San Diego Home Owners Why Cash Offers Are So Much Lower
By George Lorimer • ProWest Properties • DRE# 01146839 • 619-846-1244 • *Conditions apply
Straight talk: A true “cash buyer” discount is usually 25–30% off the price. That’s not a bargain—you’re trading $25–$30K to avoid a $2–$3K commission on the same $100K example.
Simple Example (using $100,000 for easy math)
- Cash buyer typical discount (25–30%): Offer ˜ $70,000–$75,000
You give up $25,000–$30,000 in price.
- Open market with agent at ~2–3%: Typical commission on $100,000 is $2,000–$3,000.
You’re effectively discounting $25K–$30K to save a $2K–$3K commission. The math doesn’t pencil.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
Sell to Cash Buyer
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Sell on the Open Market
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Bottom line: Cash makes sense when speed and certainty are worth tens of thousands to you (estate sale, severe timeline, major repairs, etc.). If your goal is to maximize your net in your pocket, the open market—with the right pricing, preparation, and negotiation—wins almost every time.
Forward-Thinking Options (So You Don’t Have to Fire-Sale Your Equity)
- Buy-Before-You-Sell / Trade-In: Avoid double moves and keep leverage as a non-contingent buyer.
- Cash-Plus: Access part of your equity up front, then list for full market value to capture the rest.
- Prep-to-Sell Plan: Targeted, high-ROI make-ready items so you don’t leave money on the table.
Find Out What Your Home Is Worth
Want a custom side-by-side net sheet (open market vs cash buyer) for your home? Call or text George Lorimer at 619-846-1244. I’ll map out your fastest path to maximum net with the least risk.
ProWest Properties • DRE# 01146839 • Call/Text 619-846-1244
*Conditions apply. Numbers above are illustrative examples; actual offers, fees, and market pricing vary by property, condition, and timing.