Introduction: Understanding Cash Home Buying Companies

Selling a home can be one of the most significant financial decisions in your life. The traditional real estate market offers one path, but cash home buying companies like MarketPro Homebuyers present an alternative route that promises speed and convenience. For homeowners facing time constraints, property issues, or simply desiring a hassle-free transaction, these companies can be appealing. However, the convenience often comes with trade-offs that sellers should carefully consider.
MarketPro Homebuyers has established itself as one of the larger cash buying companies in the mid-Atlantic region, serving multiple states including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, and Washington DC. But is their service worth considering? This in-depth review examines what real customers have experienced, the company’s operational practices, and how their offers compare to market value to help you make an informed decision.
Who is MarketPro Homebuyers?
Company Background and History
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, MarketPro Homebuyers positions itself as a direct cash buyer of residential properties. The company became BBB-accredited in 2018 and has since expanded its operations across several states. With reported revenue of approximately $3.8 million, they’ve established themselves as a significant player in the cash home buying market.
As an investment group, MarketPro Homebuyers focuses on purchasing properties in as-is condition, renovating them, and then reselling for profit. This business model allows them to offer sellers a quick transaction without the traditional requirements of home preparation, showings, or extended closing timelines.
Service Areas and Coverage
MarketPro Homebuyers currently operates in the following states and markets:
- Maryland: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County
- Virginia: Alexandria County, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudon County, and Prince William County
- Pennsylvania: Chester County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Philadelphia County
- Florida: Hillsborough County, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Seminole County, and Volusia County
- Washington, DC: All Markets
- Georgia: All Markets
- New Jersey: Select markets
Their strategic focus on the mid-Atlantic region has allowed them to develop specific expertise in these markets, though their coverage is more limited compared to nationwide cash buyers.
How MarketPro Homebuyers Works
The Three-Step Process
MarketPro Homebuyers employs a streamlined three-step process designed to simplify the home-selling experience:
1. Initial Contact and Information Submission
The process begins when you contact MarketPro either through their website form or by phone. During this initial interaction, you’ll provide basic information about yourself and your property. Based on this preliminary information, MarketPro generates an instant, no-obligation quote. It’s important to note that this initial estimate may change following the property inspection.
A representative will then contact you to schedule a home visit, which can often be arranged for the same day or the next day, demonstrating their commitment to quick service.
2. Home Evaluation (In-Person or Virtual)
The next step involves a buying specialist visiting your property either in person or through a virtual tour. During this evaluation, they assess your home’s condition, layout, and potential renovation needs. They estimate both the resale value and the costs associated with necessary repairs and renovations.
Following the inspection, you’ll receive a no-obligation cash offer. Notably, MarketPro provides a comparative analysis showing what you might receive if you sold through a traditional real estate agent instead. Their representatives walk through the offer line by line, explaining how they arrived at their price using comparable properties in your area.
3. Contract Signing and Closing
If you decide to accept their offer, you’ll sign a binding contract with MarketPro Homebuyers. One of the most attractive features of their service is the flexible closing timeline. Sellers can choose to close in as little as seven days or delay closing for up to six months, depending on their needs and circumstances.
In some cases, MarketPro may assign your contract to another party, although this shouldn’t affect the terms of your sale or the closing process.
Types of Properties MarketPro Purchases
MarketPro Homebuyers purchases various types of residential properties, including:
- Single-family homes
- Condominiums
- Townhouses
- Properties in distress or disrepair
- Inherited properties
- Rental properties (even with difficult tenants)
- Homes facing foreclosure
They generally purchase properties in almost any condition, with the only exception being complete teardowns that cannot be renovated. This flexibility makes them an option for owners of properties that might be difficult to sell on the conventional market.
MarketPro Homebuyers Reviews: What Customers Are Saying
Overall Ratings Across Review Platforms
MarketPro Homebuyers maintains generally positive reviews across most major review platforms, though with some variation:
Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews |
4.6/5 | 557-611 reviews | |
Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 4.3-4.34/5 | 87-123 reviews |
Yelp | 1.1-1.4/5 | 27-33 reviews |
Combined Average | 4.4/5 | 650-713 reviews |
The stark contrast between their high ratings on Google and BBB versus their low ratings on Yelp warrants closer examination of the content of these reviews.
Positive Experiences Highlighted in Reviews
Efficient and Stress-Free Process
Many positive reviews emphasize the ease and efficiency of selling to MarketPro Homebuyers. Customers frequently mention how streamlined and convenient the process was, particularly appreciating the ability to sell their homes as-is without making repairs or hosting showings.
One reviewer, Tim Mitchell, shared in 2024: “This has been the easiest home sale I have ever had. We called the company, a very nice man came to see the home within a day, then we received a very fair offer on the spot. Everything that was promised was achieved. The closing was easy and the funds were exact. We couldn’t be happier.”
Another customer, Anne K., wrote in August 2024: “MarketPro made selling my home easy. I had been going through an extremely stressful time in my life and needed the process of selling my home to be as stress-free as possible. I was able to sell quickly as-is. The offer met my expectations.”
Professional and Helpful Staff
The professionalism and helpfulness of MarketPro’s representatives receive consistent praise in positive reviews. Customers note that the company’s team members are knowledgeable, responsive, and accommodating throughout the process.
Debbie Z. commented in November 2024: “What a wonderful experience selling our home through MarketPro. I really can’t express how smooth and easy the whole process was from start to finish. MarketPro employs a team of professionals who know what they are doing. Questions, emails, and phone calls are all responded to in a timely manner. They really know and respect their customers.”
Another reviewer, Maureen Sullender, emphasized in 2023 how the company’s expertise helped navigate a complex transaction: “Nicole and the entire MarketPro team were amazing! I have to say that this would have been a very difficult transaction (due to others on the deed that did not live at the property) if it were not for the expertise from Nicole. I highly recommend MarketPro to anyone looking for a quick no hassle sale.”
Fair and Transparent Offers
While opinions on offer amounts vary, many satisfied customers mention that MarketPro’s offers were fair considering the as-is condition of their properties and the convenience of a quick sale. They also appreciate the transparency in how the company calculates its offers.
Richard R. shared in September 2024: “When it came time to sell my home of nearly 21 years, I wanted to find a way to sell quickly without making repairs, but with a reputable buyer. MarketPro Homebuyers made me a fair offer, but more importantly, they made the experience smooth and simple. Closing was quick and easy, and I received my cash payment immediately.”
Common Complaints and Negative Experiences
Aggressive Marketing Tactics
The most frequent complaint about MarketPro Homebuyers doesn’t come from actual customers but from homeowners who received unsolicited marketing materials. Many reviewers express frustration with what they describe as aggressive marketing tactics, including repeated direct mail, phone calls, and text messages.
Christian Koenigsegg complained in 2024: “They have been sending marketing on my rentals, personal home, and vacation properties for years now. They will just carpet bomb entire zip codes trying to buy properties for pennies on the dollar, and just drop the contract(s) if they cannot find a buyer, and then they are to never be heard from again.”
Jim D. wrote in April 2024: “I have requested this business remove me from their mailing list, verbally and online. The first request was made August 2023, they stated it would take approximately 4 weeks to honor my request. We are now at the end of April 2024, and they continue to solicit me for the sale of my home.”
These marketing practices even resulted in legal issues for the company. In 2021, MarketPro Homebuyers faced a lawsuit in Maryland regarding their alleged practice of spamming homeowners to sell their services.
Lower-Than-Expected Offers
Some reviewers express disappointment with the offers they received, finding them significantly below their property’s market value. While this is a common feature of cash buying companies in general, some felt the gap was too substantial.
David E. shared in June 2024: “Do your homework before you think about doing business with this company… They gave me a quote of half of what my home was valued. After asking the agent to leave, he made a quick call to his boss and raised his offer 30% in less than 5 minutes. Still asked him to leave after that offer. Contacted another company who gave me 30% over MarketPro’s last offer. Closed with the other company in less than 2 weeks for nearly $74K over MarketPro’s original offer.”
Canceled Contracts
A smaller number of reviews mention instances where MarketPro Homebuyers unexpectedly withdrew from signed contracts, sometimes just days before closing. This left sellers frustrated and scrambling to find alternative solutions.
Tina A. reported in May 2024: “We had [a representative] come out and give us a quote for my mom’s house. He took pictures and wrote up a contract. We agreed in January 2024. We were set to close April 30th… Then two days before closing they pulled out of the contract. They said they didn’t know about the oak tree in front of the house. You can’t miss the tree.”
What Does MarketPro Homebuyers Pay for Houses?
Understanding Cash Offer Pricing
MarketPro Homebuyers doesn’t publicly disclose the exact formula they use to calculate their offers. However, according to the company’s COO, Robin Bogin, they typically pay about 10% less than what a house would sell for on the open market. This statement conflicts somewhat with industry standards and some customer experiences.
In the cash buying industry, companies typically offer between 50-70% of a property’s After Repair Value (ARV). This means:
- A home with a potential market value of $300,000 might receive offers ranging from:
- Lowest offer (50%): $150,000
- Highest offer (70%): $210,000
However, MarketPro’s claim of paying 90% of market value would represent a significantly better deal than industry norms if accurate.
Cost Comparison: MarketPro vs. Traditional Sale
To understand the true value proposition of MarketPro’s offers, it’s helpful to compare the net proceeds from their offer against what you might receive from a traditional sale:
For a home worth $400,000 on the open market:
Traditional Sale:
- Listing price: $400,000
- Realtor fees (6%): -$24,000
- Closing costs (3%): -$12,000
- Repair costs (estimated): -$14,000
- Net proceeds: $350,000
MarketPro Homebuyers:
- Cash offer (at 70% ARV): $280,000
- Realtor fees: $0
- Closing costs: $0
- Repair costs: $0
- Net proceeds: $280,000
In this example, the convenience of selling to MarketPro would come at a cost of approximately $70,000. However, if you were able to negotiate a lower commission with a traditional agent or use a discount brokerage, the gap could be smaller.
Factors Affecting MarketPro’s Offers
Several factors influence the offers MarketPro makes on properties:
- Property Condition: Homes needing extensive repairs will receive lower offers to account for renovation costs.
- Location: Properties in desirable neighborhoods or areas experiencing growth typically receive higher offers than those in declining markets.
- Market Conditions: General real estate market trends affect offer amounts. In seller’s markets, offers may be more competitive.
- Property Size and Features: Larger homes with desirable features may receive proportionally better offers.
- Timeline: If you need an extremely fast closing, the offer might be adjusted accordingly.
Pros and Cons of Selling to MarketPro Homebuyers
Advantages
Quick and Convenient Sales Process
The primary advantage of working with MarketPro Homebuyers is the speed and convenience of their process. From initial contact to closing, the entire transaction can be completed in as little as one week, though sellers can opt for longer timelines if needed.
No Repairs or Preparations Required
Unlike traditional home sales, which often require substantial preparation and repairs, MarketPro purchases properties as-is. This eliminates the need for home improvements, cleaning, staging, or addressing code violations before selling.
No Fees or Commissions
MarketPro Homebuyers charges no service fees, commissions, or closing costs. All these expenses, which can amount to 8-10% of the sale price in a traditional transaction, are eliminated.
Flexible Closing Dates
Sellers can choose their preferred closing timeline, whether that’s as soon as possible or months down the road. This flexibility helps accommodate specific needs, such as coordinating with the purchase of a new home or allowing time to find alternative housing.
Moving Assistance
MarketPro offers additional services that most cash buyers don’t, including help with packing, moving, and cleaning out the property. This can be particularly valuable for elderly sellers or those dealing with inherited properties full of belongings.
Disadvantages
Lower Sale Price
The most significant disadvantage is the lower sale price compared to what might be achieved on the open market. While MarketPro claims to offer around 90% of market value, industry standards and some customer experiences suggest the actual figure might be closer to 50-70% of market value.
Limited Geographic Coverage
MarketPro Homebuyers operates only in select markets across a handful of states, primarily in the mid-Atlantic region. If you own property outside these areas, you’ll need to find an alternative solution.
Limited Negotiation Opportunity
Unlike traditional real estate transactions, there’s typically little room for negotiation with cash buyers like MarketPro. The offer presented is often presented as a “take it or leave it” proposition.
Aggressive Marketing Practices
As noted in many reviews, MarketPro employs aggressive marketing tactics that some homeowners find intrusive. Their persistent solicitation through various channels has generated complaints and even legal challenges.
Is MarketPro Homebuyers Legitimate?
Company Credibility and Reputation
MarketPro Homebuyers is a legitimate business that has been operating since 2012. They maintain BBB accreditation with an A+ rating, which suggests a commitment to addressing customer complaints and operating ethically. The company’s physical headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, and established presence across multiple states further confirm its legitimacy.
However, legitimacy doesn’t necessarily equate to being the right choice for every seller. While they provide a real service that benefits some homeowners in specific situations, their business model inherently requires buying at below-market rates to generate profits after renovations.
Legal Issues and Complaints
The 2021 lawsuit regarding MarketPro’s marketing practices raises some concerns about their approach to customer acquisition. Two class action complaints—Cavey vs. MarketPro Homebuyers and Akselrod vs. MarketPro Homebuyers—alleged that the company contacted people on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Despite these issues, their BBB profile indicates that they take complaints seriously and generally work to resolve customer concerns, particularly regarding requests to be removed from marketing lists.
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Who Should Consider Selling to MarketPro Homebuyers?
Ideal Scenarios for Using MarketPro
MarketPro Homebuyers presents a viable option for specific types of sellers:
Homeowners Needing to Sell Quickly
If you’re facing time constraints due to relocation, financial pressures, or other urgent circumstances, MarketPro’s ability to close in as little as one week can be invaluable.
Properties in Poor Condition
For homes that need extensive repairs or have significant issues that would make them difficult to sell on the traditional market, MarketPro’s as-is purchase policy eliminates the need for costly renovations.
Inherited Properties
Heirs dealing with inherited properties, particularly those located far from their residence or requiring substantial work, might find MarketPro’s streamlined process helpful for liquidating these assets quickly.
Financial Distress Situations
Homeowners facing foreclosure, bankruptcy, or other financial hardships may benefit from MarketPro’s quick cash offers, which can help resolve immediate financial pressures.
Landlords with Problematic Tenants
Property owners struggling with difficult tenants or problem rentals might appreciate MarketPro’s willingness to purchase properties regardless of tenant situations.
When to Avoid MarketPro Homebuyers
MarketPro is likely not the optimal choice for:
Homes in Good Condition
If your property is in good condition and you’re not facing time pressures, you’ll almost certainly get a higher net return by selling on the traditional market.
Sellers Prioritizing Maximum Return
If your primary goal is maximizing the sale price, cash buyers like MarketPro will rarely offer the best financial outcome compared to proper marketing on the MLS.
Homeowners with Time to Prepare and Sell
Without urgent time constraints, taking the time to prepare your home for a traditional sale will typically yield better financial results.
Alternatives to MarketPro Homebuyers
Other Cash Buying Companies
Several alternatives exist in the cash home buying space:
- Opendoor: An iBuyer that typically offers closer to market value (around 80%) but charges a 5% service fee plus closing costs and has stricter property criteria.
- We Buy Ugly Houses: A nationwide franchise with extensive coverage but typically offers on the lower end of the spectrum (50-70% of ARV).
- HomeGo: A regional cash buyer offering firm, fast offers with similar pricing to MarketPro but available in more locations (22 states plus DC).
- Clever Offers: A nationwide service that connects sellers with multiple cash buyers to generate competing offers, potentially resulting in higher sale prices through competition.
Traditional and Low-Commission Real Estate Options
For many sellers, traditional real estate options still provide better financial outcomes:
- Full-Service Agents: Traditional real estate agents provide comprehensive marketing and negotiation services, though typically at a 5-6% commission.
- Discount Brokerages: Companies offering reduced commission rates (1-2%) while still providing MLS listing and basic services.
- Flat Fee MLS Services: For a flat fee (typically $300-$500), these services list your home on the MLS without charging a percentage-based commission, though you’ll still need to offer a buyer’s agent commission.
- FSBO (For Sale By Owner): Selling completely independently can eliminate most commission costs but requires significant time and expertise.
How to Get the Best Outcome When Dealing with Cash Buyers
Tips for Maximizing Your Offer
If you’re considering selling to MarketPro or similar companies, these strategies can help maximize your return:
- Know Your Home’s Value: Before entertaining any cash offer, research your home’s actual market value through online valuation tools, local market analysis, and possibly a professional appraisal.
- Solicit Multiple Offers: Contact several cash buyers to generate competition. Companies like Clever Offers can streamline this process by connecting you with multiple cash buyers simultaneously.
- Understand the Repair Costs: Be informed about the actual costs of necessary repairs so you can evaluate whether the discount on the offer is reasonable relative to the work needed.
- Negotiate When Possible: While there’s typically limited room for negotiation with cash buyers, having competing offers and solid market knowledge may provide some leverage.
- Read the Contract Carefully: Before signing, ensure you understand all terms, particularly regarding closing dates, contingencies, and what happens if the buyer backs out.
- Consider Timing: In strong seller’s markets, the gap between cash buyer offers and traditional market value often widens, making cash buyers less attractive financially.
Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Offer
Before accepting any offer from MarketPro Homebuyers or similar companies:
- How did you calculate this offer amount?
- What repairs are you factoring into this price?
- Are there any fees or costs I’ll be responsible for?
- What happens if you find additional issues during your final walk-through?
- Can I choose my preferred closing date?
- Is this a firm offer, or could it change before closing?
- What happens if I need to back out of the contract?
- Will you be purchasing the home directly, or assigning the contract to another buyer?
Conclusion: Is MarketPro Homebuyers Worth It?
MarketPro Homebuyers offers a legitimate service that meets the needs of specific sellers in challenging situations. Their strength lies in providing quick, convenient, and hassle-free transactions for properties that might be difficult to sell through traditional channels.
For homeowners prioritizing speed, convenience, and certainty over maximizing their sale price, MarketPro presents a viable option. Their transparent offer process, flexible closing timelines, and no-fee structure make them appealing in situations where time is more valuable than getting the highest possible price.
However, for most sellers with marketable properties and without urgent time constraints, the financial sacrifice of selling to a cash buyer like MarketPro is substantial. The convenience comes at a price—potentially tens of thousands of dollars less than what might be achieved through proper marketing on the MLS.
Before making a decision, we recommend:
- Understanding your property’s true market value
- Getting multiple cash offers to compare
- Consulting with a real estate agent about traditional sale possibilities
- Carefully weighing the financial trade-off against your personal circumstances and priorities
By taking these steps, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About MarketPro Homebuyers
How much does MarketPro Homebuyers pay for houses?
MarketPro Homebuyers typically pays between 50-70% of a home’s after-repair value (ARV), though they claim to offer around 90% of market value. The exact amount depends on your property’s condition, location, and current market trends.
How quickly can MarketPro Homebuyers close on a house?
MarketPro can close in as little as seven days after accepting their offer, though they offer flexible closing timelines extending up to six months based on the seller’s needs.
Does MarketPro Homebuyers buy homes in foreclosure?
Yes, MarketPro purchases homes in foreclosure. They work with homeowners facing foreclosure to complete the sale quickly, potentially helping avoid further damage to credit scores.
Are there any fees when selling to MarketPro Homebuyers?
No, MarketPro Homebuyers charges no fees, commissions, or closing costs. All expenses typically associated with home sales are covered by the company.
Does MarketPro Homebuyers help with moving?
Yes, unlike many cash buyers, MarketPro offers assistance with packing, moving, and cleaning out properties. These services can be particularly valuable for elderly sellers or those handling estate properties.
What types of homes does MarketPro Homebuyers purchase?
MarketPro purchases single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and multi-family properties. They buy homes in virtually any condition except complete teardowns that cannot be renovated.
Is MarketPro Homebuyers legitimate?
Yes, MarketPro Homebuyers is a legitimate business that has been operating since 2012. They are BBB-accredited with an A+ rating, though they have faced legal challenges regarding their marketing practices.
Can I negotiate with MarketPro Homebuyers?
While there is typically less room for negotiation compared to traditional real estate transactions, having competing offers from other cash buyers may provide some leverage to improve their initial offer.
What happens if MarketPro Homebuyers finds additional issues during final inspection?
If new issues are discovered during the final walk-through, MarketPro might adjust their offer or, in some cases, back out of the contract. This scenario highlights the importance of full disclosure and thorough initial inspections.
How does MarketPro Homebuyers calculate their offers?
MarketPro calculates offers based on the property’s after-repair value (ARV) minus renovation costs, holding costs, and their desired profit margin. Their buying specialists walk sellers through this calculation during the offer presentation.
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