Why Cash Offers Aren’t Necessarily Lowball Offers (It’s All About the Math)
When you hear the term "cash offer," it’s easy to assume that cash home buyers are simply throwing out lowball offers. However, that’s far from the truth. Cash offers are based on carefully calculated numbers, factoring in repair costs, market conditions, and holding expenses. For many homeowners, these offers provide an efficient, stress-free solution.
Whether you’re searching for cash home buyers near me, facing foreclosures in Virginia Beach, or feeling overwhelmed as a tired landlord, understanding the math behind a cash offer can help you see the value these buyers provide. Why cash offers aren't necessarily lowball offers, let’s break it down step by step.
What Are Cash Home Buyers?
Cash home buyers are real estate investors or companies that specialize in purchasing properties directly for cash. Unlike traditional sales, they streamline the process by skipping repairs, showings, and agent fees.
If you’ve ever searched for cash home buyers near me, you’re likely looking for a fast, no-hassle way to sell your home. Common situations where cash buyers are helpful include:
- Foreclosures: Homeowners at risk of foreclosure can sell quickly to avoid damaging their credit or losing their home entirely.
- Tired Landlords: Rental property owners who are burned out from tenant issues or costly repairs can cash out easily.
- Inherited Properties: Sellers who inherit properties in need of repairs or updates can avoid the hassle of listing.
For homeowners in Virginia Beach and the 757 area, cash home buyers like O’Neill Home Buyers provide a local, trusted solution to sell properties fast and as-is.
The Math Behind Cash Offers
Cash offers aren’t random—they’re based on a formula that considers several key factors. Here’s how they’re calculated:
1. After Repair Value (ARV)
The ARV is the estimated market value of the home after all necessary repairs and renovations are completed. For example, a home in Virginia Beach with an ARV of $300,000 would need to sell at that price once it’s fully updated.
2. Repair Costs
Repairs are a major consideration. Cash buyers account for everything from structural repairs to cosmetic updates.
Example:
- Roof repairs: $10,000
- HVAC replacement: $7,000
- Flooring and paint: $13,000
- Total repairs: $30,000
3. Holding Costs
These include property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance while the home is being repaired and marketed for resale.
Example:
- Monthly holding costs: $1,500
- Timeline: 4 months
- Total holding costs: $6,000
4. Closing and Selling Costs
Cash buyers factor in closing fees, title insurance, and commissions when reselling the property.
Example:
- Closing costs: $5,000
- Agent commissions: $18,000 (6% of $300,000 resale price)
5. Profit Margin
To stay in business, cash buyers include a profit margin, typically around 10-15% of the ARV.
Example:
- Desired profit: $30,000
Final Cash Offer Calculation
Here’s how the numbers stack up:
ARV: $300,000
Repairs: -$30,000
Holding Costs: -$6,000
Closing Costs: -$5,000
Commissions: -$18,000
Profit Margin: -$30,000
Final Offer: $211,000
While the offer may seem lower than market value, it reflects the costs and risks the buyer takes on.
How Cash Offers Help with Foreclosures in Virginia Beach
Foreclosure is a difficult situation for any homeowner. In Virginia Beach, the process can move quickly, leaving homeowners with limited time to act. Selling to cash home buyers provides an opportunity to avoid foreclosure entirely.
The Impact of Foreclosure
- Severe credit score damage.
- Loss of equity built in the home.
- Legal and financial stress.
How Cash Buyers Help
Cash buyers can close quickly—often in as little as 7 days—allowing homeowners to pay off their mortgage and walk away with remaining equity.
Example:
A Virginia Beach homeowner facing foreclosure owes $180,000 on their mortgage. A cash buyer offers $200,000, covering the debt and leaving the homeowner with $20,000 to start fresh.
By avoiding foreclosure, homeowners save their credit and escape further financial hardship another reason Why cash offers aren't necessarily lowball offers.

Tired of Being a Landlord? Here’s How Cash Buyers Can Help
Being a landlord comes with challenges—difficult tenants, unexpected repairs, and constant maintenance. Many landlords in the 757 area find themselves burned out and ready to move on.
Common Landlord Issues
- Tenant damage: Repairing a property after a bad tenant can cost thousands.
- Legal challenges: Evictions and compliance with regulations can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Maintenance costs: Older rental properties often require significant upkeep.
The Solution: Cash Home Buyers
Cash buyers purchase rental properties as-is, allowing landlords to exit the business without dealing with repairs or tenant issues.
Example:
A tired landlord in Norfolk owns a rental property needing $20,000 in repairs. A cash buyer offers $150,000, enabling the landlord to walk away from the property quickly.
For landlords who don’t want to manage repairs or hire 757 property management, selling to a cash buyer provides a hassle-free exit.
757 Property Management vs. Selling to Cash Buyers
For landlords who want to keep their properties, hiring a 757 property management company can be a good option. However, it’s not always the best solution.
When to Choose Property Management
- You want to retain ownership of the property.
- The property is in good condition with stable tenants.
- You’re looking for passive income without day-to-day involvement.
When to Sell to Cash Buyers
- You’re ready to exit the rental business entirely.
- The property needs significant repairs.
- Tenant issues have made managing the property too stressful.
Example:
A Virginia Beach landlord compares hiring a property management company to selling to O’Neill Home Buyers. After considering repair costs and tenant challenges, they choose the faster, simpler option of selling for cash.
How to Find Trusted Cash Home Buyers Near Me
Not all cash buyers are created equal. Here’s how to find reputable companies in the 757 area:
- Check Reviews:stimonials on Google, Yelp, and BBB.
- Ask Questions: A trustworthy cash buyer will explain their process clearly.
- Verify Local Expertise: Companies familiar with Foreclosuresch and landlorforeclosuresd challenges will provide better service.
- Get Multiple Offers: Compare offers to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
Conclusion: Why Cash Offers Make Sense
While cash offers may seem lower than traditional sales prices, they provide value by eliminating repairs, fees, and delays. Whether you’re facing foreclosure in Virginia Beach, tired of being a landlord, or just need to sell quickly, cash buyers offer a fast, hassle-free solution which is why cash offers aren't necessarily lowball offers
At O’Neill Home Buyers, we specialize in helping homeowners in the 757 area move forward with confidence. Contact us today for a no-obligation cash offer and see how we can help you!

