💰 Should I Sell My Home for Cash? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Saying Yes

As a REALTOR® in New Smyrna Beach, I’ve heard it all:
“Ryan, I just want to sell it fast and be done with it.”
“Can’t I just cut out the middleman and get a cash offer?”

And listen—I get it. When life throws a curveball, the idea of selling your house overnight, no showings, no repairs, no fuss? It sounds like a dream.

But before you jump at that cash offer, let’s talk about what you’re really gaining—and what you might be losing.

🧐 What Does “Sell for Cash” Really Mean?

When someone offers to “buy your home for cash,” they’re offering to close quickly—often in under 21 days—without relying on a mortgage.

Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: you need to know who’s making that offer.

👔 1. Institutional Investors: Wall Street Buys the Beach

These are the big dogs—hedge funds and REITs like:

Invitation Homes
Progress Residential
American Homes 4 Rent

They buy in bulk and turn your house into a long-term rental.

✅ Pro: Close fast, no hassle
❌ Con: Their offers are typically 15–20% below market value

They’re not here to overpay. They’re running numbers—and they want a deal.

📲 2. iBuyers: Techy, Trendy… and Fee-Heavy

Think Opendoor and Offerpad. These platforms use algorithms to shoot out offers quickly. If your house fits their buy box (newer, suburban, not too custom), they’ll give you a number.

✅ Pro: Streamlined, no open houses
❌ Con: Service fees can hit 5–12%, and their offers are rarely top dollar

Let’s be real—they’re flipping it for profit, not doing you a favor.

🔁 3. Wholesalers: The Middleman You Didn’t See Coming

Wholesalers are usually individuals who lock your house under contract—then flip that contract to another investor.

✅ Pro: Good for distressed properties
❌ Con: They’re not licensed. They don’t actually buy your home. And if they can’t assign the deal? You could get ghosted or delayed.

I’ve seen sellers take $50K less than market value just to “get it over with”—without knowing there were better options.

💡 When Selling for Cash Might Make Sense

There are times when a cash sale is the right move:

You’re relocating fast and can’t wait 30+ days
The property is severely damaged or unlivable
You’ve inherited a home you don’t want to fix or list
You’re going through a divorce or financial hardship

But here’s the thing…

You can get all of those benefits—with a licensed, experienced REALTOR® who knows how to negotiate.
And most of the time? You’ll walk away with more money.

I’ve helped sellers close fast, as-is, and even with investors at the table—but on their terms, not theirs.

📉 Let’s Talk Numbers

A 2023 Redfin study showed sellers who accepted a cash offer from an investor netted 13–18% less than those who listed their home the traditional way—even after paying commissions and making light updates.

So sure, selling for cash might feel like skipping the hard stuff.
But ask yourself:

Is the shortcut worth what you’re leaving on the table?

🤝 Let’s Weigh Your Options—Together

I’m not here to talk you out of selling for cash.
I’m here to help you make the right move for your life—whether that’s:

A traditional listing for top dollar
A quick, no-hassle investor sale
Or a hybrid approach that gets you speed and equity

The bottom line? You don’t have to choose between fast and smart. You can have both—with the right guidance.

Ryan Tesnow, MPA
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Envision Real Estate
📍 New Smyrna Beach Local Expert
📞 (254) 206-5020
📧 ryan.tesnow@cbenvision.com
🏡 394-B N. Causeway | New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169