5 Home Scams Every Homeowner Should Know About
— Not Just on April Fools’
As someone who cares deeply about homeownership and real estate, I always want to make sure that people are informed—not just about buying or selling—but also about protecting themselves. Scams targeting homeowners are more common than many realize, and they can happen any time of the year. Here are five scams that I think everyone should know about:
1. Deed Fraud
Some scammers impersonate property owners and illegally sell vacant or undeveloped land. These fraudulent sales can go undetected for a long time, often during difficult life events.
Tip: Always verify the seller’s identity, request proof of ownership, and make sure all documents are notarized during the closing process.
Some scammers impersonate property owners and illegally sell vacant or undeveloped land. These fraudulent sales can go undetected for a long time, often during difficult life events.
Tip: Always verify the seller’s identity, request proof of ownership, and make sure all documents are notarized during the closing process.
2. Storm Chaser Scams
After natural disasters, scammers may show up offering quick home repairs. They usually ask for large upfront payments and then either disappear or deliver poor-quality work.
Tip: Do your homework. Always check the contractor’s license, get referrals, and avoid paying in full before any work begins.
After natural disasters, scammers may show up offering quick home repairs. They usually ask for large upfront payments and then either disappear or deliver poor-quality work.
Tip: Do your homework. Always check the contractor’s license, get referrals, and avoid paying in full before any work begins.
3. The “Model Home” Pitch
You may be offered a great discount in exchange for allowing your home to be used as a showroom. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, these jobs are often rushed and corners are cut, leading to major issues later.
Tip: Trust your gut. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always work with trusted professionals and ask detailed questions about the process and materials.
You may be offered a great discount in exchange for allowing your home to be used as a showroom. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, these jobs are often rushed and corners are cut, leading to major issues later.
Tip: Trust your gut. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always work with trusted professionals and ask detailed questions about the process and materials.
4. Mortgage Relief Scams
Struggling homeowners can become targets for so-called foreclosure or loan modification “experts.” They promise help but charge high fees and often worsen the situation.
Tip: Be cautious of anyone who demands upfront fees or advises you to stop making mortgage payments. Reach out directly to your lender or a trusted housing counselor.
Struggling homeowners can become targets for so-called foreclosure or loan modification “experts.” They promise help but charge high fees and often worsen the situation.
Tip: Be cautious of anyone who demands upfront fees or advises you to stop making mortgage payments. Reach out directly to your lender or a trusted housing counselor.
5. Solar Scams
With the rising popularity of solar energy, some salespeople are falsely claiming government-backed “free” solar programs. In reality, many of these are complex leasing arrangements that may cost more long-term.
Tip: Ask for a full breakdown of costs, read all contracts carefully, and consider speaking with an independent solar advisor before moving forward.
With the rising popularity of solar energy, some salespeople are falsely claiming government-backed “free” solar programs. In reality, many of these are complex leasing arrangements that may cost more long-term.
Tip: Ask for a full breakdown of costs, read all contracts carefully, and consider speaking with an independent solar advisor before moving forward.
Final Thought
Scams can happen to anyone. Staying informed and asking the right questions can go a long way in protecting yourself, your home, and your peace of mind.
Scams can happen to anyone. Staying informed and asking the right questions can go a long way in protecting yourself, your home, and your peace of mind.
Information adapted and summarized from an article by Jamie Gold. Original source: “5 Top Home-Related Scams To Avoid On April Fools’ Day — And Year-Round.”
This summary is for informational purposes only. All rights to the original work remain with the original author. No copyright infringement is intended.
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