How to Know if a Cash Offer on Your San Diego Home Is Legit
How to Know if a Cash Offer on Your San Diego Home Is Legit—or Total B.S.
George Lorimer at 619-846-1244
Selling your San Diego home for cash sounds great—fast closing, no repairs, no hassle. However, not all cash offers are created equal. Some are solid, while others are full of red flags that could leave you stuck, underpaid, or dealing with unnecessary legal drama.
Here’s a real example of a total B.S. offer and how to spot (and avoid) the same pitfalls.
What's Your Home Worth?
Two Signs a Cash Offer Might Be a Scam or Bad Deal
1. A Suspiciously Low Deposit
One recent offer on a $1.2 million home had only a $1,000 deposit—a fraction of the standard $20,000–$36,000 range. A low deposit often means the buyer isn’t serious and has little to lose if they back out.
2. A Sketchy, One-Sided Contract
Instead of using the standard RPA (Residential Purchase Agreement), this buyer submitted a random form packed with terms that heavily favored them. It had multiple "weasel clauses" that allowed the buyer to:
- Back out anytime with no penalty
- Renegotiate the price over and over
- Insert legal jargon about lawsuits and attorneys instead of a simple arbitration clause
- Prevent the seller from canceling while keeping all the control
How to Protect Yourself from Bad Cash Offers
- Check the deposit – A legit cash buyer will put down a reasonable amount upfront.
- Look for standard contracts – Offers on unofficial forms are often structured unfairly.
- Watch for one-sided terms – A good offer protects both buyer and seller.
- Get expert advice from me – Before signing, have a real estate expert review the offer.
Want a Free Review of Your Cash Offer?
Not sure if a cash offer is legit? I’ll review it for free before you sign. Plus, I provide legit cash offers for no-obligation or open-market sales so you can compare your options.
Call or text me today! George Lorimer, ProWest Properties, 619-846-1244