Cash vs. Realtor: Decoding Your Home Selling Options
Should you sell with a cash offer or list with a realtor? Here are some of the pros and cons of each to help you decide what works best for you.
Selling your home is a major decision, and navigating the options can feel overwhelming. Two popular routes are selling "as-is" for cash or working with a real estate agent. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends entirely on your unique situation and priorities. At Turner Property Solutions, we're here to help sellers understand these options and make an informed decision that is best for them.
Selling "As-Is" for Cash: The Quick and Convenient Route
This option involves selling your property directly to a cash buyer, often a real estate investment company like Turner Property Solutions. You sell the home in its current condition, without making any repairs or renovations.
Pros:
Speed and Convenience: Cash offers typically lead to a much faster closing process, often within about 3 weeks. This eliminates the lengthy process of staging, showing, and waiting for buyer financing.
No Repairs or Renovations: You sell the property exactly as it is, saving you time, money, and stress on repairs or upgrades, or removing unwanted items.
Certainty: Cash offers usually provide a guaranteed sale, eliminating the risk of deals falling through due to buyer financing or contingencies. You also know the price upfront. There are no commissions or fees and we cover all customary closing costs, so only mortgage and/or lien payoffs come out of the proceeds.
Reduced Stress: No need to deal with open houses, negotiations, or the emotional rollercoaster of a traditional sale. We also handle the cost and scheduling of any necessary inspections, such as a septic inspection. We have worked with clients that never set foot on the property during the entire process, and we handled everything.
Flexibility: Cash buyers are often more flexible with closing dates and can accommodate your specific needs. You decide the timeline that’s right for you. And if anything changes along the way we are able to adjust quickly.
Cons:
Lower Sale Price: Cash offers are generally lower than what you might receive on the open market. This is because the buyer is taking on the risk and cost of repairs.
Less Negotiation Power: You may have less room to negotiate the sale price compared to a traditional sale.
Scam Potential: It's crucial to work with a reputable and established cash buyer like Turner Property Solutions to avoid scams or unfair deals. We have gone behind several companies to help sellers when they were deceived or had their time wasted, and were unable to close.
Selling with a Realtor: The Traditional Route
This traditional route involves hiring a real estate agent to list your property on the open market and handle the selling process.
Pros:
Potentially Higher Sale Price: A realtor can help you market your property to a wider pool of buyers, potentially leading to a higher sale price. Ideal especially for properties with little to no repairs or updates needed.
Professional Expertise: Realtors have in-depth knowledge of the local market, negotiation skills, and experience in handling complex transactions.
Marketing and Exposure: Realtors use various marketing strategies to attract potential buyers, increasing your property's visibility.
Guidance and Support: Your realtor will guide you through the entire selling process, from staging to closing.
Cons:
Time-Consuming Process: Selling with a realtor can take longer, especially if the market is slow or your property requires repairs.
Repairs and Renovations: You may need to invest time and money in repairs or upgrades to make your property more appealing to buyers. You may also have to complete lender required repairs in order for the buyer to obtain the financing for the purchase
Fees and Commissions: Realtors charge commissions, which can eat into your profit.
Uncertainty: There's no guarantee your property will sell quickly or at your desired price, and you don’t know if buyers will ask for seller credits until offers come in. Buyers can ask for up to 3% in seller credits to help cover closing costs.
Which Option is Right for You?
Consider these factors when making your decision:
Timeline: How quickly do you need to sell your property?
Financial Needs: How much profit do you need or want to make from the sale?
Property Condition: Does your property require significant repairs or updates?
Personal Preferences: Do you prefer a quick and convenient sale or are you willing to invest time and effort for a potentially higher return?
Stress tolerance: How much stress are you willing to deal with?
Turner Property Solutions: Your Trusted Real Estate Solution
No matter which route you decide to take, whether it's a cash offer, or a realtor listing, Turner Property Solutions can help you reach your goal!
If you're looking for a fast, hassle-free way to sell your home "as-is" for cash, Turner Property Solutions is here to help. We offer fair cash offers, a streamlined closing process, and a commitment to transparency and integrity.
If you’re looking to list, our partners with The Helleu Team with Long and Foster can help you list on the market, and will stand by you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best selling option depends on your individual circumstances. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each route to make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and goals. Whether you choose to sell for cash or with a realtor, we hope this blog has provided you with valuable insights, and we hope that you would consider working with us at Turner Property Solutions.
Contact Us Today!
If you're considering selling your home for cash, or looking to list, contact Turner Property Solutions to see which path would be right for you. We're here to answer your questions and help you navigate the selling process.
How It Started
An Introduction- Who we are and How Turner Property Solutions was started
“Selling a home isn’t just about letting go of a property-it’s about stepping into a new chapter with clarity and freedom."
-Turner Property Solutions
At Turner Property Solutions, we help homeowners sell their houses fast for cash. Through this blog, I want to share stories about my experiences, the people I’ve worked with, and how we’ve helped homeowners navigate challenging situations. I also aim to provide insight into the cash home sale process, especially for those looking to sell quickly in Virginia and beyond. If you’re considering selling, I hope this blog serves as both an educational resource and a testament to the impact ethical real estate investing can have.
The Catalyst
I had always been interested in real estate. In my early 20s, I thought about becoming an agent but never took the steps to make it happen. In 2015, I met my wife, Jacqueline, whose father happened to be a Realtor™. Conversations with him and seeing what he did only piqued my interest further. In 2016, Jacqueline and I, tired of our 9-to-5 jobs, started taking courses to become licensed Realtors™. Life got in the way, and we didn’t finish, but we did purchase our first home—a fixer-upper. With my father-in-law guiding us through the buying process, we saw firsthand how real estate transactions worked. That house became our first “flip,” though we didn’t realize it at the time. It took years, but transforming that house confirmed something I’d felt for a long time—I loved fixing up properties.
The first we ever renovated- our own- 2016 (We have since updated the rest of the appliances)
Fast forward to June 16, 2021—the day my youngest son was born. That day changed everything for me. My wife had already left her 9-to-5 job to pursue real estate full-time and was studying for her license. Then, six weeks early, she went into labor. Our son spent 12 days in the NICU—it was one of the hardest times of our lives. During those days, I realized how much I had been missing. I had been leaving for work at 4:30 AM and coming home at 7:00 PM for years. My job very generously offered a month of paid paternity leave, and for the first time in a long time, I had the chance to spend real, meaningful time with my family. I knew I didn’t want to go back to the way things were. One day, my best friend (and former business partner) Shane came over. He had worked in construction for years but had also started investing in real estate, buying, renovating, and reselling properties. He explained how the cash home-buying industry worked. I was intrigued. I had always seen those "We Buy Houses" signs on the side of the road and, like many, assumed they were scams. But as I dug deeper, I realized that when done ethically, this business could provide real solutions for people in tough situations.
The Decision
I knew this was what I wanted to do. Helping homeowners in difficult situations, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating beautiful homes for new families—it was everything I wanted in a business. And, just as important, it meant more time with my family. I planned to work for another six months before making the leap, but when I returned from paternity leave, my job asked me to travel, leaving my wife and newborn at home.
That was the final push I needed. I resigned a month later and launched Turner Property Solutions LLC, partnering with Shane and his company, Envision Improve. My wife was also diving headfirst into real estate, which meant both of us were now self-employed and building our real estate businesses from the ground up- at the same time! It was terrifying, but our "why" was strong.
The Start of Something Great
Jacqueline became a licensed Realtor™ and took off like a rocket. Her background in healthcare meant she had spent years helping people, and that translated seamlessly into real estate.
Meanwhile, Shane mentored me in the cash home-buying business. By day, we worked as contractors on our rehab projects; by night, I watched videos, read articles, and immersed myself in learning everything I could. Within six months, we transitioned from doing the renovations ourselves to focusing solely on finding homeowners who needed our help, and hiring contractors to handle the rehab work. Over the next three years, we worked with over 40 homeowners across Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia—15 in 2024 alone. Some we bought properties from directly; others we helped sell on the market, and in many cases, we even helped these homeowners complete necessary repairs before listing to maximize their sale price. Every client had a unique story, but they all shared one thing in common: they were grateful for how easy we made the process.
Joe Turner with Shane Moore - Our second rehab together on closing day
How Its Going
Last year, Shane and I decided to focus on building our respective businesses, though we continue to support each other. I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead. My mission remains the same—helping distressed homeowners find the best solution for their situation while improving neighborhoods and creating beautiful homes. I strive to make every client experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, handling the details that many in this industry overlook. As of this writing, I’ve already worked with three incredible homeowners this year, helping them move forward hassle-free.
Looking To The Future
Turner Property Solutions continues to grow, and I’m committed to sharing not only our success stories but also insights into the cash home-buying process, the challenges we face in renovations, tips bout homeownership and maintenance no one tells you, and valuable information about the real estate market.
If you or someone you know is considering selling a home but isn’t sure where to start, I hope this blog can provide clarity and trust. If you're ready to talk, visit our Contact Us page, call us at 910-273-4112, or check out our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more. I’ll be posting regularly, so check back often or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/turnerpropertyva to stay updated. New chapter, no stress -Turn the page with Turner Property Solutions- thanks for reading!