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Cash Offer vs. Listing With an Agent: What You Actually Net

A cash offer is usually lower than a successful retail sale, but it can cost you less in repairs, commissions and carrying costs, and it closes faster. Compare what you'd actually take home, not the top-line price.

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General information only, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed New York attorney or a HUD-approved housing counselor.

Illustrative example (numbers are made up for demonstration)

This is not a quote or a promise. Real numbers depend on your house and market.

ListingCash offer
Sale price$600,000$525,000
Repairs before listing-$35,000$0
Agent commission (illustrative 5%)-$30,000$0
Transfer taxes and seller closing costs (illustrative)-$9,000-$7,500
Carrying costs during 4 months on market (illustrative)-$8,000-$1,000
Estimated net before payoffs~$518,000~$516,500

In this example, the gap shrinks a lot after costs. In other cases, listing wins clearly, especially when the home is in good condition. In others, the cash offer wins, especially when major repairs or long delays are involved.

What to compare

Questions to ask any cash buyer

Our approach

We'll give you a written offer and explain it. You're free to compare it with listing and with other buyers.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cash offer always lower than listing?

Usually the sticker price is lower, but net proceeds can be close once repairs, commissions and time are counted.

Do cash buyers charge fees?

A legitimate buyer shouldn't charge you fees to get an offer.

How fast can a cash sale close?

Often in a few weeks, depending on title and any court or payoff steps.

Should I get more than one offer?

Yes.

Get your cash offer

Use the button at the top of this page to start. It takes about a minute, there is nothing to sign to get an offer, and you can always compare it with listing or with other buyers.

The Key Buyers · 194 Jericho Tpke, Floral Park, NY 11001 · 516-366-2592. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice, and rules change. Every situation is different. Last updated: October 2026.