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Don't Get Caught In Mortgage Fraud

Written by Posted On Thursday, 06 March 2008 16:00

Mortgage fraud is among the top concerns of those investing in real estate. If you get caught in a mortgage fraud scheme it can create a financially painful and emotionally distressing situation. While there are many reputable and trustworthy mortgage providers, the lengthy documents filled with legal jargon make conditions ripe for misunderstandings. So before you sign, attorneys Jonathan Kurniadi and Jeff Hogue who specialize in real estate lawsuits have this advice to protect you from mortgage fraud or mishaps due to misunderstandings.

1. Read every page of every document.

It sounds like such a trite statement but really this is where many borrowers make their biggest mistake. "Most borrowers feel pressured to quickly sign loan documents, trusting that the content of the loan documents is correct. Also, trusting that the real estate loan professional has completed the loan paperwork in such a manner that the borrowers have agreed to. But there's no reason to feel pressured for one of the biggest purchases of the borrower's life," says Kurniadi of The JK Lawfirm, APC.

He suggests taking your time to completely review each page, even taking notes on portions of the document that you have questions or concerns. Also, check things that might seem obvious. One borrower signed loan documents only to find that the street address was incorrectly printed on every single page of the loan documents -- getting them changed became a tedious process and required the resigning of all the loan documents.

Kurniadi says borrowers should not feel they have to sign the loan documents. He says always be prepared to walk away if it doesn't feel comfortable. He also says non-profit HUD approved community housing counselor agencies can help review the loan application and documents. "That's probably the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient source to have loan documents reviewed," says Kurniadi.

2. Sign documents only after seeing that the original and the copy contain the same contents. Be sure to get your copy.

"Some borrowers do not realize that they are entitled to a copy of their loan documents. And most borrowers forget that receiving a copy is useless if they don't make sure the contents of the original and the copy are the same before they sign the loan paperwork," explains Kurniadi.

He says borrowers must be certain they are comparing the documents before they sign because what can happen is "The borrowers will trust that the contents of the documents are the same as the originals (that they signed)," says Kurniadi. However, if the copy of documents the borrowers receive is not the same, Kurniadi says the original documents are what obligate the borrowers not the copies.

3. Make sure there is no false or even slightly fibbed information on your loan paperwork.

It's just not worth it to falsify information in order to push your loan through.

"Any real estate or loan professional who advises you to provide any false information on loan paperwork is putting you at risk," cautions Kurniadi. Jeff Hogue from Hogue and Belong adds, "There is no valid reason to provide false information on the loan paperwork, and most borrowers do not realize that signing a loan application is confirming its contents are true and correct under penalty of perjury."

And Hogue says, "If your loan broker tells you that 'everybody does it' or that 'it is legal and customary' to fib on how much you make, ask him to put that in writing for you." You can bet that won't be happen!

4. Check the license background of your broker.

Taking the time to review the background of your real estate agent and broker can prove to be invaluable. Make sure you do this before you ever provide any personal information or sign loan documents. Finding out if there is any pending litigation or complaints will help you decide if they are the best people to do business with.

5. Ask how much your mortgage broker is earning on your loan transaction.s

Hogue says that, "Often times, this is not disclosed. It is important information because sometimes the percentage of the loan broker's compensation will correspond to what interest rate you will pay on your loan."

As the adage goes, better safe than sorry -- read your paperwork, tedious as it may be, ask questions, and give yourself time to understand it all. You'll be glad you did.

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Phoebe Chongchua

Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. Her company, LFE, specializes in media services including marketing, PR, writing, commercials, corporate videos, customer service training, and keynotes & seminars. Visit her magazine website: www.LiveFitMagazine.com.

Phoebe's articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, Rancho Santa Fe Review, and Today's Local News in San Diego, as well as numerous Internet sites. She holds a California real estate license. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying Foreclosures. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT! 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success.

Contact Phoebe at (858) 259-3646 or [email protected]. Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.

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