Purchasing a home with cash has several advantages over traditional financing. Buyers who are able to pay in full can often secure a lower price than those who need to borrow, and they can save money on closing costs. Cash offers may seem like something only the wealthy can afford, but they are more common than you might think, especially in competitive markets. When lenders have multiple foreclosures in their portfolios, they may discount list prices in the hope that properties will attract multiple offers.
This gives cash buyers an inherent advantage over those who need to borrow. Additionally, cash sales significantly reduce closing costs for both buyers and sellers. The process for making a cash offer is slightly different from making a traditional mortgage contingent offer. Cash buyers don't need to work with a mortgage lender, creating more competition among homebuyers and raising prices.
Furthermore, cash buyers don't have to worry about costly repairs that can delay or fail a traditional sale. Since they are already spending a considerable amount of money on the home, they are less likely to want a property that needs significant improvements or requires major repairs. The appraisal process can be stressful for both the buyer and the seller, especially since a low valuation can cause a deal to fail. With cash, the buyer has the money or not.
If you've verified proof of funds, you know you'll be able to close. This is especially true in a seller's market or in a market where there aren't many homes for sale when buyers compete with each other for limited inventory. The advantages and disadvantages of cash offers depend on which side of the closing table you sit on; in other words, sellers and buyers will have different perspectives on potential risks and benefits. Whether you end up accepting a cash offer or opting for a funded offer, it makes sense to wait for the right one to arrive. The real difference lies in avoiding the many contingencies that pose risks for both the seller and the buyer. As a cash buyer, it's worth considering conducting the same risk assessments that a lender would do when instructing your shipping agent to perform the required relevant property searches.
This will help ensure that you make an informed decision and get the best deal possible.
