How Much Do Cash Home Buyers Really Pay in San Diego?

It is the number-one question sellers ask: "If I sell to a cash buyer, how much will I actually get?" Here is an honest answer — no hype — including how the offer is built and how to tell a fair one from a lowball.

How a cash offer is calculated

A reputable cash buyer works backward from what your home is worth fixed up:

• Start with the after-repair value — what the home would sell for in top condition, based on recent comparable San Diego sales.
• Subtract the repairs and updates the buyer will take on after purchase.
• Subtract the buyer's costs — closing, holding, and resale costs, plus the margin that lets them pay cash and carry the risk.

What is left is your cash offer. It is transparent math, not a random number.

The typical range

For homes needing little work, fair cash offers often land in the range of roughly 80–85% of market value; for homes needing significant repairs, the percentage is lower because the buyer is absorbing those costs. National iBuyers like Opendoor tend to land around 70–80% and add a service fee. Be cautious of any "we buy houses" outfit dangling far less — or dangling a high number and then slashing it after a walkthrough.

Below retail — but look at the net, not the sticker

Yes, a cash offer is below full retail. But there are no commissions, no closing costs, no repair bills, and no months of carrying the mortgage while you wait. Once you subtract all of those from a traditional sale, the gap between "cash now" and "list and wait" is usually smaller than people expect.

Want the highest possible price?

Then the open market is your friend — and you do not have to give up a big commission to use it. We offer full-service listing representation for a flat 1%, so you chase top dollar and keep far more of it. When we look at your home, we will tell you honestly which path — cash or list — nets you more.

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