“Can you send over proof of funds?”

It’s one of the most common requests in real estate investing, and often treated like a checkbox.

But here’s the truth:

Proof of funds (POF) is more than a PDF. It’s a window into the buyer’s credibility, speed, and real intent.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• The types of proof buyers send, and what each one signals

• How to read between the lines of a POF

• When a POF means nothing at all

• How to use POFs to rank buyers and save time

• What a real POF looks like from a serious investor

Let’s unpack what that “bank statement” really means.

Why POF Isn’t About the Money

First, a mindset shift.

As an acquisitions specialist, wholesaler, or investor, your goal isn’t just to confirm funds exist.
It’s to gauge how likely this buyer is to close, how fast, and how clean.

So instead of asking, “Do they have the money?” Start asking:

• “Is this buyer ready to deploy those funds?”

• “Do they control the funds or need permission?”

• “Is this a real buyer, or someone playing the game?”

A serious buyer’s proof of funds answers all three.

1. The 5 Types of POF (and What Each Means)

Not all proofs are created equal. Some scream action. Others scream stalling.

Here are the five most common forms of POF, and how to interpret them.

1. Bank Statement in Buyer’s Name (With Recent Date)

What it is: A recent PDF or screenshot of a checking or savings account, showing liquidity in the buyer’s name.

What it tells you:

• Buyer has real cash on hand

• Funds are liquid and accessible

• Buyer likely controls the funds directly

Green light. This is the gold standard, especially if it’s recent and clean (no heavy redactions).

Use this to prioritize the buyer and move fast.

2. Hard Money Lender Letter

What it is: A letter from a hard money lender stating pre-approval for a set amount, typically based on ARV or LTC.

What it tells you:

• Buyer is approved, but still needs to underwrite the deal

• Timeline depends on the lender, not just the buyer

• Closing may involve third-party inspections or appraisals

This isn’t bad, but it means you’re not dealing with liquid cash.

You need to ask:

• Is their lender local?

• Do they have a relationship, or is it a new file?

• Can they close fast enough for your deal?

If the buyer is experienced with that lender, great.
If it’s a generic letter with no context, proceed cautiously.

3. Business Account in LLC Name

What it is: A bank statement from a business or LLC tied to the buyer.

What it tells you:

• Funds are real, but may be shared, restricted, or require dual signatures

• Buyer may need to coordinate with partners

This can still be solid, especially if the LLC name matches the buyer’s communication and experience.

Just ask:

“Is this your primary investing entity? Are you the signer?”

If yes, green light.
If no, yellow light.

4. Screenshot from an App (Venmo, Cash App, etc.)

What it is: A casual screenshot showing balances from a mobile payment app.

What it tells you:

• Buyer may not have funds in a bank

• Likely to be a new or less established investor

• May not be serious

These are almost always used to stall or save face.

Don’t be rude, but do test intent:

“Thanks for sharing. For contract purposes, I’ll just need a formal bank statement or approval letter.”

Their next move tells you everything.

5. No POF ,  Just Talk

Some buyers refuse to send anything.

They say:

“I’ve closed tons of deals, trust me.”
“I’ll show proof once the walkthrough’s done.”
“Why do you need it if I’m paying cash?”

Big red flag.

Serious buyers don’t hide. They show. They explain. They want to prove they’re real.

2. The Psychology Behind POF

Here’s the secret:

How a buyer handles the POF request tells you more than the document itself.

Watch for:

Buyers Who Volunteer It Early

“I’ll shoot over my POF now in case you want to get moving.”

These buyers are:

• Experienced

• Intentional

• Eager to separate themselves from tire-kickers

You want to work with these folks.

Buyers Who Send It Only If You Ask Twice

If you’re chasing the POF, you’ll probably chase the contract too.

These buyers:

• Aren’t used to being vetted

• May be new or disorganized

• Could be stalling while they shop the deal

You can still proceed, but don’t clear your calendar for them.

Buyers Who Get Defensive

“Why do you need that? I’ve got cash.”

This is almost always ego or bluff.

You’re not asking for a loan, you’re asking for professional verification.

Frame it this way:

“No problem, I ask all buyers the same. Just helps keep things clean with title and trackable for my seller.”

If they still resist? Walk.

3. Using POF to Rank Buyer Readiness

POF is a sorting tool. It tells you who to prioritize.

Create a simple POF filter like this:

Use this to triage leads after a deal blast or showing.

4. How to Ask for POF (Without Killing the Conversation)

If you come in too hard, you’ll scare off legit buyers. Too soft, and they’ll ghost.

Here’s how to do it right.

Sample Script for Warm POF Request

“Hey, sounds like this deal is a fit. To move forward and keep it fair for everyone, I just ask for proof of funds up front. Doesn’t need to be fancy, just something recent that shows you’re ready to close if the numbers work. Cool if I send over instructions?”

This keeps it:

• Non-threatening

• Professional

• Buyer-centered

They either lean in or lean out. Both are useful outcomes.

5. How to Verify POFs Without Wasting Time

Some POFs look real, but aren’t.

Here’s how to do quick checks without going full detective:

Check the Date

If the statement is older than 30 days, it’s not proof of anything. Ask for an updated one.

Check the Name

Does it match the buyer’s name or LLC?

If it’s their cousin’s account, you’re dealing with a middleman. Ask who controls the funds.

Watch for Obvious Redactions

It’s fine to black out account numbers, but if everything else is blurred, they’re hiding something.

Look for “Demo” Statements

Some scammers will use screenshots from mockup sites or PDF editors.

Look for weird fonts, copy-paste artifacts, or missing watermarks.
If it smells off, it probably is.

6. What to Do After You Get the POF

Getting proof is only step one.

• Here’s how to keep the deal moving:

Lock the Buyer Into a Timeline

“Thanks for sending. Are you ready to contract now, or do you need a walkthrough first?”

• Serious buyers give a clear next step.

• Flaky ones stall.

Confirm Title Preferences

“Want me to send this to your title company or use mine?”

• Buyers with nothing to hide have preferences.

• Buyers who hesitate are often shopping the deal.

Set the Earnest Money Expectations

“Once we sign, I’ll have you drop EMD within 24 hours. Good?”

This tests intent to perform in a soft, non-confrontational way.

7. What a Strong POF Signals (Beyond the Money)

A buyer who sends a strong, clean POF early is showing you:

• They’re professional

• They’re used to transacting

• They respect your process

• They don’t waste time

• They expect speed, and deliver it

These are the buyers who don’t ghost, don’t stall, and don’t over-negotiate.

They don’t have time for games, and neither should you.

Don’t Overvalue the Paper, Value the Pattern

Anyone can screenshot a bank app.
But only a real buyer will:

• Proactively share

• Respond quickly

• Confirm next steps

• Move into the contract within days

So don’t just ask for proof of funds. Read the behavior around it. That’s what really closes deals.