The True Cost of Selling a House in Missouri (Traditional vs. Cash Buyer)

Selling a house costs more than most people realize. Here's a breakdown of all the costs involved in a traditional sale vs. selling to a cash buyer.

Most homeowners focus on the sale price when evaluating their options, but the net proceeds — what you actually walk away with — depend on much more than just the price. Here's a complete breakdown of the costs involved in selling a house in Missouri.

Costs of a Traditional Sale

Real estate agent commissions — Typically 5-6% of the sale price, split between the buyer's and seller's agents. On a $200,000 home, that's $10,000-$12,000.

Closing costs — Sellers typically pay 1-3% of the sale price in closing costs, including title insurance, transfer taxes, and escrow fees. On a $200,000 home, that's $2,000-$6,000.

Repairs and improvements — Most sellers spend $5,000-$15,000 on repairs and improvements before listing, though this varies widely.

Carrying costs — The longer your home sits on the market, the more you pay in mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. At 45-90 days on market, this can add up to $3,000-$8,000.

Staging and photography — Professional staging and photography can cost $500-$2,000.

Total traditional sale costs: $20,500-$43,000 on a $200,000 home

Costs of a Cash Sale

No agent commissions — Cash buyers don't use agents, so there are no commissions.

No repairs — Cash buyers purchase as-is, so you don't need to spend on repairs.

No closing costs — Reputable cash buyers pay all closing costs.

Minimal carrying costs — A cash sale closes in 7-21 days, dramatically reducing carrying costs.

Total cash sale costs: $0-$500 mostly your time

The Net Proceeds Comparison

While a cash offer is typically below full market value, the savings on commissions, repairs, and carrying costs often make the net proceeds comparable — or even better — than a traditional sale.

• Traditional sale at full price: $200,000 - $30,000 in costs = $170,000 net
• Cash offer at 85% of market: $170,000 - $0 in costs = $170,000 net

The math often works out similarly, with the cash sale offering the added benefits of speed and certainty.