Original research

Studies and data from the cash-offer industry.

Original CashOfferComparison research — methodology-driven analyses of program fees, seller outcomes, and the real economics of selling outside the MLS. Updated quarterly. Press: contact for advance access.

In progress · Q2 2026

Cash Offer Transparency Index

Ranking all 9 major U.S. cash-offer programs on PSA clarity: fee disclosure, repair-deduction methodology, waterfall mechanics, cancellation rights. Each program scored across 12 transparency dimensions. Publishing late Q2 2026.

Methodology: full PSA review, comparison to industry-standard real estate contracts, scoring rubric available on request.

In progress · Q3 2026

The Real Cost of an iBuyer Sale

State-by-state breakdown of effective discount on iBuyer transactions, normalized for home value, condition, and repair scope. First study to control for property-level variables across program comparisons.

Methodology: 500-transaction sample from reader-submitted closing statements, May 2025 - April 2026.

Planned · Q3 2026

Cash Offer Plus Waterfall Performance Study

12-month tracking of Cash Offer Plus second-close outcomes. Did the promised waterfall actually arrive? What % of sellers received the projected overage? How accurate were initial appraisals?

Methodology: cohort study of 150+ Cash Offer Plus transactions across Zoom Casa, HomeLight, and QuickBuy.

Planned · Q4 2026

iBuyer Repair Deduction Analysis

Quantitative study of repair deductions on 500+ Opendoor and Offerpad offers. Median, distribution, and the factors driving the 95th-percentile outliers (where deductions exceed 5% of offer).

Methodology: reader-panel closing statement submissions with property-condition self-reports.

Planned · Q1 2027

The Geography of Cash Offer Programs

State-by-state and metro-level mapping of program availability, with overlays for market dynamics, regulatory environment, and seller outcomes. Goal: define the precise list of metros where competitive shopping actually matters.

Methodology: program-by-program ZIP-level availability scrape, normalized to MSA boundaries.