How do I verify a cash home buyer?

Start with the paper trail. Look the company up on the BBB and confirm the address is a real office, not a mailbox. Then search the county recorder's office for deeds recorded with the company as the buyer; every real purchase leaves a public record. A company that claims hundreds of closings but shows up nowhere in county records is telling you something.

Ask for proof of funds next: a bank letter or a recent statement showing the cash is actually there. Reputable buyers hand this over the same day you ask. Refusal, or a story about a 'partner' who has the money, is a red flag, and so is any request for an application fee, evaluation fee, or upfront deposit. A real California cash buyer pays you; you never pay them.

The closing itself is your strongest protection. In California, a legitimate sale runs through a licensed escrow and title company using standard California Association of Realtors purchase agreement forms. Anyone who pressures you to skip escrow and 'just sign the deed over directly' is not a buyer, they're running a deed theft scam. The same goes for offers that drop sharply after you've already moved out; walking that back costs them nothing and costs you leverage.

The full breakdown of red flags and green flags, including how offer-dropping scams work, is on our are cash home buyers legit page. If you're still unsure, get offers from two or three buyers and compare; scammers usually drop out the moment there's competition.

Other California sellers ask:

• Why sell my house to a cash buyer instead of listing it?
• What fees do cash home buyers charge?

Related pages on My Home Sold:

• Full guide: legitimacy of California cash buyers

Looking for the broader picture? Read how to sell your house fast in California or our guide to the best cash home buyers in California.

Every California cash sale we run follows the same general rhythm. You tell us about the property and your situation. We pull comps, factor your timeline, and send a written cash offer within 24 hours. If you accept, we open escrow with a licensed local title company and close in 7 to 14 days. We pay all standard closing costs, we don't request repairs, and we use the same C.A.R. forms a real estate agent would use, the only difference is speed and certainty.

If you have questions specific to your situation that aren't covered above, the fastest way to get a real answer is to call (855) 699-6090 or request a free written offer. Both are no-obligation and take less than five minutes of your time. We'll be honest about whether a cash sale is the right call for your situation, and if it isn't, we'll tell you what we'd do in your spot.