Free Homeowner Tool
Is This Cash Home Buyer Trustworthy? Score Them in 2 Minutes.
A trustworthy cash buyer will tell you whether they're the actual end buyer, explain how they got their number, allow attorney review, and never pressure you to sign the same day. This scorecard runs any buyer through the seven questions that separate honest investors from operators who profit from your rush — and tells you exactly what to ask before you sign anything.
Question 1 of 7
Do they disclose whether they're the end buyer — not a wholesaler passing your contract to another investor?
Question 2 of 7
Do they explain their math — how they reached the offer number?
Question 3 of 7
Do they allow attorney review before signing?
Question 4 of 7
Do they avoid pressuring same-day signing?
Question 5 of 7
Do they disclose assignment rights — whether the contract includes "and/or assigns"?
Question 6 of 7
Do they compare your net proceeds against other paths — listing, FSBO, or a different buyer?
Question 7 of 7
Does the offer survive a weekend — no manufactured deadline forcing you to sign before you can consult anyone?
Buyer Score
Answer the questions on the left to score this buyer.
The 7 questions at a glance
- Do they disclose whether they're the end buyer — not a wholesaler passing your contract to another investor?
- Do they explain their math — how they reached the offer number?
- Do they allow attorney review before signing?
- Do they avoid pressuring same-day signing?
- Do they disclose assignment rights — whether the contract includes "and/or assigns"?
- Do they compare your net proceeds against other paths — listing, FSBO, or a different buyer?
- Does the offer survive a weekend — no manufactured deadline forcing you to sign before you can consult anyone?
The Full Checklist
The seven questions — and why each one matters
1
Do they disclose whether they're the end buyer?
Wholesalers put houses under contract and then find another investor to buy, pocketing the spread. That spread comes out of your proceeds. It's not illegal — but you have a right to know it's happening before you sign.
2
Do they explain their math?
Every legitimate cash offer is built on an ARV estimate, a repair deduction, and a target margin. A buyer who can articulate all three is operating transparently. A buyer who won't is hiding the gap between your price and what they'll actually make — often a large number.
3
Do they allow attorney review?
In Maryland you always have the right to have a contract reviewed by an attorney before signing. A buyer who makes attorney review feel impossible — by compressing the timeline or adding pressure — is removing a protection you're entitled to.
4
Do they avoid same-day signing pressure?
A same-day deadline is a pressure tactic. Its purpose is to prevent you from getting a second opinion — from an attorney, a family member, or another buyer. No legitimate offer evaporates because you took 48 hours.
5
Do they disclose assignment rights?
"And/or assigns" in the contract means the buyer can transfer your deal to a completely different purchaser without your consent. You may not know who is actually buying your house until closing day. This clause should always be disclosed and explained — never buried.
6
Do they compare your net across other paths?
A buyer who compares their offer to what you'd net by listing is showing you the real tradeoff honestly. A buyer who refuses — or who says "you'd never get that on the open market" without showing the math — is betting you won't run the numbers yourself.
7
Does the offer survive a weekend?
A real offer is still there Monday morning. "This expires tonight" is a compressed decision window designed to make outside advice impractical. If the deal requires your immediate signature to survive, the pressure is part of the product.
Common questions
What does "and/or assigns" mean in a cash offer?
"And/or assigns" means the buyer can sell your purchase contract to a different investor without your approval. This is the legal mechanism behind wholesaling. It isn't inherently illegal, but it should always be disclosed before you sign. The person who shows up at closing may not be the person who made you the offer.
Should a cash buyer let me use an attorney?
Yes — always. Maryland sellers have the right to attorney review before signing any contract. A buyer who discourages this, creates a timeline that makes it impractical, or adds pressure around attorney review is removing a protection you're entitled to. Walk away from any buyer who suggests you don't need one.
Why would a cash buyer rush the signing?
Same-day signing pressure has one purpose: to prevent you from getting a second opinion. If you had 72 hours, you might call an attorney, get another offer, or look at what the house would sell for on the open market. A compressed timeline eliminates all of that. No legitimate buyer loses a deal because their seller took a weekend.
Is a low cash offer always bad?
Not necessarily. A lower cash offer that closes quickly can net more than a higher listed price that takes months when carrying costs are significant. The question is what you actually net after commission, carry, concessions, and repair credits — not just the headline offer number. The Five-Exit Net Sheet Comparator shows you the full picture.
What is the difference between a cash buyer and a wholesaler?
A cash buyer is the actual end purchaser and closes with their own funds. A wholesaler puts your house under contract — often with minimal earnest money — then finds another investor to buy it, pocketing the spread. Wholesaling isn't illegal, but the spread must be disclosed. If your contract includes "and/or assigns" and the buyer can't tell you who will actually be closing, you may be dealing with a wholesaler.
Related tools & reading
General information only — not legal advice. Consult a licensed Maryland real estate attorney before signing any contract.
Want a second set of eyes on this offer?
A Home Transition Review gives you an independent written review of any cash offer — and a full net comparison across all five paths.