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Cash Offer vs. Traditional Listing: What’s Best for St. John’s Home Sellers?

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November 13, 2025

Cash Offer vs. Traditional Listing: What’s Best for St. John’s Home Sellers?

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by Ryan Elliott | Real Estate Agent Serving St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise & CBS

If you’re planning to sell your home in St. John’s, NL, you’ve probably wondered whether you should accept a cash offer or list your property on the open market. With more investors and out-of-province buyers in Newfoundland than ever, the question comes up all the time — and the right choice depends on your goals, your timeline, and the current market conditions.

I’m Ryan Elliott, a real estate agent helping home sellers across St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, and Conception Bay South, and in this article I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of cash sales vs traditional MLS listings — so you can make the smartest decision for your home and your future.

Cash Offers: Fast, Simple, and Lower Stress — But at a Cost

There’s a reason many sellers are tempted by cash buyers. Cash offers usually mean:

  • Faster closing timelines
  • Limited conditions
  • No financing delays
  • Reduced risk of the deal falling apart

If you need to sell quickly — maybe you’re relocating, managing an estate sale, or just want a low-stress process — a cash offer can feel like a lifeline.

But here’s the part most homeowners aren’t told:
👉 Cash buyers expect a discount — usually 5% to 15% below market value.

They know they’re offering speed and certainty… and they want a price cut in return.

So while a cash sale can be convenient, it usually means putting less money in your pocket. For some sellers, the trade-off is worth it. For others, it’s not even close.

Traditional MLS Listings: Maximum Exposure, Maximum Value

If your goal is to get the highest price, a traditional listing through MLS is almost always the better option.

When I list a home in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, or CBS, you get access to:

  • The full pool of motivated buyers
  • Out-of-province relocators
  • Investors
  • Local families upgrading or downsizing
  • Buyers watching daily for new inventory

More buyers = more demand.
More demand = stronger offers.

A well-marketed property can attract multiple showings in the first 48 hours — and in some cases, multiple offers. Even homes that aren’t “perfect” can sell above expectations when properly positioned.

And unlike cash sales, MLS buyers aren’t expecting a discount. They’re competing with each other, not negotiating from a place of leverage.

The Real Difference: Competition vs Convenience

Choosing between a cash offer and a traditional listing comes down to one question:

➡️ Do you want the fastest sale or the most profitable sale?

Choose a cash offer if:

  • You need to sell fast
  • You want fewer showings
  • You don’t want to deal with repairs
  • Certainty matters more than price

Choose a traditional listing if:

  • You want top dollar
  • You want multiple buyers competing
  • You want the flexibility to choose the best terms
  • You’re willing to do basic prep and showings

Most homeowners only sell once every 10–15 years — so it’s important to make this decision with the full picture, not just the “headline.”

Why Working With the Right Agent Matters

No two sales are the same — and neither are two homes. That’s why sellers in the St. John’s area choose to work with an agent who goes beyond putting a sign on the lawn.

Whether it’s a cash offer or a full MLS launch, I guide my clients through every step:

  • Pricing strategy based on real MLS data
  • Pre-list prep to increase value
  • Professional photography & video
  • Targeted social media marketing
  • Negotiation support
  • Closing coordination

One recent client said it best:

“Ryan was always responsive and easy to talk to. He understood our needs and was very accommodating — he sold our home in just 7 days! Would 100% recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell.”

That’s the experience I aim to deliver — fast communication, clear guidance, and results that make you feel confident about your next chapter.

The Bottom Line

Both options — cash offers and traditional listings — can work for St. John’s home sellers. The key is choosing the one that aligns with what you value most: certainty or profit.

If you want expert advice on which path is right for your home, I’m here to help.

I’m Ryan Elliott, your trusted real estate professional serving St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, and Conception Bay South.
Schedule a call using the Contact Page, and let’s build a personalized plan to sell your home confidently and successfully.