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 usually charges a percentage of the rents collected. Most landlords find that our fees are lower than other property management firms in Northern Virginia. Every aspect of Nesbitt Realty property manager’s responsibilities will be outlined in a contract signed by both Nesbitt Realty and the landlord. Our property management agreement was written by the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors staff attorneys. This standardized agreement details financial responsibilities and specifies the types of financial reports the landlord can expect.
Our promise to you
Your Nesbitt Realty property manager will stay current on new laws and condo regulations which may be relevant to your situation. Nesbitt Realty Property Management takes a lot of the burden off of owning rental real estate. Call us at (703) 765-0300 to discuss.
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During the sales process, Nesbitt Realty will make everything as smooth and stress-free as possible.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
