Scams That Target New Home Buyers!
Here’s something you may not think about when purchasing a home. Mortgages are public record. After you close on your home, that mortgage will be recorded with the county for everyone to see. Once it’s recorded, you are going to be inundated with mail from life insurance, security, and lawn care companies just to name a few. However, there are some bad actors who will send you blatant scams to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Here are a few of those scams to be aware of.
Homestead Scams - You’ll receive something very official looking that will state you need a declaration of homestead in order to file for homestead exemptions. It’s a blatant lie! You can file for your homestead exemption (once you’ve received your free copy of your deed in the mail from the title company) in person at the county property appraiser’s office or online on their website.
Grant Deed Scams - Speaking of your properties deed, there’s a very common grant deed scam. They’ll have some very official looking document that will say “RECORDED DEED NOTICE” and that in order to receive your current Grant Deed you only have to pay a $107 service fee. This is complete garbage! Just as we previously mentioned, you will receive a free copy of your deed in the mail from the title company. Typically, this will take 4-8 weeks to come through the mail.
Home Warranty Scams - You may receive something in the mail that says you must have a home warranty. That isn’t true! It is completely optional to have a home warranty to cover major items and appliances for your home. If you would like a home warranty, that is totally fine! However, the choice is completely up to you, not mandatory.
Water Update Scams - They’ll send a postcard that is from the “Environmental Water Resource” that says they weren't able to reach you in person. Once you call the number on the postcard, they’ll come out and try to tell you that your water is bad and that you need this, that or the other to fix it. Trash it.
Mortgage Payment Scam - This is the most predatory and dangerous scam of them all! The reason why this scam is so dangerous is because your mortgage more than likely will be sold at some point and time in the future. When your mortgage is sold, your mortgage servicer (the company you’re paying your mortgage to) must send you a notice 15 days before it is sold and 15 days after it has been sold. When you receive this in the mail, it is imperative you call your current mortgage servicer to confirm that this is true and correct. If you do not call, you are opening yourself up to being taken advantage of.
If you have questions regarding the information you’re receiving in the mail or anything at all at mortgages, please call us at Chissell Mortgage Group at 727-376-6900.
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