"We Buy Houses" vs. a Realtor: Which Actually Nets You More?

Realtors will tell you they'll get more for your house. They're usually right on gross sale price. But the question is what hits your bank account — and that math changes once you include every cost.

The True Cost of a Realtor Sale

• 5–6% agent commission (split between listing and buyer's agent)
• 1–3% in seller-paid closing costs (title, transfer tax, recording)
• Pre-listing repairs (typically $5K–$15K for average homes)
• Staging and professional photos ($1K–$3K)
• 60–90 days of mortgage, insurance, utilities, and taxes
• 0.5–2% buyer-requested repair credits at inspection
• Risk of buyer's financing falling through (15% of pending sales)

When the MLS Wins

If your house is in great condition, doesn't need work, and you can comfortably carry it for 60–90 days, the MLS usually nets more. Maybe 8–15% more.

When Cash Wins

If the house needs work, you're behind on payments, the property is occupied by problem tenants, you're facing foreclosure, or you simply can't carry the holding costs — a cash sale often nets more in your pocket after you remove all the MLS costs.