The Pros and Cons of Selling to an iBuyer vs. Local Cash Buyer in Florida

Comparing Big-Name Tech Platforms with Trusted Local Buyers

If you’ve been thinking about selling your Florida home fast, there’s a good chance you’ve seen ads for companies like Opendoor or Offerpad—what the industry calls iBuyers. They promise speed, simplicity, and a modern way to skip the traditional real estate hassle.

Then there’s the other route—working with a local cash buyer like 904 Home Buyer, who lives and breathes your market and can make an offer without any of the big-tech layers in between.

So which one’s better?



That depends on your priorities. Both have their perks—and their drawbacks. Below, we’ll break it all down so you can choose the option that makes the most sense for your situation.

What’s an iBuyer, Anyway?

iBuyers (short for “instant buyers”) are real estate tech companies that make cash offers on homes, usually using automated valuation tools and algorithms. Think Opendoor, Offerpad, Zillow Offers (before it shut down), and others.



They aim to make the selling process simple—skip showings, skip agents, get an online offer, and move on. But simplicity comes at a price.

What’s a Local Cash Buyer?

Local cash buyers are typically real estate investors or small teams who buy homes directly in their area. 904 Home Buyer is a great example—based right here in Florida, working face-to-face with sellers in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and beyond.



Unlike iBuyers, local buyers know the neighborhoods, understand what affects pricing beyond data points, and don’t rely on algorithms to make their offers.

Let’s Compare: iBuyers vs. Local Cash Buyers

1. Offer Process

iBuyers:
You go online, enter your address, and get a preliminary offer within 24–48 hours. But it’s usually subject to inspection. Once their team walks through the house, the offer may be reduced—sometimes by thousands—based on repair estimates or market shifts.

Local Cash Buyers:
Local buyers typically view the property in person right away, give you a firm number, and stick to it. At 904 Home Buyer, the number you get is the one you close with—no surprises after the walk-through.

If you want more predictability, local buyers usually win here.

2. Fees and Costs

iBuyers:
Here’s where things get tricky. While they don’t charge a “traditional commission,” iBuyers often tack on service fees of 5% to 8%. Then they deduct repair costs, cleaning fees, and sometimes transaction fees. The offer you thought was good can shrink quickly.

Local Cash Buyers:
Most local buyers—like 904 Home Buyer—don’t charge any commissions or hidden fees. The number they offer is what you take home, minus any unpaid taxes or liens.

Local buyers typically put more money in your pocket at the end of the day.

3. Speed of Closing

iBuyers:
While they advertise fast closings, iBuyers often take 2–4 weeks to close, especially if there’s third-party financing or title issues. It’s faster than listing with a realtor, but not always instant.

Local Cash Buyers:
Local buyers can close in as little as 7–10 days. No lender. No appraisals. No delays. Especially helpful if you’re moving, dealing with foreclosure, or just need to wrap things up quickly.

If time is tight, local buyers usually get it done faster.

4. Repair Requests

iBuyers:
This is where a lot of sellers get frustrated. iBuyers will inspect the property after the initial offer and send back a repair estimate—often tens of thousands of dollars. You either accept the reduced offer or walk away.

Local Cash Buyers:
Most local buyers purchase properties as-is. Leaky roof? Old carpet? No problem. 904 Home Buyer won’t ask you to make a single repair or deduct thousands for cosmetic issues.

Selling “as-is” really means as-is with local buyers.

5. Personal Service

iBuyers:
You’re usually dealing with a dashboard, emails, and a rotating cast of customer support reps. They’re not in Florida. They probably haven’t stepped foot in your neighborhood. It’s very “corporate.”

Local Cash Buyers:
Local buyers work face-to-face, explain each step of the process, and are often available by phone or text. At 904 Home Buyer, sellers deal with real people—not chatbots or ticket numbers.

If personal attention matters, the local route wins hands down.

When an iBuyer Might Be the Right Fit

iBuyers can be a good option if:

• Your home is in excellent condition (they tend to avoid fixer-uppers)
  
• You’re okay paying higher fees for convenience
  
• You’re in a major metro where iBuyers are active (many avoid rural areas)
  
• You want to test the waters and compare offers
  
  

If you’re tech-savvy, live in a qualifying zip code, and have a move-in-ready home, it might be worth checking their offer—as long as you read the fine print.

When a Local Cash Buyer Is the Smarter Move

Local buyers like 904 Home Buyer are ideal if:

• Your home needs repairs or updating
  
• You’ve recently evicted a tenant or inherited a property
  
• You want to skip showings, cleaning, and staging
  
• You’re dealing with a deadline (foreclosure, divorce, probate, etc.)
  
• You want straightforward, honest communication from someone nearby
  
  

We’ve worked with sellers across Florida who were tired of waiting, overwhelmed by the process, or just wanted a clean break. No appraisals. No fees. Just a fast, fair cash offer—and the flexibility to move on.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home can feel like a big decision—and comparing an iBuyer vs a local cash buyer can be confusing. But it doesn’t have to be.

If you want a tech-forward experience and don’t mind fees or some back-and-forth, an iBuyer might work. But if you’re looking for clarity, speed, and a real human helping you through it, a local buyer like 904 Home Buyer might be exactly what you need.



We buy houses across Florida, in any condition, and we’re here to make it simple. One offer. One closing date. No pressure.

Thinking about selling? Contact 904 Home Buyer today for a fast, no-obligation cash offer.