Cash Buyer vs Realtor: Making the Right Choice for Your Arizona Home
When it's time to sell your house in Arizona, you have two main paths: list with a realtor or sell directly to a cash buyer. Both have their place, and the right choice depends on your specific situation.
The Traditional Realtor Route
How It Works
You hire a real estate agent who lists your home on the MLS, markets it to buyers, handles showings, and negotiates offers.
Pros of Using a Realtor
Potentially higher sale price - Exposure to more buyers can drive up price
Professional marketing - Photos, staging advice, online listings
Negotiation expertise - Experienced agents handle offers and counteroffers
Guidance through the process - Helpful for first-time sellers
Cons of Using a Realtor
Commission fees - 5-6% of sale price (on a $400K home, that's $20-24K)
Time to sell - Average 45-90 days on market in Arizona
Repairs required - Most buyers want move-in ready homes
Showings and open houses - Disruption to your daily life
Deals can fall through - Buyers may not qualify for financing
Closing costs - Additional 2-3% in fees
The Cash Buyer Route
How It Works
A company like CASHHOMEBUYER.CO makes a direct offer on your home, typically within 24 hours. No listing, no showings, no waiting.
Pros of Cash Buyers
Speed - Close in as little as 7 days
No repairs needed - We buy as-is, any condition
No commissions - No 6% realtor fee
Certainty - No financing contingencies, no fall-through deals
Convenience - No showings, no strangers in your home
Flexible closing - Choose your timeline
Cons of Cash Buyers
Lower offer price - Typically 70-85% of market value
Less competition - No bidding wars to drive up price
When to Choose a Realtor
A realtor makes sense when:
Your home is in excellent, move-in ready condition You have time to wait 3-6 months for the right buyer The market is hot with low inventory You can handle showings and the sales process Maximizing sale price is your top priority
When to Choose a Cash Buyer
A cash buyer makes sense when:
You need to sell quickly (foreclosure, divorce, relocation) Your home needs significant repairs You can't afford to make repairs or updates You want to avoid the hassle of listing Certainty and convenience are more important than top dollar You're dealing with an inherited or probate property
Real Cost Comparison
Let's compare selling a $350,000 home:
With a Realtor:
Sale price: $350,000 Realtor commission (6%): -$21,000 Closing costs (3%): -$10,500 Repairs/staging: -$10,000 Net proceeds: $308,500 Time: 60-90 days
With Cash Buyer:
Offer: $297,500 (85% of value) Commission: $0 Closing costs: $0 (we pay them) Repairs: $0 Net proceeds: $297,500 Time: 7-14 days
The difference? About $11,000 - but you save months of time, hassle, and uncertainty.
The Bottom Line
There's no universally "right" answer. It depends on your priorities: time, money, convenience, and certainty. We're happy to give you a no-obligation cash offer so you can compare your options.