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A Reminder That We All Need Each Other in This Business

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives Integrity R.E. Broker 55289-90

scam

I was out on tour yesterday looking at some new listings with some colleagues when we stopped at a house listed by a co-broke. After walking through the house and hearing a little bit about it, conversation turned to how things were going in the world of real estate. And soon it turned into a discussion of some scams that are occurring in our area.

I've heard and read about mortgage fraud, forged documents, and outright dishonesty about pre-approvals. But because I like to believe I live and work in an area that is somehow exempt from these sorts of activities, I listened with my jaw dropped as this agent told us of two recent scams she found herself involved in. My colleagues and I were stunned -- how do we deal with these situations?

I'm not sure yet what the answer is to that question, but yesterday served as a reminder that while we are each other's competition, we are also each other's best allies.

The more we communicate and work with each other, the better we can protect our buyers, sellers and ourselves from falling victim to one of these scam artists. And the more likely we will succeed at putting these ruthless activities to rest.

Comments (6)

Kathy Stoltman
Balboa Real Estate - Ventura, CA
Ventura County Real Estate Consultant 805-746-1793

Thanks Peggy, this is good advice, knowledge is powerful.  Great part of the country that you live in.  I am from Glendale WI, now living in Ventura CA but always liked the Ozaukee area.

Nov 09, 2011 12:15 PM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I came close to falling victim to an advertising scam. I called our AE at our board and had her send out a mass email. I don't know why we can't help each other out as agents.

Nov 09, 2011 12:16 PM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Kathy -- Small world!! Yeah, I really do think we need to keep each other informed of what we're running into out there. Just shocked at what I learned yesterday!

Debbie -- Our association board is aware of at least one of these scams. Maybe it's time to provide some specific guidance to all its members on how to handle these situations. Scary times!

Nov 09, 2011 12:35 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Peggy, I feel lucky to work in a very collaborative market.  And I think we all are amazed at the jaw droppers that we don't expect.

Nov 09, 2011 01:17 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Peggy, if we would work together more, things would go much smoother and we would look better in the public's eye.

Nov 10, 2011 10:22 AM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

Patricia -- I think overall our community here, too, is collaborative and we are very lucky for that. It's good to hear it's like that in other parts of the country, too!

William -- Could not agree with you more. Improving our image in the public's eye is something we should all work on!

Nov 11, 2011 12:12 AM