Real Estate Scams to Be Aware Of

Selling your home should be a smooth and secure process, but unfortunately, real estate scams are more common than ever. Real estate scammers use deceptive tactics to steal money, personal information, or even property ownership. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common real estate scams, how to spot real estate scammers, and steps to protect yourself. By staying informed and working with reputable home buyers like 800CashToday, you can avoid scams and sell your home with confidence.

Protect Yourself From Common Real Estate Scams

Whether you’re in a rush to sell or just starting the process, it’s important to know the red flags that could indicate real estate scams against sellers. 

Here are some of the most common real estate and realtor scams you should be aware of when selling your home:

1. Fake Buyers Offering Overpriced Deals

One of the biggest red flags in real estate is a buyer offering significantly more than your home is worth. This is especially true if they haven’t even seen the property. Scammers often make these high offers to lure sellers into fraudulent transactions. They do this by requesting sensitive information or demanding upfront fees.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Always verify the buyer’s legitimacy.
• Be cautious if a buyer insists on communicating only via email or refuses to meet in person.
• Never pay any fees before closing the deal.

2. Title Fraud and Deed Scams

When it comes to title fraud in real estate, scammers steal a homeowner’s identity and then transfer the property title into their name. They can then attempt to sell the house or take out loans against it, leaving the real owner with legal headaches.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Regularly check your property records to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made.
• Work with a trusted title company to verify ownership before completing a sale.
• Avoid signing any document you don’t fully understand.

3. Wire Fraud Schemes

These scams often target sellers during the closing process. Scammers pose as real estate agents, title companies, or attorneys and send fake wiring instructions. They then trick sellers into sending money to fraudulent accounts.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Always confirm wire transfer instructions directly with your title company or real estate attorney using a verified phone number.
• Be wary of last-minute changes to payment instructions.
• Never send money without double-checking the recipient’s information.

4. "We Buy Houses" Scams

While many cash buyers offer legitimate solutions for homeowners looking to sell quickly, some scammers pose as real estate buyers to deceive sellers. They may present fake contracts, pressure you into signing unfavorable deals, or vanish after collecting a deposit.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Work only with reputable cash home buyers like 800CashToday.
• Check online reviews and ask for proof of previous transactions.
• Avoid companies that require you to pay upfront fees or demand exclusive rights to sell your home.

5. Foreclosure Rescue Scams

Homeowners facing foreclosure are often targeted by scammers who promise to stop the process. They offer to do this in exchange for a large upfront fee. They may also pressure you into signing over your deed, claiming they’ll negotiate with the lender on your behalf.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Never sign over your deed unless you fully understand the terms.
• Consult a legitimate housing counselor or attorney before making any agreements.
• Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed foreclosure relief.

6. Rental Scams on Vacant Properties

Scammers sometimes list vacant homes for rent, collect deposits from multiple renters, and disappear. If you're selling a vacant home, your property could be targeted by these real estate frauds.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Monitor online listings to ensure your property isn’t being falsely advertised for rent.
• Place a “For Sale” sign in the yard to deter scammers.
• Regularly check in on the property if it's vacant.

7. Loan Flipping Scams

Some predatory lenders convince homeowners to refinance their mortgages repeatedly. They then charge high fees and interest rates that strip away home equity.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Be cautious of lenders pushing unnecessary refinancing.
• Consult a financial advisor before agreeing to multiple refinances.
• Read the loan terms carefully and be aware of excessive fees.

8. Commission Advance Schemes

Some fraudulent companies target real estate agents, offering cash advances on their commissions but with hidden, exorbitant fees.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Carefully review loan terms and ensure fees are reasonable.
• Seek reputable commission advance services with transparent terms.
• Avoid companies that pressure you into agreements with unclear terms.

9. Escrow Scams

Scammers pose as escrow agents and ask buyers or sellers to deposit money into fake escrow accounts. The scammers will then disappear with the money.

How to Avoid These Scams:

• Only use licensed and verified escrow companies.
• Confirm payment details directly with your agent or title company.
• Be wary of anyone rushing escrow payments or providing vague escrow instructions.

Sell Your Home Safely to a Trusted Cash Buyer

If you want to sell your home without the risk of dealing with scammers, working with a trusted real estate buyer is the safest option. At 800CashToday, we offer homeowners a secure and hassle-free way to sell their properties for cash. We even do this without the stress of repairs, showings, or hidden fees.

Unlike unreliable buyers that overpromise and underdeliver, 800CashToday ensures a transparent, professional, and straightforward process. We provide fair cash offers based on market value, so you never have to worry about hidden clauses. You can also avoid last-minute renegotiations and unexpected delays. Our team handles everything from paperwork to closing, making the sale simple and stress-free.

Why Sell to 800CashToday?

When you sell to 800CashToday, you can expect a fast and hassle-free experience. We provide quick closings, allowing you to receive a cash offer and close in as little as 10 days. You won’t have to worry about making any repairs—we buy houses in any condition, saving you time and money. 

Plus, there are no hidden fees—you can skip agent commissions, closing costs, and other expenses that cut into your profits. Our safe and transparent process ensures that everything is handled professionally. From paperwork to closing, you can sell to us with confidence.

Don’t be a victim of real estate fraud. If you are simply looking for a legitimate cash home buyer, contact 800CashToday today. We offer a free, 

no-obligation offer on your home. Avoid property scams and real estate agent scams and sell with confidence all while getting your cash fast!