Concerned My Mom scam?

Question

Hi all,

My mom owns a home in New York that she’s had since 2005. Out of nowhere, she was contacted by a guy offering a fast cash deal to buy the house. He’s calling himself the CEO of QuickCash Home Solutions and Hudson Empire Management, and introduced himself as “John” — but his Instagram (which is private) shows his name is actually “Juan” (@jcontreras_91).

His business card lists no address, just a Gmail email, and there’s no sign he’s a licensed agent or broker in New York.

He originally said the closing would be in August, but now he’s suddenly pushing for a July 10 closing.

🚩 Here’s what really worries me:

My mom is supposedly breaking even on the sale — despite owning the home for nearly 20 years. That just doesn’t sit right with me. It sounds like she’s being rushed into an underpriced sale.

I checked public info — his “company” doesn’t seem legit, and he may not be licensed at all.

My questions:

• Is this a scam or just a predatory off-market deal?
• How can I best protect my mom from signing something she’ll regret?
• Should we involve a real estate attorney or licensed agent ASAP to evaluate the deal?
• Any steps you’d recommend to confirm whether this is a legit transaction?

Thanks in advance. Any guidance is appreciated.

Chris Seveney · Answer

Is this a scam? No its called wholesaling where they offer you way below market value hoping you sell it.

Best way to protect your mom is never let her sign anything and ignore those people.

Is your mom wanting to sell? If so then she should get an agent, if not, then ignore the offer, someone is not going to call you out of blue and offer above market.

IF its legit go through a title company to close the deal, but they will not tell you whether you got a fair price.

Kate Sanchez · Answer

@Brian Gardner Definitely sounds sketchy. I’d involve a real estate attorney ASAP. No legit deal should rush or lack transparency. Trust your gut - protecting her is  the top priority.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Why would she sell for the same price she bought it for 20 years ago without talking to someone first?  It may not be a scam, but a wholesaler who is trying to rip her off.  Tell her to say no. If she wanted to sell, she should list it with a realtor and put it on the open market.  She will get the best price that way and know the sale is legit.

Connor Hibbs · Answer

Hi Brian,

This seems pretty predatory, especially if your mom would only be breaking even after 20+ years of owning the property. Unless she wants to sell her home, I'd recommend just ignoring this guy. If she does want to sell her home, then she should reach out to a local real estate agency and have them take a look.

This guy is likely looking to rush the purchase and buy cheap, then sell the property days or weeks later for a significant profit to a potential house flipper or investor. Trust your gut on this one, don't let them force you to close on their schedule, and seek the advice of local professionals regarding values and contracts. If the sound of you doing research scares them off, then it's probably for the best.

Henry T. · Answer

Its a SCAM. Run away. If you want to sell, call a popular realtor, they'll get you the best price. Don't EVER talk to people that contact you.

Caleb Brown · Answer

Others have made great points. This is the classic strategy of offering cheap and then wholesaling the contract or getting it at a deep discount. For some owners this is a way to get rid of it fast but if your mom is not in a hurry then she needs to put it on the market. She can even do a FSBO but she'll make more then selling to this guy. Make sure to also read the fine print of the contract, you never know if there's something hidden.

Brian Gardner · Answer

im new to this app im sorry i didnt mean to put real estate on my bio i thought that was the category for this topic

Ken M. · Answer

First ask the wholesaler if he is the one closing and will he be living in the property. If he isn't, ask the wholesaler for a breakdown of where all the funds go.Ask the person she is dealing with who the end buyer is. Yes, you have to be specific and get granular.You say you are a Real Estate Agent in your Bio. Don't you think a good son would first do comps before she was allowed to sign anything?

Concerned My Mom scam?

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