Home Buying Scams to Look Out For

chofhine • December 21, 2022
Home Buying Scams to Look Out For

Are you in the market to sell your home? If so, it’s important to be aware of the many home-buying scams that are out there. Unfortunately, many criminals prey on innocent people looking to sell a home. Here are some of the most common home-buying scams and how to avoid them. Stay safe and don’t let yourself be scammed!

Foreign Buyer Scam

When you’re buying a home, you need to be aware of all the possible scams that could target you. One of these is the foreign buyer scam. In this scam, a fraudster posing as a foreign national contacts an unsuspecting home buyer and offers to purchase their property sight unseen. The fraudster then requests that the buyer send money for inspections or other fees upfront, before disappearing with the funds. 

To avoid this scam, do your research on any potential buyers before entering into any agreements. If someone you don’t know well offers to buy your home, be sure to get everything in writing and conduct due diligence before proceeding. By being aware of these scams and taking precautions, you can help ensure a smooth and successful home-buying experience.

Check Scammers

Buying a home is a huge investment, and it’s important to be aware of the different scams that can target home buyers. One of the most common scams is known as the “check scam.” This scam involves the buyer receiving a check for more than the purchase price of the home. The buyer is then instructed to wire the difference back to the seller. However, the check is fake and the buyer ends up losing their entire down payment. This scam is often used by con artists who are looking to take advantage of naïve home buyers. 

To avoid being scammed, it’s important to only accept checks from reputable sources, such as banks or title companies. If you’re ever unsure about a check, you should always contact your bank or financial institution for verification. By doing your research and being aware of the different types of scams, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Deed Theft

Scammers are always looking for new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting victims, and the current housing market has created a prime opportunity for them to do just that. One of the latest scams to emerge is deed theft. This involves scammers posing as legitimate home buyers in order to get their hands on the deed to a property. Once they have the deed, they can take out a loan against the property or even sell it outright, leaving the real owner stranded. 

There are a few red flags that can help you spot a potential deed theft scam. First, be wary of any buyers who seem in too much of a hurry to close the deal. Second, be sure to verify any paperwork that you are asked to sign; scammers will often try to forge documents in order to make the deal seem legitimate. Finally, trust your gut; if something feels off about a potential buyer, it’s probably best to walk away from the deal. By being vigilant, you can protect yourself from becoming the victim of this sophisticated scam.

Selling your home can be fraught with danger. There are people out there who may try to scam you out of your home. Be sure that you are on the lookout for these three common home-buying scams to stay safe.

Are you looking for a trusted and safe way to sell your home for cash? Get in contact with us at Utah Sell Now to sell your house quickly !

By Bateman Team February 11, 2025
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