Real Estate Tips

Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or financing a home, the last thing you want to worry about is being scammed. Unfortunately, criminals are getting more creative in how they target consumers. This is the first of a series of five common real estate and mortgage scams to avoid.

Here’s how it works 

You get an email, call, or text from someone claiming to be from the title or escrow company with instructions on where to wire your escrow funds. Scammers set up fake websites that appear like the title company or lender you’re working with. The phone numbers, websites, and email addresses will appear familiar, but one number or letter may be off — which is easy to miss. Be careful not to blindly follow the wire instructions and assume all is well. Scammers will withdraw the funds from an offshore account and leave you with few to no options to recover your hard-earned money.

How to protect yourself

Before you send money to a third party, look at the original documents you got from your lender and call the numbers listed to verify the wiring instructions. Never click on email or text links or send money online without verifying wire instructions with a live person on the phone from a number that you’ve called and verified. Be wary of any email or text requesting a change to wiring instructions. Always confirm the escrow account number before wiring money and call your escrow representative to verify the transfer of the funds immediately after you’re done.

Here’s how it works

Loan flipping is when a lender persuades someone to refinance their mortgage repeatedly, often borrowing more each time. The scammer charges high fees and points each time, and homeowners end up with higher payments they can’t afford after being tricked into borrowing most of their home’s equity.

Seniors with memory impairment are vulnerable to these scams because they often have a large amount of home equity. These lenders convince homeowners they can get a better loan or use a cash-out refinance to pay for home renovations to make their homes more accessible as they age.

How to protect yourself

Elderly people with cognitive issues should have a trusted relative or friend involved in any key financial decision, especially when related to loans. It’s usually not in your best interest to get another loan soon after you’ve refinanced.

If lenders are seeking you out without you asking for help, that’s a warning sign. Work only with known banks or lenders and question all fees and penalties. Lenders must provide loan estimates and closing disclosures that show all fees. Review the documents carefully or have a trusted adviser do so.

Here’s how it works

Scammers often post rental ads to lure in unsuspecting renters, many times using photos from real listings. The scammers will ask for a deposit to let you see the home, only to abscond with your money. These rental scams are alarmingly common.

How to protect yourself

Do your research and get all terms of the agreement in writing. Always be suspicious of anyone who asks for a cash deposit upfront to see a rental property. 

Make sure you’re dealing with the property owner. Avoid doing transactions via email or on the phone and meet in person with the current owner. 

Use a check, never cash, to make any payment. If a property management company or a real estate agent claims to represent the owner of a rental property, be sure to check their license number and information at the California Department of Real Estate’s Public License Information webpage.

Here’s how it works

You found a new home and it’s time to move. Scammers may write a low-ball estimate and then tell you the amount is much higher when they arrive. They might even wait until they have packed up your stuff, so they can hold it all for a ransom. If you put down a deposit, they might not even show up at all and just keep it! 

How to protect yourself

Get 3 quotes in writing. Don’t necessarily go with the least expensive. Ask the moving company for their license number and see if any complaints have been made with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the BBB. Don’t leave a large deposit. A small deposit should suffice. Pay the balance when your items have made it safely to your new home.

Here’s how it works

Scammers pray upon homeowners who get behind on their mortgage payments. They will offer mortgage relief for a large, upfront fee which often leaves the victims in worse financial condition. Sometimes they will claim to be affiliated with the government offering assistance programs. A scammer might tell you not to talk to your lender and offer to negotiate with them on your behalf. 

How to protect yourself

Work directly with your loan servicer to modify your existing loan, request forbearance, or make some other arrangement. Don’t be afraid to talk to them out of fear of losing your home. Most of the time, they will work with you to come up with a solution.

Buying or selling? Be sure to work with someone you trust. To learn more about me, please check out my About Claudia Newkirk, REALTOR® page.