Got a text asking to buy your house?

You're not alone. Texting homeowners is the main tactic taught in viral "wholesaling" videos. Here's who is texting you, what Texas law says, and how to answer, or not.

Who is texting you

Usually one of three people: a wholesaler who wants to put your house under contract and sell that contract to an investor for a fee; an investor who really buys and renovates houses; or a lead seller who passes your reply to whoever pays for it. The texts look the same. The difference shows up in the contract and the price.

What Texas law says about the texts

• Senate Bill 140 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) made marketing texts "telephone solicitations" under Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 302. After a November 2025 settlement, senders with your prior consent don't have to register, but cold texting still generally requires registration with the Secretary of State and a $10,000 security. Summary from Varnum LLP · Texas SOS FAQ
• Texas No-Call list (Chapter 304) applies to texts to cell phones. Once your number has been on the list for 60 days, marketers shouldn't text it.
• Violations are tied to the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, so consumers can bring private claims. Talk to a consumer-protection attorney if texts keep coming after you opt out.

How to stop them

1. Reply STOP. Legitimate senders must honor it.
2. Register at texasnocall.com and donotcall.gov.
3. Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) for your carrier.
4. Screenshot anything that continues after you opt out, with dates.

If you might actually sell

Don't answer with a price. Ask for a written offer and run it through the cash offer calculator. Then read your rights when someone wants to assign your contract.

Common questions

Is it legal for someone to text me offering to buy my house in Texas?

Since September 1, 2025 (Senate Bill 140), Texas treats marketing texts as telephone solicitations. Senders who text people without prior consent generally must register with the Texas Secretary of State and post a $10,000 security, and they must honor the Texas No-Call list. Violations can be pursued under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

How do I stop 'we buy houses' texts?

Reply STOP, add your number to the Texas No-Call list (texasnocall.com) and the national Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov), and forward spam texts to 7726. Keep screenshots of texts that continue after you opt out.

Are these texts a scam?

Often they are real wholesalers or lead buyers, not scammers, but some are fishing. Never send ID, bank details or your deed by text, and never pay a fee up front.