For homeowners weighing a cash sale

Selling Your House for Cash? Understand the Offer First.

WholeSellIn is an independent guide for homeowners who are considering selling to a cash buyer, “we buy houses” company or wholesaler. We explain how those offers are calculated, what questions to ask, and when listing with an agent may get you more.

Independent educational site · Not a real estate broker · We do not buy, sell or list properties

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The math behind the offer

How most investor cash offers are calculated

Many investors start from the home’s estimated after-repair value (ARV), take a percentage of it (the well-known “70% rule” is a common rule of thumb), then subtract their repair estimate. A wholesaler who plans to assign the contract also subtracts their fee. That is why cash offers are usually well below what a renovated home next door sold for.

A lower price is not automatically unfair: you may be trading money for speed, certainty, no repairs, no showings and no commission. The key is to know the trade-off you are making.

Before you sign

Questions to ask any cash buyer

Will you assign this contract?

If yes, you are dealing with a wholesaler who will find the real buyer. Ask what happens if they cannot.

How much earnest money, and where?

Earnest money should be held by a title company, not the buyer.

How long is the option or inspection period?

A long period lets the buyer walk away while your house is off the market.

Which title company will close?

Use an established, independent title company and check your settlement statement before closing.

Red flags

Warning signs worth taking seriously

If you are facing foreclosure, a HUD-approved housing counselor can review your options at no or low cost.

Compare options

Cash sale, agent listing or something else?

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Disclosure: WholeSellIn (wholesellin.com) is an independent, educational website. We are not a licensed real estate broker or agent, we do not buy, sell or list properties, and we do not guarantee any profit or outcome. Under Texas law, anyone marketing a property they only have under contract must disclose that they are selling their contract interest (equitable interest), not the property. Consult a licensed real estate professional or attorney about your situation. Full disclaimer.
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