Selling your home is a big decision, and choosing the right buyer can mean the difference between a fast, profitable sale and months of stress. Should you work with a real estate agent or sell directly to an investor/cash buyer?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ Pros & cons of each option
✅ Who pays more?
✅ Speed vs. profit trade-offs
✅ When to choose which
1. Selling your home with a Real Estate Agent
✔ Pros:
- Higher sale price (5-15% more than cash offers)
- Marketing expertise (MLS, professional photos, open houses)
- Negotiation skills (Agents handle buyer demands)
✖ Cons:
- 6% commission (That’s
- 30Kona
- 30Kona500K home!)
- Repairs & staging required (Costs
- 5K−
- 5K−20K+)
- 60-90 day closing (Buyer financing can fall through)
- No guaranteed sale (Your house could sit for months)
Best for:
- Homes in great condition
- Sellers who aren’t in a rush
- Hot markets where bidding wars happen
2. Selling your home to a Cash Buyer (Investor)
✔ Pros:
- Close in 7-14 days (No bank delays)
- No repairs needed (Sell as-is, even with damage)
- No commissions or fees (Keep more of the sale price)
- Guaranteed sale (No risk of buyer backing out)
✖ Cons:
- Lower offer (70-90% of retail value)
- Fewer buyer protections (Must vet investors carefully)
Best for:
- Distressed homes (needing major repairs)
- Urgent sales (foreclosure, divorce, relocation)
- Inherited properties (no time to manage)
3. Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Real Estate Agent | Cash Buyer |
| Sale Price | Higher (retail) | Lower (wholesale) |
| Speed | 60-90+ days | 7-14 days |
| Fees | 6% commission + repairs | $0 fees |
| Condition | Must be move-in ready | As-is accepted |
| Certainty | Buyer financing risk | Guaranteed close |
4. Which One Should YOU Choose when selling your home?
✅ Pick an Agent If…
- Your home is updated & market-ready
- You can wait 3+ months for the right buyer
- You want top dollar (and can afford fees)
✅ Pick a Cash Buyer If…
- You need to sell fast (job relocation, foreclosure)
- Your home needs major repairs
- You want zero hassle (no showings, no negotiations)
Pro Tip: Some sellers list with an agent first, then switch to a cash buyer if it doesn’t sell.
5. Why Maryland Homeowners Choose Us (Bay Rock Home Buyers)
We’re the happy middle ground:
✔ Fair cash offers (We’re local—no lowballing!)
✔ Close in 7 days (No waiting)
✔ No hidden fees (What we offer is what you get)
“Sold my Canton rowhouse in 10 days when my agent couldn’t. No repairs, no stress!” – Mark T., Baltimore
Need Help Deciding?
📞 Call (410) 657-5399 for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll review your home and tell you the real best option.