Proof of Funds is Another Way of Saying Show Me the Money

Sellers often require proof of funds from a home buyer who is obtaining a mortgage. They sometimes want to see evidence that the buyer actually has a down payment and / or closing costs before agreeing to sell to that buyer. A preapproval letter isn’t always enough.

However, sellers typically always demand proof of funds from a cash buyer. That’s because a listing agent has most likely advised the seller to keep the home on the market until the agent receives proof of funds from the buyer. You might ask why, don’t they trust the buyer? And the answer is no, they don’t.

Who is Not a Cash Buyer With Proof of Funds?

Simply put, a cash buyer is a person or entity who has cash on hand to close. There is no loan involved, no mortgage. Many buyers may consider themselves to be a cash buyer but they actually are not. These are buyers who are:

• In the process of selling stocks or mutual funds
• Holding a certificate of deposit that has not yet matured
• Borrowing money from a relative

• Refinancing a personal residence to raise the cash
• Waiting for a probate court to distribute assets
• Borrowing against securities
• Liquidating funds from a retirement account
• Obtaining a mortgage secured to the property they are buying

In other words, if the money is not liquid and readily available, then the buyer is not a cash buyer. The buyer is a person making an offer that is contingent on another set of circumstances happening.

Evidence of Proof of Funds

If a buyer stuffs the mattress with cash, it may be very difficult to prove the buyer has a mattress full of cash. Depositing that cash into the bank might be a problem, too. Federal law requires banks to report cash deposits over $10,000 to the government. Some people who keep large sums of money under the mattress aren’t necessarily the type who want that money reported to the government.

Whether the verification of funds is to prove the buyer has a down payment or all of the cash necessary to avoid getting a mortgage. the process is basically the same. The buyer will need to produce a document. The document can sometimes be verified by a loan officer, but more often than not, the seller and the seller’s agent will want to see the actual document. Here are a few sample types of documentation:

• Original bank statement
• Online banking statement
• Open equity line of credit
• Copy of money market account balance
• Certified financial statement

Tip: Before handing over sensitive personal information, take a black magic marker and obliterate your account number and / or Social Security number.

_{At the time of writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, DRE # 00697006, is a Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.}