I Received a Text Asking to Buy My House: Is It Legit or a Scam?

If you live in Grand Rapids, Kent County, or anywhere in Michigan, there’s a good chance you’ve received a random text message that says something like, “Hi, I’d like to buy your house for cash.” It might even mention your actual address or use your name, which makes it feel even more convincing. Unfortunately, many of these messages are linked to “I want to buy your house” scams, a growing form of property scams targeting homeowners across the state.

At first, this kind of message might seem like perfect timing. If you’ve been thinking about selling your house fast, the idea of someone reaching out with a cash offer feels convenient. But the question every homeowner asks is: Is it legit or just another scam?

The truth is, some of these texts come from real investors, while others are flat-out scams designed to trick you. The challenge is figuring out which is which before you risk your money, your time, or even your property.

Why Am I Getting These “We Buy Houses” Texts?

The real estate market in Michigan has changed dramatically in recent years. Investors are buying homes at record levels. According to Realtor.com, nearly 15% of all house purchases in early 2024 came from private investors. In places like Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo, cash buyers are competing hard to find off-market deals.

Cold texting has become one way investors reach homeowners. Instead of waiting for you to list your house with an agent, they send direct messages hoping you’ll be open to selling. Sometimes these texts come from legitimate cash home buyers in Grand Rapids MI, and sometimes they come from scammers who have no real intention of buying your property.

Are “We Buy Houses” Texts Legitimate?

Yes — but only sometimes.

There are legitimate cash buyers in Michigan who really do purchase homes directly from owners. Companies like City Lights Home Buyers specialize in helping people who need to sell quickly, whether due to foreclosure, probate, divorce, or major repairs. These buyers usually purchase houses as-is, pay in cash, and close fast. However, homeowners should still stay cautious and learn how to recognize home buying scams, since not every offer comes from a trustworthy source.

On the other hand, scammers know that distressed homeowners are vulnerable. They send out similar-looking texts but with hidden tricks. They may tie up your property under contract without ever intending to close, pressure you into signing over your deed, or disappear after wasting weeks of your time.

The key is knowing the red flags and how to protect yourself.

Common Red Flags in Scam Texts

If you’ve received one of these messages, here are signs it may not be legitimate:

1. No Business Information

If the sender doesn’t provide a company name, phone number, or local office address, proceed with caution. Real companies like City Lights Home Buyers are easy to find — we’re based in Grand Rapids, MI, and are accredited with the Better Business Bureau. Scammers often hide behind fake websites or generic Gmail addresses.

2. No Proof of Funds

A real cash buyer should always be able to show proof of funds. If someone refuses to show bank statements or evidence of financing, that’s a red flag. At City Lights, we provide proof of funds so sellers know we can actually close.

3. Requests for Upfront Money

Legitimate buyers will never ask you to pay anything upfront. Scammers may say things like, “Wire us money to start the process” or “Pay this fee before closing.” Don’t do it.

4. Rushed, Pushy Behavior

If the person is pressuring you to sign documents immediately or refuses to inspect the property, that’s a warning sign. Real buyers take the time to understand your situation, inspect the home, and make a fair offer.

5. Unrealistic Offers

Cash buyers usually offer below market value because they take on repairs and closing costs. A typical offer might be around 70% of market value. If someone offers way too much or way too little without explanation, it’s likely a scam.

Real Case Example: Grand Rapids Homeowner Caught in a Scam

A homeowner in Alger Heights, a neighborhood in Grand Rapids, recently shared her story. She received a text offering cash for her house. The “buyer” claimed to have investors lined up but wouldn’t provide proof of funds. After weeks of back-and-forth, the deal fell apart, and she was left with wasted time while her foreclosure clock kept ticking.

She then reached out to City Lights Home Buyers. We scheduled an in-person visit, explained the foreclosure timeline in Michigan, and provided a fair cash offer she could trust. We closed before the sheriff’s sale, helping her avoid losing the house altogether.

This is the difference between a scammer and a legitimate cash home buyer in Grand Rapids MI.

How Legitimate Cash Buyers Work in Michigan

When you work with a trusted company like City Lights, here’s what the process actually looks like:

1. Initial Contact – We ask about your property, your situation, and why you’re thinking of selling.

2. Property Visit – We inspect your house in person. Unlike scammers, we don’t make blind offers.

3. Cash Offer – We present a fair cash offer based on the home’s condition and local market value.

4. No Fees or Repairs – You don’t pay closing costs, realtor commissions, or repair bills. We buy houses as-is.

5. Flexible Closing – You choose the closing date, whether it’s in 7 days or 60 days.

6. Get Paid – At closing, you receive full payment through a title company.

This process is transparent, simple, and safe.

Why People Fall for Scams

Selling a home in stressful circumstances — foreclosure, divorce, probate, or tax liens — can make you feel desperate. Scammers prey on that urgency. They know homeowners facing foreclosure in Kent County may be trying to avoid sheriff sale Michigan and will jump at the first quick solution.

That’s why it’s so important to slow down, verify the buyer, and make sure you’re working with a reputable local company.

Common Real Estate Scams to Watch Out For

Here are a few scams that are especially common in Michigan:

• The No Cash Scam – Buyer claims to have money but never closes.

• The Rent-Back Scam – Buyer asks you to sign over your deed and then rents your own house back to you.

• Hidden Fees Scam – Extra “service charges” added last minute.

• Title Fraud – Scammer records a fake deed transfer and tries to steal the property outright.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are steps you can take to make sure you’re safe when dealing with a cash buyer:

• Verify their business on the BBB and Google reviews.

• Ask for proof of funds before signing anything.

• Never pay money upfront.

• Don’t sign over your deed until closing.

• Work with a local title company or attorney for closing.

Local SEO Context: Why This Matters in West Michigan

Scam texts aren’t just a national issue — they’re right here in West Michigan. Homeowners in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo have all reported receiving them. If you’re Googling things like “sell my house fast Grand Rapids MI” or “we buy houses Grand Rapids MI”, you’ll see dozens of companies making claims. Some are real, others are not.

That’s why it’s critical to know who you’re dealing with.

Internal Resources to Help You Sell Safely

• Learn more about our simple, safe process on our How It All Works page.

• If foreclosure is a concern, check our detailed guide: Sell Your House in Foreclosure Fast Grand Rapids MI.

• Or visit our homepage for general info on selling your Michigan home fast for cash.

FAQs

Are all cash buyers scams?

No. Many are legitimate companies that help people sell fast. The key is verifying their credibility.

Can I stop foreclosure in Michigan by selling for cash?

Yes. If you sell before the sheriff’s sale, a legitimate cash buyer can help you avoid foreclosure.

How long does it take to sell to a cash buyer in Grand Rapids?

With City Lights, closings can happen in as little as 7 days.

What if my house needs repairs?

That’s okay. We buy houses as-is in Michigan, no repairs needed.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for a Scam

Getting a text that says “I want to buy your house” can be confusing. Sometimes it’s from a real buyer, and other times it may come from fake real estate buyers running house for cash scams. The safest thing you can do is learn how to spot fake real estate buyers and only work with a trusted, local company that has a proven reputation.

At City Lights Home Buyers, we’ve helped dozens of West Michigan families sell their homes fast — without pressure, without hidden fees, and most importantly, without falling into buy your house scams. If you need to sell your house quickly in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, or Kalamazoo, we’re here to help.

Call us today at 616-202-3933 or visit City Lights Home Buyers to get started with a fair cash offer you can trust.