Sell My House for Cash in Pasadena, California

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• ✓ No repairs needed
• ✓ Close in 7-14 days
• ✓ Free, no-obligation offer
• ✓ We pay closing costs

Or keep reading to learn what your home is really worth—and why most cash offers leave $100K+ on the table.

Want a cash offer on your Pasadena home? We can do that. But first, you should know: most cash buyers offer 60-70% of your home's value. Owner-occupants pay 76-84%—even for homes that need work. On a typical Pasadena property, that gap is $100,000 or more. We'll give you a real cash offer AND show you your other options.

What Most "We Buy Houses" Companies Won't Tell You

When you see those "We Buy Houses" signs on Colorado Boulevard or get postcards in the mail, they're not lying—they will buy your house for cash.

What they won't tell you: their business model requires paying you significantly less than your home is worth.

After over a decade working with professional flippers—people that flip professionally who had hedge fund backing—I've seen exactly how they calculate offers. And I've seen how much Pasadena homeowners leave on the table when they accept without understanding their options.

The Two Buyer Pools

Here's what every Pasadena homeowner needs to understand:

Pool #1: Investors (60-70% of value)
Cash buyers, flippers, wholesalers. They MUST pay less because they need profit margin for renovations, holding costs, and resale.

Pool #2: Owner-Occupants (76-84% of value)
People who will actually live in your home. They pay more because they don't need investor margins. They see potential and plan to add value themselves over time.

This second buyer pool exists for homes that need work. You don't have to sell to an investor just because your Pasadena property isn't perfect.

Your 4 Options for Selling in Pasadena

Here's the framework we use with every seller—because you deserve to know all your choices before making a decision.

Option	% of ARV	On $1.2M Home	Timeline
1. Cash Off-Market	60-70%	$720K-$840K	7-14 days
2. As-Is on Market	76-84%	$912K-$1.01M	30-45 days
3. Light Prep	85-92%	$1.02M-$1.10M	45-60 days
4. Full Remodel	95-105%	$1.14M-$1.26M	60-90 days

The gap between Option 1 and Option 2 alone is $72,000-$192,000. And Option 2 only requires clearing the property and basic cleaning—no repairs.

Want to see what YOUR 4 options look like? We'll run the numbers for your specific Pasadena property—free, no obligation. Call (626) 790-0833.

Pasadena's Character Home Premium

If you own a Craftsman bungalow, Mid-Century Modern, Spanish Revival, or Tudor in Pasadena, there's something specific you need to know.

Character homes in Pasadena trade at a 10-15% premium over standard properties. Buyers pay extra for architectural details, original woodwork, built-ins, and historic neighborhood character—especially in Bungalow Heaven, Madison Heights, and the Arroyo Seco corridor.

But investors use standard formulas. They make standard offers. They're hoping you don't realize your Craftsman commands a premium that their spreadsheet ignores.

How to Verify a Cash Buyer in Pasadena

If you've already received a cash offer—or you're considering calling one of those "We Buy Houses" numbers—here's how to know if they're legitimate:

Test	Legitimate Buyer	Red Flag
Proof of funds	Within 24 hours	Excuses, delays
Earnest money	3% non-contingent	$1,000 or 1%
Closing timeline	7-14 days	30-60+ days
Contract language	Buyer name only	"And/or assigns"
Who's buying?	"I am"	Vague answers

If you see 2+ red flags, you're almost certainly dealing with a wholesaler—a middleman who will tie up your property and try to flip the contract to an actual buyer.

Real Example: Ted's Story in San Gabriel

Ted and his family came to us after months of frustration with cash buyers on an inherited property that needed work.

They had been considering offers in the $750,000 to $800,000 range. The house was dated—original kitchen, deferred maintenance, needed updating throughout. They assumed "we have to sell to an investor."

Here's what actually happened:

• We suggested as-is market exposure with light prep
• The family cleared the property and did very light landscaping
• Listed for $850,000
• Multiple offers from owner-occupants who saw potential
• Final sale: $960,000

That's over $150,000 more than the cash offers—for a few weeks of patience and basic clearing.

When Does a Cash Offer Actually Make Sense?

Cash offers aren't always wrong. They make sense when:

• Severe property condition—Major structural issues, fire damage, or contamination
• Extreme timeline pressure—Court deadlines, coordinated purchases, urgent situations
• Complex legal situations—Multiple heirs in dispute, title problems
• Fully informed choice—You understand all 4 options and consciously choose speed over money

The key word is "informed." If you're accepting a cash offer because you think you have no other choice, that's not informed—that's what cash buyers are counting on.

Get All 4 Options for Your Pasadena Home

We'll show you exactly what you'd receive from each path—cash off-market, as-is on market, light prep, and full market exposure. No pressure. Just clarity.

• Free property evaluation showing all 4 options
• We'll review any cash offers you've already received
• Honest assessment of what makes sense for YOUR situation
• Local expertise—our office is right here in Pasadena

Already received an offer? We'll tell you if it's fair—free, no obligation.

📞 (626) 790-0833 · ✉️ [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sell my house for cash in Pasadena?

Contact a cash buyer or real estate agent who works with investors. Get multiple offers—never accept the first one. Verify legitimacy with proof of funds within 24 hours, 3% earnest money, and 7-14 day closing timeline. Or call us for a fair cash offer plus 3 other options.

How much do cash buyers pay in Pasadena?

Cash buyers (investors) typically pay 60-70% of after-repair value—that's their ceiling due to renovation costs and profit margins. Owner-occupants pay 76-84%, even for homes needing work. On a $1.2M Pasadena home, that's a $72,000-$168,000 difference.

How fast can I sell my house for cash in Pasadena?

Legitimate cash sales close in 7-14 days—no lender approval required. If a "cash buyer" needs 30-60 days, they're likely a wholesaler who hasn't secured actual funds yet.

Should I sell my Pasadena house for cash or list it?

It depends on your priorities. Cash offers give maximum speed but typically leave $100K+ on the table. Listing as-is takes 30-45 days but captures owner-occupant buyers who pay 76-84% of value—often $70K-$150K more than investor offers.

Do cash buyers in Pasadena pay a fair price?

Cash buyers must pay less than market value to profit from renovations and resale. Their ceiling is typically 68-70% of ARV. A "fair" cash offer is at least 70% with verified proof of funds, 3% earnest money, and 7-14 day closing. Anything less, you're leaving money on the table.

About the Author

Justin Borges leads The Borges Real Estate Team at eXp Realty, based in Pasadena. With over a decade of experience working alongside professional investors and flippers, Justin knows exactly how cash buyers calculate offers and how San Gabriel Valley homeowners can protect themselves.

Contact: (626) 790-0833

This article provides general information about selling real estate in California. Consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your circumstances.

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