We Buy Houses advertisements are all over the place. You see them on billboards, the radio, TV, online, even on the street corner. But are “We Buy Houses” companies a rip off? Are there any We Buy Houses scams you should be aware of? If you’re interested in selling your house without an agent , here’s what you need to know about We Buy Houses companies.
In this blog post, we will answer all of these questions and more. We will provide information on what to look for when considering working with one of these companies, as well as some of the most common scams that occur in the industry. So if you’re thinking about working with We Buy Houses, make sure to read this blog post first!
Are We Buy Houses a Rip Off?
First, let’s dispel the myth that all “We Buy Houses” companies are rip offs. While there are some bad apples in any industry, there are also many reputable companies out there who will offer you a fair price for your home. However, as with any transaction, it’s important to do your homework and know who you’re dealing with.
However, if you’re thinking that We Buy Houses is a company that will give you a fair price for your house, then no, they are not a rip off. There are several benefits of selling your house for cash that make We Buy Houses a good option for many people. So while they may not be a rip off in the traditional sense, there are still some things you should be aware of before working with them. For example you may not get the full market value for your house, you will still get a fair price.
Ultimately, the best way not to get ripped off by a ‘We Buy Houses’ home buyer is to work with a reputable company. That will ensure that you get a fair price for your home, that the process isn’t a scam and that you sell a house fast in Tennessee.
We Buy Houses Scams You Should Be Aware Of
The best way to avoid a ‘We Buy Houses Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga’ scam is to be aware of the most common scams.
Here are the two most common scams to avoid:
Scam #1
A home seller contacts a broker or home-buying company, thinking they are legitimate. Maybe they found the number boldly placed on a sign along with declarations like: “We buy houses in any condition!” or “We buy houses with cash!”.
When you finally contact the “buyer,” they’ll claim that a preliminary processing fee is required. After you agree to the charge and send it off, the real waiting game begins.
A week has passed and you still haven’t heard anything, so you decide to call the number.
Perhaps there is a recording, so you leave a message.
Then you’re ghosted. More than likely, the scammer changes the number and your money is gone.
Red flag in Scam #1
Legitimate home buying companies DO NOT charge processing fees, administrative fees, or any other kind of fees to make you an offer to buy your home. If you find a “We Buy Houses” buyer that requires you pay something upfront, move on.
Scam #2
The home seller is contacted by a “buyer” who makes an offer that’s seemingly too good to be true. They might even promise to pay all cash for the property as is, sight unseen.
The real estate investor even offers to pay your asking price, let’s say that’s $75,000. But when you receive the check, the amount is for $85,000.
But don’t jump for joy yet, the buyer confesses this was a mistake—the wrong amount was sent. Then claims it’s an easy fix.
All you have to do is send a wire transfer with the overage. They’ll be apologetic and assure you that this never happens, it must have been a clerical mistake. Because you’re a nice and honest person, you make the wire transfer.
After the money is sent, you discover the original check is bad. You’ve just wired $10,000 to a scammer and your house still isn’t sold.
And of course you won’t be able to get in touch with them again.
Red Flag in Scam #2
A legitimate home buyer WILL NOT buy your house sight unseen. They will also use a local title company to conduct the closing and to handle payment of the home.
How to Identify a We Buy Houses Scam
With our assistance, you’ll be able to spot “we buy houses” scams a mile away..
Red flags include but are not limited to:
- Use of bandit signs – legitimate house buying companies don’t do this
- Use of a free email service, which implies unprofessionalism
- Unprofessional phone etiquette: answering “Hello” versus “Nexus Homebuyers, this is Zach, how can I help you?”
- No references when asked
- Sketchy or questionable references that can’t be verified
- Not using professional forms or state-regulated documentation
- Extremely difficult to contact
- Uneasy or offended if you ask to have a third party (like an attorney) look over the contracts
- Offer to buy without ever looking at the house
The key money warning signs include:
- Administration or processing fees
- Eagerness to send the buyout money right away, even without seeing the house
- Eagerness to share their financials
You don’t have to fall victim to a home investor scam or cash-for-home flyers, even if your property has sat on the market for a long time.
Genuine We Buy Houses Companies
There are many We Buy Houses companies in Knoxville, TN. Some of them are genuine businesses, while others may be scams. So how can you tell the difference?
The best way to determine if a company is genuine is to check its licensing and registration. All legitimate We Buy Houses businesses will have these documents in order. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.
An example of one of the reputable cash home buyers in Knoxville is Nexus Homebuyers. This company is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
What To Do If You Feel You’re Being Scammed
Unfortunately, there are some companies out there that will try to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. These companies may make false promises or use high-pressure tactics to get you to sell your home for far less than it’s worth.
If you feel like you’re being scammed, the best thing to do is to reach out to a reputable We Buy Houses company in your area. A reputable company will be upfront and honest with you about the process and will give you a fair offer for your home.
Conclusion
We Buy Houses can be a great option for sellers in need of a fast, easy sale. However, there are also some scams to watch out for. Make sure you do your research and trust your gut instinct if something feels off about a potential deal. With these tips in mind, you should be able to safely navigate the world of We Buy Houses transactions and find the best possible deal for yourself.
