We may have to create a safe way for people who lease properties to KNOW the person taking their money is the rightful owner. It came up  first in a REMAX PV EXECS meeting. Our broker told about the word coming out this was happening. People were misrepresenting ownershop, taking deposits and taking off with the money. I heard it first hand today from a local couple in Torrance . Someone who was forced to leave his home turned around a falsly took money from innocent people trying to lease.

CAR is requiring the new business cards to have the realtors number listed. Many properties locally are with westside rental. It is free and any owner can get them the property info. Search out the proof that they can provide you to be sure of the ownership. Be safe with qualified business people and companies.

There are good people all over the place. The few cheaters out there require you to really verify and be sure of the people  you are dealing with.

Bank Owned, REO, and forclosures are out there. Make sure you are not renting one by a fake owner.