You’re relaxing at home, scrolling on your phone, when a text appears. Some random person wants to buy your house. You might have noticed those “we buy houses in Milwaukee” signs on the street or gotten similar phone calls or postcards. The newest trick is unexpected text messages asking if you own, are related to someone who owns, or want to sell a home. You may be worried that these are scams and want to know more about them. Let’s look into these messages.
Why Are These Messages Being Sent?
Real estate pros say these spam messages show how tight the housing market is. Many folks who left Wisconsin and want to return are having difficulty finding homes. This lack of houses has agents knocking on doors to talk homeowners into selling. These texts are just another way to find homes for people moving back to the area.
Are These Sell Your House Texts Legitimate?
Many of these messages are from tricksters looking to steal your personal details. However, others are from legitimate companies or investors interested in buying homes. They often hire marketers who use cold texting to reach potential sellers.
Who’s Behind These Texts?
The senders might be wholesalers, who serve as intermediaries between sellers and buyers, earning money by locating purchasers. It could also be private equity or commercial investors, house flippers, or iBuyers, online firms that use algorithms to buy homes. Or the message could come from a real estate agent.
Why Do They Want My House?
These real estate experts are hustling to stand out in a competitive field. Investors from other states are grabbing properties in Milwaukee, making single-family houses and two-unit buildings scarce since lots of purchases are private or in large batches. If you have a home, especially in a good neighborhood, there will likely be a lot of interest in the property.
Can I Make the Texts Stop?
Replying “No” or “Stop” might seem like the solution, but it’s not that simple. Some spammers use your response to confirm that your number is active, which could lead to even more spam. Instead, forward the message to 7726 (SPAM), which helps carriers block future attempts.
How Can I Keep My Data Safe?
Data brokers are often the culprits who give your number to spammers. Lock down your social profiles, skip mentioning when you were born, stick to browsers that keep trackers at bay, and think twice before you dive into online quizzes or get apps from places you don’t know.
Are You Considering Selling Your House?
If you are considering selling your home, you should still ignore those random texts. Instead, pick professionals like Metro Milwaukee Home Buyers. We’re trusted local, family-owned cash home buyers in Milwaukee who buy homes in any condition. Contact us today for a reliable and hassle-free experience.