How to Get a Fair Price from a Professional Home Buyer

Mathew Pezon • March 31, 2026

Selling your home can feel overwhelming. You might wonder if you are getting a fair deal, especially when working with a cash buyer. The good news is that understanding how professional home buyers work can help you feel confident about your sale.


A professional home buyer offers a different path than traditional real estate agents. These companies buy houses directly from you. They pay cash and close quickly. But how do you know if their offer is fair?


This guide will show you exactly how these buyers calculate offers. You will learn what factors affect your cash offer amount. We will share tips to help you get the best possible price. We will also point out warning signs that should make you think twice.


By the end, you will know how to work smart with a cash buyer. You will understand what to expect and how to protect yourself. Let's start by looking at how these buyers arrive at their numbers.


How Professional Home Buyers Calculate Their Offers


Professional home buyers use a specific formula to determine what they can pay for your house. They are not trying to trick you. They are running a business and need to make sure the numbers work.


First, they look at your home's after-repair value (ARV). This means what your house would sell for if it were in perfect condition. They research recent sales of similar homes in your Allentown neighborhood. They check homes with the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage.


Next, they subtract repair costs. A professional buyer will inspect your property and make a list of everything that needs fixing. This includes big things like roof repairs or foundation work. It also includes smaller items like fresh paint or new flooring. They get estimates from contractors to know the real cost.


Then comes their profit margin. Remember, these are businesses. They need to make money to stay open and help more homeowners. Most professional buyers aim for a profit of 10 to 20 percent after all expenses. This covers their time, risk, and business costs.


Finally, they subtract closing costs and holding expenses. Holding costs include property taxes, insurance, and utilities while they own the house. Closing costs cover legal fees and transfer taxes.


Here is a simple example: Your home's ARV is $150,000. Repairs will cost $30,000. The buyer needs a $20,000 profit. Closing and holding costs total $10,000. The offer would be around $90,000 ($150,000 minus $60,000 in total costs).


Companies like Pezon Properties follow this same basic approach. They show you their math, so you understand where the numbers come from. This transparency helps you see why the offer is what it is.


The key difference between buyers is how accurate they are in their repairs and how reasonable their profit margins are. Good buyers give fair estimates. Bad ones inflate repair costs to lower their offer.

What Affects Your Cash Offer Amount


Several factors can raise or lower the cash offer you receive. Understanding these helps you know what to expect before you even contact a buyer.


Location matters more than almost anything else. A house in a desirable Allentown neighborhood will get a higher offer than one in a struggling area. Professional home buyers look at school ratings, crime statistics, and nearby amenities. They also check if the area is growing or declining.


Your home's condition plays a huge role. A house that needs minor cosmetic work will get a much better offer than one with major structural problems. Foundation issues, roof damage, and outdated electrical systems are expensive to fix. These problems can significantly reduce your offer.


The current real estate market affects offers, too. In a hot market where homes sell fast, buyers can offer more because they will resell quickly. In a slow market, they might offer less because the house will sit longer. They also watch interest rates and local economic conditions.


Size and layout also impact value. Larger homes generally bring higher offers, but only if the space is usable. Odd layouts or too many small rooms can actually hurt your value. Buyers prefer open floor plans that appeal to most people.


How quickly you need to sell can change things. If you are in a hurry, you have less room to negotiate. Professional buyers know this. However, honest companies will not take advantage. They will still offer a fair price based on the property, not your situation.


Title issues or legal problems will definitely lower offers. If there are liens on your property, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes, buyers have to account for the cost of resolving these issues. The cost of resolving legal issues is included in their offer.


The time of year can even make a small difference. Spring and summer are usually better times to sell because more people are shopping for homes. However, professional cash buyers operate year-round and maintain fairly consistent pricing.


Tips to Get the Best Offer Possible


You can take several steps to improve the cash offer you receive. These tips will not cost you much, but they can add thousands to your final price.


Get multiple offers from different buyers. Just like you would compare prices when buying a car, compare offers on your home. Contact at least three professional home buyers in Allentown. This gives you a baseline to know what is fair. Pezon Properties encourages homeowners to shop around because confident buyers know their offers are competitive.


Clean and declutter your house before the buyer visits. You do not need to deep clean, but remove trash and personal items. A cleaner home helps buyers see the property's potential. It also suggests that the home has been better maintained. This can result in lower estimated repair costs.


Make a list of recent improvements you have made. If you installed a new water heater three years ago, tell the buyer. If you replaced windows or updated the HVAC system, mention it. These improvements have value even if other things need work. Bring receipts if you have them.


Be honest about problems you know exist. This might seem backward, but hiding issues usually backfires. Professional buyers will find problems during their inspection. If you are upfront, they trust you more. If you hide things, they wonder what else you are not telling them. This can actually lower your offer.


Ask questions about how they calculated the offer. A good professional home buyer will explain their numbers clearly. They should show you the comparable sales they used. They should give you a detailed repair estimate. If they cannot or will not explain, that is a red flag.


Understand what is included in the offer. Some buyers cover all closing costs. Others might ask you to pay some fees. An offer that is $5,000 higher but makes you pay $3,000 in fees is really only $2,000 better. Compare the net amount you will actually receive.


Do not make expensive repairs before selling. Many homeowners think fixing everything will get them more money. Usually, this does not work with cash buyers. You spend $10,000 on repairs, but only get $5,000 more in your offer. Let the buyer handle repairs. That is part of what they do.


Check if there are any local programs or incentives. Some Pennsylvania programs help homeowners with certain repairs or tax issues. Fixing these problems before selling can improve your offer. Ask your buyer if they know about any programs that might help you.


Red Flags to Watch Out For


Not all professional home buyers operate the same way. Some use tactics that are unfair or even illegal. Knowing what to watch for protects you from making a costly mistake.


Be careful if a buyer pressures you to sign quickly. Statements like "this offer expires in 24 hours" or "sign now or lose this price" are warning signs. Legitimate buyers give you time to think and review documents. They understand this is a big decision. You should never feel rushed.


Watch out for offers that drop significantly at closing. Some dishonest buyers make a high initial offer to get you excited. Then, right before closing, they claim they found new problems. They lower the offer substantially. At that point, you might feel stuck and accept the lower price. Good buyers do their inspection early and stick to their offer.


Avoid buyers who will not put the offer in writing. Every offer should be a written contract that spells out the exact terms. If someone only makes verbal promises, run away. You need legal protection. Written contracts hold both parties accountable.


Be suspicious of buyers who ask for money up front. You should never pay a professional home buyer anything. They pay you, not the other way around. Some scammers charge "inspection fees" or "processing fees" and then disappear. Real buyers cover all their own costs.


Question buyers who lack a local presence. Companies that operate only online or from far away can be risky. Local professional home buyers, such as Pezon Properties, have offices you can visit. They have reputations in the community to protect. This makes them more accountable.


Look out for buyers who avoid showing credentials. Professional buyers should have the proper licensing, if required, in Pennsylvania. They should carry insurance. They should be able to provide references from past sellers. If they dodge these questions, something is wrong.


Notice if the buyer seems to avoid explaining their process. Honest buyers want you to understand how they work. They answer questions clearly. They show you their math. If someone uses confusing jargon or changes the subject when you ask about details, be careful.


Trust your gut feeling about the person you are dealing with. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Professional home buyers should feel professional. They should treat you with respect. They should make you feel comfortable, not nervous.


Check online reviews and ratings before working with any buyer. Look for patterns in what people say. One bad review might be a fluke. Many complaints about the same issue show a real problem. Search for the company name plus words like "complaint" or "scam" to see what comes up.


Working with a professional home buyer can be a great way to sell your house fast. The process is simpler than traditional selling. You avoid repairs, showings, and months of waiting. But you need to do your homework to ensure you get a fair deal.


Remember that professional buyers are businesses. They need to make money to survive. This means you will get less than full market value. However, you save time, effort, and money on repairs. For many people, this trade makes perfect sense.


Frequently Asked Questions


How much less than market value do professional home buyers typically offer?


Professional home buyers usually offer between 50 and 70 percent of a home's after-repair value. This might sound low at first, but remember what you are getting. You avoid paying for repairs that could cost tens of thousands of dollars. You do not pay real estate agent commissions, which run about 6 percent of the sale price. You skip closing costs, inspections, and appraisals. When you add up everything you save, the difference becomes much smaller. The exact percentage depends on your home's condition and location. Houses that need major work get lower offers because repair costs are higher. Homes in great shape or desirable neighborhoods get offers on the higher end of that range.


How long does it take to close with a professional home buyer?


Most professional home buyers can close in as little as seven days if you need to move fast. The typical timeline runs from two to four weeks. This is much faster than traditional sales, which take 30 to 60 days or longer. The speed depends partly on you and partly on the buyer. If your title is clear and you have all your documents ready, things move faster. If there are title issues, liens, or estate matters to resolve, it takes longer. Companies like Pezon Properties work with you to meet your timeline. If you need to close in two weeks, they can usually make it happen. If you need two months, that works too. The flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of working with professional home buyers.


Should I hire a real estate attorney when selling to a cash buyer?


Hiring a real estate attorney is not required in Pennsylvania, but it is often a smart choice. An attorney can review the purchase agreement to make sure the terms protect you. They check that you are not signing away any rights you want to keep. They also make sure there are no hidden fees or unusual clauses. The cost is usually $500 to $1,000, which is small compared to the value of your home. Many professional home buyers actually recommend that you consult an attorney. Good buyers want you to feel comfortable and protected. They have nothing to hide and welcome a lawyer reviewing the paperwork. If a buyer discourages you from getting legal advice, that is a major red flag. Your attorney works for you and helps ensure the transaction is fair and legal.

Mathew Pezon

About the author

Mathew Pezon

Mathew Pezon is the founder and CEO of Pezon Properties, a cash home buying company located in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. With several years of experience in the real estate industry, Mathew has become a specialist in helping homeowners sell their properties quickly and efficiently. He takes pride in providing a hassle-free, transparent, and fair home buying experience to his clients. Mathew is also an active member of his local community and is passionate about giving back. Through his company, he has contributed to various charities and causes.

By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
Selling your house for cash can be fast and simple. But how do you know if the offer you get is fair? Many homeowners worry about getting cheated when they sell for cash. The good news is that you can protect yourself. When you understand how cash offers work, you can spot a good deal and avoid the bad ones. Cash home buyers like Pezon Properties make offers based on real numbers, not guesses. They look at your home's condition, location, and what repairs it needs. A fair cash buyer will explain how they arrived at their offer amount. A shady buyer will pressure you to sign fast without details. This guide shows you exactly how cash offers are calculated. You will learn what makes your house worth more or less to investors. We will also cover the red flags that signal a lowball offer. By the end, you will know how to negotiate and get the best possible deal on your home. How Cash Home Buyers Calculate Their Offers Cash buyers use a simple formula to figure out what they can pay. First, they look at the after-repair value, or ARV. This is what your house would sell for in perfect condition on the regular market. They find this number by checking recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. Next, they subtract the cost of all repairs needed. A professional buyer will walk through your home and make a list. They estimate the costs of fixing the roof, updating the kitchen, replacing the old carpet, and anything else that needs work. These are real contractor prices, not guesses. Then comes their profit margin. Cash buyers need to make money when they resell or rent your home. Most aim for a profit of 10% to 20% of the ARV. This covers their business costs, taxes, and risk. Without profit, they cannot stay in business. Here is the basic formula: Cash Offer = ARV minus Repair Costs minus Profit Margin minus Holding Costs. Holding costs include property taxes, insurance, and utilities while they own the home. If repairs take three months, they pay for everything during that time. These costs add up fast in some areas. A fair cash buyer shows you their math. They explain each number and answer your questions. Companies like Pezon Properties walk homeowners through the whole calculation. You should never feel confused about how your offer was determined. The timeline matters too. If you need to close in one week rather than one month, that can affect the offer. Faster closings mean the buyer takes on more risk and pays more holding costs up front. Location plays a huge role in cash offers. A house in a desirable Allentown neighborhood will get a better offer than the same house in a declining area. Buyers look at school ratings, crime statistics, and job growth in your zip code.
By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
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By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
Selling a house can feel overwhelming. You might worry about repairs, showings, and how long it will take. But there is another way. You can sell your house for cash and skip most of the usual stress. A cash sale is different from a traditional sale. You work directly with a buyer who has money ready. There is no waiting for bank approvals. No lengthy negotiations. And often, no repairs are needed. This guide will walk you through every step of selling your house fast for cash. You will learn what happens at each stage, how long each stage takes, and which papers you need. We will also cover mistakes people make so you can avoid them. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect when selling your home for cash. What Happens During a Cash Home Sale (The 7 Simple Steps) The cash home sale process is straightforward. Most buyers follow the same basic steps. Here is what happens from start to finish. Step 1: You Reach Out for an Offer First, you contact a cash buyer like Pezon Properties. You can call, fill out a form online, or send an email. You will share basic information about your house. This includes the address, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and its condition. Step 2: The Buyer Reviews Your Property The buyer looks at your property details. Some companies use online tools and public records. Others schedule a quick visit to see the house in person. This visit is not like a regular showing. You do not need to clean or stage anything. The buyer just wants to see the property as it is. Step 3: You Receive a Cash Offer Within a few days (sometimes just 24 hours), you get a cash offer. This offer is usually fair based on your home's condition and location. The buyer considers repair costs and market value. You are free to accept, reject, or negotiate.
By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
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By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
Selling a house the traditional way can take months. You paint walls, fix leaky faucets, clean carpets, and stage rooms to look perfect. But what if you could skip all of that? When you sell your house as-is, you don't have to do any of those things. This is how people sell homes in just 5 days, not 5 months. An as-is sale means you sell your home exactly how it is right now. No fixing broken things. No deep cleaning. No, making it look pretty for buyers. Companies like Pezon Properties buy houses in Allentown, PA, in their current condition. They look at your home, make an offer, and close fast. This article will show you what as-is really means. You'll learn which repairs you can skip. We'll talk about the money you save and which properties work best for quick, as-is sales. By the end, you'll know if selling as-is is right for you. What 'As-Is' Really Means for Home Sellers As-is means exactly what it sounds like. You sell your house in its current state. The buyer accepts everything about the property, good and bad. They know the roof might leak. They see the outdated kitchen. They understand the carpet has stains. And they buy it anyway. In a traditional sale, buyers often ask for repairs after the home inspection. They might want you to fix the furnace or replace rotting deck boards. With an as-is sale, there are no repair requests. The buyer takes full responsibility for all fixes after closing. This doesn't mean you hide problems from buyers. You still need to be honest about issues you know about. But you don't have to fix them before selling. The buyer knows they're getting a fixer-upper or a home that needs work. Cash home buyers specialize in as-is purchases. They buy homes that need lots of work. They buy homes that are perfectly fine, but the owner needs to move fast. The condition doesn't matter much to them. What matters is making the process quick and simple for you. Regular buyers using bank loans often can't buy as-is homes. Their lender might refuse to finance a house with major problems. Cash buyers don't have this issue. They use their own money so that they can buy any property in any condition. When you sell as-is, you trade maximum sale price for speed and convenience. Your home might sell for less than it would after renovations. But you save time, money, and stress. For many sellers, that trade makes perfect sense.
By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
Selling your house fast means being ready with the right paperwork. Many home sellers don't realize that missing documents can slow down or even stop a quick sale. When you know what papers you need ahead of time, you can close in as little as five days. This guide shows you exactly what documents are required for a fast home sale and how to prepare them. Essential Documents Every Home Seller Needs The first thing you need is your property deed. This legal paper proves you own the house. Without it, you cannot sell. Most people keep their deed in a safe place at home. If you cannot find yours, don't worry. You can get a copy from your county recorder's office for a small fee. Next, gather your mortgage information. You need to know how much you still owe on your home loan. Call your lender and ask for a payoff statement. This document shows the exact amount needed to pay off your mortgage. It also lists any fees or penalties for paying early. Some lenders charge extra if you pay off your loan before the term ends. You will also need a photo ID. A driver's license or passport works perfectly. The title company uses this to confirm your identity at closing. Both you and any co-owners must bring valid ID. Property tax records are important, too. These show whether your taxes are current or if you owe money. You can usually find these online through your county tax office. Buyers want to know the tax situation before they purchase. If you have done recent repairs or improvements, keep those receipts. While not always required, they can help prove the value of your home. Major work, like a new roof or HVAC system, adds value. Having proof makes the sale smoother. Homeowners' insurance information should be ready as well. The buyer's lender might want to see your current policy. This shows the home has been protected and maintained. Finally, prepare any home warranty documents you have. Some sellers offer warranties to make their homes more attractive. If your home already has coverage, the buyer might want to continue it. Companies like Pezon Properties can help you understand which documents matter most for your specific situation. They work with sellers in Allentown and know local requirements well.
By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
You need to sell your house quickly. You may have got a new job in another state. Maybe you are going through a divorce. Or you inherited a property and need cash now. Whatever your reason, you have two main choices. You can list with a real estate agent or sell to a cash buyer. Each path takes a very different amount of time. This guide breaks down both options so you can pick the right one for your situation. How Long Does a Traditional Home Sale Actually Take? Most people think listing a house with an agent is the only way to sell it. But this method takes much longer than you might expect. The typical timeline looks like this. First, you spend one to three weeks getting your house ready. You might paint walls, fix broken things, and clean every corner. Many sellers also stage their homes with nice furniture to attract buyers. Next, your agent lists the property. Now you wait for offers. In a hot market, this might take a few days. In a slow market, your house could sit for months. The national average is about 30 days on the market before you get an offer. After you accept an offer, the real waiting begins. The buyer needs to get a mortgage approved. This process alone takes 30 to 45 days on average. During this time, the lender checks the buyer's credit, income, and job history. The buyer also schedules a home inspection. If the inspector finds problems, the buyer might ask you to make repairs or lower the price. These negotiations can add another week or two. Then comes the appraisal. The buyer's lender sends someone to make sure your house is worth what the buyer agreed to pay for it. If the appraisal comes in low, you should renegotiate the entire deal. Some sales fall apart at this stage. Finally, you reach the closing table. Even after everything is approved, scheduling the actual closing takes time. You need to coordinate with the buyer, both sets of lawyers, the title company, and the lender. Add it all up, and you get this. From the day you decide to sell until the day you get your money, expect at least 60 to 90 days. Many sales take even longer. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median time from listing to closing is about 75 days. But this does not include the prep time before you list. For people in Allentown, these timelines can vary. Local market conditions make a big difference. If there are lots of buyers and few homes for sale, you might sell faster. If the market slows down, you could wait months without a single offer.
By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
Selling a house usually takes months. You list it, wait for buyers, host open houses, and deal with repairs. But what if you need to sell fast? You may have got a new job in another state. Maybe you inherited a property you don't want. You may need cash quickly. Good news: you can sell your house in just five days. This guide shows you exactly how it works, day by day. You will learn what happens each day and what you need to do. By the end, you will know if this option makes sense for you. Is It Really Possible to Sell a House in 5 Days? Yes, it is absolutely possible. But it works differently from a normal sale. In a traditional sale, you put your house on the market. You wait for buyers to see it. They make offers. You negotiate. They get a mortgage approved, which takes weeks. Then you close. This process usually takes 60 to 90 days, sometimes longer. A fast sale cuts out most of these steps. Cash home buyers like Pezon Properties can make an offer in 24 hours. They don't need bank approval because they pay with cash. They buy houses as-is, so you skip repairs. And they can close in just a few days. The trade-off is simple. You get speed and convenience, but you might get less money than in a traditional sale. Cash buyers need to make a profit, so they offer below market value. Think of it as selling your car to a dealer rather than a private buyer. The dealer pays less, but you sell it today instead of waiting weeks. Who benefits from a five-day sale? People are facing foreclosure. People who inherited unwanted property. People relocating for work. People are going through a divorce. People with houses that need major repairs. If you value speed over top dollar, this could be perfect for you. The process is straightforward. You contact a cash buyer. They look at your house. They make an offer. You accept or negotiate. You sign papers. You close. Five days, start to finish. Cash buyers can move this fast because they have money ready. They don't wait for loan approval. They don't require inspections or appraisals (though they might do a quick walk-through). They handle all the paperwork and closing costs. You just show up and sign. This method works in any market. Whether houses are selling fast or sitting for months, cash buyers are always looking. They buy in good neighborhoods and rough ones. They buy perfect houses and houses that need work.
By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
Selling your house can feel overwhelming. One big question pops up right away: how much will I get when I sell my house? If you're looking at cash offers from companies like Pezon Properties, the numbers are lower than you expected. This can be confusing and frustrating. Why would anyone pay less than what your home is worth? The truth is, cash offers work differently from traditional home sales. They come with trade-offs. You get speed and convenience, but you give up some profit. Understanding why cash buyers pay less helps you make a smart choice. This article explains the real reasons behind lower cash offers. You'll learn what's fair and when accepting less money actually makes perfect sense for your situation. Why Cash Buyers Pay Less Than Retail Price Cash home buyers like Pezon Properties run businesses. They need to make money to keep their doors open. When they buy your house, they're taking on all the work and risk you would normally handle yourself. Think about what happens in a traditional sale. You clean, repair, and stage your home. You pay a real estate agent around 6% commission. You wait weeks or months for a buyer. You might pay for inspections, appraisals, and closing costs. If the buyer's financing falls through, you start over. Cash buyers skip all those steps for you. But they take on every single one of those tasks themselves. After buying your house, you usually need to fix it up. They might replace the roof, update the kitchen, or repair the foundation. These repairs cost thousands of dollars. Labor isn't cheap, and materials add up fast. Next comes holding costs. Every month, they own your house, they pay property taxes, insurance, and utilities. If they borrowed money to buy your house, they're paying interest too. These costs pile up while they work on repairs. Finally, they need to resell the house. That means more agent fees, marketing costs, and closing expenses. They might hold the property for six months or longer before finding a buyer. During that time, the market could drop. Unexpected problems could pop up during their renovations. All these factors mean risk. Cash buyers need a cushion to protect themselves. If they paid full market value, one big surprise could wipe out their entire profit. The difference between what they offer and the retail price covers repairs, holding costs, selling expenses, and their profit margin. This isn't about taking advantage of sellers. It's basic business math. Companies like Pezon Properties in Allentown need to cover their expenses and earn a profit for their services. In return, you get a fast sale with zero hassle. No repairs, no showings, no waiting, no uncertainty.
By Mathew Pezon March 31, 2026
Selling your house comes with one big question: how much money will you actually get? Most homeowners think they know the answer. They look up their home value online and assume that is what they will pocket. But the real number is often much lower. The truth is, selling a house costs money. You have to pay fees, commissions, and debts. These costs can eat up thousands of dollars. Sometimes they take 10% or more of your home's value. This guide will show you exactly how to figure out your real profit. You will learn a simple three-step formula. It takes about five minutes to complete. When you finish, you will know approximately how much cash you will walk away with. Whether you sell with an agent or to a cash buyer like Pezon Properties these steps apply equally. Let's break down each one so you understand where your money goes. Step 1: Find Out What Your House Is Worth Before you can calculate your profit, you need to know your starting point. That means finding your home's current market value. Start by looking at recent sales in your neighborhood. These are called comparable sales or "comps." Look for houses that sold in the last three to six months. They should be similar to yours in size, age, and condition. You can find comps on websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin. Enter your address and see nearby sales. Write down the prices of three to five similar homes. Next, consider your home's condition. Is it updated or outdated? Does it need repairs? A house with a new kitchen and fresh paint will sell for more than one with old carpets and broken fixtures. Be honest about problems. A leaky roof, a cracked foundation, or an outdated electrical system will lower your home's value. Buyers will either ask for a lower price or request that you fix these issues before closing. If you want a more accurate number, you have two options. First, you can hire a professional appraiser. They charge around $300 to $500 but give you an official valuation. Second, you can request a free home evaluation from a real estate agent or cash buyer. Companies like Pezon Properties offer free, no-obligation valuations. They will assess your home and provide a cash offer based on current market conditions and your property's condition. Once you have a realistic value, write it down. This is your starting number. For example, if your home is worth $250,000, that is where you begin. Remember, this number is not your profit. It is just the gross sale price. You still have costs to subtract.