Seller Proceeds Explained: Cash Home Buyers vs Realtors in Virginia, Maryland, and DC

Key Takeaways

  • Seller proceeds are the true bottom line after deductions.
  • Realtors subtract commissions, closing costs, and repairs that reduce your net.
  • Cash home buyers pay as-is with no fees, saving time and money.
  • Homeowners facing liens, judgments, or financial stress can close fast and walk away with more certainty.

What Are Seller Proceeds?

When you sell your house, the seller proceeds are the amount you keep after subtracting expenses. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, these deductions can include:

  • Mortgage payoff
  • Property taxes owed
  • Liens or judgments
  • Realtor commissions
  • Closing costs
  • Repairs or inspection items required by the buyer’s lender

If your home needs work or you want a fast sale, these deductions can drastically reduce your net profit when selling with a Realtor.

For example, Homelight’s breakdown on “We Buy Houses in Alexandria” explains how many sellers choose cash buyers when speed and simplicity matter more than waiting for the highest offer.

Example: $300,000 Sales Price with Real Numbers

Let’s assume:

  • Mortgage payoff: $150,000
  • Liens: $1,500
  • Property taxes: $4,500
  • Repair items: $12,000

Here’s how the proceeds break down:

ItemCash Home Buyers (3 Step Home Sale)With a Realtor
Sales Price$300,000$300,000
Realtor Commission$0-$15,000 (5%)
Closing Costs$0-$7,500 (2.5%)
Mortgage Payoff-$150,000-$150,000
Liens-$1,500-$1,500
Property Taxes-$4,500-$4,500
Repairs or Inspection$0-$12,000
Net Proceeds$144,000$109,500

With 3 Step Home Sale, you sell as-is, pay no commissions, and avoid the stress of repairs or bank-required updates.

Why Cash Home Buyers Are a Better Option

  • Fast closings, sometimes in as little as 7 days
  • As-is sales with no costly repairs or updates
  • No hidden fees or commissions
  • Certainty and peace of mind once you accept the offer

If you have inherited a home, are facing foreclosure, dealing with bad tenants, or simply want to sell quickly, working with cash home buyers can save you time and maximize your take-home.

Selling Your Home in Your Area

Homeowners across Virginia, Maryland, and DC often ask what their seller proceeds would look like. You can explore options specific to your city to see how a fast, as-is cash sale compares:

Helpful Guides on Seller Proceeds

If you want to dive deeper into how deductions and fees affect your bottom line, these guides offer valuable insights:

Frequently Asked Questions about Seller Proceeds

What does net proceeds mean when selling a house?
Net proceeds are the amount a seller keeps after subtracting mortgage payoff, commissions, closing costs, liens, and other deductions from the sales price.

How do I calculate my seller proceeds?
Subtract all expenses such as mortgage payoff, Realtor commission, closing costs, liens, and repairs from the sales price. A seller proceeds calculator or consultation with a cash home buyer can give you an exact figure.

Do cash home buyers pay less than market value?
Cash buyers typically offer below retail value but save sellers money on repairs, commissions, and closing costs. The end result is often comparable or better than selling with a Realtor when you factor in deductions.

Why would someone sell their house as-is?
Selling as-is allows homeowners to avoid costly repairs, inspections, and delays. It is ideal for inherited homes, properties in distress, or sellers who need a fast closing.

Is selling to a cash home buyer faster than listing with a Realtor?
Yes. Cash buyers often close in 7 to 14 days, while Realtor sales can take months due to listings, showings, inspections, and buyer financing.

Final Word: Know Your Net, Not Just the Sales Price

The sales price is not your proceeds. What you walk away with depends on fees, commissions, and repairs. With 3 Step Home Sale, you skip the middleman, sell fast for cash, and keep more of your equity.

👉 Get your free, no-obligation cash offer today and see how much you could really net.

Ready To Sell Your House?

Skip All The Stress and Let Us Help You.
Start by Filling Out The Form Below.

Get An Offer Today, Sell In A Matter Of Days

  • Start here — a few clicks to your offer

  • By clicking Get My Cash Offer Now, you agree to receive calls, texts, and emails from 3 Step Home Sale. Simply reply "STOP" to opt out. Consent not required for purchase.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Us!