Real estate scams unfortunately are a big problem is today’s real estate market. There are con artists who are eager to rip off those who are buying or renting, and then there are the homeowners desperate to stave off foreclosure. To be on the safe side, work with a reputable real estate agent when looking to buy homes for sale, but there are other things that you can do to protect yourself from would be predators. Let’s try to look at the most common real estate scams you may face while either searching to buy a house, rent a house, or buy investment property, as well as ways you can protect yourself from these low lifes.

“Renting” Empty Houses

This scam makes victims of homeowners and renters alike. Con artists will look for homes that are or will be abandoned for an extended period of time – the homeowner is on vacation, or is working in another state or in another country; and they will post listings for the home online. Sometimes, they will claim to be the owner of the home or claim to be someone authorized to rent on behalf of the homeowner. These people will forge official looking documents for the renter to sign and will collect rent until they are discovered, or until the real owners come back to find strange people living in their house. A harrowing experience for both home owners and renter alike.

Fake Seminars

The scammers will initially offer the seminar for free, plus a free gift for attending. When you do come you learn that this ‘free’ gift is only to people who purchase tickets to additional seminars. This doesn’t look like such a big deal because they’ll use the money to conduct additional seminars. And, then, they don’t.  These ‘seminars’ will teach you nothing valuable aside from teaching you to be a little bit more careful about where you spend your money.

You can avoid real estate scams by being more careful in your dealings down the line. Remember the saying “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” So check and recheck your facts. Remember that there are legitimate deals out there, but ask questions and then ask some more.

Real estate is not a get rich thing overnight, it’s not a one night stand, but more of a good, slow marriage. ;) So, don’t be swayed by a get rich scheme, because unless they give you the winning lottery numbers, it’s probably not true.

If you're looking for Scottsdale homes for sale then look no further! The Matheson Team are the #1 realtors in the entire area, and come with the highest recommendations. Regardless of what part of Scottsdale, AZ you're looking to buy or sell a home in, they'll take great care of you.