An alternative
If listing isn't the right move.
Most sellers do better on the open market, and we'll tell you when that's true. But some situations call for speed and certainty instead, and pretending otherwise doesn't help anyone.
Important disclosure
Yuan Escusa is a licensed California real estate agent (DRE #02268183, Real Brokerage DRE #02022092). If you request a cash offer, he would be acting as a principal and buyer through his own company, Flipside Investments not as your agent. In that role he does not represent your interests in the transaction, and no fiduciary duty is owed to you as a seller.
You are encouraged to get an independent opinion of value, and you are welcome to have your own agent or attorney review any offer. If you would rather have representation, Yuan can act as your listing agent instead, but not both on the same property.
How the two options compare
| List on the market | Cash offer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Highest achievable. Full market exposure | Below market. You're trading price for speed and certainty |
| Timeline | Typically 30–60 days once in escrow | As fast as 7–14 days |
| Repairs | Usually needed to maximize price | None. Sold as-is |
| Showings | Yes. Photos, open houses, buyer traffic | One walkthrough |
| Commission | Yes | None |
| Certainty | Financing and appraisal can fall through | No lender, no appraisal contingency |
To say it plainly: a cash offer will almost always be less money than a well-prepared listing. That’s the trade. It makes sense when the property needs work you don’t want to manage, when you’ve inherited something out of the area, when timing is driven by a job or a court date, or when certainty is worth more to you than the last few percent.
Get both numbers
The most useful thing is seeing them side by side. What the house would list for, and what a cash offer looks like. Then decide.