Avoiding Scam Home Buyers in Central PA: How to Spot the Red Flags

When it comes to selling your home, not all buyers are created equal. In this episode, Brian and Chris break down the warning signs of scam home-buying companies and share how you can protect yourself, your family, and your property. From high-pressure tactics to shady basement closings, we cover the red flags every homeowner in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, and across Central PA should know.

You’ll also hear a real-life story from California that shows how these scams work—and how to avoid becoming the next victim.

What you’ll learn:

• Why scammers target seniors and grieving homeowners

• The “lowball + pressure” trick and how to spot it

• How reputable home buyers in Central PA operate

• Simple steps to verify a company before signing anything

Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) today for a fair, no-pressure cash offer on your home.

Recap: In this episode of The Central PA Property Talk Podcast, Brian and Chris dive into a critical topic for homeowners in Central Pennsylvania—how to spot and avoid scam home-buying companies. Using a real case from California, where a widow was pressured into selling her $1.5 million home for just $750,000, they highlight how predatory buyers use lowball offers and high-pressure deadlines to trap vulnerable sellers.

They then translate the lesson closer to home, imagining a widow in Lancaster targeted by a fast-talking buyer who devalues her house and demands she sign immediately. This type of situation, unfortunately, happens all too often. The difference between scammy operators and trusted buyers comes down to transparency, track record, and professionalism.

Brian and Chris outline a clear checklist for homeowners:

• Check reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau.

• Look for transparency—no hidden fees or surprise charges.

• Insist on reputable title companies, not backroom closings.

• Avoid pressure tactics—a real buyer gives you time.

• Confirm local presence—you should meet a real team, not just a phone number.

717 Home Buyers, based right here in Lancaster and serving all of Central PA, takes pride in operating differently. With fair offers based on facts and data, a no-pressure approach, and a commitment to local communities, the company ensures that homeowners never feel rushed or misled.

If you’re considering selling in Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Lebanon, or Reading, this episode offers practical advice to protect yourself while exploring options. Whether downsizing, handling an inherited property, or simply moving on, homeowners should have peace of mind knowing that real solutions—not scams—are available.

Call 717-321-SOLD (717-321-7653) today to talk with a trusted local team.