How Cash Buyers Determine Their Offer Price (And Why It Is Not a Lowball)
The worry is always that a cash offer is built on your desperation. Here is what actually goes into the number, and how to tell a fair offer from a lowball.
Read article"How do I know this offer is fair?" is the right question to ask. Here is exactly how we calculate our offers, and why there are no fees on your side.
By Dustin Hajiali, Co-Founder & Head of AcquisitionsPublished October 8, 2026
One of the most common concerns we hear from sellers is: "How do I know this offer is fair?" It's a fair question to ask. The cash home buying space has a reputation — not always deserved, but real — for lowball offers and vague explanations.
We want to be transparent about exactly how we calculate our offers, because we think an informed seller is a seller who can make a confident decision.
The foundation of our offer is what the home would likely sell for on the open market in fully renovated condition. We look at comparable sales in your neighborhood — similar size, lot, and features — that have sold recently. This is the same data a real estate agent would use to price your home.
This is where our construction background matters. We don't guess at repair costs — we estimate them based on what it actually costs to renovate a property in Orange County. That includes everything from roof and HVAC to flooring, paint, kitchens, and baths. The more work a home needs, the more this factors into the offer.
While we own the property — before it's renovated and resold — we carry costs: property taxes, insurance, utilities, and financing. These aren't expenses we hide; they're part of why cash buyers offer below retail.
We're a business, and we need to make the numbers work to do this sustainably. We try to be clear about that rather than pretending the offer is purely altruistic. What we can tell you is that we don't build in excessive margins — we want the deal to work for both sides.
Our offer is roughly: ARV minus repair costs, minus carrying costs, minus our margin. What's left is what we offer you. If you want to walk through this math on your specific home, we're happy to do that with you.
We don't charge sellers anything. No processing fees, no administrative fees, no "transaction coordination" charges. We cover the closing costs on our side. You receive what's in the offer — that's it.
If you've seen contracts from other buyers that include deductions after the offer is accepted, that's not how we operate. We want to be clear on everything before you sign.
Not all cash buyers operate the same way. Some tactics worth being aware of:
Have questions about a specific offer you've received, or want to understand what your home might be worth? We're happy to talk through the numbers with you — no pressure, just a straight conversation.

About the author
Dustin has been involved in real estate since the age of 17, with experience spanning lending, construction, acquisitions, and dispositions. Over his career he has participated in more than 4,000 real estate transactions, giving him a deep understanding of how to evaluate properties and navigate complex situations.
Meet the father & son behind Father & Son Home BuyersFather & Son Home Buyers serves Orange County, LA County, and the Inland Empire. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours — no repairs, no fees, no obligation.
The worry is always that a cash offer is built on your desperation. Here is what actually goes into the number, and how to tell a fair offer from a lowball.
Read articleThe fear is that the headline offer is not what lands in your pocket. Here is where costs come from in a traditional sale — and what a cash sale actually deducts.
Read articleNo obligation, no pressure. Just a fair, transparent offer from a local family you can trust.