How to Avoid Scams When Selling a Senior’s House — One Family’s Guide to Doing It Right
By Lisa Davies | Senior Real Estate Specialist & Realtor
It started with a whisper.
“My mom’s house is just too much for her now. But every time I bring up moving, she gets overwhelmed. And honestly? So do I. I don’t even know where to start — I just know I don’t want her to get taken advantage of.”
If you’ve found yourself whispering those same words — you’re not alone. I've had that exact conversation with daughters, sons, nieces, neighbors, even lifelong friends of someone who's aging out of their home.
And they all say the same thing:
“We just want to make the right decision and not regret it.”
But here’s the gut punch:
When seniors sell their homes — especially after decades of ownership — they become targets. Of scammers. Of “easy offer” schemes. Of smooth talkers who wear smiles but carry sharp pens.
And most of these families don’t even realize it’s happening until the damage is done.
This guide isn’t for the masses.
This is for you — the one trying to do the right thing for someone you love.
🛑 Real Talk: Why Seniors Get Targeted
Your mom (or dad, or aunt, or grandparent) is likely sitting on one of the most valuable things they’ll ever own — their home. And that home probably has:
✔️ A lot of equity
✔️ Outdated finishes or needed repairs
✔️ A long history that’s hard to price
✔️ Emotional ties so deep, they cloud decisions
That combination? It’s irresistible to scammers and discount buyers.
🚨 The Most Common Ways Families Get Scammed
1. The Too-Good-To-Be-True Cash Buyer
A buyer promises a full cash offer, quick close, no inspection. Your loved one is relieved. Then — days before closing — they say, “Oops. We found major issues. We need $30,000 off.”
The seller panics. The moving truck is booked. They accept the lowball.
2. The Friendly Investor Who ‘Helps’ With Paperwork
They offer to “simplify the process” and even “waive fees.” They say they’ll handle the paperwork. But buried in those documents?
A clause that traps the seller into giving them exclusive rights or accepting below-market terms.
3. The Digital Wire Fraud Scheme
This one is devastating. A fake title company email tells the seller to wire their proceeds or closing funds to an account. And just like that — the money is gone. Forever.
💡 But You Can Stop It — If You Know What to Watch For
Here’s what I tell my own clients, every single time:
🔎 Step 1: Don’t Sign Anything Without a Pro
Seriously — not even a “simple” contract or letter of intent. Let a licensed, ethical Realtor review every page. One missed clause could cost thousands.
💬 Step 2: Be Skeptical of Urgency
If someone says “you have to act now,” stop. True professionals don’t pressure — they inform.
🧾 Step 3: Demand Transparency
Don’t settle for vague offers. Ask for comps, proof of funds, and a detailed breakdown of costs and timelines. And do it before anyone signs.
👀 A True Story From My Files
I once worked with a woman whose dad had been approached by a “friendly buyer” at church. He offered cash, said he’d save the family hassle.
No inspections. No agents. No “nonsense.”
Sounded like a win… until I ran a market analysis and found the offer was $65,000 below what we could get with minimal prep and the right marketing.
That $65,000? It could have paid for years of his care.
This happens all the time. The only difference is whether someone in the family knows what to look for — or not.
🧭 If You’re the One Trying to Do This Right
Here’s how to keep your loved one (and their legacy) safe:
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✔️ Work with someone experienced in senior transitions, not just selling homes.
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✔️ Make sure your Realtor knows how to manage emotional sales and protect against investor games.
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✔️ Don’t try to do it all yourself. You don’t have to.
👋 Let’s Talk — Just Us
No pressure. No commitment. Just information and support. If you’re navigating this — even if you’re just thinking about it — I’d be honored to walk you through what to expect.
I can help you:
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Understand true market value
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Vet cash buyers or companies
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Decide whether to fix up or sell as-is.
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Navigate assisted living timelines and move-out coordination
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Avoid every scam in the book — and a few that haven’t been written yet
📞 Let’s Chat When You’re Ready
📧 RealtorLisaDavies@gmail.com
📱 Call or Text: (440) 319-0566
🌐 https://realtorlisadavies.com
🔁 Please Share This
If you know someone quietly struggling to figure this out, send them this article. You could be the reason they avoid a financial disaster — or help their loved one sell with dignity and safety.
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