The Price Effects of Cash versus Mortgage Transactions

This paper investigates the price effects of cash versus mortgage transactions. Our hypothesis that home sales involving all-cash transactions will sell at discount is borne out by the results of this study. Analyzing a sample of comparable row home dwelling units, we find that all-cash transactions are associated with roughly a 13% price discount relative to transactions involving financing terms that are typical of the market. Cash is King. The findings are consistent with theories regarding buyer-seller behavior. Copyright American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association.