Cash and seller-finance exits solve different problems. A cash sale maximizes immediate liquidity, while an installment structure may improve long-term yield and tax timing.
Where a cash sale usually wins
Cash is straightforward: one close, one payout, no future payment administration.
It is usually the right fit when your top priority is immediate certainty and full liquidity now.
Where an installment structure often wins
Seller financing can combine upfront cash with recurring income and interest on remaining equity.
For equity-heavy sellers, it can also create better year-to-year tax timing than a single large gain event.
How to decide with confidence
List your non-negotiables first: cash needed at close, minimum monthly target, and acceptable payoff horizon.
Then compare both structures on total projected proceeds, downside protection, and timeline fit before choosing.