Between new technologies and the home bubble bursting, scam artists are out in force in the real estate market. If you're a buyer or a seller - or even an agent - HomeValue.us.org is here to help with this list of frankly creepy real estate rip-offs that could cost you everything. At HomeValue.us.org, we strive to be your first choice for home and property reports in the US. Check out http://HomeValue.us.org/ for the most accurate and up to date reports that include the current market value, square footage, previous ownership, and other beneficial details.

1. HomeValue.us.org Presents:
Top 10 Home Buyer Rip-Offs

2. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #1
In some new developments, homebuilders
are including in contracts a 1% fee to be paid
to them every time the house is sold -- for 99
years. And the money doesn't go for
improvements or upkeep: It's just money in
the builders' pockets.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/08/23/real_estate/home_resale_fee/

3. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #2
Security sales agents may state or imply
that they are from your existing security
company and that they're there to
"upgrade" or "replace" your current security
system. Once inside your home, however,
they may install a new security system and
have you sign papers that include a costly
contract for the monitoring service.
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0195-some-home-security-systems-may-be-scams

4. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #3
Lenders approve short sales to avoid
foreclosure and minimize their losses; they
request payments "outside of escrow" or
"off the settlement statement." As a buyer
or seller involved in a short sale, you may
be tempted to make an undisclosed
payment. By doing so, however, you would
most likely be a party to loan fraud.
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/short-sale-fraud-three-scams-33440.html

5. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #4
The more rushed you are, the more likely
you will overlook something or sign a
document before fully understanding it.
When it comes to real estate and
mortgages, knowing the people working
with you is key. And if you are new to the
process, ask friends for referrals, check
references and make sure they are familiar
with property values and the community
you are buying into.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/real-estate-scams-are-a-big-boomer-complaint-2013-03-11

6. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #5
A scam artist rents a property. While living
there, he makes a fake document
conveying the property to himself and
records a fraudulent release of the lender’s
mortgage lien on the property, giving the
illusion that he had bought the property and
that it was free of any debt. Then he
markets the home and sells it.
http://www.lawproblems.com/How_To_Avoid_Scams_When_Buying_Property.htm

7. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #6
Don't sign anything that has any blank
spaces. Information could be added later
that you didn’t agree to. (Yes, it happens.)
http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107743&page=2

8. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #7
Make sure the agent you are working with
is licensed. Check online reviews of your
agent. Ask your agent questions. If
someone you know has purchased a home,
ask if they used an agent and what their
impressions were. Con artists rarely do
legitimate sales or rentals so if your friend
or family got what they were promised from
an agent, that agent is probably okay.
http://homeestates.net/how-to-spot-10-common-real-estate-scams/

9. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #8
The seller sets up their own friends as
phony buyers and inflates the value of their
property with forged appraisals. After the
seller collected his money on the inflated
sale, the “buyer” would disappear, never to
make even one mortgage payment. The
phony deal leaves the bank holding the title
to a property worth much less than the
loan, while the collaborative buyer and
seller divvy up the profits.
http://www.forbes.com/2006/07/19/real-estate-scams_cx_tvr_0719ripoffs.html

10. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #9
Forgery of documents showing someone is
the owner of a property but really is not: It’s
been reinvented with technology as the
duplicating of notary stamps and grant
deeds is much easier with the use of the
Internet.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/real-estate-scams-are-a-big-boomer-complaint-2013-03-11

11. HomeValue.us.org Rip-Off #10
Renters should beware as well, especially if
they're looking in another city or state.
Unfortunately, scammers are taking
advantage. Some make up phony listings,
and try to lure renters with the promise of
extra- low rent. They ask potential renters
to send money before they see the
apartment or sign a lease.
http://www.usa.gov/topics/consumer/scams-fraud/family-home-community/rental-fraud.shtml