Should I Sell My House to an Investor or a Realtor?
A side-by-side comparison of selling to a real estate investor versus listing with an agent: net proceeds, timelines, risk, and which situations favour each.
The realtor-vs-investor question isn't about which is 'better' — it's about which matches your property and your situation.
The math most sellers skip
Say your home would list at $500,000 but needs $30,000 of work to get there. Listing: after repairs, 4.5% commission ($21,000), and 3 months of carrying costs, your net might land around $440,000 — if the deal doesn't fall through. An investor might offer $430,000–$445,000 as-is, closing in two weeks. The gap is often far smaller than the sticker prices suggest.
Choose a realtor when
- The home is in good condition
- You're not under time pressure
- Your market is active for your property type
Choose an investor when
- The property needs significant repairs
- You've inherited it, live far away, or it has tenants
- You need a firm date for a move, separation, or debt deadline
- Privacy matters — no photos online, no showings
Protecting yourself either way
Get everything in writing, never pay upfront fees, and always use your own lawyer. A legitimate investor welcomes both.
Frequently asked questions
Do investors charge commission?
No. There are no commissions or fees in a direct sale — the buyer's offer is your gross proceeds before standard legal payouts like your mortgage.