The "we buy houses" industry has grown significantly in Austin, and while many companies are legitimate and provide a valuable service, some bad actors take advantage of homeowners in vulnerable situations. Here's how to protect yourself and find a trustworthy cash home buyer.
Red Flags to Watch For
1. Pressure to Sign Immediately
Legitimate cash buyers give you time to review offers and consult with family or an attorney. If someone pressures you to sign on the spot, walk away.
2. Upfront Fees
A real cash buyer never charges you fees to make an offer or close a deal. If anyone asks for money upfront — for "processing fees," "earnest money from the seller," or "application fees" — it's a scam.
3. No Proof of Funds
Legitimate buyers can show proof of funds — bank statements or a letter from their financial institution confirming they have the cash to close. Always ask for this.
4. Vague or Missing Contract Terms
A legitimate purchase contract should clearly state:
- •The purchase price
- •The closing date
- •Who pays closing costs
- •Any contingencies
- •The buyer's legal entity name
5. No Physical Presence
Be cautious of companies with no local office, no website, or no verifiable business address in Austin. Legitimate companies are established in the community.
6. Unrealistically High Offers
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some scammers make high initial offers to get you under contract, then reduce the price through "inspection findings" or other tactics.
How to Verify a Cash Home Buyer
Follow these steps to verify any cash buyer in Austin:
What Legitimate Cash Buyers Look Like
Trustworthy cash home buyers in Austin typically:
- •Have a professional website with clear contact information
- •Are registered as a business entity in Texas
- •Have positive reviews on Google, BBB, and Facebook
- •Use legitimate Texas real estate contracts
- •Provide proof of funds upon request
- •Give you time to review offers (no pressure tactics)
- •Cover all closing costs
- •Have a physical presence in the Austin area
- •Are transparent about their process and pricing
About House Buyers in Austin
House Buyers in Austin is a BBB-accredited, locally-owned cash home buying company serving the greater Austin metro area. We pride ourselves on:
- •Transparency — We explain our process and pricing clearly
- •Fair offers — Based on current Austin market conditions
- •No pressure — Take your time reviewing our offer
- •Legitimate contracts — We use standard Texas real estate contracts
- •Local presence — We're part of the Austin community
- •Proven track record — 500+ homes purchased with 4.9-star Google rating
Protect Yourself and Get a Fair Offer
If you're considering selling your Austin home to a cash buyer, do your due diligence. And when you're ready for a fair, transparent, no-pressure cash offer, contact House Buyers in Austin at (512) 675-3722. We welcome your questions and encourage you to verify our credentials.