You want to sell your house and you’re looking forward to putting some money in your pocket. But did you realize that selling your house may also mean paying money out?
In this blog post, Pegasus Home Buyers breaks down the different fees paid to agents versus investors so you can make an informed decision and avoid surprise costs when selling your Massachusetts home.
What Are the Different Fees Paid to Agents Versus Paid to Investors?
Agent Fees
A traditional real estate agent works to find a buyer for your property by listing it on the MLS and marketing it. In return, they charge a commission, typically around 5% to 6% of the final sale price. For a $500,000 home, that could mean $25,000–$30,000 in agent fees alone.
In addition to commission, sellers often face:
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Staging and photography fees
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Marketing costs
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Repair or prep expenses before listing
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Open house logistics
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Extended holding costs like mortgage payments, taxes, and utilities while waiting for a buyer
Investor Fees
Most real estate investors, including Pegasus Home Buyers, work differently. We buy directly from homeowners, which eliminates:
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Commission fees (we’re not agents)
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Listing and marketing costs
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Staging or cleaning expenses
In many cases, we also cover closing costs, and you can sell your home in as-is condition, no repairs necessary.
Hidden Holding Costs: The Fee You Might Not Be Thinking Of
While many sellers think of commission as the main cost, one major “hidden fee” is the ongoing holding cost of the home.
When listing with an agent:
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You’ll need to keep paying your mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities.
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You might also be responsible for ongoing maintenance and yard care while the home sits on the market.
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The longer it takes to find a buyer, the more these costs add up—sometimes into the thousands of dollars per month.
Investors, however, can often close in as little as 7–14 days, which means you avoid most of those extended holding costs altogether. This is especially important if you’ve already moved out, are facing foreclosure, or need the funds urgently for another purchase.
3 Hidden Advantages of Selling to an Investor (Besides No Fees)
When most people compare agents vs. investors, the conversation revolves around fees—but that’s only part of the picture. There are several other financial and emotional advantages of selling to an investor that you may not have considered.
1. No Appraisal or Inspection Delays
Traditional sales often fall apart because the buyer’s lender requires:
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An appraisal (which may come in too low)
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A home inspection (which could trigger repair demands)
Investors like Pegasus Home Buyers use cash, meaning no banks, no appraisals, no financing fall-throughs.
2. Flexible Closing Timelines
Need to close quickly? We can do that. Need more time to relocate? We can give it to you. Investors aren’t bound by rigid MLS timelines. We work on your terms.
3. Avoiding Emotional Stress
Listing your home can involve:
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Dozens of strangers walking through
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Stressful negotiations
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Continuous cleaning and showings
Selling to Pegasus Home Buyers is private, fast, and low-pressure.
Can You Really Save Thousands by Selling to an Investor?
Absolutely—but it depends on your situation.
Let’s say your home needs $15,000 in repairs, you’re facing 3 more months of mortgage, taxes, and utility bills (another $6,000), and your agent charges a 6% commission ($24,000 on a $400K house). That’s $45,000+ in total costs just to sell.
An investor offer might be $25,000–$30,000 lower than market price, but you:
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Skip repairs
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Close in under 3 weeks
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Pay no commission
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Avoid carrying costs
That could mean you walk away with the same (or more) money—but far less hassle.
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for You?
Selling your home in Massachusetts involves more than just picking a price—it’s about choosing the right path that fits your goals.
If you’re looking for:
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Maximum exposure and willing to invest time and money → Agent may be your best bet
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A fast, simple, and fee-free sale → Consider working with an investor like Pegasus Home Buyers
We specialize in as-is purchases, fast closings, and no commissions. Plus, we’re local to Massachusetts and proud to work with homeowners across the state.