Choosing between a cash home buyer vs realtor in Burke comes down to three things: how much you net, how fast you need to close, and how much work the house needs. Neither option is right for everyone, so here is an honest side-by-side look for Burke, Virginia sellers in 2026.
Cash Home Buyer vs Realtor in Burke: The Key Differences
Selling with a realtor means listing on the MLS, preparing the home, hosting showings and waiting for a buyer, who will usually be using a mortgage. In Burke’s 2026 market, updated homes often go under contract within about a week, then take another 30 to 45 days to close.
Selling to a cash buyer means getting a direct offer on the house as it is. There is no listing, no lender and no appraisal. Closing can happen in as few as 7 days or on a date you choose.
Costs: What Comes Out of Your Proceeds
With a traditional sale, total agent commissions have historically run around 5% to 6% of the price, though commissions are negotiable and the way buyer-agent pay is handled changed after the 2024 industry settlement. On a $700,000 Burke home, 5% is about $35,000. Many sellers also spend money on pre-listing repairs, painting, staging and cleaning, and inspection requests can lead to repair credits late in the deal.
With a cash sale to Potomac Home Buyers, there are no commissions and no fees from us, and you make no repairs. The trade-off is that our offer is below what a fully updated home could bring on the open market, because we take on the repairs, holding costs and resale risk.
In both cases, standard Virginia seller costs such as your mortgage payoff and prorated Fairfax County real estate taxes are settled at closing. For a plain-language look at how closing costs and settlement documents work, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has helpful guides.
Which Is Better: Cash Home Buyer vs Realtor in Burke?
A realtor is often the better choice if your home is in good, updated condition, you have two to three months to sell, and getting top dollar matters more than speed.
A cash buyer is often the better choice if the house needs major work, you inherited it, you are facing foreclosure or a divorce, you are relocating on a deadline, or you simply do not want showings and uncertainty. Our who we help page covers these situations in detail.
How to Compare Your Real Options
The fairest comparison is net proceeds against time. Ask a local agent for an estimated sale price, then subtract commissions, likely repairs and credits, and two or three months of mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities. Then compare that with a written cash offer. If the gap is small, the speed and certainty of a cash sale may be worth it. If it is large, listing may be the better move.
Start with our main we buy houses in Burke page, and read how our cash offer process works before you request a number.
Common Questions About Cash Buyers and Realtors
Will a cash buyer pay less than a realtor sale?
Usually the gross price is lower, but the gap in net proceeds is often smaller once commissions, repairs and holding costs are counted.
Can I get a cash offer and still talk to an agent?
Yes. Our offers are free and carry no obligation, so you can compare them with an agent’s estimate before deciding.
How do I know a Burke cash buyer is legitimate?
Look for a written offer, closing through a licensed Virginia title or settlement company, no upfront fees, and a track record. We have been buying homes in DC, Maryland and Virginia since 2012.