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Fraudulent Real Estate Websites

Warning about internet fraud in real estateUnfortunately, not all real estate sites are equally safe and reliable.  One of our listings has just been used as “bait” for an internet fraud scam.  I have filed all possible abuse reports and the fraudulent posting has been removed.  But, here’s how the scam works…

  • A warm and friendly ad is posted on Craigslist or another free website.  The house is listed for lease, usually at below-market prices.
  • The property is actually a legitimate listing – but for sale, not for lease.
  • A “Rental Application” asks for personal and financial information.
  • You are asked send a deposit, after which the keys will be mailed to you, because the owner “has been transferred overseas”.

Unfortunately, the overseas destination for your check and/or financial information is a fraudster.  ‘Nuf said.

According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, ninety percent of home buyers start by shopping on the internet.  Internet fraud schemes target these people, exploiting them during a very vulnerable time in their lives.  The open nature of the internet is, unfortunately, both a blessing and a well-known curse.

Just remember -- NOT ALL REAL ESTATE SITES ARE EQUALLY SAFE.  Trustworthy sites include legitimate real estate firms (like mine!), as well as HAR.com, and Realtor.com.  These organizations are governed by state laws and held to a stringent code of ethics.  You can safely rely on lease and sale information from these sites.

Please surf prudently when shopping for real estate!

Roger Martin

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Tips for Houston Home Buyers

Today's fast-changing real estate market can be tough, whether you are an experienced buyer or not.  Let's break the process down into comfortable steps...

  • Finding the Right Real Estate Agent
  • Interviewing a Potential Real Estate Agent
  • Care and Feeding of Your Agent - For Buyers
  • Pitfalls of Price per Square Foot Comparisons
  • Insuring Success - For Buyers
  • A Warning About Appraisals - for Buyers
  • Inspections VS Appraisals
  • Are You SURE You Want to Buy That Foreclosure?
  • Warning - Fraudulent Real Estate Listings
  • Glossary of Real Estate Terms
  • Mortgage Application Checklist
  • The Closing Process
  • Avoiding Real Estate Cyber Crime
  • More Buyer Tips

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West University Place, TX 77005
713-661-2300

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