Why Some Offers Seem Too Good to Be True When Selling Your Home

If you’re trying to sell your home—especially as-is—you might be excited (and maybe a little suspicious) when you get an offer that feels too good to be true. And sometimes, that instinct is right.

At MG Property Bros, we’ve seen countless homeowners burned by shady buyers, fake investors, or misleading contracts. This post will help you understand why some offers aren’t what they seem, and how to protect yourself when you’re ready to sell.

The “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Offer Red Flags

Not every high offer is a good one. In fact, some are designed to lock you into a contract and trap you in delays—only to lower the price later or disappear entirely.

Here are some red flags to watch for:

1. No Home Visit or Questions Asked

Legit buyers want to know what they’re buying. If someone offers top dollar without seeing the home or asking about condition, that’s a sign they may not intend to close.

2. Unrealistically High Offer Price

If your home is worth $150K and someone offers $200K in cash—be cautious. They might be trying to get your signature fast, only to reduce the price after inspections or due diligence.

3. Contract Assignments (Wholesalers)

Some "buyers" are not actually buying your house—they're assigning your contract to someone else for a fee. If the second buyer backs out or can’t perform, you’re left hanging.

4. Long Contingency or Inspection Periods

These give the buyer room to back out without penalty, even after wasting weeks of your time. In the meantime, your home sits off-market and loses exposure.

5. Requests for Upfront Payments or Fees

No honest buyer will ask you to pay for anything upfront—not for appraisals, closing, or “admin fees.” That’s a common scam.

Why Some Investors Make Fake Offers

Not all investors are shady—but some use unethical tactics to:

• Lock up your property and shop the contract
• Leverage high offers to beat competitors, then renegotiate later
• Look good on paper while planning to chip away at your price later

This is especially common with wholesalers who don’t have the funds or partnerships to actually close.

How MG Property Bros Does It Differently

We keep it simple, transparent, and fair—always.

• We inspect the property before we make an offer
• We don’t make inflated promises just to get the deal
• We never pressure you to sign quickly
• We don’t assign contracts without permission
• We close with our own funds, not banks or third parties

What we offer is what we pay. No tricks, no renegotiation, no stress.

How to Protect Yourself From Fake or Risky Offers

1. Ask questions – Who’s buying the property? Can you speak with them directly?
2. Get everything in writing – Especially timelines, contingencies, and who pays what.
3. Watch the inspection period – Anything longer than 10 days could be a red flag.
4. Read the contract – Or have someone you trust look it over.
5. Don’t be afraid to walk away – If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

A Word From Real Sellers

“I had two other buyers flake on me before MG Property Bros made an offer. They were honest, upfront, and did exactly what they said they would. Wish I’d called them first!”
– Monica D., South Bend, IN

Bottom Line: The Best Offer Is the One That Closes

A high number on paper doesn’t mean much if the buyer can’t perform. At MG Property Bros, we give real offers with real backing—and we close on your terms.

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