Cash Offer Plus · 26 states · Reviewed April 2026

HomeLight Cash Offer

A 70% upfront advance in the Cash Offer Plus category — funded against appraised value in qualifying markets. A mature partner-agent program and a waterfall share that's slightly less favorable than Zoom Casa's.

6.8
Overall rating
Strong runner-up in Cash Offer Plus. The 70% advance wins certain scenarios; Zoom Casa's tighter true-up wins most.
70%Upfront
$367,500Net on $525k
1% + comm.Fee
26States

Summary

HomeLight's Cash Offer funds 70% of appraised value up front, then lists the home through a partner agent and forwards a share of any overage at second close. The trade-off vs. a full-waterfall Cash Offer Plus is a program fee (1%) plus the listing commission stack, and a waterfall true-up that defines “overage” more narrowly than Zoom Casa's: marketing carry, staging credit, and buyer concessions are deducted from the overage before the seller's share is calculated.

On the $525k sample transaction with a home selling right at appraised value, the HomeLight first-close advance lands at $367,500. The seller then picks up their share of any overage at second close. For sellers who prioritize a known, firm first-close number and don't expect their home to clear materially above appraisal, HomeLight is often the right call.

How it works

HomeLight matches you with a partner agent from its certified network (you can also bring your own, subject to approval). The home is appraised, HomeLight makes a firm advance offer at 70% of appraised value, and the first close happens within 21 days. The home is then listed through the partner agent; at second close, any overage above appraised value is split 75/25 between seller and HomeLight, minus the 1% program fee and standard commission structure.

Pros

  • Firm 70% upfront advance against appraised value
  • Strong partner-agent pipeline and vetting
  • 1% program fee is below peer average
  • Live in 26 states

Cons

  • 75/25 waterfall split above appraisal limits upside
  • Must use partner agent or get non-partner approved
  • 70% advance is lower than Zoom Casa's 85% baseline
  • Program carry deductions reduce true-up

Verdict

6.8 / 10. HomeLight is the right choice in two scenarios: (1) the seller wants a firm, known 70% first-close number with a partner-agent listing on the retail leg, and (2) the home is not expected to materially exceed appraisal, so the 75/25 split doesn't cost much. In every other Cash Offer Plus decision, Zoom Casa's higher advance and 100% waterfall share wins the net-proceeds math.

Alternatives

70% advance vs. full waterfall share?

It's the most common question we get. We'll model both for your specific market.

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