Special offer

BUYER BEWARE -- Even after closing.

By
Mortgage and Lending with CMG Home Loans NMLS 248937

 

I always have a post closing conversation with my borrowers about what to expect after closing and a big piece of that is being cautious about mail you receive after closing.

Your Deed and your Mortgage are public records that are recorded in the courthouse.  You can tell when the deed and mortgage are recorded by the amount of junk mail and possibly phone calls you will receive.  While the majority of the "junk" you will receive will be honest business people that are reaching out to sell you something, you need to be cautious about the bad guys that are effectively trying to steal from you.

In my area a common one is a place that sends a letter requesting $80 for the official copy of your deed.  DON'T do it!  they will send you a copy, but you will get a copy from your settlement agent as soon as it is recorded, or you can go online and grab a copy yourself it you want.  It is arguably the least important document you receive since it is recorded.  You have also paid for it already in your recording fees.

Misleading advertising is another common problem. Here is an example one of my clients sent me:

Junk

I always tell my clients to call me if the have questions even after closing and this one is a great example of misleading advertising which actually appears to be borderline illegal based on my CE classes.  It is made to look like WE sent it, but if you read that teeny tiny small print it says "not affiliated with Homebridge" (if you have a magnifying glass you can read it.  Always look closely at what you receive in the mail and be a cynic. When in doubt, call your trusted mortgage advisor and ask them.

There is a reason my clients choose me and continue to come back, I will return calls and answer all questions even after closing... making sure they do not get caught up in a scam with someone that only cares about churning their loan even if it doesn't make sense.

Call me for all your residential lending needs!

 

Robert Rauf 
Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 248937
http://www.homebridge.com/RobertRauf 
or my blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/rrauf 
Office: (732)908-4868  Cell (732)740-0175 

RRauf@HomeBridge.com 
www.RobertRauf.com
 
 

Since 1987 I have been helping my clients fulfill their dream of home ownership! HomeBridge Financial Services, Formerly REMN, HomeBridge Financial Services is located at 9 Grand Ave, Building 2 Suite A Toms River, NJ 08753. NMLS #6521. New Jersey Licensed Lender and Mortgage Banker #L041053. Visit www.Homebridge.com or www.RobertRauf.com for more information. NJ Mortgages, New Jersey Mortgages, Mortgages in NJ, mortgage in New Jersey, Mortgages in New Jersey, Toms River NJ 08753, Toms River NJ 08755, Brick NJ 08723, Brick NJ 08724 Mortgage in Ocean County NJ, Mortgage in Monmouth County NJ, Jackson NJ 08527, Howell NJ 07731, Lacey 08731 08734, Beachwood 08722 Bayville 08721, 

Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Robert. Sometimes a hammer can break fingers and most times drive a nail. I would love to have a conversation with these hustlers, hammer in hand. Enjoy your day.

Nov 21, 2021 05:11 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

It's excellent that you warn buyers of some of the scams they might encounter. It's too bad it's necessary!

Enjoy your day!

Nov 21, 2021 05:15 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Robert - details matter and so much can be found in the small print.  Even more at times in the tiniest of the tiny.    

Nov 21, 2021 05:59 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

This is good advice, Robert. I send a letter to all clients after closing about these issues, particularly about the letter they will likely get trying to get them to spend money on a copy of their deed, as you mentioned.

Jeff

Nov 21, 2021 01:12 PM
Joan Valverde
HomeSmart - Colorado Springs, CO
GRI,CDPE,CNE,MRP,SRES Colo Sprgs, Blk Forest, Monu

Hello Robert,  I try to always bring copies of these letters to closing to show the buyer's what I am talking about, whether it is my buyer or not.  I think the visual is so good and helps them remember.  I tell them, DON'T PAY FOR anything that comes in the mail without checking with me first.   I have received many compliments for having those documents at closing.   Always good to remind the buyer's, as they get so much coming at them right after closing.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 21, 2021 04:13 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

That can really happen but there are so many times where you have that instinct andthat instant red flag in your head that comes up.

Nov 21, 2021 09:59 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Grant Schneider Thank you for reading!  It is always a good idea to keep our clients informed, even after closing... Clients for life!

Nov 22, 2021 01:01 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Wayne Martin While some are just honest business people hunting for their next pay check, there certainly are a few that need a good bop with a hammer!

Nov 22, 2021 01:02 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Kat Palmiotti I truly embrace the "clients for life" idea... and looking out for our clients best interest is right at the top!

Nov 22, 2021 01:03 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Michael Jacobs That tiny print is getting smaller every year!! (or maybe its just my eyes?)

Nov 22, 2021 01:04 PM
Michael Jacobs

No Kidding. 

Nov 22, 2021 01:34 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Jeff Dowler, CRS I attend most of my closings so its an in person reminder... when covid was at its peak and I was not allowed to attend I would make post closing phone calls with what to look out for... 

Nov 22, 2021 01:06 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Joan Valverde Thats a great idea to have copies (as long as they are redacted of any personal info)  I am sure your clients appreciate it!

Nov 22, 2021 01:07 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Laura Cerrano Always trust your gut!  I do think you and I may be wired a little differently to be cynical being from the northeast... so we have that advantage!

Nov 22, 2021 01:09 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

I, myself, have gotten such a letter, Robert. I knew it was a rip-off attempt. Others may taken-in. I like your habit of following up post close with advice and words of wisdom to your clients. It gives them a chance to reflect on you continuing commitment to providing excellent to them.

Nov 23, 2021 04:42 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

John Juarez Clients for life! we need to let them know we are in their corner and there to educate.

 

Nov 24, 2021 08:27 AM
Miriam Odegard
United Real Estate Indianapolis - Indianapolis, IN
Real Estate Broker Serving Greater Indianapolis

Fanatastic article! Love your post, Robert. Thanks for sharing--I found this very informative. 

Nov 28, 2021 04:16 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Miriam Odegard I am happy you enjoyed it.  Have a GREAT Week!

Nov 29, 2021 06:47 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Robert Rauf, Such a good reminder.

And I really like the comment by Joan Valverde  " I tell them, DON'T PAY FOR anything that comes in the mail without checking with me first."

Jan 10, 2022 02:46 PM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 It is almost like hearing my own voice when I have the conversation with my clients.  "just because you closed does not mean you cant ask me questions"... "when in doubt, give me a call and ask, I'll still be here after closing!"

Jan 11, 2022 09:22 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Robert Rauf, Spoken like a true professional who always gets repeat clients.

Jan 11, 2022 09:47 AM