Avoid Home-Selling Scams
When homeowners try to sell fast, scammers may try to reach out first — Knowing what’s real and what’s fake can save you thousands of dollars and protect your home.
Common Home-Selling Scams
1. “We’ll Buy Your House, Just Pay This Fee First.”
No real buyer charges upfront fees. Genuine buyers pay you, not the other way around.
👉 Never pay money to someone claiming they’ll buy your house.
2. “Wire the Earnest Money to Us”
Fraudsters send fake wiring instructions that look like they’re from a title company. You wire your deposit, and it’s gone for good.
👉Always call the title company directly to confirm wiring info before sending money.
3. Deed-Transfer or “Rescue Buyer” Tricks
Someone claims they’ll “save your credit” by taking over your property. They get you to sign a deed, promising to pay off the loan — but they don’t. You lose the house and still owe the mortgage.
👉 Never sign a deed unless you understand exactly what it means.
4. Overpayment or Refund Scams
A “buyer” sends you a check for more than the agreed amount, asking you to refund the difference. The check later bounces — and you’re left paying the loss.
👉 Don’t cash or refund money from anyone you don’t fully know.
5. Fake Title or Escrow Companies
Some scammers create professional-looking websites pretending to be real escrow companies. They collect deposits or “closing fees” and vanish.
👉 Always verify the title or escrow company through your state’s licensing database before sending funds or documents.
How to Protect Yourself
Never pay upfront fees. Legitimate buyers cover closing costs, not you.
Use a title company. Every sale should go through a licensed title or escrow company.
Get everything in writing. Avoid verbal promises — insist on written terms you can review.
Do your research. Check online reviews, verify business licenses, and ask for references.
Trust your gut. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.