Homeowner verification guide

How to check a cash home buyer before you sign.

A professional-looking website is not proof. Check the party named in the agreement, the purchaser's role, the offer math, conditions, deposit handling and the people advising you.

Guide reviewed September 25, 2026

The short answer: slow the decision down long enough to verify it. Read every page, contact organizations through independently found details and let your own lawyer explain the agreement. A pressure clock is not evidence.

Nine questions

Put the deal under a brighter light.

These questions apply to any direct buyer, including Sell As-Is Canada.

1. Who is named?

Ask for the full legal name of the purchaser and make sure the agreement, email and payment instructions use a consistent identity.

2. What role are they playing?

Are they buying for their own account, buying with a partner, acting as an agent, or planning to assign the agreement? The written contract should answer this.

3. How was the price built?

Ask which comparable sales, repair assumptions, carrying costs and risk allowances materially affected the proposed number.

4. What are the conditions?

Identify every inspection, financing, access, title or other condition, its deadline, and who may terminate if it is not satisfied.

5. Where does the deposit go?

Ask who receives and holds any deposit, when it becomes payable and what the agreement says happens if the transaction fails.

6. How will it be funded?

Ask whether the buyer expects to use its own funds, financing, an investment partner or an assignment, and what supporting evidence is available.

7. Are the public claims provable?

Review counts, transaction totals, badges, years in business and speed promises should be traceable to current, relevant evidence.

8. Can you verify people independently?

Use an official regulator or law-society directory when someone claims a regulated credential. Call back using contact details you found independently.

9. What does your lawyer say?

Your own real estate lawyer should explain the agreement, purchaser and assignment wording, title, closing statement and consequences before you commit.

Official verification routes

Use primary sources, not a badge screenshot.

A private purchaser is not automatically your agent. These resources help verify fraud guidance or a claimed professional status; they do not endorse a particular buyer.

Government of Canada: real estate fraudProtective steps, title fraud and foreclosure-fraud guidance. RECA ProCheckVerify a claimed Alberta real estate, mortgage or property-management licence. Law Society of AlbertaFind a lawyer and verify practising status. Law Society of SaskatchewanFind licensed legal assistance and verify status. Law Society of ManitobaLook up a lawyer or articling student's status and contact information. Manitoba real estate regulatorUse the public registrant search when a Manitoba real estate credential is claimed.

This checklist is general information, not legal advice or a guarantee that a transaction is safe. Your lawyer can tailor the checks to the actual property and agreement.

Our standard

Apply the same questions to us.

We should not ask for trust that the paperwork cannot support.

Role in writing

Depending on the property and agreement, we may purchase directly, purchase with a funding or investment partner, or assign our contractual interest. The agreement controls.

No invented proof

We do not publish a review count, transaction total, founding date or local-office claim without evidence that can be checked and kept current.

Straight answers

Cash-buyer verification questions.

How can I tell whether a cash home buyer is legitimate?

Confirm the legal name on the agreement, use independent contact information, ask who will purchase or may receive an assignment, review the conditions and deposit terms, and have your own lawyer explain the agreement before signing.

Does a private cash buyer need to be a real estate agent?

A person or company buying for its own account is playing a different role from an agent representing you. If someone claims to be a licensed agent, broker or mortgage professional, verify that claim with the applicable provincial regulator.

Should I ask for proof of funds?

You can ask how the purchase will be funded and what evidence can be provided. Your lawyer can advise what evidence, deposit structure and contract protections make sense for the proposed transaction.

Should I use the buyer's lawyer?

Use your own independent real estate lawyer. Independent advice helps you understand price, conditions, assignment rights, title issues, closing costs and what happens if the transaction does not close.

Keep researching

Understand the offer and the alternatives.

Free seller decision worksheetCompare the money, work, risk and contract terms on paper. How offers workSee the inputs, trade-offs and questions to ask. Compare selling optionsListing, direct sale, private sale or keeping the property. Check any cash buyerNine questions, official lookup tools and contract checks. When not to sell as-isSee when listing, keeping or selling privately may fit better. Contact the teamCall, text, email or start with the property address.