When Listing with an Agent Makes Sense
- Best for: move-in-ready homes and sellers who can wait for top retail price.
- Pros: broad exposure, potential higher sale price.
- Cons: 5–6% commissions, repairs and updates, showings/open houses, uncertain closing date.
When Selling to an Investor is the Better Fit
- Best for: properties needing repairs or situations requiring speed/certainty.
- Pros: cash offers, as-is condition, flexible closing, privacy (no showings).
- Cons: usually lower than full retail—often offset by repair savings and time saved.
How to Decide Quickly
- Condition: major repairs or code issues → investor.
- Timeline: need to move in weeks (not months) → investor.
- Cash Out: willing to invest in fixes and wait → agent.
- Privacy: want to avoid showings and disruptions → investor.
Tip: Get a no-obligation cash offer and compare your true “net” (after repairs, fees, and time) to a best-case listing scenario.