Beware of These All to Common Scams When Selling Your Pennsylvania Home

Selling your home in Pennsylvania can be an exciting but daunting task. It’s a significant financial transaction that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Unfortunately, scammers are always on the lookout for opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. In this article, we’ll discuss some common scams to watch out for when selling your home in Pennsylvania and provide tips to protect yourself.

717 Home Buyers Can Help You Identify and Avoid Potential Scams. Here are Several Cautions:

Phony Buyer Schemes

One of the most prevalent scams in the real estate world is the “phony buyer” scheme. Scammers pose as potential buyers, often online, and express interest in your property. They may even present fake documentation to gain your trust. However, their true intention is to steal your personal information or convince you to wire them money for various fabricated reasons.

Tip: Always verify the identity of potential buyers. Work with reputable real estate agents who can help vet buyers and ensure they are qualified. Never send money or share personal information without verifying the legitimacy of the transaction. If you sniff out a potential scam, you can contact local authorities here in Pennsylvania.

Bait-and-Switch Tactics

Some scammers may attempt a bait-and-switch tactic by luring sellers with an attractive offer, only to change the terms at the last minute. They might claim that unexpected issues have arisen and pressure you into accepting less money for your property than initially agreed upon.

Tip: Be wary of last-minute changes to the terms of the sale. Work with a trusted real estate agent or let us help you at 717 Home Buyers. We can help you navigate negotiations and ensure that the terms of the deal are clear and fair.

Fake Escrow Services

Scammers often create fake escrow companies or use the names of legitimate ones to deceive sellers. They may instruct you to deposit funds into an escrow account, claiming it’s a necessary step in the selling process. However, once the money is sent, it disappears along with the scammer. Learn more about escrow fraud here.

Tip: Always confirm the legitimacy of any escrow service by independently researching the company’s credentials.

Unsolicited Offers and Door-to-Door Scams

Beware of unsolicited offers or individuals who show up at your doorstep claiming to be interested in buying your home. While some may genuinely be interested, others may have ulterior motives, such as casing your property for criminal activities.

Tip: Be cautious when dealing with strangers who approach you directly. If someone expresses interest in your property, ask for their contact information and verify their identity through official channels.

Note that there are companies like us at 717 Home Buyers who can offer cash for your home, but not all companies like ours are legitimate or reputable. Always check Google reviews and the Better Business Bureau. Here is an article on what to look for in a great “we buy houses” company.

Wire Fraud

Wire fraud is a fraudulent scheme that involves convincing individuals to send money electronically, usually through wire transfers, to a fraudulent account or recipient. Scammers typically disguise themselves as legitimate entities or individuals involved in a real estate transaction. Wire fraud often targets homebuyers, sellers, and even real estate professionals. In the context of selling a home in Pennsylvania, wire fraud can occur in several ways: phony emails, impersonation, bogus documents, etc. Always verify information for requests of wire transfers by verifying with an independent source, such as a local title company, to see if they have information or know of the company. Always engage with trusted real estate professionals such as a local law office, realtor, title company or even Google.

Forgery and Identity Theft

Scammers may attempt to forge your signature on documents or steal your personal information during the selling process. This can lead to financial losses and legal complications.

Tip: Safeguard your personal information and be vigilant about reviewing all documents related to the sale. If something seems amiss, consult with your real estate agent or legal counsel.

717 Home Buyers Can Help You Avoid the Possible Scams and the Headaches of Selling Your Property

Selling your home in Pennsylvania should be a positive and rewarding experience. By staying informed about common scams and taking precautions to protect yourself, you can ensure a smoother and safer selling process. Often sellers get anxious and in a hurry due to a pending foreclosure or trying to sell without a realtor, and end up not catching on to a possible scam. Working with reputable real estate professionals and being cautious when dealing with unknown individuals are essential steps to safeguard your investment.

717 Home Buyers buys homes in Central Pennsylvania and can buy your home for cash and help you avoid the hassles of possible scams and unexpected costs. We buy houses in any condition. In addition to other regions of Pennsylvania like Reading, York, Harrisburg, and more, we buy houses in any part of Philadelphia. You won’t need to make any improvements to the house. We will offer to pay a fair price, close swiftly (in as little as 7 days) and pay cash. We will give you an offer and you can decide. You can read more about how we operate here. We have many great Google reviews you can check out here. We never charge commissions or closing costs. Before you decide to sell your house by yourself, if you’d like to find out how much we can pay for it, please get in touch with us by calling 717-639-2164. We will give you a free no-obligation offer. You have nothing to lose by checking into this option.