Cash Offer vs. Listing With an Agent

Two Honest Paths to Selling Your House

Listing with a real estate agent and selling to a cash buyer are both legitimate ways to sell a house — they just serve different needs. This page compares them honestly so you can pick the right one for your situation.

FactorCash Offer (Us)Listing With an Agent
Time to close7-14 daysTypically 45-90+ days, including time on market
RepairsNone required — sold as-isOften expected, sometimes required to compete
Commission0%Typically 5-6% of sale price
Showings/open housesNoneMultiple showings usual
Sale priceBelow full retail (reflects speed, certainty, no repairs)Can achieve full market value with the right buyer
CertaintyCash offer, no financing contingencyBuyer financing can fall through

If maximizing sale price matters most and your home is in good condition with time to spare, a traditional listing with a licensed agent may net you more. If speed, certainty, and avoiding repairs matter most, a cash offer may be the better fit. We're not licensed real estate agents — for questions specific to listing, an agent is the right person to ask.