Are You Thinking of Falling Prey To Short Sale Fraud?

Seems that falling prey to short sale fraud is easier than it used to be. The allure by someone that they can help you actually save your home at little cost to you is great bait, however.

I recently received a phone call from past clients. They stated that they needed me to list their home. Naturally, I thought this was great. But first I asked them about their reasons for the sale. This is when the homeowner told me, “Well we don’t want you to put a sign, we just need an MLS number.” Of course, I’m the inquisitive type, so again like a two year old, I had to ask why.

In the end, I was almost sorry that I had asked. They had been convinced by someone that they could save their by having this company negotiate their short sale. The trick now was that an auction date had been set and they needed to get the home into the MLS under the auspice of doing a “short sale.” According to my past client, the plan was to “sell it to someone, who would then sell it right back to them.”

My response, “Uh....that’s short sale fraud.” Thanks for the offer, but I think I will pass. I’m not that fond of ‘jailhouse blues’ and I kinda like my business. No thanks! Of course, I encouraged them that there is a better approach but I have not heard back from them.  There are so many people who are looking for solutions to this awful economic and housing mess that they are willing to sell their souls for a quick fix. There is no quick fix to this. When it seems to good to be true, then it probably is. Beware, do not fall prey to the short sale fraud and deception that looms. It will inevitably cost you more than what you are trying to save!

Keisha Hosea is a local Market Expert and Chino Hills Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. She is the Team Director and CEO of KASI Homes. Keisha Hosea and the KASI Homes team offer help to home buyers and home sellers in the Inland Empire. With a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, Keisha has worked extensively with families in transition and divorcing couples selling homes. KASI Homes is the place where you find Real Estate Solutions For Real People. For more information call direct at (909) 261-6377. Visit the website at http://KASIHomes.com