The phrase "cash buyer" gets used a lot in real estate — by investors, wholesalers, iBuyers, and everyone in between. If you're a San Antonio homeowner considering a direct sale, here's how to tell the difference and what to expect from a legitimate transaction.
Cash Buyer vs. Wholesaler: Know the Difference
A true cash buyer purchases your property directly with their own funds and closes on the deal themselves. A wholesaler, by contrast, puts your property under contract and then assigns that contract to another buyer — often for a fee. There's nothing inherently wrong with wholesalers, but it means you're not dealing with the end buyer, and the deal can fall apart if they can't find one in time.
At Summit Impact Partners, we are the buyer. We use our own capital, close at a licensed Texas title company, and don't assign contracts to third parties.
Questions to Ask Any Cash Buyer
- Do you close with your own funds, or do you assign contracts? A direct buyer should be able to answer this clearly.
- Which title company do you use? Legitimate buyers close at a licensed title company — not through an attorney escrow or informal arrangement.
- Can you provide proof of funds? Any serious buyer should be able to show you they have the capital to close.
- What's your timeline? Be specific. "We can close fast" isn't an answer. "We can close in 14 days" is.
What a Fair Offer Looks Like
A fair cash offer accounts for the property's after-repair value, the cost to renovate, and a reasonable margin for the buyer's risk and time. It won't match what you'd net from a fully renovated retail sale — but it also doesn't require you to spend money on repairs, pay agent commissions (typically 5–6%), or wait 60–90 days to close.
When you factor in carrying costs, repair costs, and commissions, a well-priced cash offer is often closer to a retail sale than it appears on paper.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to sign quickly without time to review
- No written offer — only verbal commitments
- Requests for upfront fees or deposits from you
- Vague answers about who is actually buying the property
- Offers that change significantly between verbal and written
We're happy to answer any of these questions directly. Submit your property and Todd will respond personally within 24–48 hours.