How to Vet "We Buy Houses" Companies in Boston (And Avoid Scams)
If you live in Boston, you've seen them.
You're driving through Dorchester or Mattapan, and there they are stapled to a telephone pole: yellow plastic signs with handwritten black sharpie text reading "WE BUY HOUSES CASH" or "CASH FOR HOMES - ANY CONDITION."
They are called "bandit signs." And for most homeowners, they scream scam.
The Reality: While there are plenty of predatory scammers and inexperienced "wannabe" investors out there, there are also legitimate, professional cash home buyers in Massachusetts who offer a valuable service.
The Problem: Telling the difference.
If you need to sell your house fast, you don't have time to get taken for a ride. Here is your 5-step checklist to vet any Boston home buyer before you sign a single piece of paper.
Bandit signs are a common sight in Boston neighborhoods - but who's really behind them?
1. The "Wholesaler" Trap: Are They Actually Buying Your House?
This is the dirty little secret of the industry. Many people who say "I'll buy your house" have zero intention of buying it.
They are wholesalers.
How it works: They get you to sign a contract for $400,000. Then, they run around frantically trying to find a real investor (like us) to buy that contract for $410,000. They pocket the $10,000 difference.
The Risk: If they can't find a buyer, they will come back to you days before closing and cancel the deal—or demand a $20,000 price drop.
Insider Tip: Look at the contract line where the buyer's name is listed. If you see the words "and/or assigns" after their name, ask about it.
Scammy Answer: "Oh, that's just standard legal jargon."
Legitimate Answer: "That allows me to buy it in my company name or a partner's entity, but I am the one responsible for closing."
2. Check for Local Roots (The "617" Test)
There are massive national companies that pay millions in ads to rank for "We Buy Houses Boston." When you call them, you are talking to a call center in Texas or California. They don't know that a triple-decker in Southie is worth way more than a ranch in Revere. They just plug numbers into an algorithm.
The Test:
Ask them specific questions about the neighborhood:
- "Have you bought houses in this zip code before?"
- "Who is the closing attorney you use in Massachusetts?"
Red Flag: If they don't know what a "6D Certificate" is (required for condos here), hang up. You want a local expert who understands the Massachusetts market.
Learn more about the specifics of the Boston real estate market and why local knowledge matters.
3. Demand "Proof of Funds"
A legitimate cash buyer has the cash. It's that simple.
If someone makes you an offer of $500,000, you have the right to ask: "Can you show me a bank statement or a letter of credit proving you have this money?"
Red Flag: If they get defensive, say they "have private partners," or refuse to show you proof until after you sign, walk away. A real investor will happily email you a redacted bank statement or a letter from their lender showing they have the "dry powder" to close.
4. Never Pay "Upfront Fees"
This is the biggest sign of a flat-out scam.
Real Estate Investors make money by buying the house, fixing it, and reselling it. We never make money by charging the seller.
Avoid anyone who asks for:
- An "application fee."
- A "processing fee."
- A "consultation fee."
The only money that should ever change hands is the Deposit (Earnest Money), and that money flows from the buyer to the seller's attorney (or escrow account), never the other way around.
5. Reviews and Digital Footprint
In 2025, you cannot hide from the internet. If a company claims to have bought "hundreds of houses," they should have a digital trail.
Google Reviews: Read them. Do they sound like real people? Look for specific details like "Mike helped me with my probate case" rather than generic "Good job" reviews.
The Website: Does it look professional? Does it list a physical address and phone number?
Social Media: Do they have a Facebook or Instagram page showing actual projects? (e.g., photos of them standing in front of a gutted house they are renovating).
Summary: The "Good Buyer" Checklist
| Feature | ✅ Legitimate Buyer | ❌ "Flipping" Scammer |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Funds | Provided immediately upon request | "Private partners" or excuses |
| Contract | Straightforward Purchase Agreement | "And/or Assigns" with weasel clauses |
| Fees | $0 to the seller | Application or Admin fees |
| Closing | Uses a reputable MA Title Attorney | Wants to use "their guy" or no attorney |
| Pressure | Gives you time to decide | "Sign now or the offer is gone!" |
Work With a Trusted Local Team
At All Vest Group, we don't hide behind bandit signs or call centers. We are local Boston investors.
• We provide Proof of Funds with every offer.
• We use local Massachusetts attorneys to ensure the transaction is legal and safe.
• We have a track record you can verify.
Don't leave your biggest financial asset to chance.
Contact us for a Verified Cash Offer
