HomeVestors Reviews: What You Need to Know

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By Katy Baker Updated April 25, 2025
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Edited by Steve Nicastro

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HomeVestors is a nationwide company that buys houses for cash. Most people are more familiar with HomeVestors’ famous trademark, "We Buy Ugly Houses."

Like other 'we buy houses' companies, HomeVestors purchases homes in as-is condition for a steep discount — sometimes just 50% of market value. It then fixes them up and resells them for a profit — typically tens of thousands of dollars.

"These companies work well for desperate home sellers who are in immediate need of liquidating their property," says Bill Gasset, who's been in real estate for 35 years. "For the general population, they would be a complete waste of time as they only pay pennies on the dollar for what the home is worth."

If you want the convenience of cash, but need to be sure you're getting a fair price, we recommend doing some comparison shopping on an offers marketplace like Clever Offers. Getting multiple offers from a variety of cash buyers can help you avoid a bad deal and be confident you're getting a reasonable price for your home.

HomeVestors at a glance

Customer rating4.56/5 (2,588 reviews)
💲 Offer rangeAverage*
🤝 How it worksIn-person home assessment followed by all-cash offer within 24-48 hours. Closing can happen in as little as 3 weeks.
💵 Fees & other costsNone
🚦 Purchase criteriaResidential homes in any condition — including single family, townhomes, condos, and some multi-family and mobile homes
🌎 Availability47 states, plus Washington, DC**
Show more
*Based on an internal survey of 764 real estate investors indicating that house flippers typically offer no more than 70–80% of a home's after repair value
**Does not currently service Alaska, Hawaii, or South Dakota

How does selling to HomeVestors work?

Selling to HomeVestors is a straightforward process:

  1. Request an offer: Start by calling their 1-800 number or completing a form on their website. The local franchise owner will reach out to gather basic information about your property.
  2. Schedule a home visit: A HomeVestors representative will schedule an in-person visit to evaluate your home's condition, location, and potential repair costs.
  3. Receive your offer: Within 24-48 hours after the home visit, you'll receive an all-cash offer.[1] HomeVestors representatives can explain how they arrived at their offer amount.
  4. Choose your closing date: If you accept the offer, HomeVestors will handle the paperwork and schedule a closing date. You can often choose a closing date that works with your timeline, offering flexibility many traditional buyers can't match.
  5. Payment and closing: At closing, you'll receive your payment in full, typically via wire transfer or certified check. HomeVestors covers all standard closing costs in most cases.

The entire process, from initial contact to closing, typically takes about 3-4 weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on your needs and local circumstances.

💰 How much does HomeVestors pay for houses?

HomeVestors' investors typically pay about 70% of market value for houses, adjusting up or down based on factors like your home's condition and location, current market conditions, and what they intend to do with the property (e.g., flip it or hold it as a rental).

If your home is worth $350,000 after improvements, HomeVestors would likely pay $245,000 for it, minus repair estimates, costing you more than $100,000 in lost equity!

Why do companies like HomeVestors offer so little?

"Investors need room to profit and make the risk worthwhile," says Andrew Lokenaugh, who has more than 15 years of experience in property investing. "Offers consider total fix-up costs, holding costs, and potential resale value. Ideal deals make sense at 70–80% of the after repair value (ARV)."

Top HomeVestors alternatives

HomeVestors can be a good option if you have a hard-to-sell property you need to get rid of fast. However, other cash home-buying companies may make more competitive offers or be more suitable to your particular needs.

The following competitors all purchase homes for cash and can close quickly. Getting offers from multiple buyers is the best way to ensure you're getting a solid deal.

Company
Customer Rating
Offer Rating
Best for
Availability
Compare cash offers
5.0
4,037 reviews
Most competitive
Multiple offers from top cash buyers
Nationwide
Professional service, fast closings
4.8
269 reviews
Average
Professional service, fast closings
32 states and Washington, DC
Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
Above average offers for certain homes
4.2
4,215 reviews
Most competitive
Higher offers for homes in good condition
50+ markets across 27 states
Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
Fast offers, flexible closings
4.4
712 reviews
Average
East Coast sellers wanting speed and flexibility
Select markets in 6 states
Learn More
On realestatewitch.com
Buys homes in any condition
4.6
2588 reviews
Average
Hard-to-sell homes
47 states and Washington, DC
Learn More
On realestatewitch.com

HomeVestors vs. realtor

Selling to HomeVestors differs significantly from working with a traditional realtor.

HomeVestors can make the home selling process both fast and predictable. However, the convenience comes at a cost.

Like other cash buyers, HomeVestors typically only purchases houses if they're getting a bargain price — sometimes for as little as 50% of the home's fair market value. Sellers will almost always get more money for their home by listing on the open market, even when selling a house 'as is.'

Ordinary home buyers expect to pay fair market value to purchase a house — while cash buyers like HomeVestors expect to get a deal so they can flip the house for profit.

Selling your house on the open market creates competition among buyers, helping you sell quickly while still getting top dollar for your home. And if you sell with a reputable discount brokerage, you can get a lower commission rate, which keeps even more of your hard-earned equity in your pocket.

Homevestors reviews

SourceAverage RatingReview Count
BBB1.537
Google4.62,551
Weighted Average:4.62,588

HomeVestors reviews are typically positive. The company maintains an average customer rating of 4.56/5 across 2588 online reviews.

Customers express appreciation for the hassle-free selling process,  honesty and transparency from the company’s reps, who are often described as both compassionate and accommodating.

Scattered reviews (less than 5%) describe lowball offers, last-minute price drops, aggressive marketing tactics.

Your experience may vary based on your local franchise. It’s important to check the reviews for the branch of HomeVestors you’re considering working with. A lack of reviews may also be concerning.

What customers love

✅ Fast, hassle-free transactions

The speed and ease of the transaction is one of the most frequently mentioned benefits in positive HomeVestors reviews. Customers particularly appreciate being able to sell "as-is" without making repairs, cleaning, staging, or hosting showings, allowing them to avoid the time, expense, and emotional burden of preparing a home for market.

"We had a roof leak that caused a lot of damage and did not have enough money to repair it. The money we got from the sale of our house gave us the opportunity to buy a new home. Jose was friendly and professional. He made sure to explain the process and gave us a fair price for our house. We closed in less than a week. They also allowed us 30 days to get moved out. I would recommend HomeVestors to anyone who doesn't want the hassle and expense of repairs and selling their house.

Richard, 2022, Google

Mark was great to work with. The process was quick and easy and he was flexible with the timing of everything

— Jen L., 2024, Google

✅ Honest, upfront communication

HomeVestors customers also frequently mention the outstanding communication they receive, noting that representatives clearly explain procedures, respond promptly to inquiries, provide regular updates, answer questions thoroughly, and remain accessible. This level of transparency helps customers feel informed, supported, and confident during what can otherwise be a stressful transaction.

"From the first meeting until the closing, Sammy handled everything in a professional and courteous manner. He clearly explained the process up front, and he kept me informed of the status from start to finish. He answered all of my questions along the way, which made the transaction much less stressful for me.

Robert M., January 2025, Google

"Spencer was so honest and up front. He responded quickly when I had questions and I never had to wonder about anything. I felt very safe dealing with him. He is a good and honest man that you can trust!" 

— Mary Ann W., 2022, Google

✅ Flexible and accommodating staff

Home sellers also praise the empathy and flexibility demonstrated by various HomeVestors teams, which was especially appreciated in high-stress situations like military moves or foreclosure. Multiple sellers note that their reps gave them the ability to choose and modify their closing date, and even leave unwanted furniture and other items behind.

"Spencer J**** was amazing! From day 1 he was kind and compassionate to our situation. He was able to give us more than our asking price and the best part was we could leave anything we didn't want to deal with including a trampoline, above ground pool, and trash! He was always nice and caring even when we had a slight mishap on my part. Every part of the buying transaction went smoothly, exactly as he said it would!"

Tiffany M., 2023, Google

"He guided me on getting my house out of foreclosure & helped me to avoid further financial complications. He was flexible with me & extended my 30 days to vacate to 45days when unexpected setbacks occurred. I was even able to walk away leaving excess furniture & possessions behind. During this very difficult & stressful time, it truly felt as though this Home Investor team was family rather than a realtor. I was compensated very fairly considering the numerous repairs required prior to listing my home. It truly was an "As Is" sale that did not require appraisals, inspections, repairs or realtors fees. I have absolutely NO regrets." 

— Leiza, 2024, Google

"HomeVestors provided my family with a stress free sale and competitive pricing on our home. Their team were so helpful in explaining every detail, flexible with the numerous changes, and always quick to respond in person to any questions about selling our home. The peace of mind in a chaotic military move was just what we needed and the HomeVestors team delivered with compassion and professionalism."

— David, 2024, Google

HomeVestors complaints

Offers significantly below market value

This reviewer says they made his mother a lowball offer that was far below what the home was worth:

"Unbelievable Offered me $50,000.00 below market price on a $175,000 to $185,000 place that the representative said needed NO repairs." 

— Wil M., 2020, Google

"While respectful and courteous, the offer made was an insulting $200,000 below the Zillow "Zestimate" which is traditionally low. It was a total waste of my time and the agent that inspected the house was embarrassed to even present such a ridiculous offer. The offer made was actually lower than what I paid for the house 31 years ago and everything has been updated and remodeled recently." 

Michael B., 2018, Yelp

Offers dropped before closing

This home seller described her experience with the HomeVestors franchise as a complete scam when they changed terms at the last minute:

"Well it went well for the first few weeks then after signing a contract to buy our house the guy wanted to pay $5,000 less for it and if we didn't take it he said he would back out. We are gonna file a law suit." 

— Will M., 2019, Google

"They initially offered $11,500 for house. Buyer came back to sign contracts, with papers in hand pulled a bait and switch, said there was a piece of wood he needed to install in crawl space, and said he had to empty out the house so dropped it by $5,000 to offer $6,500 for house…No way there is $5,000 worth of items left behind. Though they say seller pays no closing costs, title company charged us $1,297.59 at closing, so instead of getting a check for $11,500 as was initially offered, we received a check in the amount of $5,202.41." 

— Mike K., 2022, Yelp

Persistent unwanted solicitations

"I keep receiving letters from HomeVestors about buying my deceased father's and my home. My home is not for sale. I want them to stop sending me any correspondence, calls, emails, carrier pigeons, smoke signals, or text messages."

— Michael L., 2024, BBB

Is HomeVestors a legit company?

HomeVestors is a legitimate cash buying brand with franchises across the country. However, HomeVestors pays less than fair market value for houses in order to resell them for a profit.

Additionally, the quality of service that you receive may vary from franchise to franchise since each one is independently owned and operated. A ProPublica investigation published in 2023 found that HomeVestors' franchisees sometimes used deception and fear tactics to pressure vulnerable homeowners to sell their homes for less than what they were worth.[2] While the company has since made efforts to improve its training and reputation, make sure you do your research on your local franchise to find out if they have a good reputation before contacting them.

Founded in 1996, HomeVestors has grown into the largest professional house buying franchise in the U.S. with more than 800 franchises across 47 states.[3] The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and is owned by Bayview Asset Management, LLC.

What kinds of properties does HomeVestors buy?

HomeVestors purchases a wide range of residential properties, specializing in distressed homes that might be difficult to sell on the traditional market. They typically buy:

  • Single-family homes in any condition, including homes with significant damage or needed repairs
  • Multi-family properties with up to four units
  • Condominiums and townhouses
  • Mobile homes (in some locations, depending on the franchise)

The company is particularly interested in homes needing major repairs or renovations, properties with structural issues, houses with outdated features or systems, inherited properties, homes in pre-foreclosure or foreclosure, properties with title issues, and homes with problem tenants.

HomeVestors fees and costs

HomeVestors does not charge sellers any fees. Unlike traditional home sales, there are:

  • No realtor commissions (saving approximately 5-6% of sale price)
  • No closing costs for the seller (typically paid by HomeVestors)
  • No repair costs or renovation expenses
  • No staging or preparation costs
  • No inspection or appraisal fees

However, the significant discount on your home's value (typically 30-50% below market value) effectively constitutes an indirect cost that far exceeds the savings on commissions and other fees. This discount is how HomeVestors franchisees make their profit after renovating and reselling the property.

Pros and cons of selling to HomeVestors

Pros

✅ Nationwide availability

HomeVestors is a national brand with franchises in 47 states and Washington, DC, making it an option for most home sellers. With more than 800 local franchises across the country, you'll likely find one serving your area, especially if you live near a major city.

✅ No repair costs or prep work

You don't need to worry about prepping your home for listing photos or paying for repairs because HomeVestors lets you sell your house as is. This can save you thousands in upfront costs and eliminate the stress of renovating a property you're trying to sell.

✅ Fast and flexible closing

When you sell to HomeVestors, you can close in as little as three weeks. However, if you need extra time, they will still work with you. This flexibility is something many traditional buyers can't offer, especially if they need mortgage approval.

Cons

❌ Lower offer prices

HomeVestors won't pay nearly as much as an ordinary home buyer. You could be missing out on tens of thousands of dollars by selling to an investor. For example, if your home is worth $350,000, HomeVestors would likely pay between $175,000 and $245,000 for it, costing you more than $100,000 in lost equity!

❌ Quality of service varies

Since franchisees are independently owned and operated, the quality of service may vary. Complaints made by previous sellers are usually about specific franchises, not the entire company. It's worth researching your local franchise's reputation before proceeding.

❌ No representation

If you sell directly to HomeVestors, there's no one to represent your best interests, so you'll have to negotiate and evaluate HomeVestors' offer on your own. Whereas when you list with a real estate agent, they work for you and typically do everything they can to help you get the best deal possible.

HomeVestors locations

HomeVestors is a national cash buyer brand with franchises in 47 states and Washington, DC. The company has franchises in almost every state, with the exception of Alaska, Hawaii, and South Dakota. [4]

Coverage can vary within states, with franchises typically concentrated in and around major cities. Rural areas may have limited or no HomeVestors presence, even in states where the company operates.

Bottom line: Is HomeVestors right for you?

"The people who usually benefit most from these types of companies are ones who are not concerned with getting the full market value on their home," says Christopher Avallon, a real estate broker in Princeton, NJ.

Consider HomeVestors if:

  • Your home needs extensive repairs you can't afford to make
  • You need to sell extremely quickly (within 3-4 weeks)
  • You've inherited a property you don't want to maintain
  • You're facing foreclosure or other financial distress
  • You're moving out of state and need a guaranteed sale

However, most home sellers will find better value by selling their home on the open market.

Consider alternatives if:

  • Your home is in good condition
  • You're not in a rush to sell
  • Maximizing your sale price is your priority
  • You can afford to make necessary repairs and improvements

For most sellers, the best approach is to know your home's potential market value as is and get multiple offers before making a decision. Consider contacting various cash buyers, iBuyers (if your home qualifies), and traditional realtors to compare options.

"Comparing actual cash offers and terms to what the market will bear gives you the most options and the least risk," says John Gluch, realtor and CEO of The Gluch Group San Diego. If you want to explore your options, our team can connect you with multiple cash buyers to place competing bids on your home. You can also consult with a top local realtor to see how much your home could fetch on the open market. Our matching service is free to home sellers, and there's no pressure to commit to an offer or a listing.

HomeVestors FAQs

Is HomeVestors a scam?

HomeVestors is not a scam it's a legitimate cash buying brand with franchises across the country. However, HomeVestors pays less than fair market value for houses in order to resell them for a profit.

The quality of service that you receive may vary from franchise to franchise since each one is independently owned and operated. Make sure you do your research on your local franchise to find out if they have a good reputation before contacting them.

If you want to sell your home for top dollar, we recommend listing on the open market with a discount real estate brokerage. This is the best way to get fair market value for your home, and listing with a discount brand will get you a lower commission rate that saves you thousands on realtor fees.

Should I sell my house to HomeVestors?

No, most home sellers should not sell to HomeVestors because you'll typically get much less than what your home is worth.

If you want to sell your home and walk away with as much money as possible, we recommend working with a low commission real estate brokerage. These companies allow you to save money on realtor fees while finding the best buyer for your home. If you need to sell your home quickly, see if your home is eligible to be purchased from an iBuyer like Offerpad.

You should only consider selling to a We Buy Houses for Cash company like HomeVestors if you're selling a distressed property and you need a fast closing. But you should still speak to a realtor and compare multiple cash offers to make sure you're not sacrificing your equity for pennies on the dollar.

Are there any problems with HomeVestors?

In 2023, an investigation by ProPublica found that some We Buy Ugly Houses franchise owners took advantage of elderly and distressed homeowners by pressuring them to sell for less than their home was worth — often by misrepresenting their options or using fear tactics, such as claiming that their home would be repossessed if they didn't sell. The resulting scandal led to CEO David Hicks' resignation and calls by some US senators for more consumer protections against predatory real estate practices.

Does HomeVestors give a fair price for homes?

No, they won't pay much for your home. Like most cash buyers, HomeVestors generally purchases homes for a maximum of 70% of their true market value. This is because their business model relies on purchasing homes at a discount and then reselling them for a profit. If you want to receive top dollar for your home (and save on realtor commissions), consider going with a low commission real estate brokerage near you.

Can you negotiate with HomeVestors?

In reality, most home sellers won't be able to negotiate their HomeVestors offer.

While you can certainly try to negotiate with HomeVestors, the final offer is up to the discretion of the local franchise lead. Most HomeVestors owners won't increase their offer because their business model runs on purchasing houses for less than market value and then reselling at a higher price.

In addition, when you sell to a cash buyer company like HomeVestors instead of listing on the open market, you eliminate competition between potential buyers. This makes it much more difficult (and often impossible) to negotiate the sale price of your home because the company knows they don't have to compete with anyone else.

Who is Robin Milligan?

Robin Milligan is a HomeVestors executive who works in their corporate office in Dallas. Her name is sometimes added to the companys marketing materials to help build credibility. If you receive mail with Robins name on the return address, its your local HomeVestors franchise thats reaching out, not Milligan herself.

Who owns HomeVestors?

HomeVestors of America is owned by Bayview Asset Management, LLC, a global investment management firm. The real estate franchise was sold to Bayview in January 2022 and was previously owned by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP), a private equity firm based in Los Angeles. HomeVestors is the parent company of subsidiary We Buy Ugly Houses.

Methodology

We performed an in-depth analysis of HomeVestors and their subsidiary brand, "We Buy Ugly Houses", to write this review. Our ranking and editorial positions were created from hundreds of hours of research by the cash buyer review team at Real Estate Witch. We also read all of the customer reviews online for HomeVestors' individual franchise locations, reviewed numerous press articles about the company, and interviewed 25 licensed real estate agents across the U.S. to gather their opinions on cash buyer companies.

We regularly review and update this article to bring you the most up-to-date information on HomeVestors pricing, business model, customer service, and reviews.

Related links

Companies That Buy Houses for Cash: Looking to sell your home quickly? Here's a guide to the best companies that make cash offers — and what you should know about choosing a cash buyer.

The Best Low Commission Real Estate Companies: One of the best ways to save money when you sell your home is by working with a low commission real estate real estate agent. Learn more about how they work and find the best low commission brokerages near you!

Are "We Buy Houses" Companies a Ripoff? Cash buyer companies tend to offer a quick, seamless deal for undesirable properties. While they tend to purchase homes for less than market value, there are still some times when it may be right for you. Learn more in our complete guide to cash buyer companies!

Top iBuyer Companies: Selling your home to an iBuyer can mean a fast-track to closing. But is it the best way to sell your home? Find out how to vet the iBuyer companies near you in our updated guide.

Article Sources

[1] HomeVestors – "How It Works". Updated April 2025.
[2] ProPublica – "The Ugly Truth Behind We Buy Ugly Houses". Updated May 2023.
[3] HomeVestors – "About Us". Updated April 2025.
[4] HomeVestors – "Company Locations". Updated April 2025.

Authors & Editorial History

Our experts continually research, evaluate, and monitor real estate companies and industry trends. We update our articles when new information becomes available.

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