Buyer questions • Free verification checklist
Questions to Ask a Cash Home Buyer
Before you commit your house, check who is buying, how they will fund the purchase, and what the contract actually promises. Learn how to vet a cash home buyer, compare written terms, and keep a record of what you checked.
A practical process for comparing buyers
How to vet the buyer behind the offer
Start with the legal buyer, the source of the purchase money, the buyer's rights to cancel, your estimated proceeds, and the closing arrangements. Ask for evidence you can check independently. A professional website, a bank-letter screenshot, or a confident closing promise cannot answer all five questions.
You can sell quickly and still ask questions. Use this guide before signing, then revisit the checklist as deposits, inspections, title work, and closing move forward.
Keep three questions separate: Is the buyer who they say they are? Can they complete this particular purchase? Do the price and terms work for you? Evidence supporting one answer does not settle the others.
10 questions to ask a cash home buyer
Use these as a starting point and ask for the answers to appear in the agreement where appropriate.
First, identify the transaction
Ask who will sign the purchase agreement, who is expected to take title, and whether closing depends on a lender, partner, or another purchaser. Describing an offer as “cash” leaves these details unanswered.
| Proposed arrangement | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Direct purchase | The contracting buyer expects to take title. Ask how the purchase is funded and which conditions allow cancellation. |
| Contract assignment | The buyer plans to transfer contractual purchase rights to another buyer. Ask about assignment permission, required disclosures, timing, and the original buyer's remaining obligations. |
| Double closing | The purchaser plans to buy and then resell in a separate transaction. Ask whether your closing relies on the resale or on short-term funding. |
| Marketing or “novation” proposal | Someone proposes marketing the house or replacing an agreement. Ask an independent attorney to explain ownership, consent, access, commissions, cancellation, and who must ultimately perform. |
These are general descriptions, not findings about legality. Licensing, disclosures, and contractual consequences depend on the activity, agreement, and state.
If your existing mortgage would remain in place: have your own attorney and servicer address continued liability, lender consent, due-on-sale terms, insurance, and default risk. Separate cash paid at closing from promises of future payments.
1. Check identity and completed purchases
- Match the names. Obtain the exact legal buyer, any trading name, business address, representative's name, and direct contact details. Resolve differences between the advertisement, contract, and funding documents.
- Check the official record. Search the appropriate state business registry. Ask about recent entity changes or a separate company being used for this purchase. Registration alone does not establish funding or competence.
- Confirm authority. Ask the closing professional to establish that the person signing can bind the named buyer. A registered agent's listing alone does not answer that question.
- Ask about completed deals. Request recent seller references and examples of closed purchases. With appropriate permission, ask the closing office to corroborate a claimed transaction. County deed records can support a purchase claim but do not establish the seller's experience or every financial detail.
- Use reviews as supporting evidence. Look for repeated reports about price changes, missed deadlines, or communication. Distinguish allegations from established findings; a selected testimonial is not an independent audit.
2. Check funding for this purchase
Request recent evidence identifying the account holder, issuing institution, date, and enough available funds for the proposed purchase. Sensitive account details can be redacted. Ask your verified closing professional what evidence is appropriate for the transaction.
- Establish control. If the money belongs to a partner, affiliate, or lender, ask how it is committed to the named buyer and this purchase.
- Check the conditions. Ask whether funding depends on underwriting, an appraisal, another sale, or finding an end buyer. Compare the answer with the contract.
- Confirm independently. With the buyer's authorization where needed, have the closing professional seek confirmation through independently obtained issuer contact details. A bank may limit what it can disclose.
- Recheck material changes. A changed buyer, funding source, or closing date may require updated evidence.
Private or bridge financing does not by itself establish deception. Ask which conditions must be met for the money to be available at your closing, and whether the agreement gives the buyer an exit if those conditions fail.
Proof of funds has limits. An authentic letter can show financial capacity at a particular time. It does not reserve the money, eliminate contract contingencies, or guarantee closing. Never request account passwords or publish someone's banking records.
3. Read the terms before signing
Get the entire agreement and every addendum. Identify the actual obligations and deadlines behind phrases such as “as-is,” “no fees,” or “guaranteed closing.” Put negotiated promises into the signed documents and seek independent legal advice about unclear provisions.
| Term | Questions to resolve |
|---|---|
| Earnest money | How much, when is it due, who holds it, and when is it refundable? After signing, obtain confirmation of receipt from the holder. Ask what a missed deposit means under this agreement. |
| Inspection and due diligence | What can the buyer inspect? Until when can they cancel? Can they request a price change, and what happens if you decline? |
| Funding and appraisal | Does failure to obtain financing, an appraisal, or partner approval provide an exit? Compare this with the buyer's explanation of the “cash” offer. |
| Assignment | Is assignment permitted? Is your consent required? Who remains responsible if the replacement buyer fails to close? |
| Closing and extensions | What is the closing deadline? Who can extend it, for how long, and under what conditions? How must notices be delivered? |
| Price and expenses | Which repair deductions, service charges, commissions, title charges, taxes, and other costs are assigned to you? Which amounts are still estimates? |
| Access and possession | Who may enter or market the property? What cleanout or repair work is required? When do keys, occupancy, utilities, and insurance responsibilities change? |
| Default and recorded documents | What remedies apply if either side defaults? Does the agreement authorize recording a memorandum or other document affecting title? Ask an attorney about its effect and release process. |
There is no deposit percentage, inspection period, or closing speed that certifies a buyer. The written terms and applicable law determine what those provisions mean.
4. Compare written offers and estimated net proceeds
Ask for a written, itemized estimate of seller proceeds. Compare it with another offer and an independent view of your selling alternatives. A legitimate buyer can make an offer that still does not meet your needs.
Calculate your own proceeds
Enter a listing estimate and an actual cash offer in dollars. Add the seller costs for each route. Blank cost fields and zeros are treated as $0; replace them with your estimates. These inputs do not verify an offer or predict a sale price.
Listing estimate
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Cash after the listed pre-closing outlays—
Cash offer
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Cash after the listed pre-closing outlays—
Enter both sale prices to calculate. Review every cost field before relying on a result.
| Result | Listing estimate | Cash offer |
|---|---|---|
| Cash at closing | — | — |
| Listed pre-closing cash outlays | — | — |
| Cash after listed outlays | — | — |
Method: cash at closing = sale price − seller fees − closing credits − closing charges/prorations − mortgage and lien payoffs. Listed pre-closing outlays = upfront spending + monthly cash outflow × months. Cash after listed outlays = cash at closing − those outlays.
Use the payoff expected at each route's closing, including any reduction from principal paid while waiting. Monthly cash outflow may include mortgage principal; do not add a separate principal deduction. Avoid counting a repair, escrowed tax, or other expense twice. Negative cash at closing means these entries imply money would be needed to close. This is not a profit or tax calculation.
The worksheet's download and print buttons below include this comparison when both prices and all entered amounts are valid. Calculator entries are saved on this device only when you enable the worksheet's optional saving.
Why the headline price can mislead
| Item | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $240,000 | $235,000 |
| Repair deduction | −$14,000 | $0 |
| Seller-paid closing costs | −$4,000 | −$3,000 |
| Other seller-paid fees | −$3,000 | $0 |
| Mortgage and lien payoffs | −$150,000 | −$150,000 |
| Assumed tax prorations | −$2,000 | −$2,000 |
| Estimated cash to seller | $67,000 | $80,000 |
All figures are invented to demonstrate arithmetic. The example excludes income taxes, moving expenses, and costs of a different closing date. Avoid double-counting arrears included in a payoff or an earnest deposit credited toward the price.
The FTC's Opendoor case addressed misleading claims about seller proceeds and costs. It is a useful reason to compare written figures rather than a savings slogan. See the FTC source.
5. Know when to pause and investigate
Reasons to pause
- The buyer will not identify the contracting party or explain a funding mismatch.
- You are pressured to sign blank, incomplete, or unexplained documents.
- Someone demands an unexplained advance payment to “release” your proceeds.
- Payment instructions change through an unexpected email or text.
- Someone discourages independent advice or asks you to stop communicating with your servicer.
Questions to investigate
A new company, a modest deposit, private financing, an inspection clause, or an assignment provision needs explanation. None alone establishes fraud.
Ask for documents, check the explanation, and decide whether the remaining conditions fit your situation. A proposed reduction needs scrutiny, but its timing alone does not establish a legal violation.
Facing foreclosure? CFPB flags instructions to stop mortgage payments, redirect them away from the servicer, sign over title as part of a supposed rescue, or sign papers you do not understand. Contact your servicer and a HUD-approved housing counselor about your options. Read CFPB's warning signs. A purchase agreement alone should not be treated as confirmation that an auction has stopped.
Use an independent closing check
- Verify the office. Find the title, escrow, or attorney's office through independent contact details and the appropriate regulator. Ask about any affiliation with the buyer and who the attorney represents.
- Check the file. Confirm the legal parties, deposit receipt, title issues, payoffs, settlement figures, and any conditions still outstanding.
- Protect transfers. Confirm payment instructions through a trusted number established independently. Use the office's verified secure process for personal and financial information. See CFPB's wire-fraud guidance.
- Confirm completion. Ask the closing professional when funding, recording, disbursement, and possession will occur. Do not treat a screenshot, an email, or a signed deed alone as confirmation that proceeds are available.
If you have already signed and something goes wrong
Preserve the agreement, addenda, messages, payment records, and a dated timeline. Ask the closing office to confirm the status in writing. Get prompt legal advice before sending a cancellation notice, signing a release, relisting, or agreeing to new terms; contract deadlines and remedies matter.
If money was sent fraudulently, contact your bank immediately to request a recall and report to FBI IC3. For suspected deception, use FTC ReportFraud, your state attorney general, and the relevant licensing agency. Reporting does not itself cancel a contract or pause a deadline.
6. Use official records for your state
Check requirements for the person's actual role and conduct. Avoid treating a real estate license as a universal requirement for every purchaser, or a license number as proof that a particular purchase is funded.
Florida
- Sunbiz business entity search
- DBPR professional license search
- Florida DFS title insurance resources
Check entities and regulated professionals separately. Ask a Florida attorney about the agreement and any protections applying to a distressed sale.
Texas
- Secretary of State business search information (search fees may apply)
- TREC license search
- TREC rules, including §§535.5–535.6
TREC describes circumstances permitting principal purchases or assignments without a broker or sales-agent license. Assignment rules include written disclosure conditions.
Elsewhere in the U.S., including DC
Use USAGov's state attorney general directory to reach the appropriate consumer-protection office. Check your state's business registry, real estate regulator, title or escrow regulator, and attorney licensing authority as relevant. This is a national checking process, not a 51-jurisdiction legal survey.
For example, Oregon requires covered residential property wholesalers to hold a qualifying registration or real estate license and provide prescribed written disclosures. Oregon's official guidance explains the scope and consequences. Do not apply that state's rules automatically to another state.
Free worksheet • No email required
Keep your buyer verification in one place
Record what you requested, what you received, and what you checked. “Checked by you” records your own review; it does not certify a buyer. Received documents and unresolved questions still need attention.
This worksheet does not upload documents or send entries. Optional saving uses this browser on this device. Avoid account numbers, government IDs, private banking records, and sensitive personal details.
Dates are your entries, not calculated legal deadlines. Record the exact time, time zone, notice method, and any conditions in the relevant notes.
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1. Legal buyer identified
The contract, advertising name, official records, and explanation of any differences match.
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2. Signing authority addressed
The closing professional has addressed the representative's authority to bind the buyer.
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3. Purchase history checked
Relevant closed-purchase examples or references have been independently considered.
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4. Transaction and funding structure explained
You know who expects to take title and whether closing relies on financing, partners, assignment, or resale.
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5. Funding evidence checked
Recent evidence and the relationship between the funds and buyer have been addressed with the closing professional.
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6. Assignment and marketing terms understood
Permission, required consent, access, and continuing obligations have been reviewed.
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7. Cancellation conditions understood
Inspection, financing, appraisal, title, partner approval, and other exit provisions have been identified.
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8. Price and net proceeds itemized
Repair deductions, seller expenses, payoffs, prorations, and remaining estimates are recorded without duplication.
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9. Deadlines and extension rights recorded
Deposit, inspection, notices, closing, and extension provisions have been copied from the agreement.
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10. Unclear legal terms addressed
Independent advice has been obtained where needed, including special sale structures or recorded-document provisions.
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11. Deposit receipt confirmed after signing
The named holder has confirmed the promised deposit and its receipt date. Before it is due, leave this pending.
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12. Closing professional verified
Contact details and relevant credentials have been checked independently; affiliations and representation are understood.
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13. Title, payoffs, and final figures addressed
The closing office has identified outstanding title conditions and provided the relevant settlement figures.
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14. Transfer instructions verified
The closing office's secure process and independently verified callback number are recorded.
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15. Funding and possession arrangements confirmed
Disbursement, recording, keys, occupancy, utilities, insurance, and any post-closing stay have been addressed.
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Common seller questions
Does every cash buyer need a real estate license?
Requirements depend on state law and the person's activities. Texas rules describe principal purchases and certain assignments that can occur without a broker or sales-agent license; Oregon regulates covered residential wholesaling through registration or qualifying licensure. Check the actual role and state requirements. A license is not proof that the buyer has funds for your purchase.
Does “as-is” mean the buyer cannot inspect or ask for a lower price?
Read the inspection, cancellation, and amendment provisions. The buyer may request a change; whether they can cancel if you decline depends on the agreement and applicable law. Check your state's seller disclosure obligations separately, and do not treat “as-is” language as permission to conceal known issues.
Do I automatically have three days to cancel?
Do not assume that. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule excludes real estate sales. Any cancellation right must be established from the agreement and applicable law, including special state protections where relevant. Seek prompt legal advice about the deadline and required notice. See the FTC explanation.
Is a larger earnest deposit a guarantee?
No. Establish whether the deposit was actually received, its refund conditions, the buyer's exit rights, and the remedies in the agreement. Ask an attorney about enforcement; the amount alone does not establish that you can keep it.
Should I accept the highest cash offer?
Compare written net proceeds, deductions, conditions, closing and possession dates, and evidence of the buyer's ability to perform. Consider an independent pricing opinion and other selling routes. A higher headline price can produce less cash after expenses, as the illustration above shows.
What if the buyer asks for more time or cuts the price near closing?
Ask for the proposed change and reason in writing. Review the existing agreement before accepting an amendment or assuming you may walk away. Ask the closing office what is outstanding and get legal advice about your options and deadlines.
Apply the same checks to us
Considering an offer from MyHouseIntoCash?
Ask us to identify the proposed purchasing entity, funding approach, contract conditions, closing arrangements, and estimated seller proceeds for your property. Use this checklist alongside the written offer and your own professional advice.
MyHouseIntoCash publishes this guide and may have a commercial interest in purchasing your property. Using the worksheet does not request an offer or authorize contact.
Related seller guides
Official sources and scope
Sources checked October 17, 2026. This guide provides general U.S. seller education, not a legal opinion, buyer certification, or guarantee of closing. The worksheet records your entries; it does not verify documents. State law, transaction facts, and the signed agreement require separate review.
- CFPB: Mortgage closing scams — independent confirmation of payment instructions and immediate action after a fraudulent transfer.
- CFPB: Foreclosure relief scams — warning signs and access to housing-counseling help.
- FTC: Opendoor refunds and enforcement summary — misleading claims concerning costs and seller proceeds.
- FTC: Cooling-Off Rule — exclusions include real estate sales.
- TREC rules, §§535.5–535.6 — licensing exemptions and equitable-interest disclosures. TREC links to the official Texas Administrative Code.
- Oregon Real Estate Agency: Residential property wholesaling — registration, licensing, and disclosure requirements for covered activity.
Request an offer from MyHouseIntoCash
Tell us about the property and the timeline you have in mind. Ask for the purchasing party, funding approach, proposed conditions, and estimated seller proceeds in writing. Compare any proposal using the same checklist.