When you’re interested in selling your home quickly or selling as is, you’re probably going to come across a lot of ads and promotional materials for cash for houses programs. Unfortunately, not every cash for houses agency in Dallas is legitimate – some are scams that can leave you in a much worse financial position. Here’s some advice on how to find a professional, ethical cash for houses agency who will offer you a great deal for your property.
Common Cash for Houses Scams in Dallas to Watch Out For
- Deed transfer scams: This is known as equity-skimming, and it is very important to protect yourself from this type of scam. Here, the scammer will convince you to transfer the deed to your home into their name. They will make it sound like a really attractive offer – you get to stay in your home and all you have to do is make a monthly payment to them, just like a normal renter. They may even rent the property to another family if you plan to move. In addition to the rent money they receive, the scammers can use the deed that is now in their name to take out an additional loan, and they can sell the home to another buyer. Unfortunately, they then disappear and stop making mortgage payments – and because your name is still on the mortgage, you’re liable for all these payments, even though you no longer have the property.
- Multiple agreement scams: These scam artists look very professional and trustworthy, and it’s easy to agree to sell your home to them. They’ll bring a contract for you to sign that looks very legitimate even when you read through it fairly closely. They’ll then call back and say there needs to be a minor amendment to the contract. And then another minor amendment. And then another. By this time, most people aren’t reading through the contract clearly and the agreement has changed a lot. They can insert all kinds of clauses that negatively impact you as the buyer, landing you in serious financial trouble.
- Invisible investor scams: In these scams, an investor will contact a seller having seen their property online. They’ll explain that they live overseas but want to buy your home at the full asking price in cash. Once they’ve gained your trust, they ask for a small sum of money to help them work around some kid of small issue so that they can release the full funds. They may come back for more money again and again, and even try steal bank account details to commit fraud.
How to Protect Yourself from We Buy Houses for Cash Scams
These scams can be very sophisticated and easier to fall for than you may think, especially if you are under pressure to find a buyer and sell your home quickly. It’s essential to be aware of common cash for houses scams and stay alert to protect yourself. We recommend:
- Always read through a contract slowly and carefully – Don’t let the buyer pressure you. Instead, ask for more time to go through it if you need to, and have a lawyer look it over if possible. All contracts should be signed at a title company or attorney’s office, not at your kitchen table.
- Don’t pay over any money – Any cash for houses buyer who asks you for money (fees to evaluate your house, fees for an application or listing, etc.) is likely trying to scam you. A reputable cash for houses agency will not charge sellers fees of any kind to be paid to their agency – they make their money by fixing up and selling or renting homes, not by charging sellers fees.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the buyer – If you are speaking to a cash for houses agency, ask for testimonials, ask them how long they have been in business, and look up reviews online to make sure they are who they say they are.
- Look them up online – Check out their website to see if it looks professional, make sure they are a properly registered local business, and see reviews on Facebook and Google to see how they treat their customers.
Customers Come First for Our Ethical, Professional Cash for Houses Dallas Team
At Shiny Key Properties, we’ve been buying houses for cash for many years in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, and we’re passionate about professionalism and helping our community. We’ve got a great reputation for honesty and fairness, and offer sellers a fair and secure way to sell a property. If you’re selling as is or want to sell your home quickly, we’re happy to buy it – and we’re happy for you to ask us any questions about our company, our process and testimonials from our past clients!
Here’s how our process works:
- You enter your information on our website
- We’ll contact you directly to discuss an offer for your property (you can also get a free property evaluation from our website)
- You can accept or reject the offer
- You can also call us directly on 469-858-0088
Our team of real estate agents is fully-qualified, compassionate and highly-motivated to offer you the best possible market-related price for your home you want to sell fast.
At Shiny Key Properties, our trained consultants have years of experience in helping homeowners to get out of foreclosure or needing to sell quickly for relocation. To find out more about our cash for houses Fort Worth service, please contact us today and speak to one of our friendly team members.