Comparing Your Options
Timeline
Cash Sale: 7-14 days typical
Traditional: 3-6 months average (longer in slow markets)
Costs
Cash Sale: Zero fees, we pay closing costs
Traditional: 8-10% total (6% commission + 2-4% closing costs + repairs)
Repairs
Cash Sale: None required, we buy as-is
Traditional: Often required to compete with other listings
Certainty
Cash Sale: Guaranteed sale, no financing contingency
Traditional: Deals can fall through (20-30% of contracts fail)
Convenience
Cash Sale: No showings, no staging, no open houses
Traditional: Keep house "show ready" for months
Price
Cash Sale: Typically below market value (you're trading price for speed/convenience)
Traditional: Potentially higher gross price, but subtract all costs
The Bottom Line
Traditional sales can net more money IF your house is in great condition, you have plenty of time, and you're willing to deal with the process. Cash sales make sense when speed, certainty, and convenience matter more than maximizing price.