Experience is often the best teacher and buying a home is no different. The first year you’re in your first home, you’re likely to encounter a litany of different scams trying to prey on your inexperience. Knowing what these scams look like before they show up in your mailbox or inbox can save you from losing lots of money.
Wire Fraud
One scam growing in popularity is for hackers to steal information from title companies and send out emails to soon-to-be home buyers with instructions on where to wire their down payment. This can cost a new home buyer the shot at their dream home by robbing them of the down payment they’ve worked so hard to save. It’s best to do these wire transfers in person at your bank to avoid scams like this.
Getting Your Deed
One of the most common homeowner scams will probably show up in your mailbox the first week you own the home. Buying a home in the state of Oklahoma will automatically generate a new property deed that is stored as a public record in the county record’s office. Scammers will track down these new records and send you a very official looking letter in the mail claiming you need to send in $60 to get the deed to your house. However, the county will send you the deed for free if you just wait a few weeks.
Hail Storm Chasers
Living in Oklahoma, you’re likely to get at least one good hail storm every year. These storms bring sleazy roofers out of the woodwork trying to convince you that your roof is totaled and needs to be replaced. If one of these roofers comes around knocking on your door, always get a second opinion. Talk with your home insurance company to get a list of preferred vendors so you know you can trust what they’re telling you.