Congratulations! You’ve successfully closed on your new dream home in Newport Beach or elsewhere, refinanced your mortgage, or made changes to your property’s ownership structure such as placing the home into an LLC or a trust. However, along with these significant milestones comes the potential for unwanted solicitations and scams based on the fact that all of the above recordings become public records.
After completing any transaction that involves filing changes of ownership or title with the county, it’s not uncommon to receive a barrage of solicitations in the mail. These solicitations may come in the form of official-looking letters or notices from companies offering services related to your recent transaction.
One common tactic is for these companies to offer to provide a copy of the recorded documents for a fee. They may claim that it’s essential to have these documents for your records or to ensure that your transaction was completed correctly. While you should have copies of the documents, you can obtain those directly from the professionals involved in your transaction such as your REALTOR®, escrow office, title officer, attorney or bank.
Therefore, in most cases, these solicitations are unnecessary and can be safely ignored.
It’s essential to be vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with these solicitations. Real Estate Fraud is real, especially in high value areas such as Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa and Coastal Orange County. While some may be legitimate businesses offering legitimate services, others may be outright scams aimed at exploiting unsuspecting homeowners.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid falling victim to these scams:
- Know What to Expect: Before completing any transaction, familiarize yourself with the process and what documents you should receive afterward. This way, you’ll be better equipped to recognize any suspicious solicitations.
- Verify Sources: If you receive a solicitation that seems questionable, take the time to research the company and verify its legitimacy. Check online reviews, look for any complaints or scams reported to consumer protection agencies, and consult with trusted professionals if necessary.
- Don’t Feel Pressured: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to prompt immediate action. Don’t be swayed by urgent language or threats of consequences for not complying. Take your time to evaluate the solicitation carefully before making any decisions.
- Contact Trusted Professionals: If you have any doubts or concerns about a solicitation you’ve received, don’t hesitate to reach out to your real estate agent, lender, or legal advisor for guidance. They can provide valuable insight and help you navigate the situation effectively.
At Lucas Real Estate, we’re committed to protecting our clients from potential scams and ensuring a smooth and secure transaction process. If you receive any solicitations after completing a property transaction, feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
– Devin Lucas
Author Devin R. Lucas is a REALTOR®, Real Estate Attorney and real estate Broker and specializing in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Orange County coastal communities, serving individuals, Trustees and investors in residential real estate.
Lucas Real Estate – Attorney Devin Lucas and CPA Courtney Lucas – are experts in residential real estate transactions, tax considerations, Trustee representation and California’s Proposition 19.
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Lucas Real Estate
REALTORS® and related Real Estate Law & Tax Considerations
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Newport Beach | California | 92663-4023Lucas Real Estate is a unique full-service residential real estate brokerage providing related residential real estate legal services and real estate tax considerations and planning, based in Newport Beach, California. | Devin Lucas is a licensed California Real Estate Attorney, Real Estate Broker and REALTOR® | Courtney Lucas is a California licensed CPA and REALTOR®
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The content on this blog is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this blog should be construed to be legal advice, and you should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content on this blog without seeking appropriate legal advice regarding your particular situation, from an attorney licensed to practice law in your state. The content on this blog is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. Devin R. Lucas’ office is in Newport Beach, California and is only licensed to practice law in California. Please be advised that Devin R. Lucas only provides legal services or advice pursuant to a written legal services agreement. The content on this blog is not intended to, and does not, create an attorney-client relationship between you and Devin R. Lucas, nor does our receipt of an email or other communication from you. Some jurisdictions may consider this site to constitute attorney advertising; accordingly, please be advised this is an advertisement.
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