Top 5 Scams to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be exciting—but it can also make you a target for scams. Whether you're selling through an agent, on your own, or to a cash buyer, it's important to know what red flags to watch out for.

At MG Property Bros, we've seen it all—and we’re here to help homeowners protect themselves and their equity. Here are the top 5 home-selling scams to avoid and how to keep your transaction safe and stress-free.

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1. The Fake Cash Buyer Scam

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What it looks like:

A “cash buyer” offers to purchase your home quickly, often over email or through a shady website. They may ask for personal details, send fake proof of funds, or request you pay for an appraisal or legal fees upfront.

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Red flags:

- They won't speak on the phone  

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- They pressure you to act fast  

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- They want you to send money before closing  

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- The deal sounds "too good to be true"

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Protect yourself:

Only work with verified, reputable local buyers like MG Property Bros. We never charge upfront fees or ask for personal financial information early in the process.

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2. The “We’ll List It for Free” Trick

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What it looks like: 

Some agents or companies offer to “list your home for free,” but then hit you with hidden fees later—like marketing costs, admin fees, or cancellation penalties.

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Red flags:  

- Vague contracts  

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- Unclear terms and fees  

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- Promises of “no commission” with small print that says otherwise

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Protect yourself:  

Always read the fine print and ask for a breakdown of all fees before signing anything. Or skip the listing process entirely and sell directly to a trusted buyer with no commissions or hidden costs.

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3. The “Investor Who Disappears”

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What it looks like:  

An investor puts your home under contract and promises a quick close, but keeps delaying. In the meantime, they market your home to others trying to “wholesale” it—often without your knowledge.

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Red flags:

- They don’t do an inspection or ask detailed questions  

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- Their offer is way above market value  

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- They delay closing without explanation

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Protect yourself:

Ask if the buyer is actually the one purchasing the home or if they plan to assign the contract. At MG Property Bros, we buy directly and close on our offers—no middlemen, no games.

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4. “We Buy Houses” Signs With No Real Business Behind Them

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What it looks like: 

You see a handwritten sign on a street corner offering to buy your house for cash. You call the number, but it leads to a person who gives you vague answers and no real proof of funds.

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Red flags:

- No website, business address, or online presence  

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- Unprofessional communication  

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- No verifiable references

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Protect yourself:

Before working with a buyer, check their website, reviews, and local credibility. MG Property Bros is a real, local company with a track record of helping homeowners across Your Area.

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5. Fake Legal or Title Companies

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What it looks like:  

A scammer claims to be a title agent or attorney and sends fake documents asking for wire transfers, closing costs, or sensitive info.

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Red flags:  

- Poorly written emails  

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- Strange domain names (e.g., gmail accounts instead of company emails)  

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- Rushed requests for wire transfers

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Protect yourself: 

Always confirm the title company through independent research. Never send money or documents without verifying who you’re dealing with. We only work with licensed, trusted title professionals.

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Final Thoughts: Trust Matters More Than Ever

Scams are unfortunately common, but they’re also easy to avoid when you work with an honest, experienced home buyer. At MG Property Bros, we believe in transparency, fairness, and zero pressure.

We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and give you a no-obligation cash offer—no tricks, no fine print.

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