Selling Options
Compare Your Options: Fast, Easy, or Maximum Price
Every homeowner wants fast, easy, and maximum price. In most situations you can fully have two of the three. This page lays out the trade-offs honestly so you can choose the balance that fits your life.
Cash offer or open market: which is better?
Neither is universally better. A direct cash sale optimizes speed, convenience, and certainty at the cost of price. An open-market sale optimizes price at the cost of time, effort, and some uncertainty. The right answer is the one that matches your actual priorities, which is why comparing both numbers for your specific house matters.
Direct / as-is sale
Best when your priorities include speed, convenience, selling as-is, avoiding repairs and showings, greater certainty, or solving a complicated property problem.
Open-market sale
Best when your priorities include maximizing the sale price, exposing the property to competing buyers, having sufficient time, a property whose condition supports retail buyers, and comfort with showings and conventional transaction requirements.
Other solutions
Some properties and circumstances justify exploring alternative structures: a lease-purchase, seller financing, a subject-to arrangement, a partnership on a renovation, or simply waiting and renting. These are not generic recommendations. They require individual evaluation of the risks and the legal and tax implications, and they are only appropriate in specific situations.
How it works
- 01
Tell us about the property
Address, situation, priorities, and timeline.
- 02
Get both numbers
A direct-sale net and a listing estimate, in writing.
- 03
Choose
Or don't. Clarity has value on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any reason you shouldn't know your options before deciding?
Tell us about the property. We'll evaluate your situation and lay out your options, including the one we don't sell.
Side by side
| Factor | Direct / as-is | Open market |
|---|---|---|
| Typical timeline | 1–3 weeks to close | 45–90 days including marketing and escrow |
| Price | Below retail; discounted for condition and risk | Highest potential price through competing buyers |
| Repairs | None | Often some preparation; inspection repair requests common |
| Showings | One walkthrough | Ongoing showings and open houses |
| Certainty | High; no financing or appraisal contingency | Moderate; financing, appraisal, and inspection contingencies |
| Costs | Title and closing costs; no listing commission | Brokerage compensation, concessions, carrying costs |
| Best for | Speed, convenience, complicated situations | Maximum net when condition and time allow |