HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses) vs WeBuyHouses.com
They work the same way (franchise network of independently owned buyers), so the better one is whichever makes the higher offer for your home after fees. Request both: it costs nothing, and the offers can differ by thousands of dollars.
| HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses) | WeBuyHouses.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Franchise network of independently owned buyers | Licensed network of independently owned local offices |
| Founded | 1996 | 1997 |
| Headquarters | 14785 Preston Rd #750, Dallas, TX 75254 | Dallas/Fort Worth area, Texas |
| Where it buys | Nationwide | Through local offices |
| Fees (per the company) | The company says it charges sellers no commissions, real-estate fees or hidden fees, does not charge for the visit or offer, and pays typical closing costs. | The company says sellers pay no real-estate-agent fees or commissions; it also says that if a property is already listed, the seller will likely still need to pay that agent's commission. |
| Ratings | BBB A+ | Not recorded |
| Best for | Homes that need major repairs, or inherited and hard-to-sell houses | Homes that need major repairs, or inherited and hard-to-sell houses |
What sellers report about HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses)
Yes, HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses) is a real, long-running franchise, and its local, independently owned franchisees do buy homes for cash. The caveat: offers are usually far below market value, and a 2023 ProPublica investigation documented some franchisees using pressure and legal tactics on vulnerable sellers. That led HomeVestors to change its policies, including adding a three-day cancellation period.
- Offers well below market value. ProPublica reported that franchises often pay far below market value, citing a seller who was paid $10,000 for a home that was resold months later for $55,000. Franchise Times cited reports that house flippers like HomeVestors generally offer about 50 to 70 percent of assessed value. Source
- Hard to back out once signed. ProPublica described franchisees suing sellers who tried to cancel, and recording documents that clouded a property's title. HomeVestors later banned title-clouding and added a three-day option period in which sellers can cancel without giving a reason. Source
- Experience depends on the local franchise. Each office is an independently owned franchise, and HomeVestors' own BBB responses say so. Franchise Times reported that the company disciplined or removed some franchisees and hired more auditors after the investigation. Source
- Unwanted mailers and calls. Many BBB complaints come from homeowners who never sold, asking franchisees to stop sending postcards and letters. Trustpilot reviewers describe repeated calls and texts. HomeVestors' responses say it asks the franchisee to stop and removes the address from mailing lists. Source
- Speed and convenience for some sellers. ProPublica noted that some sellers it interviewed were satisfied, having chosen speed and convenience over getting full market value. Source
Checked September 2026.
Full HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses) reviewWhat sellers report about WeBuyHouses.com
Yes, WeBuyHouses.com is a real brand dating to 1997. It licenses its name to independent local investors, who make the offers and buy the homes. Because each office is independently owned, the offer and the experience depend on the local licensee. The company itself warns that many unaffiliated companies use the generic phrase "We Buy Houses."
- Impostors using the "We Buy Houses" name. The company warns that imitators advertise under the generic phrase "We Buy Houses," and tells sellers to confirm directly with WeBuyHouses.com that they are dealing with an official local licensee. Source
- Persistent mailers and calls. Homeowners report mailers and calls that continued after they said their home was not for sale. Source
Checked September 2026.
Full WeBuyHouses.com reviewBefore you accept either offer
- Compare what you'd net after service fees, repair credits and closing costs, not the headline offer.
- Ask how the price can change after the inspection or assessment. See the reduction call.
- Get a third offer from a well-rated local buyer. See the best cash home buyers.
Common questions
Is HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses) or WeBuyHouses.com better?
They work the same way (franchise network of independently owned buyers), so the better one is whichever makes the higher offer for your home after fees. Request both: it costs nothing, and the offers can differ by thousands of dollars.
What's the difference between HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses) and WeBuyHouses.com?
HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses): Franchise network of independently owned buyers. WeBuyHouses.com: Licensed network of independently owned local offices. HomeVestors (We Buy Ugly Houses) buys nationwide; WeBuyHouses.com buys through local offices.