Compare selling options
Listing, cash offer, or something in between?
There’s more than one way to sell a home. Each trades price, speed, effort and certainty differently. Here’s an honest side-by-side, so you can see which tradeoffs fit your goals.
The three paths
Traditional listing
Your home is prepared, marketed and offered to buyers on the open market. Competition among buyers sets the price.
Direct cash sale
A buyer purchases the home directly, often as-is and on a flexible timeline. You trade some price for speed and convenience.
Market-value program
Programs that aim for market value with added structure, such as help buying before you sell or preparing the home before it’s listed. Terms vary by program.
Side by side
General comparison. Actual terms depend on the property, the market and the specific buyer or program.
| Factor | Traditional listing | Direct cash sale | Market-value program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price and proceeds | |||
| Sale priceWhat the home sells for | Set by open-market competition among buyers | Usually below open-market value in exchange for speed and convenience | Aims for market value; depends on the program’s terms |
| Costs and feesWhat comes out of the proceeds | Brokerage compensation, closing costs and any agreed repairs or credits | Varies by buyer; some costs may be built into the offer | Program fees vary; review the specific terms |
| Timing | |||
| Time to closeFrom decision to closing | Depends on market response, buyer financing and contract terms | Often faster, depending on the buyer | Depends on the program structure |
| Control of the closing dateWho sets the timeline | Negotiated with the buyer | Often more flexible | Set by the program’s terms |
| Preparation and effort | |||
| Repairs and preparationWork before selling | Usually some, based on what improves the result | Typically sold as-is | Depends on the program; some include preparation |
| ShowingsBuyers touring the home | Yes, while the home is on the market | Usually one visit or inspection | Depends on the program |
| Certainty | |||
| Likelihood of closingRisk the deal falls apart | Depends on buyer financing, inspection and appraisal | Often higher with no financing contingency | Depends on the program and its conditions |
| ContingenciesConditions in the contract | Commonly financing, inspection and appraisal | Often fewer | Varies by program |
| Next-home coordinationLining up your purchase | Possible with planning and negotiated terms | A firm closing date can help | Some programs are designed for this |
| Best fit whenSituations it tends to suit | Price matters most and there’s time to market the home | Speed, certainty or condition matter most | You want market value with more structure or flexibility |
Compensation may apply depending on the path or program you choose. I explain how I’m compensated before you sign anything. See How I’m compensated below.
Solutions alongside a sale
Tools that can make any path easier
Buy before you sell
Ways to secure your next home before your current one sells, from contingencies to bridge financing and programs designed for it.
Read: Can you buy before you sell?Pre-sale preparation
Targeted improvements before listing, planned around what’s likely to matter to buyers, not a full renovation.
Curious what a cash offer looks like?
See your cash offer options
You can request cash offer options for your home online. I’ll walk you through what any offer means for your bottom line and how it compares with listing.
See Your Cash Offer OptionsHow I’m compensated
Exploring your options with me doesn’t cost anything. Browsing, asking questions and comparing paths don’t create a fee or any obligation to hire me.
If you decide to move forward, compensation depends on the path you choose:
- Traditional listing: Compensation for brokerage services is set out in a written listing agreement before your home is listed and is paid through Momentum Realty, not directly to me.
- Direct cash sale or market-value program: Compensation varies by program. Before you commit to a specific program, I’ll explain whether compensation applies, who pays it, and how it works.
- Other options: Some situations may result in no compensation to me at all. For example, if you ultimately pursue an option that allows you to keep your home and no compensable brokerage service or program is engaged, I may receive no compensation.
Before you commit to a path involving compensation to me, I’ll explain whether I’ll be compensated, who pays the compensation, and how it is structured. When the compensation is for real estate brokerage services, it is paid through Momentum Realty and not directly to me.
Important information
This page is general real estate information, not legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Every property and situation is different, and actual offers, programs and terms vary.
Free • No-Obligation • One-on-One Strategy Session
Not sure which path fits?
Tell me about your home, your timing and what matters most. I’ll walk you through the real tradeoffs, with the numbers, so you can choose with confidence. No pressure, and no obligation.