Avoiding Scams When Helping a Senior Sell Their House

Alex Mulsoff
Sep 10
5 min read

Updated: Sep 20

What Missouri and Kansas Families Need to Know

TLDR: Seniors in Missouri and Kansas are often targeted by scam buyers who use fake cash offers, hidden fees, or high-pressure contracts. To stay safe, only work with verified local buyers who meet in person, provide clear written offers, and close with trusted title companies. Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run company in Kansas City that helps families sell senior-owned homes with honesty, transparency, and support for the entire transition.

Helping a senior parent or loved one sell their home is one of the most emotional and challenging tasks a family can face. It is not just about selling a property. It is about honoring decades of memories, managing health changes, and handling major life transitions.

Unfortunately, this is also when scammers often strike. Fake buyers, suspicious cash offers, hidden fine print, and deceptive investment tactics target seniors at alarming rates. Knowing how to protect your family is essential.

At Riverfront Home Buyers, a veteran-owned and family-run company based in Kansas City, we have helped many families navigate these situations safely. We provide honest guidance with respect and care, never pressure or confusing terms.

Here is what every family should know to avoid scams when helping a senior sell their home.

How Can You Tell If a Cash Offer Is Too Good To Be True

Scam buyers often lure seniors with offers that seem high at first but quickly drop. They may promise instant closings with no inspections and push sellers to sign contracts quickly before reading details.

At Riverfront, we do ask for seller commitment during the walkthrough but never pressure anyone. Our contracts are short and clear with no hidden terms. We walk families through every line. What we offer is what you receive, with plenty of time to review and ask questions.

Why Is It Important to Work With Verified Local Buyers

Real local buyers have a genuine presence in the community. They do not use virtual offices, P. O. boxes, or out-of-state phone numbers.

Before working with any buyer, make sure they can provide local references, show a valid business license or BBB accreditation, and meet you at the property in person.

Riverfront Home Buyers serves Jackson, Clay, Platte, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties. We are your neighbors, not unknown middlemen.

How Can You Keep Paperwork Simple and Transparent

Complex contracts with legal jargon and loopholes are common tricks used to confuse seniors. Riverfront uses a simple two-page contract.

There are no commissions, no hidden fees, and no surprises at closing. Trusted title companies handle the transactions securely.

You can bring your own attorney or advisor if you want. For preliminary offers, sellers may upload photos, but we only give firm bids after seeing the home in person to ensure accuracy and fairness.

What Are the Signs of “We’ll Find You a Buyer” Scams

Some scammers send postcards or emails claiming they already have a buyer but want upfront fees or personal information. Be careful if you are asked to pay for staging, photos, or appraisals before selling.

Avoid buyers who refuse to show proof of funds or promise immediate sales without visiting your home.

Riverfront never asks for upfront payments. Our firm offers happen only after we walk through the property with you. We keep everything clear, real, and face to face.

How Do You Choose a Buyer Who Supports the Whole Transition

Selling a senior’s home is more than a transaction. It is a major life change. The right buyer will be patient, supportive, and respectful.

We help arrange moving services, work with flexible closing dates, and assist with finding the next home or assisted living options.

We keep family members and caregivers informed every step to ensure everyone feels secure.

What Families in Missouri and Kansas Should Remember to Avoid Scams

Work only with local, transparent, and experienced buyers who meet you in person and listen carefully.

Accept written offers that are simple, clear, and have no hidden fees. Choose buyers who work with trusted title companies to secure the closing. Demand respect for your family’s timeline and needs.

If you are unsure at any point, Riverfront Home Buyers can review offers or help you spot red flags at no cost or obligation.

Call us to start the conversation and request an offer: 816.448.8164

About the Author

Alex Mulsoff, co-founder of Riverfront Home Buyers, brings deep Kansas City roots and hands-on experience in demolition and construction. With over a decade working in Local 101 trades, Alex understands hard work and honesty. Now leading acquisitions, he helps homeowners navigate inherited or challenging property sales with care, clear guidance, and no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Protect Seniors When Selling a Home in Missouri or Kansas

How do I avoid scams when helping my aging parent sell their house in Kansas City?

Work only with verified local buyers who will visit the property in person. Check their licensing, BBB accreditation, and local references. Avoid anyone who offers sight-unseen cash deals, pressures you to sign immediately, or hides details in complex contracts.

Is it safe for seniors in Missouri or Kansas to sell their home as-is without making repairs?

Yes. Selling a home as-is is common and safe when working with a reputable buyer. Riverfront Home Buyers purchases homes in any condition. That means no repairs, no cleanouts, and no showings needed.

Do you charge commissions or fees when buying a senior’s home?

No. Riverfront offers are what the seller walks away with. There are no commissions, no hidden costs, and no surprise deductions at closing.

Can I get a preliminary estimate before the walkthrough?

Yes. Sellers can get a free cash offer by uploading photos. This will help us provide a rough estimate, but we only provide firm, binding offers after seeing the property in person.

Do you provide legal services or attorneys to help with the sale?

We do not provide legal services, but we work with trusted title companies to handle the transaction securely. We also clearly explain all documents, and you are welcome to involve your own attorney if you choose.

Can Riverfront help with moving or finding a new place?

Yes. We regularly help coordinate moving services, flexible timelines, and next-home arrangements, including transitions to assisted living. We are here to support the entire transition, not just the sale.

What counties does Riverfront Home Buyers serve?

We proudly serve Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri, and Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas.

How can I verify that a buyer in Kansas City is legitimate?

Check the buyer’s registration with the Missouri or Kansas Secretary of State, look up their BBB rating, read local reviews, and make sure they meet you in person.

Who is Riverfront Home Buyers, and why should we trust you?

We are a family-run, veteran-owned home buying company based in Kansas City. We have helped countless seniors and families sell homes safely, simply, and without pressure or gimmicks. Our process is built on honesty, respect, and local expertise.

About the Author

Reviews & testimonials from Kansas City families we have helped:

Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run business in Kansas City and a BBB-accredited company with an A rating, trusted by local families across Missouri and Kansas. Click here to read more reviews.

"Alex was great with helping my mom on the sale of her current home. Contract was easy and straight forward. Very accommodating on working with her on moving schedule for new home."

- Missy L