Sell Home For Cash vs. Real Estate Agents: Which is Better?

When it comes to selling a property, homeowners generally face a choice between two main routes: accepting a cash offer or opting for a traditional sale through a real estate agent. Choosing a cash offer means a faster sale process and simplified transactions, as buyers like Mast Property Development pay directly without financing delays.

Traditional sales involve real estate agents, offering more room for price negotiations and potentially higher returns. However, this method typically takes longer and carries the risk of sale failures due to financing fallouts or unmet conditions.

Comparing Cash Offers (Direct Home Buyers) vs Traditional Sales (Realtor)

Exploring all available options before deciding to sell your house is wise, especially in a seller's market where conventional methods aren't your only choice. Timing is crucial in selling your property if you want to yield the highest financial gain. 

While direct sales may not suit every seller, they come with advantages worth considering - such as speed and simplicity. It's important to consider the differences when making your selling decision. Let’s compare the differences between cash buyers and traditional real estate agents:

Services	Selling With an Agent	Mast Property
Commissions / Fees:	6% on average is paid by you, the seller	None
Who pays closing costs?	2% on average is paid by you, the seller	None - We pay all costs
Inspection & Financing Contingency*	Yes, sales can fall through	None
Appraisal Needed	Yes, the sale is often subject to appraisal	None - We make cash offers
Average Days Until Sold	+/-91 days	Immediate cash offer
Number of Showings	Depends	Just us
Closing Date	30-60 +/- days after accepting buyers offer	The date of your choice
Who Pays for Repairs?	Negotiated During Inspection Period	None - We do all the repairs

Note:

• Inspection Contingency: Before finalizing a purchase, buyers have the right to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. A professional home inspector will evaluate the house, and if any issues are identified, the buyer has the option to either terminate the contract or negotiate a reduction in the sale price.

• Financing contingency: This provision allows the buyer sufficient time to secure a mortgage. Should the buyer encounter difficulties in obtaining financing, they have the option to withdraw from the contract without facing any penalties, thereby exiting the agreement seamlessly. As a result, you’ll have restart process all over again.

1. Better Financial Outcomes

When considering selling your home, it's vital to closely examine the numbers. For example, your home in its current state, could sell for $170k. Selling through the retail market involves commissions, closing costs, and a waiting period of a few months, which could reduce your take-home to approximately $156k after an estimated $13,600 in expenses. This calculation does not even account for additional holding costs like utilities, insurance, and HOA fees.

Contrastingly, securing a cash offer from a reputable real estate solutions company could streamline the process. If the offer is in the range of $150k-$160k, it may be more advantageous considering the time saved and the elimination of traditional selling hassles. Such a sale would be "as-is," meaning you wouldn't need to worry about further expenses or liabilities.

At Mast Property Development, we take on the responsibility and risk of purchasing your home as-is, recognizing that we cannot match the total retail value. Our commitment is to ensure a smooth, hassle-free transaction, making it easier for you to sell your house regardless of its condition or price range.

2. The Assurance of a Cash Sale

A significant benefit of opting for a cash offer is the assurance it brings to the transaction. Cash buyers, devoid of the need for external financing, greatly reduce the risk of a deal collapsing unexpectedly. This reliability is invaluable in a competitive housing market, where a property might attract numerous bids.

Conversely, traditional sales are often fraught with unpredictability. The process may involve bidding wars and conditional offers, such as a buyer needing to sell their current home first or securing necessary financing, which can fall through. For sellers reliant on the sale to proceed with their own life changes, these uncertainties can create considerable stress and inconvenience.

3. Avoiding Realtor Fees with Cash Sales

A key advantage of selling your home for cash, as highlighted previously in the table, is not needing to pay realtor commissions. In a conventional property sale, sellers are usually required to pay their agents a commission, which ranges from 5-6% of the home's selling price. Opting for a cash sale removes this expense altogether, resulting in increased financial returns for the seller.

4. Sell Your Home For As-Is in Cash 

Cash buyers typically accept properties in their existing state, offering an "as-is" sale. This approach spares sellers from the financial and time commitments required for repairs, upgrades, or home staging often necessary in conventional sales. Opting for a cash sale thus presents a significant advantage by eliminating these common expenses, saving both time and money for the seller.

5. The Convenience of Cash Offers for Sellers

Accepting a cash offer greatly simplifies the selling process, offering sellers unmatched convenience. Cash transactions typically entail fewer contingencies and reduced paperwork, streamlining the sale and minimizing stress for the seller. This is particularly advantageous for first-time sellers who might be daunted by the intricate details of traditional real estate deals.

In contrast, traditional sales demand more from the seller in terms of time and effort. Activities such as staging the home, engaging in negotiations, and navigating inspections and appraisals are standard. While some sellers may appreciate the involvement this process requires, others could find it burdensome and excessively time-consuming.

Key Takeaways: Cash Offer vs. Traditional Sale

Deciding between a cash offer and a traditional sale hinges on individual preferences and circumstances, as both options present unique benefits and drawbacks. The traditional selling process demands significant time and effort for staging and pricing, often leading to a long wait for offers. On the other hand, cash sales provide a quick, direct selling route, free from the typical challenges of appraisals and market shifts.

If you're aiming for a quick sale, opting for a cash sale of your home is a worthwhile option to explore in the current real estate market. When you’re working with home buyers like Mast Property Development, you can receive cash for your home in as few as 15 days! You have the freedom to select the closing date; we'll cover all related costs and purchase your home at a time that suits you best.