Tarek Buys Houses pays cash for homes in any condition in select Southern California and Oklahoma markets. The company's founder, Tarek El Moussa, is a real estate investor and media personality known for co-hosting HGTV’s Flip or Flop and other shows.
Similar to other 'we buy houses' companies, Tarek Buys Houses is a convenient solution if you need to sell a home with structural damage or that requires significant renovations or repairs.
However, expect its offer to be around 60-80% of your home's after-repair value so that as a business, it can generate a profit from the sale. This discount may be worthwhile if you need to sell quickly and can't afford repairs.
Before accepting any offer from a cash homebuying company, compare multiple bids to ensure you're getting fair value for your home.
Free platforms like Clever Offers let you compare offers from trusted cash buyers across its network — quickly, securely, and at no added cost. Simply fill out a short form with details about your home, review offers without obligation, and sell in as little as 7 days.
Tarek Buys Houses at a glance
- ⭐ Customer rating: 4.6/5 (101 reviews)
- 💰 Offer range: Average
- 🤝 How it works: Get a cash offer within 24–48 hours of an initial inspection and close in as little as 7 days
- 💵 Fees: Typically no fees or closing costs
- 🚦 Purchase criteria: Single-family homes, multi-family homes, townhomes, manufactured houses, and condos in nearly any condition; no mobile homes on rented land, commercial buildings, or self-storage units[1]
- 🌎 Availability: Select markets in CA
Tarek Buys Houses pros and cons
Why Tarek Buys Houses might work for you
✅ Close on your schedule. Tarek Buys Houses pays cash, allowing you to close in as little as 7 days or choose a later date. For homeowners facing deadlines, this predictability may outweigh the potential for a higher price with other selling options.
✅ Hassle-free selling. Your home is sold as-is—no renovations, cleanings, stagings, showings, or decluttering required. You don’t even need to remove your personal belongings.
✅ Zero selling costs. You won’t pay realtor commissions, closing costs, repairs, or maintenance fees. For homes needing work, the convenience may partially offset the lower purchase price.
Why Tarek Buys Houses might not be your best option
⚠️ Reduced proceeds. Cash companies typically offer 30% or more below market value. A $400,000 home might fetch an offer of around $280,000 from Tarek Buys Houses.
⚠️ No price competition. Selling directly to one cash buyer means receiving a single offer with no competition to drive the price up. Consider comparing multiple offers through platforms like Clever Offers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your home.
How much does Tarek Buys Houses pay?
'We buy houses' companies like Tarek Buys Houses typically offer around 70% or less of your home’s after-repair value (ARV). For example, a home worth $400,000 after needed renovations might receive an offer of around $280,000 from a typical cash home buyer.
However, individual offers vary. Tarek Buys Houses evaluates each property individually based on:
- Location and neighborhood demand
- Condition of the property and required repairs
- Comparable home sales in the area
- Existing mortgages or liens tied to the home
"Investors need room to profit and make the risk worthwhile," says property investor Andrew Lokenauth. "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)."
Tarek Buys Houses vs. competitors
Tarek Buys Houses isn’t your only option for selling fast. The following cash buyers are also highly rated and may offer better prices or more flexible terms.
Type
Customer Rating
Active Since
Our take
Details
Eligibility
Clever Offers provides a hassle-free way to find and compare competitive cash offers. When you want the speed and ease of an all-cash sale, they bring you multiple 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.
Pros
- One source for multiple competing offers
- Buyers are screened for experience and proven success at closing deals
- Dedicated support to ensure a smooth closing and find you other offers if needed
- Excellent average customer rating
Cons
- Cash offer options may be limited in some areas
Type
Customer Rating
Active Since
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.
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
Type
Customer Rating
Active Since
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 variable service fee (formerly 5%).
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 service fees can eat into profits
Type
Customer Rating
Active Since
Our take
Details
Eligibility
Established in 1997, We Buy Houses is a solid choice if you want to sell fast to a reliable brand. You don’t need to worry about repairs — or even getting caught up on mortgage payments — and you can close extremely quickly, sometimes in just a week. However, expect to get less than market value for your house.
Pros
- Get an offer in 24–48 hours and close in as little as 7 days.
- Will buy homes in any condition, even if you're behind on payments
- They'll accommodate your moving timeline and pay closing costs
Cons
- Offers and service quality can vary between local franchises
- Company pays less than fair market value
- Little room for negotiation after the initial offer
Type
Customer Rating
Active Since
Our take
Details
Eligibility
Sundae's auction-style marketplace can get you competing offers from multiple investors. The company also provides up to a $10,000 cash advance, which can help if you need cash before closing. However, your offer is reduced upfront because of behind-the-scenes fees Sundae charges its investors. Read our full Sundae review.
Pros
- Investors place competing bids on your property
- Get up to a $10,000 cash advance to help with moving and other expenses
- A company rep handles your property photos and auction listing
Cons
- Investor fees are deducted before you see a final offer
- You can probably sell faster elsewhere – Sundae requires an in-home inspection before you can list, plus a 4-day bidding period before you can accept an offer
Tarek Buys Houses reviews: What customers say
| Source | Average Rating | Review Count |
|---|---|---|
| BBB | 3.4 | 5 |
| 4.7 | 80 | |
| Yelp | 4.7 | 16 |
| Weighted Average: | 4.6 | 101 |
Tarek Buys Houses reviews are mostly positive. The company has an average customer rating of 4.6/5 from 101 online reviews.
Positive themes from Tarek Buys Houses reviews
✅ Fast, hassle-free transactions
Customers appreciated the quick, easy process of selling their home as-is.
“We sold our house with Tarek Buys Houses and it was very easy. Once they said they were interested in our home and we agreed on a net price, things moved quickly. We filled out their escrow documents and submitted the package back to them. Next they sent over designers and contractors (about 6 to 8 people) one day to scope out the project. The one contingency was removed and all that was left to do was to wait for the closing date. I am very pleased with this process. There were no open houses or people wandering through the house. It was very discreet, no signs in the yard, no realtors, no flyers, etc.”
“The fastest deal I've ever had. I called them in the morning and I got an offer before lunch. No hassle of dealing with buyers, open houses and most especially long wait. Patrick is awesome. Very good with follow ups and listens to his clients. I highly recommend this company”
✅ Fair offers
Reviewers felt they received fair offers, especially given traditional selling costs and home condition issues that would have complicated a standard sale.
“Working with Austin from Tarek Buys Houses was a great experience. I was selling my Aunt's house who had passed away and had to work with some hurdles from the Estate, but they were very understanding along the way and made the offer/acceptance/closing experience very easy. The offer was fair and I'm excited to see how they transform the house. Thanks for all of your help through the process and I highly recommend them.”
“I had to sell my mom’s house quickly while she was in hospice. It was in no condition to go to market in a traditional sale and I was curious to see if Tarek Buys Houses would be interested. I filled out the information online and Patrick called me right away. He took the time to answer my questions and was incredibly sympathetic to my situation. He offered a fair price for the house in as is condition. Even though the sale was delayed by probate, Patrick kept in touch and made sure all the pieces were in place for a smooth transaction once the court approved the sale. Working with Tarek Buys Houses made a challenging decision and process a little easier. They really know what they are doing.”
Tarek Buys Houses complaints
❌ Rude staff
While most sellers praised the service they received, a few reported poor experiences with company representatives.
“I regret to inform you that my recent experience with Tarek Buys Houses was far from satisfactory. It pains me to say that the service provided by Robert Carroll was not only unprofessional but also shockingly rude. Would not let me speak and kept talking over me. It's evident that customer satisfaction is not a priority for him. I will not be returning to this company and will be sure to share my negative experience with others.”
Extremely rude employees. Lots of double-talk. Attempts to bully. Get a licensed realtor and you will make more $ in the end, be protected in the process, and not have to deal with their nonsense. You have options.”
How Tarek Buys Houses works
Here’s what to expect when selling to Tarek Buys Houses:
- Submit your property information. Enter your address and contact details on the website.
- Get a cash offer within 24 hours. After reviewing your property, the company sends an offer for your home as-is, regardless of whether it is distressed, outdated, or damaged.
- Review the terms and decide. Review the offer and ask questions about price, closing timeline, and any fees. There’s no requirement to accept an offer, and you won’t be asked to make repairs or stage the home.
- Choose your closing date. If you accept, Tarek Buys Houses coordinates closing. It can finalize the sale in as little as seven days, as there are no appraisals, showings, or mortgage approvals.
- Get paid at closing. You receive your funds when you hand over the property. The quoted amount is guaranteed—no last-minute changes.
Tarek Buys Houses fees and other costs
Tarek Buys Houses charges no fees or commissions. Unlike traditional sales, there are:
- No realtor commissions (typically 5-6% of sale price)
- No closing costs for the seller
- 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% or more below market value) represents an indirect cost that usually exceeds the savings on commissions and other fees. This discount is how Tarek Buys Houses generates profit after renovating a property and either reselling it or maintaining it as an investment.
What types of homes does Tarek Buys Houses buy?
Tarek Buys Houses purchases residential properties in Southern California and Oklahoma’s Tulsa County, including:[1]
- Single-family houses
- Multi-family houses
- Manufactured houses
- Mobile homes (with land)
- Condos
- Townhouses
The company does not purchase:
- Mobile homes in trailer parks
- Self-storage units
- Strip malls
- Commercial buildings
Is Tarek Buys Houses legitimate?
Yes, Tarek Buys Houses is a legitimate real estate investment company that purchases homes in as-is condition for cash, then renovates and resells or rents them for profit.[2] Founded in 2017, the company is headed by Tarek El Moussa.[3]
El Moussa has been an HGTV personality since 2013, where he co-hosted Flip or Flop.[4] He’s since co-hosted two more shows on the channel, with episodes airing through 2025.[5][6]
While Tarek Buys Houses hasn’t been involved in recent controversies, El Moussa endorsed real estate seminars by Utah-based company Zurixx LLC, which were later found to be scams. The FTC sued Zurixx and ordered the company to pay over $12 million to more than 25,500 people in 2024.[7]
🌎 Tarek Buys Houses locations
Tarek Buys Houses purchases homes in the following markets: Riverside County, CA, Orange County, CA, Tulsa, CA, San Bernadino, CA
Bottom line: Is Tarek Buys Houses right for you?
Tarek Buys Houses works well for sellers who want a straightforward cash offer. The company is particularly suited for:
- Sellers needing a fast, guaranteed closing, such as when in the process of buying another property.
- Owners of properties needing significant repairs who don’t want to invest time or money in making them market-ready
- Homeowners who prefer to avoid listing and showings
- People interested in offloading unwanted or inherited properties
- Homeowners dealing with life changes that require a quick move, such as divorce or job relocations
The trade-off is receiving less than market value. This price difference is the premium you pay for speed and convenience.
If your home is in relatively good condition and you're not under a huge time pressure to sell, you probably have better options available:
- iBuyers: If you want to sell as-is for a price higher than an investor would offer, consider an iBuyer. While most iBuyers have stricter criteria and added fees, they often pay more than cash investors.
- Real estate agents: To maximize your sale price, work with a realtor at a competitive commission rate. Low-commission brokerages increasingly offer full service at lower costs while working within your selling timeline. They can also market your home as-is.
- Cash offer marketplaces: For speed and certainty with better pricing, consider getting competing offers from multiple cash home buyers. Free services like Clever Offers can connect you with vetted cash buyers in your area.
FAQs
Are 'we buy houses' companies legit?
Most 'we buy houses' companies are operated by legitimate investors, but "we buy houses" scams exist. If asked, a cash buyer should be able to provide you with proof of funds and a sizable earnest money amount deposited into an escrow account upon signing a contract. They should also have a professional website and decent online reviews on 3rd-party sites like Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Trustpilot. Check out our list of companies that buy houses for cash to find verified cash buyers near you!
How quickly can Tarek Buys Houses close on a house?
Most cash home buying companies can close on a property in as little as 7 days, though the typical timeframe is one to four weeks. This expedited process is possible because they make all-cash offers without financing contingencies or traditional home inspection periods. However, there are other ways to sell your house fast without sacrificing all of your equity to a cash buyer.
As a starting point, cash investors typically offer about 70% of your home's after-repair value. The exact amount depends on your property's condition, location, and the current real estate market. This discount allows them to renovate the property and resell it for a profit.How much will an investor pay for my house?
Is selling to a company that buys houses for cash worth it?
By going directly to a cash investor, homeowners usually end up with a lot less cash than they could have gotten with an agent. A key benefit of selling to a cash home buyer is that they'll purchase homes in virtually any condition, including homes needing significant repairs or renovations. However, their business model depends on purchasing properties at a bargain, fixing them up, and renting them out or reselling them for a profit. So selling a house as is to an investor usually comes at a steep cost to your bottom line.
Related reading
About our reviews
Our company reviews are powered by hundreds of hours of research. To evaluate and rank cash home-buying companies, we analyze thousands of customer reviews, secret-shop each company, and look at publicly available data for indicators of offer quality, customer service, fees vs. value provided, trustworthiness, and more. Whenever possible, we also talk to customers, company reps, and industry professionals (such as real estate agents) who have had direct experience working with the brand.