Would a Spammer Buy Your House?

It used to be that you couldn't go past a street corner without being confronted by trail blazer signs stating that "We buy houses for cash" encouraging disheartened homeowners desperate for help to just pick up the phone and call.  Some of the signs even look like they were hand written by children, lulling homeowners into a false sense of security.  However, in many areas the communities have cracked down on these would be swindlers by imposing hefty fines for polluting our space and these signs have become expensive.  Now, it’s a sign of times when Spammers blast out emails targeting troubled homeowners with a subject lines like:

“Selling your house?” "Behind on Your Mortgage?" and other similar subject lines

These fraudulent emails go on to claim:

• We buy houses FAST!
• Sell your house to us! We are a direct buyer.
• We look at ALL property in ANY condition.
• Whether your house is pretty or ugly, old or new, in good or poor condition, we’re here to help.  check it out now    
• We buy houses for cash,
• Cash offer within 24 hours

The sad reality is that these frauds are looking to collect leads of desperate and naive homeowners that need to sell. They will then turn around and sell the owner’s information to real estate agents and investor’s looking for deals. 

Homeowners, don't be fooled!!  These companies will offer  you pennies on the dollar for your home.  Sure they'll negotiate with the bank for a lower price than your home is worth for a quick sale, then they will turn around and sell it to someone else for a huge profit (maybe even before they have settled on the purchase from you).  They'll ask you to trust them, they'll rush you through the paperwork without explaining your options to you. 

Some of these hucksters may even be licensed real estate agents themselves.  Homeowners, be very careful. 

If you are behind on your mortgage, are in a distressed situation, facing divorce and need to liquidate, have an estate sale and need to sell - list your home for sale with a reputable Realtor.  If you are upside down on your mortgage and facing foreclosure you should consult a Realtor who has earned the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) designation for a SFR designation.  Ask for references or look online to see how well your Realtor stacks up to the competition.  And, consult an Attorney before signing any contract presented to you by one of these "We buy houses Fast!" representatives.