Do You Really Need a Real Estate Agent? The Truth About “We Buy Houses in Florida” Companies

Selling a home in Florida can feel stressful. You might be juggling repairs, paperwork, and a timeline that won’t slow down.

One of the first questions you may ask is simple: Do you really need a real estate agent?

No—you’re not legally required to use an agent in Florida.

You also have another option: selling directly to florida cash home buyers. You’ll often hear this described as “we buy houses in florida” companies—cash buyers who purchase properties quickly, usually as-is.

The next sections walk you through both choices in a straightforward, factual way—so you can decide what fits your situation.

What Selling With a Real Estate Agent Usually Looks Like

Listing with an agent is the traditional route. Your home goes on the market, and you wait for a buyer to make an offer.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Commissions: You often pay around 5–6% of the sale price in agent commissions.
• Prep work: You may be asked to clean, stage, and handle repairs to help the home show well.
• Showings: You may need to keep the home ready for showings and open houses.
• Timeline: You may wait weeks (or longer) to find a buyer—then wait again for financing and closing.

This route can make sense if your home is in great shape and you can take your time. It can also feel like a lot if you’re already overwhelmed.

What “We Buy Houses” Companies Usually Offer

A “we buy houses” company is a direct buyer. Instead of listing your home, you sell straight to the buyer—often for cash.

Here’s how the process usually works:

1. You share basic details about the property.
2. You schedule a quick walkthrough (in person or virtual).
3. You receive a cash offer—often within 24–48 hours.
4. You pick a closing date that fits your schedule.
5. You close and get paid—sometimes in as little as 7 days.

This option is often built around three simple benefits: selling as-is, no commissions, and a fast closing.

If you’re unsure whether a buyer is legitimate, that’s a normal concern. You can take a minute to learn how to spot trustworthy cash home buyers before you move forward.

Real Estate Agent vs. Cash Home Buyers: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let's put both options next to each other so you can see the differences clearly.

The trade-off is straightforward. With an agent, you might get a higher sale price: but you'll pay commissions, closing costs, and repair expenses. With a cash buyer, you'll likely receive a lower offer: but you keep more of it and close faster.

When Selling With an Agent May Fit You

Selling with an agent may make sense if you’re aiming for the highest possible price and you have time to go through the process.

This route can be a good fit if:

• Your home is move-in ready. It shows well without major repairs.
• You can wait. You’re okay with a longer timeline from listing to closing.
• You don’t mind prep and showings. You can handle cleaning, scheduling, and negotiations.
• You’re comfortable with uncertainty. Offers can change, and some deals fall apart during inspections or financing.

If your timeline is flexible, this can be a solid option.

When Selling to a Cash Buyer May Fit You

Selling to a cash buyer can make sense when you want a simpler path with fewer moving parts. This is often why people look for florida cash home buyers.

This route may be a good fit if:

• You need a fast closing. You may want to be done in days—not months.
• You want to sell as-is. You don’t want to repair, update, or clean out the property.
• You want to avoid commissions. You don’t want agent fees reducing what you take home.
• You want fewer disruptions. You don’t want repeated showings or open houses.
• You want more certainty. Cash deals don’t rely on buyer financing in the same way.

If that sounds like what you need right now, you can learn how a cash sale works step by step.

How the Money Often Breaks Down (Simple Example)

Numbers can make this feel clearer. Imagine your Florida home could sell for $300,000 on the open market.

If you sell with an agent, you may see:

• Sale price: $300,000
• Agent commissions (about 6%): -$18,000
• Closing costs (often around 2–3%): -$6,000 to -$9,000
• Repairs, cleaning, and staging (varies): -$0 to -$5,000+
• Estimated net: depends on your costs and timeline

If you sell to a cash buyer, you may see:

• Cash offer: often below market value
• Agent commissions: $0
• Repairs: $0 (as-is sale)
• Closing costs: often covered by the buyer
• Estimated net: depends on the offer and what you avoid paying

A cash offer is often lower—but your out-of-pocket costs can also be lower. And if you’re paying mortgage, utilities, and insurance while you wait to sell, time can get expensive.

If you want a deeper look at costs you may avoid, you can review this breakdown of common savings in a cash sale.

How to Choose the Right Path for You

There isn’t one “right” answer. The best choice is the one that matches your timeline, your home’s condition, and your stress level.

Ask yourself:

• How soon do you need to be done?
• Can your home pass inspection without major repairs?
• Do you have the cash (and energy) for updates and cleanup?
• Can you handle showings and back-and-forth negotiations?
• Do you want certainty, or are you okay waiting?

If you want speed, simplicity, and an as-is sale, a cash buyer may be worth comparing. If you want maximum price and you have time, an agent may be the better fit.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need a real estate agent to sell your home in Florida. You just need a plan that feels manageable.

If you want a traditional sale, you may trade time and effort for a higher price. If you want a simple sale, you may trade some price for speed—plus an as-is sale, no commissions, and fewer surprises.

Either way, you’re allowed to compare options calmly before you decide.

If you want to see what a cash offer could look like, you can request a no-obligation offer and compare it to your other choices—no pressure, just clear information.