Here is a heads up on something I think every single homeowner should be aware of. The FBI and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder have reported a 400 percent increase in mortgage fraud cases from five years ago. Seems to be that with more homeowners unable to make mortgage payments, there are more and more predators trying to exploit these people.

I don't want to be unnecessarily alarmist, but this is a threat that anyone in the Tacoma or Gig Harbor, WA area should be aware of when going through a real estate transaction. It's not the nicest thing to think about, but essential nonetheless.

For anyone you know who is considering mortgage modification, short sale or any other transaction, I put together a free report available on my website that explains what kinds of fraud schemes the FBI has seen, as well as the "red flags" to look out for. You can download it here:

http://www.hosted.cdpe.com/sandywagnerhomes/

If you or someone you know in Pierce County, Washington is facing the possibility of foreclosure, you need to understand that you are not alone and there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.