Buyer Beware: Worldwide, National, New Hampshire Homes and Scams

Whether you’re looking at Southern New Hampshire homes, homes across the nation or homes abroad, there's always the possibility of getting caught in a scam.

Many potential homebuyers and renters choose to go it alone and search for the home of their dreams without professional help. While this method of house hunting works for some, it definitely doesn’t work for all, and the consequences often far outweigh the benefits.

Real Estate Scams
Here are a few real estate scams to watch out for:

·    Down Payment Assistance Programs are wonderful gifts for potential buyers of Southern New Hampshire homes. However, there are certain rules that have to be followed for this down payment gift to be legal. For instance, as a gift, the homebuyer doesn’t have to pay it back. Some unscrupulous companies offer Down Payment Assistance Programs but expect the money back. This isn’t a gift; it’s a loan, and illegal if the program is listed as “down payment assistance."

·    Property flipping scams happen when a con artist buys a home and sells it as an investment opportunity with zero down payment, no closing costs, low interest rate, etc. Although it sounds like a great deal, it becomes a scam when the house is severely overpriced and the buyer pays way more than the house is worth.

·    Craigslist is an excellent resource for those wanting to buy or sell something. However, it is also a great source for con artists who have turned their eyes to the real estate market. The scammers take information from legitimate listings on other websites (such as REALTOR® websites) and post it as their own on Craigslist. They often mention that they had to move for some reason, but can still rent/sell the home. All the buyers or renters have to do is send them their personal information and the first month’s rent or down payment.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to protect yourself. Be cautious when looking for Southern New Hampshire homes. Always research the property and ask to see a copy of the deed to verify ownership. As well, if the home seller is in another country or another state, ask them if they’d be willing to use a local real estate agent.  Then be sure to verify the agent’s credentials.

If you want to buy or sell a house and need a professional, I can help.  Call me at 603-821-1134 or email me at Dave@DaveHeeter.com for more information.