Before you sign anything with someone offering to buy your Sacramento house for cash, do a little homework. It takes an evening, maybe two, and it’s worth it. Start with the state real estate license lookup. If the person or the outfit claims to be a licensed agent or broker, you can check that on the state’s site. Not every cash buyer needs a license, so don’t panic if nothing shows up. But if they say they’re licensed and the lookup comes back empty, that’s a problem worth asking about. When it’s unclear whether a license is required for what they’re doing, that’s a question for a lawyer or for the state, not something to guess at.

Then look at business filings with the Secretary of State. You want to see that the entity actually exists, who’s behind it, and whether it’s in good standing. The name on the contract should match the name on the filing. If someone signs as an individual but the paperwork mentions a company, or the company name is slightly different from what you were told, slow down and ask. Sometimes there’s a simple explanation. Sometimes it’s a sign the deal is being passed around.

Next, head to the county recorder. Deeds are public records, and you can search them. Look up the buyer’s name and see what they’ve actually bought in Sacramento County. You’re not looking for a perfect record. You’re looking for whether the story matches the paper. If they tell you they close quickly and often, the deeds should show some activity. If you find nothing at all, ask why. This part depends on how the records are indexed, so if you can’t find something, the county clerk’s office can point you in the right direction.

Reviews are useful, but read them the way you’d read anything online. Look for patterns, not single complaints. Someone with a handful of detailed reviews from people who describe the same process is more reassuring than a wall of five-star one-liners posted the same week. Search the address and the names you found in the filings, too. And talk to a real person who has sold to them, if you can.

Finally, read the contract for red flags. Watch for an option period that lets them walk away while you’re locked in. Watch for assignment clauses that let them sell your contract to someone else. Watch for fees tacked on at closing that weren’t discussed. Watch for pressure to sign fast or to skip your own review. If anything in the paperwork is confusing, or the numbers don’t line up, have a lawyer look at it before you sign. A HUD-approved housing counselor can also help you understand your options if you’re facing a tough situation. This is your house, and you’re allowed to take your time.

For more on this, see sac-seller-check.pages.dev.