By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read
About 27 percent of homes sold in September were bought with all cash, according to NAR. But most buyers still use a mortgage, and many cash buyers are current homeowners using equity.
NAR reports that cash buyers include homeowners who sold a house and are buying their next one, people buying second homes, and investors. It is not only large investors.
Cotality estimates the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $310,000 in equity. For some owners who feel locked in by a low rate, that equity may be enough to buy the next home with cash or to borrow much less. That means no new mortgage rate, no monthly mortgage payment, and often a faster closing.
Nearly three out of four home purchases involve financing, based on NAR’s numbers. For homes priced between $200,000 and $750,000, Realtor.com found only about one in five sold for cash. If you need a mortgage, you are in the majority.
Realtor.com data showed cash buyers made up almost 47 percent of sales in Mississippi and 46 percent in Montana earlier this year. Places with lower prices, retirees, or many second-home buyers tend to have more cash buyers.
If you already own a home in the Denver area, it may be worth finding out how much equity you have. If you are buying with a loan, a strong pre-approval and clean terms help you compete. David can tell you who is actually buying in your price range and area.
NAR, Cotality, and Realtor.com data as reported in October 2026.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.
David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.
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