Don’t Get Duped: What to Know Before Buying a Tiny Home

Recently, someone drove three hours to our Melbourne, FL warehouse, believing they were about to tour a tiny home they found on Facebook. They had been speaking with a “seller” via email who claimed to work primarily out of California—but gave our address as the location of their Florida warehouse.

Here’s the issue:

• We’ve never built that home.

• We weren’t the ones communicating with them.

• That home doesn’t exist.

This was an unfortunate—and unnecessary—experience for someone just trying to explore their options. The “seller” used our real business address to appear legitimate, causing confusion and frustration for a prospective buyer who had no idea they were being misled.

Scammers are becoming more creative, and unfortunately, the tiny home industry has become a target. If you’re starting your journey toward tiny living, it’s more important than ever to be cautious, informed, and empowered. Don't get duped, know before you buy.

Below are real tips to help you avoid scams and protect yourself as you explore tiny home options.

1. Don’t Rely on Email Alone

If your only communication with the seller is through email, that’s a red flag. A legitimate builder should be reachable by phone, with a real business number and a real person on the other end.

👉 Always speak directly with someone before visiting a property or sending any money. If they avoid calls, video chats, or push you to move fast, walk away.

2. Verify the Business

Scammers often use stolen photos or copy the branding of reputable builders. Here’s how to make sure the builder is real:

• Look up the official website and verify contact information.

• Check online reviews on third-party platforms.

• Confirm the business address and licensing, if applicable.

• Look for recent projects shared by the company itself—not just reposted images.

When in doubt, call the builder directly and ask to verify the listing.

3. Ask for Proof of the Home

Don’t drive hours or send deposits without first confirming that the home is real and available.

Ask for:

• Recent photos or videos that show the build’s current condition.

• A walk-through video referencing your name or date.

• Specifics on materials, layout, and timeline—details only the actual builder would know.

• Proof that the company owns or built the home.

If they can’t provide any of the above, it’s likely a scam.

4. Be Cautious of Unbelievable Prices

If a deal looks too good to be true—it probably is.

The reality is that building a quality tiny home isn’t cheap. Pricing that seems dramatically lower than industry averages often comes with a catch—or it’s simply fake.

Scammers use low prices to lure you in, betting you’ll act quickly out of excitement. Instead, take your time and evaluate the legitimacy of the offer.

5. Do Your Research

Social media platforms like Facebook can be great for inspiration and community, but they aren’t always safe spaces for transactions. If you’re unfamiliar with the builder or their work, it’s your responsibility to dig deeper:

• Search the company name with terms like “reviews,” “complaints,” or “scam.”

• Ask other tiny home owners or community forums about the company.

• Make sure the builder actually specializes in tiny homes, not just general construction.

Due diligence matters. Your future home—and your finances—depend on it.

6. Confirm Before You VisitBefore traveling to a location, confirm:

• The builder’s identity and contact information

• That the home is actually on-site

• That you have a scheduled appointment with someone from the company

If someone sends you an address without confirming the home or refuses to share business credentials, that’s a problem.

Our Advice: Protect Your Dream

At Movable Roots, we’re committed to transparency and honesty throughout the custom build process. We hate seeing people taken advantage of by scammers pretending to be someone they’re not.

If you’re ever unsure about a home listing or communication, call us directly. We’ll verify whether it’s truly one of our builds and help you navigate the next steps—safely and confidently.

✅ Quick Tips Recap to help you know before buying:

• Speak directly with someone—don’t rely on email

• Verify the business and its location

• Ask for real-time proof of the home

• Be cautious of unusually low prices

• Research the builder

• Confirm all details before you travel

Looking to build a real custom tiny home with a real team?

Explore our builds and learn more about our process at www.movableroots.com.