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Selling a House for Cash vs Listing With an Agent

Homeowners in Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, and surrounding DFW cities often compare selling their house for cash versus listing with a traditional real estate agent. Each option comes with different timelines, costs, and levels of certainty, which is why understanding how each process works can help sellers choose the path that best fits their situation.

Selling a house for cash means working directly with a buyer who uses their own funds instead of a mortgage, allowing the sale to close without financing approval, lender appraisals, or repair contingencies. Listing a house with a real estate agent involves marketing the property on the MLS, showing it to buyers, negotiating offers, and completing inspections and buyer financing requirements. The primary trade-off is speed and certainty with a cash sale versus potentially higher price but more time, costs, and uncertainty when listing with an agent.

Disclosure: This comparison is published by Oak Summit Group, a direct cash home buyer. We buy houses for cash and do not list homes on the MLS as real estate agents.

While this page compares selling options across Texas, Oak Summit Group operates locally from the Fort Worth area and focuses on direct, as-is purchases.

Oak Summit Group is a local cash home buyer based in Westworth Village / Fort Worth, Texas.
You can reach our team at (817) 381-2181 during normal business hours.

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Cash Offer vs Listing vs iBuyer — How Sellers Usually Compare Their Options

Homeowners generally choose between these options based on their priorities:

Cash Offer (Direct Buyer)
Typically chosen by sellers who value speed, certainty, and convenience. This option avoids repairs, showings, and agent commissions, but the offer may be lower than a traditional listing.

Listing with a Real Estate Agent
Often chosen by sellers who want to maximize sale price and are willing to invest time in repairs, showings, and an uncertain timeline. Final sale price depends on market conditions and buyer financing.

iBuyer
Sometimes chosen for convenience and faster timelines. Pricing, fees, and eligibility vary by company and property, and not all homes qualify.

Keeping the Property
Some owners decide not to sell if none of the options fit their situation or timing.

Each option has tradeoffs. The best choice depends on condition, timeline, financial goals, and tolerance for uncertainty.

 Selling w/ An Agent SOLD To  Oak Summit Group logo
Commissions / Fees:6% on average is paid by you, the sellerNONE
Who Pays Closing Costs?:2% on average is paid by you, the sellerNONE – We pay all costs
Inspection & Financing Contingency*:Yes, sales can fall throughNONE
Appraisal Needed:Yes, the sale is often subject to appraisalNONE – We make cash offers
Average Days Until Sold:+/- 91 DaysIMMEDIATE CASH OFFER
Number of Showings:It Depends1 (Just Us)
Closing Date:30-60 +/- days after accepting the buyer’s offerThe Date Of YOUR CHOICE
Who Pays For Repairs?:Negotiated During Inspection PeriodNONE – We pay for all repairs

What Happens When You Sell Each Way

What You Avoid

Selling your house for cash allows you to avoid preparing the property for showings. You can avoid making repairs or updates before selling. You avoid paying agent commissions and many closing costs. Cash sales also help you avoid financing delays, appraisal issues, and the risk of a buyer backing out.

What You Gain

A cash sale offers speed and certainty, with a defined closing date and fewer variables once an offer is accepted. Listing with an agent may provide broader market exposure and the potential for a higher sale price, especially if the home is in good condition and time is not a constraint.

What Happens After Closing

With a cash buyer, sellers usually choose a flexible closing date and move on without post-sale responsibilities. When selling through an agent, the process after closing is similar, but the timeline leading up to closing is often longer and more dependent on buyer financing and inspections.

Important trade-off to consider: Selling a house for cash often means accepting a lower price than a fully marketed listing, but many homeowners choose this option to reduce uncertainty, avoid repairs, and close on a predictable timeline.

Explore Your Selling Options

Frequently Asked Questions

Is selling my house for cash better than listing with an agent?

It depends on your goals and situation.

Selling your house for cash can be a better option if you need to sell quickly, want to avoid repairs and showings, or want more certainty. Cash sales usually close faster and don’t depend on buyer financing.

Listing with an agent may make sense if your home is in good condition, you have time to wait, and your main goal is getting the highest possible price. Comparing both options helps you choose what fits your timeline and priorities.

How much do agent commissions and fees cost?

Real estate agent commissions typically range from 5% to 6% of the sale price, which is usually split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. In addition to commissions, sellers may also pay for repairs, staging, closing costs, and price concessions after inspections.

These costs can add up and reduce your net proceeds, especially if your home needs work or the market is slower.

Do cash buyers require repairs or inspections?

Most cash buyers purchase homes as-is, meaning you usually don’t need to make repairs, clean up, or pass inspections. While some buyers may still evaluate the property, the process is typically much simpler and doesn’t involve repair demands or lender-required inspections.

This can be helpful if the home needs work or you want to avoid additional expenses.

Which option is faster if I need to sell quickly?

Selling to a cash buyer is usually faster. Cash sales can often close in days or weeks, depending on your timeline. Listing with an agent typically takes longer due to showings, negotiations, inspections, and buyer financing approvals.

If speed and certainty are your top priorities, a cash sale is often the quicker option.

An inspection contingency allows a buyer to have the property inspected…

These contingencies can cause delays or lead to a failed sale…

Oak Summit Group buys houses directly for cash, so our offers don’t depend on buyer financing. Closing timelines vary, but a cash sale can sometimes close in as little as 7 days depending on title work, property access, and your preferred move-out date.

Oak Summit Group helps North Texas homeowners compare selling for cash versus listing with an agent.

Markets We Serve

We help homeowners compare selling options across Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, and surrounding DFW cities. Choose your city below to see local details.

Don’t see your city? We serve most of North Texas — contact us to confirm availability.

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Oak Summit Group
(817) 381-2181
5701 Tracyne Dr, Westworth Village, TX 76114