About Those Annoying "I Want to Buy Your Home" Messages
Cash Buyers for Houses
If you own a home, chances are you know what I’m talking about. A voicemail pops up in your inbox from a number you do not recognize. Or maybe it’s a text. Here’s one I pulled from my voicemail recently:
Hey, we’re interested in buying your property as-is. If you’re open to an offer, please let us know immediately. Thank you.
In writing this article, I found four copies of this identical voicemail from four different numbers and four Arizona area codes, all left in three days. Sometimes the messages take on a far more personal tone:
Hey, this is Carla. I’m calling to see if you’re interested in selling your property. I’m looking to make a fair cash offer. I will buy your house in as-is condition. If you’d like an all-cash offer…
I found two identical messages from “Carla.” No, I don’t think her name is Carla, and I’m not looking to sell my home, but I receive a lot of these messages.
Sometimes, I receive one a day. Some weeks are lighter, but others are heavier. I once called one of these numbers, out of curiosity or boredom, only to confirm my suspicion that a “fair offer” meant “lowball offer.” But I did get to listen to ten minutes of why I should accept such a lowball offer for my house. “Because when we sign this contract, we’re partners. And you’d want to be fair to your partner, right?”
Very rarely do these calls identify the address they’re interested in purchasing. This is because “Carla” is often a prerecorded message left on your voicemail in violation of federal law.
What the Law Says
Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), it’s illegal for telemarketers to use automated dialing systems or prerecorded voice messages without your prior express consent. That means unless you’ve agreed in advance to receive these messages, each call may be a violation of federal law.
Violators can be held liable for $500 per call, and if the conduct is proven to be willful or knowing, the amount can rise to $1,500 per violation. Courts have also recognized that these types of cases may be appropriate for class action lawsuits, primarily when many people are targeted similarly.
You do not need to be on the National Do Not Call Registry to bring a claim, although being on it may help demonstrate that the caller knew the contact was unwanted.
What You Can Do
If you’re receiving repeated robocalls or pre-recorded voicemails about selling your home, you don’t have to put up with it. These messages aren’t just annoying—they may be illegal. Collecting multiple examples of identical messages can help support your claim.
Dessaules Law Group is experienced in protecting consumers from unauthorized calls and helping them take legal action under the TCPA. If you're ready to explore your options, contact us today to schedule a consultation.