If you're looking for someone who buys houses for cash in Lakeland, BigBuck Offers does. We buy Lakeland, Florida houses as-is for cash, with no repairs, no cleaning, no fees and no agent commissions, and you can close in as little as 7 days or on the date you pick. Once we have the property details, you'll usually get a cash offer the same day.
A cash sale isn't the right fit for every house, and we're not the only cash buyer in town. Here's what Lakeland sellers should know before choosing.
Selling an older Lakeland house as-is
Lakeland is a city of lakes and old neighborhoods, and much of the housing near downtown is about a century old. The city's historic district guide says most houses in the South and East Lake Morton districts were built during the Florida land boom between 1920 and 1926, and that Craftsman bungalows are the most common style in Dixieland.
Lakeland has seven local historic districts, and the city's historic preservation program reviews changes in them under its Land Development Code. Older roofs, wiring and plumbing can turn into a long repair list. When you sell to us as-is, you don't plan, pay for or get approval for any of it, and you can leave the contents behind.
Selling a flooded or storm-damaged house in Lakeland
After Hurricane Milton in October 2024, homes around Lake Bonny flooded. On the 11th day of flooding, residents told the city commission the water was still rising into their homes, while the city pumped water from Lake Bonny into Lake Parker.
If your house took on water or has roof or wind damage, you don't have to fix it before you sell. The next owner handles the repairs. If you have an open insurance or FEMA claim, ask how a sale affects it before you sign.
Behind on Polk County property taxes?
The Polk County Tax Collector gives a 4 percent discount for paying in November, stepping down to 1 percent in February. Unpaid real estate taxes become delinquent on April 1, when 3 percent interest and an advertising charge are added.
If the taxes are still unpaid, a tax certificate (a lien on the property) is sold on or before June 1. After two years, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed, and the Polk County Clerk holds tax deed sales online on the third Thursday of each month.
Call the Tax Collector to confirm what you owe. If you sell, the back taxes are paid from the proceeds at closing. Read more about selling a house when you're behind on property taxes.
Inherited a house in Lakeland?
Florida law says whoever has the original will must deposit it with the clerk of the court within 10 days after learning of the death. For a Lakeland resident, probate generally takes place in Polk County. The Polk County Clerk's main courthouse is in Bartow, and it also has an office at the Lakeland Government Center on East Parker Street.
Who can sign the deed depends on how the house was titled and what the will says, so talk to a local attorney before you sign anything. When the right person can sign, we can buy the house with belongings still inside. Our guide to selling an inherited house explains the general steps.
Facing foreclosure in Lakeland
Florida forecloses through the courts. Under state law, the final judgment sets a sale date, generally 20 to 35 days later, when the clerk sells the house at a public sale. Until then, you may still be able to sell it yourself, so talk to a local attorney about where your case stands. Our page on selling your house to stop a foreclosure explains how a sale before the auction can work.
Your options for selling a Lakeland house
If your house is in good shape and you have time, listing with a local agent will usually net you more than a cash sale, and that may be your best choice. A cash sale fits better when the house needs major work, has storm or water damage, or you need a firm closing date.
| Option | What you do | What it costs you | How long it takes | Best when |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repair, then list | Get bids, pull permits, make repairs, show the house | Repairs, agent commission, closing costs | Repairs plus time on the market | The work is minor and you have time and money for it |
| List as-is with an agent | Showings, buyer inspections, repair requests | Agent commission and closing costs | Depends on buyers and their financing | The house is livable and in fair shape |
| Sell to BigBuck Offers | Nothing, we buy as-is | No fees, no commissions | As little as 7 days, or your date | The house needs work or you want a sure date |
We also buy rentals with tenants in place, and condos as well as houses. See selling a house with tenants.
How selling to us works
- Tell us about the house. Fill out the form or call 1-844-348-9268.
- Get a cash offer, usually the same day we have the details.
- Pick your closing date, as soon as 7 days.
There's no obligation, and you're free to say no. We buy throughout Lakeland and nearby Polk County, including Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Mulberry, Polk City and Highland City. On the coast we also buy in Bradenton, Sarasota and Port Charlotte, and every market is on our areas we buy page.
We don't have an office in Lakeland, so the form and the phone are how you reach us. When you're ready, request a cash offer for your Lakeland house.
FAQ
Who buys houses for cash in Lakeland, FL?
Local investors, out-of-town investors and companies like BigBuck Offers all buy houses for cash in Lakeland. Compare more than one offer, and compare them with what a listing could net you.
Can I sell my Lakeland house if it flooded?
Yes. We buy as-is, including houses with flood, roof and wind damage, so you don't have to repair anything first. If you have an open claim, check with your insurer before you sign.
When are Polk County property taxes delinquent?
On April 1. The Tax Collector adds 3 percent interest and an advertising charge, and a tax certificate is sold on or before June 1 if the taxes are still unpaid.
Can I sell an old house in a Lakeland historic district as-is?
Yes. Changes to buildings in Lakeland's historic districts go through city review, so when you sell as-is, the buyer who renovates handles that, not you.
Do you buy houses in Winter Haven and Bartow?
Yes. We buy in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Mulberry, Polk City and Highland City.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
