Real Estate Matters: How to avoid rental scams

Author: WINK NEWS
Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla. – WINK News’ real estate expert Denny Grimes from Denny Grimes and Company joins us in the studio to discuss real estate scams. What steps can be taken to minimize this from happening to you?

A scam of any kind is despicable, but one that involves a home, which is basic to the security of the children, is the lowest of lows.

Warning Signs of a Rental Scam:

1. Being asked to send money before seeing a home.
If you’re local, you have the address and can drive by and verify it is a valid address, as some scams rent addresses that don’t exist.

2. The Landlord requires unusually high up-front fees.

3. Landlord makes it too easy to become the tenant.

4. Landlord has excuses for NOT meeting you at the property.

Tips to avoid being scammed:

1. Deal with an established rental company or local real estate agent.

2. Check owners name on tax roll.

If process seems rushed or too good to be true then hire a professional to verify things for you.

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