Someone Could Try to Sell Your Property Without You Knowing

Here's a real estate scam that sounds almost unbelievable:

Someone pretends to be you.

Then tries to sell your property.

California's Department of Real Estate has specifically warned real estate professionals about criminals impersonating owners of vacant land.

And the properties that can attract attention aren't random.

What Criminals May Look For

Properties that are:

• Vacant
• Owned free and clear
• Long-term rentals
• Vacation properties
• Owned by someone living elsewhere
• Associated with an elderly or deceased owner

A fraudster may research public records, impersonate the owner, contact an agent and attempt to sell the property before the legitimate owner realizes what's happening.

That is why identity verification has become increasingly important in real estate.

Absentee Owners: Pay Attention

If you own a second home, investment property or land that you rarely visit, don't assume you'd immediately know if someone was attempting something fraudulent.

Periodically paying attention to your property records is a simple precaution.

And find out what protections your county offers.

Here in Contra Costa County, for example, the county operates a Property Title Fraud Notification Program. When property title transfers, the original homeowner receives notification and a copy of the recorded document so an unauthorized transfer can be reported.

Other counties may offer different services.

What About "Title Theft"?

Be careful with sensational advertising around this subject too.

You may encounter companies selling expensive monitoring products by suggesting someone can simply "steal your house" overnight.

The underlying fraud risk is real.

But fear shouldn't become another sales tactic.

Start with your county recorder and trusted title or legal professionals when you have concerns.

If Someone Unexpectedly Wants to Buy Your Property

An unsolicited offer isn't automatically suspicious.

But ask:

Why are they contacting me?

Do they know something I don't?

What is my property actually worth?

Who is this person?

What am I being asked to sign?

Don't allow someone else's urgency to become yours.

Ask Arielle

Q: I own a property I don't live in. What should I do?

Start by checking whether your county offers recorded-document or property-fraud notifications and periodically review information associated with the property.

If you're considering selling, work with professionals who take seller identity verification seriously.

Arielle Dixon, REALTOR®
Christie's International Real Estate Sereno
CalDRE #02056018