Recently a person pretending to be a rental applicant tried to run a scam on a property we manage. They hoped to scam the landlord and Nesbitt Realty. With increasing reports of real estate scams worldwide, here are some ways you too can avoid being caught up in fraud.
Make sure all parties are who they say they are. Have an out-of-state party provide a photocopy of their driver’s license or passport that has been notarized. If someone alleges to represent an embassy or a large corporation, afford them no less due diligence that you would any other renter or buyer.
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty.
Verify signatures. Compare the signature on the real estate contract to other signatures on their driver’s license, passport, the original sales contract, etc.
Double-check the documentation. Make sure none of the documents have been altered. Inspect originals whenever possible. Get certified copies from a title company.
You select the professionals. Require the out-of-town party to use a real estate professional, attorney, or title company of your choosing.
Require a face-to-face meeting. The safest way to ensure that they are who they say they are is to require that they show up at closing.
Rely on the professionals. If it all possible, don't do it yourself. Let a brokerage like Nesbitt Realty handle all the details.
Nesbitt Realty is a family-owned family-operated business serving Northern Virginia. As such, we compete against some of the biggest names in our industry. Even in this highly competitive market, we manage to succeed and have won numerous awards for client-satisfaction. We provide a turn-key solution that allows our landlords to enjoy a stress-free passive income with no work required.
Our team is experienced, professional, and dedicated to managing every detail from leasing to maintenance to financial transactions.
Learn more about us now!
To find your perfect property, don't hesitate to contact Nesbitt Realty.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
