax (0.11% of the sale value)[1] |
| 🚦 Purchase criteria | Structurally sound, marketable location, legal and ethical transaction history |
| 🌎 Availability | Primarily Southern California, but also Western Michigan and Coastal North Carolina |
Should you use Gordon Buys Homes?
Gordon Buys Homes is ideal for sellers who want a personalized experience without an aggressive sales pitch.
The business has developed a simple and straightforward process that aims to find the best solution for your situation, whether selling the home for cash or listing it. Tim Gordon is a licensed real estate agent. So if you choose not to sell to him for cash, he can list your home on the open market for a standard listing fee (2.5–3%).
Many sellers come to Gordon Buys Homes after researching other options. These sellers prioritize a custom approach and a solid reputation.
However, it's always a good idea to research other companies yourself before accepting an offer. If you want to sell your house for fast cash, look into these alternatives:
Is Gordon Buys Homes legitimate?
Yes, Gordon Buys Homes is an established and reputable company that provides cash offers on homes. The business was founded in 2013 by Tim Gordon, and he and his wife Sara run it together. They began with rental properties but now work primarily with owner-occupied houses and sellers moving out of state.
Gordon Buys Homes is based in San Diego, and most of its business is in Southern California. However, the company has also handled transactions in the Grand Rapids area of Michigan and Coastal North Carolina.
Gordon Buys Homes purchases a property, adds value through repairs and upgrades, and resells it. Gordon aims for an 8–10% profit margin, which is on the low end,[2] so he may offer more cash for a home than competitors.
How much does Gordon Buys Homes pay?
According to the owner, Tim Gordon, Gordon Buys Homes pays 80–85% of the market value. That’s considered above average, based on a survey showing that fewer than 1 in 4 house flippers offer 80% or more.
Gordon can offer this amount because he can make repairs more efficiently than the homeowner could. For instance, he said renovations that might cost a homeowner $150,000 would cost him around $90,000.
Multiple reviewers said Gordon Buys Homes made a fair, non-contingent offer on their property.
When he makes an offer, Gordon puts a nonrefundable deposit in escrow to show the seller his commitment. Gordon Buys Homes also offers a “stay in place” option, in which the seller receives 90% of the proceeds and the remaining 10% is held in escrow until they vacate the property.
Gordon Buys Homes fees and other costs
Like many cash buyers, Gordon Buys Homes doesn’t charge any fees. The company also covers repairs and seller closing costs. Sellers are only responsible for the transfer tax, which is 0.11% of the home's sale price.
Some alternative companies, like iBuyers, may make higher offers but have fees and other costs that can total 7–10% of the sale price.
What kinds of homes does Gordon Buys Homes make offers on?
Gordon Buys Homes typically buys owner-occupied, single-family homes. It will also consider condos or multi-unit rental properties.
The company's main property criteria is the ability to clear an 8–10% profit margin.
However, a few circumstances would lead Gordon Buys Homes to pass on a property:
- Legal or ethical questions around the transaction history
- The home is structurally questionable or unstable
- The home is in a poor location with low marketability
Gordon Buys Homes vs. competitors
Gordon Buys Homes has built a reputation for making fair and transparent cash offers in a matter of days. Reviews show that Tim Gordon works closely with sellers to provide a more personal experience.
However, it’s always wise to compare your options before you accept a cash offer to ensure you get the best deal.
Cash offer networks like Clever Offers source cash offers from multiple local buyers, which could lead to a more competitive sale price and better terms.
“We buy houses” companies range from nationwide franchises like We Buy Ugly Houses to local house flippers. They buy properties in almost any condition and often close in as little as 1–2 weeks.
iBuyers (like Opendoor) and buy-before-you-sell services (like Homeward) often pay closer to market value than house flippers or rental property investors. But they also have narrower purchase criteria, extra program fees, and limited availability.
Here’s a more detailed look at some alternatives to Gordon Buys Homes.
Customer Rating
Service Fee
Time to Close
Our take
Details
Eligibility
Clever Offers provides a hassle-free way to source and compare competitive cash offers. When you want the speed and ease of an all-cash sale, this 5-star rated company can bring you multiple competing offers from a variety of sources — including iBuyers, small and large-scale investors, and even your local MLS. You can compare offers side-by-side with no added fees or obligation to move forward. Start here to compare offers.
Pros
- One source for multiple competing offers
- Buyers are screened for experience and proven success at closing deals
- Clever stays with you to ensure a smooth closing and resolve any issues that arise
Cons
- Some offers may be low
- Alternative deal types may have longer closing timelines
- Cash offer options may be limited in some areas
Customer Rating
Service Fee
Time to Close
Our take
Details
Eligibility
Opendoor pays much closer to market value than traditional house flippers while still offering the benefit of fast closings and no repairs. For that convenience, you’ll need to contend with stricter purchase criteria, repair deductions, and a service fee of 5%. Read our full Opendoor review.
Pros
- Pays closer to market value than traditional home flippers
- No need to make repairs or prep your home for sale
- Choose your closing date and change it if needed
Cons
- Final offers can be significantly lower than the initial estimates
- Stricter purchase criteria than traditional home flippers
- Repair deductions and 5% service fee can eat into profits
Customer Rating
Service Fee
Time to Close
Our take
Details
Eligibility
We Buy Ugly Houses (also known as HomeVestors) is a good option for hard-to-sell homes. The company makes near-instant offers and it buys homes as-is, so you can walk away with zero hassle. However, with more than 1,000 offices nationwide, service quality can vary by location. Read our full We Buy Ugly Houses / HomeVestors review.
Pros
- You can typically get an offer in 24–48 hours
- Closing can happen in as little as three weeks
- Company is known for purchasing homes in any condition
Cons
- Pays significantly less than what you could net on the open market
- Service quality varies between franchises
» MORE: Want to find more cash buyers near you? Check out our guide to the best companies that buy houses for cash.
Gordon Buys Homes vs. a realtor
Cash offers are good for those who want to sell quickly. Gordon Buys Homes typically delivers a non-contingent offer within 3 days and can close 7–10 days later. While you might not receive market value for the home, the company covers closing costs and makes all necessary repairs.
Tim Gordon also carries a real estate license. So he can list your home if that’s a better option, like if the house is in good shape and your timeline is flexible. In this case, he would collect an agent commission of 2–3%, depending on the work involved.
Listing with a real estate agent is better for sellers who want the highest sale price, although there’s no guarantee you’ll sell as quickly.
If you decide to list your home, you may want to look for agents offering a lower commission than Gordon (e.g., 1.5% vs. 2–3%). Saving on agent fees can help offset a sale price cut due to your home’s condition or a short selling timeline.
Gordon Buys Homes reviews: What customers say
| Site | Avg. rating | Total reviews |
|---|---|---|
| 4.9/5 | 89 reviews | |
| Top10HomeBuyers | 5/5 | 2,728 reviews |
| Total | 4.9/5 | 2,817 reviews |
Gordon Buys Homes reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The company has an average customer rating of 4.9/5 from 2,817 online reviews.
The most recent positive reviews say Tim Gordon is helpful, honest, knowledgeable, and responsive. Many mention that he offered a fair price, and some add that given their home's condition, he paid more than they expected to receive.
The only negative review was written in 2021. The reviewer was unhappy that Gordon's offer changed after a thorough inspection uncovered severe damage to the main sewer line.
Here are some of the themes home sellers cited:
What customers love
- Fair cash offers
- Honest and transparent
- Not pushy
- Helpful and responsive throughout the process
Gordon Buys Homes complaint
- Changed offer following in-depth inspection
✅ Fair cash offer
Gordon Buys Homes provides a fair cash offer, often 80–85% of the home’s market value. Most of the company’s positive reviews support this claim, with some saying they received more than expected based on their house’s condition.
"There are still people in business who help others out while still making a living. Gordon Buys Homes was incredibly helpful from the start, asking questions and providing answers. He was honest and never even slightly pushy. It felt like he knew how hard it was for my mother to sell her house, and he was there for us. He paid us much more than he could have and did so quickly and on our timeline. It was an amazing experience, and I hope that he is able to continue his work because we need more people like him in our world."
— Richard M., Aug. 2024, Google
✅ Honest and transparent
Honesty was another common theme among reviewers. Many cited Tim Gordon’s straightforward process as proof of his transparency. They also reported clear, written offers with no contingencies.
“Absolutely the best to work with. I had lots of people calling but few could walk me through the details and pitfalls ahead of time. Tim showed a real understanding of the market and my situation with the property. Tim gave me a great price, kept his word throughout a difficult escrow process, and stayed on top of everything through the end. I could not be happier, and we had a tough case to start with.”
— Dominic I., May 2024, Google
✅ Not pushy
Tim Gordon said he aims to sell without an aggressive approach, and reviews support this. Many clients shared that his empathy and understanding helped make selling their homes easier and less stressful.
“I found Tim Gordon by browsing the web for investors that buy homes in San Diego. I filled out a short form online, and Tim contacted me very shortly after. We spoke that evening even though it was 9 pm. I told Tim my situation — my dad had passed away, and I needed to sell his home to settle his debt. But, to complicate things, my sister still lived in the home, and she wasn’t willing to do a traditional sale and have complete strangers roaming the house. Tim understood and was empathetic to my situation. He quickly evaluated the property and provided me with an offer that night. To my delight, Tim offered me exactly what I wanted, with no contingencies, and had the offer in writing and waiting for me the next morning when I woke up.
“Tim is a man of his word and someone you can trust. We closed the deal ahead of schedule, and he even gave my sister time to move out. Tim was an answer to my prayers!”
— Garrin S., 2021, Google
✅ Helpful and responsive throughout the process
Reviewers praised Tim Gordon’s prompt replies and consistent communication. They said he explained each step of the process so they knew exactly what to expect.
“Tim made a fair offer on our house and was able to close on it quickly and without any fees. They took care of cleaning any unwanted items from the property after vacating and allowed me an extra day to get my things together before handing over the keys. Tim was an easy guy to work with and always responded promptly when I reached out to him with questions or issues. I would recommend letting him take a look at your property if you are looking to sell it quickly.”
— Anthony, 2023, Google
❌ Changed offer following in-depth inspection
We found only one negative review of Gordon Buys Homes. The reviewer cited that she was given one offer, which was later changed before the company backed out. Tim Gordon responded that the offer was withdrawn due to the discovery of severe damage to the main sewer line under the home’s foundation.
“Horrible experience. Was 100% upfront with what needed to be done with my house. He gave me an offer, then changed the offer after more thorough inspection. Then went into escrow and told me I was good to go to book my move and decided to then corner me into dropping price 10k more, then ultimately pulled out. Wasted my time and, more importantly, was extremely unprofessional with this whole situation. DO NOT RECOMMEND!”
— Shayna V., 2021, Google
How does Gordon Buys Homes work?
Gordon Buys Homes boasts a “simple and easy approach to selling your home.”[3] The company’s process aims to provide a straightforward and hassle-free experience. Here’s how it works:
- Submit your home for an offer. Visit gordonbuyshomes.com and complete an online form. Tim Gordon will call you to learn more about the property and schedule a visit, typically within 3 days.
- Get your offer. After walking through the home, Gordon will give a non-contingent, no-obligation cash offer.
- Accept the offer and open escrow. After signing the purchase and sale agreement, the company sends the contract and earnest money deposit to the escrow company. This typically takes one business day.
- Perform inspections and review the title history. Specialized inspections like plumbing, foundation, and roofing are performed as needed. The title is checked to ensure the transaction is legitimate and check for liens against the property. This can take 1–2 weeks.
- Close and get paid. Closing happens on your schedule and can occur in just days. You can sign papers in the escrow office, or a mobile notary can come to you. Once the documents are signed, the funds are released.
Where is Gordon Buys Homes available?
Gordon Buys Homes is based in San Diego and has purchased homes across Southern California, including these counties: San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara.
The company has also handled transactions in the Grand Rapids area of Western Michigan and in Coastal North Carolina.
FAQ
What are the services offered by Gordon Buys Homes?
Gordon Buys Homes gives cash offers to sellers. It typically submits an offer within 3 days and can close in 7–10 days unless a more in-depth inspection is needed. In general, sellers can expect to receive as much as 80–85% of their home’s market value. The owner, Tim Gordon, is also a licensed real estate agent and can list the house for a 2–3% commission fee.
Should I sell my home to a cash buyer?
A cash buyer can be a helpful option for those who need to sell quickly or don’t want to handle home repairs. But it’s important to do your research. Some companies charge fees for their services, and most cash buyers don't pay full market value for your home.
In most situations, selling on the open market with a realtor is the better option. You'll almost always get more money for your home than you would with a cash buyer. Learn how to find top agents in your area.
Related reading
We Buy Houses San Diego: Compare the top cash buyers in San Diego, including regional and national companies.
Top Companies That Buy Houses for Cash: If your top priority is to sell quickly without hassle, a We Buy Houses company or an iBuyer might be a good option for you.
What Is an iBuyer? iBuyers usually don’t pay as much for houses as you could get on the open market, but they pay more than cash home buyers and can close fast. Learn if iBuyers are an option for you.
How to Sell Your House Fast Without Losing Money: Looking to sell your home extremely fast without sacrificing your home’s equity? Learn how to get a quick, profitable sale.
About our reviews
Our company reviews are powered by hundreds of hours of research. To evaluate and rank cash home-buying companies, we analyzed thousands of customer reviews, secret-shopped each company, and looked to publicly available data for indicators of offer quality, customer service, fees vs. value provided, trustworthiness, and more. Whenever possible, we also talked to customers, company reps, and industry professionals (such as real estate agents) who’ve had direct experience working with the brand.