Quick answer
- Grouped by topic: the house, the money, the process, moving out
- We are not attorneys or CPAs
- Run by 131 Cash Home Buyers
About these answers
The answers below are grouped into four topics: the house, the money, the process and moving out. They are general and meant to help you get your bearings. Every property and family is different. Where a question touches on law or taxes, we say so, because we are not attorneys or CPAs. For anything not covered here, see how we buy or get in touch.
The house
Do you really buy houses that need everything?
Yes. Roof, plumbing, electrical, AC, foundation, termites, water or fire damage. When we are buying for the land, the house is coming down, so its condition matters far less than it would to a regular buyer.
What makes a lot valuable to a builder?
Mostly location, width and frontage, depth, zoning and setbacks, whether it is a corner or a double lot, flood zone and elevation, and what new homes nearby sell for. Protected trees and historic district rules can limit what is possible.
My house sits on two lots. Can they be sold or built on separately?
Sometimes. Many older Tampa Bay homes sit on two or more platted lots, but whether those lots can be split or built on separately depends on local zoning and lot-of-record rules. That always needs a zoning check, and we do it before we make an offer.
My house is in a flood zone. Does that hurt or help?
It depends. In flood zones, if repairs or improvements equal or exceed 50% of the structure's market value, federal flood rules generally require bringing the house into compliance, which often means elevating it. That is a big reason older flood-zone homes are torn down and rebuilt instead of renovated. We are not attorneys; your local floodplain office can confirm the rules for your address.
Is my house in a historic district a problem?
It can be. Historic districts and landmarks usually require a review before any demolition, and some houses cannot be torn down. We check before making an offer, and if a teardown is not realistic, we will tell you.
Do you buy condos or mobile homes?
No. We do not buy condos, co-ops, or mobile or manufactured homes. We buy single-family homes, duplexes to fourplexes, small multifamily, small commercial and vacant lots in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
The money
How do you decide what to offer?
We start with what the cleared lot is worth to a builder, then subtract demolition, holding costs, closing costs and a cushion for risk. Our land value page walks through it in plain words.
Will I get full market value?
No. Our offer is below full retail because we buy as-is for cash and take on the demolition, the holding costs and the risk. If listing would clearly net you more and you have time, we will tell you.
Are there commissions or fees?
No commissions. We pay normal closing costs. Any mortgage, liens or back taxes you owe are paid off from the sale at closing.
I still have a mortgage or a reverse mortgage. Can I sell?
Yes. The title company pays the loan off from the sale proceeds at closing, and you receive what is left.
Will I owe taxes after selling a house I've owned for 30 years?
Possibly, though many owners owe little or nothing. Federal law generally lets you exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 if married filing jointly, if you owned and lived in the home for 2 of the last 5 years. Florida has no state income tax. We are not CPAs, so talk to a CPA about your situation.
Can I keep my Save Our Homes savings if I buy another Florida home?
Florida's portability rules may let you move part of your Save Our Homes benefit, up to $500,000, to a new Florida homestead if you set it up within the required time. Ask your county Property Appraiser and a CPA for the details that apply to you.
The process
How fast can you close?
As quickly as about 7 to 14 days, if the title work is clear. Or months from now, if that is better for you. You choose.
How many times will you need to see the house?
Once. We do one walkthrough before we make an offer, at a time that suits you.
Where does the closing happen?
At a licensed Florida title company. The title company handles the paperwork, pays off anything owed and sends you your money.
The house was my parents'. Can I still sell it?
Usually, yes. If the estate needs to go through probate first, we pay for the probate. Everyone with a legal ownership interest will need to sign. We are not attorneys, so a probate attorney can confirm what is needed.
What happens to the house after you buy it?
That is our problem. Permits, utility disconnects, the asbestos survey, the demolition and the new construction are all handled after closing. You do not need to be involved.
Moving out
Do I have to clean the house out before closing?
No. Take what you want and leave the rest. Furniture, boxes, the attic and the shed can all stay.
I need time to find a new place. Can you wait?
Yes. We will set the closing date around your move, whether that is a new apartment, assisted living or moving in with family.
My kids live out of state. Can they help from a distance?
Yes. Family can join calls, review the offer and, in many cases, sign closing documents by mail or with a mobile notary arranged by the title company.
Read next
How we figure an offer on a teardownHow Tampa Teardown prices an older home on a good lot: land value to a builder, minus demolition, holding cost…Selling after 30 years: what long-time owners should know about taxesA plain guide to taxes when you sell a Florida home you have owned for decades: the home sale exclusion, cost …Moving after decades in one homeA practical guide for long-time Tampa Bay homeowners: sorting belongings, involving family, timing the closing…
General information, not legal, tax or zoning advice. Every lot is different; local rules decide what can be built. Updated November 2026.