Honest Comparison
Cash Buyer vs. Realtor: Which Is Right for You?
We'll give you the honest breakdown. Sometimes a realtor is the better choice. Sometimes we are. Here's how to decide.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Cash Buyer | Traditional Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 7-14 days | 60-120 days |
| Commission | 0% | 5-6% |
| Closing Costs | We pay | You pay (2-3%) |
| Repairs Required | None | Usually yes |
| Showings | None | Multiple |
| Certainty of Sale | Guaranteed | 15% fall through |
| Financing Risk | None (cash) | Buyer may not qualify |
| Appraisal Risk | None | May come in low |
| Sale Price | 70-85% of value | 90-100% of value |
But What About Net Proceeds?
Sale price isn't everything. Here's what you actually walk away with.
Traditional Sale: $300,000 Home
Sale Price$300,000
Agent Commission (6%)-$18,000
Closing Costs (2.5%)-$7,500
Pre-Sale Repairs-$10,000
Staging & Prep-$2,500
Carrying Costs (90 days)-$6,000
Buyer Concessions-$6,000
Net Proceeds$250,000
Cash Buyer Sale: Same Home
Cash Offer$255,000
Agent Commission$0
Closing Costs$0
Repairs$0
Staging & Prep$0
Carrying Costs (14 days)-$700
Concessions$0
Net Proceeds$254,300
In this example, the cash buyer actually nets you more—plus you're done in 2 weeks instead of 3 months.
When Each Option Is Best
Choose Cash Buyer When:
- You need to sell quickly (30 days or less)
- Your home needs significant repairs
- You want certainty and simplicity
- You can't afford to make repairs
- You're dealing with a difficult situation (divorce, foreclosure, inherited)
- You don't want the hassle of showings
- Your home is dated or in poor condition
- You value convenience over maximum price
Choose Realtor When:
- You have 3-6 months to sell
- Your home is in excellent, move-in ready condition
- You're in a hot seller's market
- Maximum price is your only priority
- You can afford to make repairs and stage
- You don't mind showings and open houses
- You can handle the uncertainty of traditional sales
- You have a backup plan if the sale falls through
Quick Decision Guide
Do you need to sell in 30 days or less?
Yes →Cash Buyer
No →Either
Does your home need more than $10,000 in repairs?
Yes →Cash Buyer
No →Either
Is your home in perfect, move-in ready condition?
Yes →Realtor may be better
No →Consider Cash Buyer
Can you handle the sale falling through?
Yes →Either
No →Cash Buyer
Is maximum price your only priority?
Yes →Try Realtor first
No →Consider Cash Buyer
Get Both Options, Then Decide
Get a free cash offer from us. Compare it to what agents tell you. Make the smart choice.
Get Your Cash Offer to Compare