The sticker price a realtor quotes and the amount you actually walk away with are two very different numbers. Here’s an honest comparison to help Rockville homeowners decide between listing with an agent and selling to a cash buyer.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Cash Buyer (Potomac Home Buyers) | Traditional Realtor |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 7–14 days | 30–90+ days to close |
| Repairs | None — sold as-is | Often required before or after inspection |
| Commissions | $0 | ~5–6% of sale price |
| Closing costs | We cover the typical costs | Often split with the buyer |
| Showings / open houses | None | Multiple, on buyers’ schedules |
| Certainty | High — cash, no financing contingency | Deals can fall through on financing or inspection |
| Best when | You value speed, certainty, and no repairs | The home is updated and you can wait |
The “Net Proceeds” Math
Say a realtor lists your Rockville home for a higher number than a cash offer. That headline price is tempting — but subtract what actually comes out of it: roughly 5–6% in agent commissions, repair credits negotiated after inspection, a few months of mortgage, tax, and utility carrying costs while the home sits, and the very real possibility of a price reduction if it doesn’t move.
Once you run those numbers, the gap between a listed price and a straight cash offer often narrows dramatically. For a house that needs work or a seller on a deadline, a cash sale frequently nets more money, sooner, and with far less stress.
A Realistic Example
Imagine a Rockville home an agent believes could list for $500,000. After ~$30,000 in commissions, $15,000 in pre-sale repairs and post-inspection credits, three months of carrying costs, and a modest price reduction to attract a buyer, the seller’s net can land well below the headline number — and that’s assuming the deal closes on the first try. A cash offer trades a lower gross price for zero fees, zero repairs, and a guaranteed close, which is why the net is often closer than sellers expect.
When a Realtor Is the Better Call
We’ll say it plainly: if your home is updated, in a desirable Rockville pocket like King Farm or Rockville Town Center, and you can comfortably wait 60–90 days through showings and inspections, listing with a good agent may earn you a higher net. A cash sale is built for speed, certainty, and as-is convenience — not for squeezing out the absolute top dollar on a turnkey home.
When a Cash Sale Wins
A cash sale usually comes out ahead when the home needs significant repairs, when you’re facing a deadline (relocation, foreclosure, divorce, or an inherited property), when you don’t want strangers touring your home, or when certainty matters more than chasing the highest possible price. In those situations, the convenience and reliability are worth more than a few percentage points of gross. For current conditions, see our Rockville & Montgomery County market update.
Compare It for Yourself
The best way to decide is to see a real number. Get a free, no-obligation cash offer, compare it against what an agent projects you’d net, and choose what’s right for you. Learn more about selling your house fast in Rockville, or read what local sellers say about us.