QUESTION:

 While working my full time job as an undercover police detective, I had the opportunity to see a lot of things “behind closed doors.” One of the most powerful phrases most investors and Americans do NOT understand is the title of this short article. I can not tell you how many folks, after being arrested for a crime, would say “I did not know that was against the law.”            

With the help of media and lenders and our economic market today, the word “real estate” has transformed into an almost bad word. In fact, many consumers are looking for ways to “get back” or get even, or sue the very folks who helped them graduate into homeownership. This means me and you have huge targets on our backs.

Be very careful in today’s real estate market. Always use the proper disclosures and always do things the right way, the professional way.

PROTECT YOURSELF NOW!         Remember this powerful phrase.

Here’s some simple no-brainer tips and red flags to avoid as a real estate investor.

• NEVER Buy using a Quit Claim Deed
• NEVER do “kitchen table closings.”
• ALWAYS use a “GOOD and REPUTABLE” real estate attorney or title company.
• ALWAYS buy Title Insurance when you are buying an investment property.
• If you are selling a property and you want to sell it real bad…. Be very careful about what you do to help your seller. Many times a loan officer or loan broker will ask a Seller to prepare another form or they may ask you to just sign this form and they’ll say “We Do This All The Time.” If you hear this phrase, you might want to run. (Remember, ignorance of the law is not a get out of jail free card.)
• AVOID buying using a “Contract for Deed, Land Contract, or Agreement for Deed.” Once again, always have a professional full blown closing with a real estate expert attorney or title company. (It is ok for you to sell on Land Contract or Contract for Deed)
• Some common schemes seen by IRS criminal investigators include:
  • (Now do you really want to say you are a “FLIPPER” or you “FLIP” Properties… the new F word.) 
  • Fraudulent Qualifications — Some “professionals” assist buyers who would not otherwise qualify by fabricating their employment history or credit record.

Happy Hunting and watch out for these Red Flags of Fraud.