How to avoid short sale Scammers- Part 2

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty 01780829

In my previous blog post “How to avoid short sale scammers Part1”, I explained the different methods used by short sale fraud agencies and agents. I have a rich experience of working with people as Temecula short sale agent. Short sale scams are on the rise and every house owner should be aware of the methods used by these fraudulent entities. With general awareness and presence of mind, it is possible to identify these scammers before they hit you in the first place. I am going to discuss some important tips that will help you in avoiding these scams far before getting into any real trouble. 

Deposit payments only to lender: One of the basic practices for house owners is to pay their monthly mortgage payments directly to the lender. Never handle your payments to third party and no legitimate counselor will ask you to do so. 

Avoid upfront fees: In every legitimate foreclosure program, you would be asked to pay fees at some stage of time. But they are not going to ask for upfront fees without offering any upfront services to the borrower. It is important that the company should provide some output before 

Read every document carefully: Most of the house owners rush into signing agreement documents and other legal papers. It is advised to read every single piece of paper and document prior to signing. If you are not confident in your legal understanding then it is best to take help from a lawyer.

Maintain regular contact with your lender: Lenders can help you in numerous ways and it is advised to keep your lender in loop before taking any such actions. Participation of your lender is equally important in the process.

Get help from attorney in every deed related activities: As a short sale expert in Temecula, I would advise to bring an attorney on-board before any type of deed-related activities. They will make sure that everything is done by the book and it will help in reducing risk involved in the process.

Report any suspicious activity: If you are targeted by a scam artist, contact any local or national consumer protection agency and report the event as soon as possible. 

Every scam artist will try to sound friendly and trustworthy, but they are only going to make the situation worse. Anything that sound too good to be real, follow these measures and contact relevant authorities. There are many short sale experts in Temecula and all you need to do is to search for a reliable agent for your house. 

 

Comments (20)

Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, MD
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Good advice, Sherry.  The local papers just shared a story about a VA company that was a short sale rescue scam company.  They were found guilty and sentenced to prison time.  Good!

Jun 28, 2012 08:02 AM
Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Sherry, homeowners can report any company or licensed agent that is requesting any upfront fees to the Department of Real Estate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Only attorneys can take upfront fees for their services. Many third parties will claim an attorney is involved, but there really isn't. When in doubt, get legal advice. Great reminder to homeowners.

Jun 28, 2012 11:13 AM
Yolanda Hoversten
Self Employed - O'Fallon, IL
Broker - O Fallon, IL Real Estate

Good tips to avoid being victims of these scammers. Good series and congrats on the feature! Reblogged. :)

Jun 28, 2012 12:28 PM
Jim Patton
Aspire Home Real Estate 209-404-0816 - Modesto, CA
Realtor - Stanislaus ,Merced, San Joaquin Counties

Good post Sherry.  Unfortunately the scammers are out there ready to take advantage of a bad situation. 

Jun 28, 2012 12:31 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

Sherry -- thanks for these tips.. I was not aware this type of thing was going on.

Jun 28, 2012 12:34 PM
Sherry Kotvis -Work. Live. Play
eXp Realty - Temecula, CA
Have A Life Worth Living!

Thanks for all the feedback. Homeowners are already in such a stressful situation it is really ashame there are predators out there. If we can all spread the word I'm sure we could save many homeowners from the aggrevation and costs associated with bad behavior.

Jun 28, 2012 01:22 PM
Hella Mitschke Rothwell
(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI
Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

I think the reason the scammers are doing so well is that the homeowner DOESN'T HAVE ANY MONEY TO GET AN ATTORNEY. And these people come in and offer them hope. When people are desparate they will grasp at straws. Even we, the real estate professionals, aren't allowed to give legal advice whether a short sale is right for them or not. Yet we can help them through it once they make the decision. So how do we get that message out? Your blog for one.

Jun 28, 2012 02:42 PM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Sherry - Good suggestions for people facing potential short sale.  Unfortunately, some people are looking to take advantage.

Jun 28, 2012 03:53 PM
Jerry Morse
The Morse Company - Janesville, WI
BBA,GRI

It is a shame, but scam artists seem to find ways to scam people in almost every activity.         

 

Jun 28, 2012 10:19 PM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

A good  warning to keep eyes and ears open..something real estate agents do all the time

Jun 28, 2012 11:44 PM
Sherry Kotvis -Work. Live. Play
eXp Realty - Temecula, CA
Have A Life Worth Living!
More great posts everyone. Feel free to repost the blog and help spread the word.
Jun 29, 2012 12:26 AM
Jack O'Neal
HomeSmart Elite Group - Gilbert, AZ

Great post

Jun 29, 2012 04:21 AM
Sherry Kotvis -Work. Live. Play
eXp Realty - Temecula, CA
Have A Life Worth Living!
Thanks Jack!
Jun 29, 2012 04:55 AM
Nogui Aramburo
Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS® - Raleigh, NC
Real Estate Professional in the Raleigh Area

Great short sale tips

Jun 29, 2012 09:53 AM
Kimberley Kelly, SFR, HAFA, GREEN
HK Lane, Christie's International Affiliate, 760-285-3578 - La Quinta, CA
I do Real Estate like I played polo-to WIN!

I don't agree that every one needs an attorney, but I always refer my new Short Sale clients here in the Palm Springs area, to CPA's or attorneys for any legal advice. I want them to be as informed as possible.  Many attorneys are scamming in this short sale industry as well.  Good post.

Jun 29, 2012 10:51 AM
Ute Ferdig
Ferdig Real Estate Solutions - Auburn, CA
Because Getting It Right Matters!

I haven't seen too many scams in connection with short sales.  Not saying they are not out there, just seems like the scammers are more after the poeple who are trying to do loan mods and/or sue their mortgage company (mass joinder lawsuits).  It's sad because scammers don't just harm home owners, but they also hurt all those in the industry who are honest.

Jun 29, 2012 11:38 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, Keller Williams Fox Cities - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

thanks for the warnings, seems everytime something comes along there is a scammer lurking ready to take advantage of people while they are down.

Jun 29, 2012 04:28 PM
Ed & Tracy Oliva
West USA Realty - Arizona - Fountain Hills, AZ
The Oliva Team Arizona Agents

Sherry:    This again is some very good Info,keep up the good work as always and good luck in 2012,  E

Jun 29, 2012 11:41 PM
Chris and Dick Dovorany
Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida - Naples, FL
Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty

Very helpful.  Sad how in every situation the scammers crop up like weeds in your garden.  Not even surprised anymore when another scheme is unveiled.

Jun 30, 2012 01:32 AM
Gary Frimann, CRS, GRI
Eagle Ridge Realty / Signature Homes & Estates - Gilroy, CA
REALTOR and Broker

Great, great advice.  You have inspired me to write about short sale scammers who are RE Agents...  I have seen a lot of that in my area.  Sales with limited access being double ended.  "Coming Soon' sign riders for two months and then sold in one day usually using the buyer's agent who is from the same office, Double escrow, different escrow companies, home bought, and transfered to a family member one month later, etc.

Jun 30, 2012 02:53 AM

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