Far fewer than a traditional sale. There's no agent commission (typically 5–6% on a listed sale), and many cash buyers — including us — cover standard closing costs like title fees and escrow, so what you're quoted is close to what you walk away with, minus any existing mortgage payoff or liens on the property.
Costs a cash sale typically avoids
- Agent commissions. No listing or buyer's agent fee, which usually runs 5–6% of the sale price combined.
- Repair credits. No back-and-forth over inspection findings or repair requests before closing.
- Carrying costs. No months of insurance, taxes, and utilities piling up while a listing sits on the market.
Costs that can still apply
A few things aren't eliminated by selling for cash, since they're tied to the property itself rather than how it's sold: payoff of any existing mortgage or liens, your prorated share of property taxes for the year, and any outstanding HOA dues. These come out of the sale proceeds at closing, the same as they would in any other sale.
How to know what you'll actually net
Ask for a written estimate or settlement statement before closing that spells out the offer amount, any payoffs, and any fees. A legitimate buyer will walk through this with you so there are no surprises on closing day.