Don’t be a Victim: How to Avoid Rental Scams When Looking for a New Home
Looking for a new place to call home is a big life change. We know it can be stressful but rental scammers can make it worse. Rental scams have become more prevalent in recent years and unfortunately, many people fall victim to them. Whether you’re looking to rent to own or buy your home outright, it’s important to know how to avoid dealing with frauds. We’ve put together the top tips we believe will help you avoid scammers and help you rent or buy a new home with peace of mind.
For starters, do your research. Check out the market in the area you’re looking to move to. Parkhaven is proud to currently have mobile home communities in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. All mobile homes in the area are priced within the same range, taking the condition of the home into account. If you find a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers frequently use legitimate real estate websites or social media pages to post fake houses for rent, luring victims into buying homes. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and if they’re low, ask why.
Speaking of questions, it’s always smart to ask the landlord or mobile home community manager to meet in person. Real estate scammers often hide behind fake identities and are hesitant to provide or verify their details and location. Sometimes they’ll say they can’t show you the property until payment is received–don’t fall for this! Never buy a house, move in, or sign a lease agreement without touring first and knowing who you’re dealing with.
Also, never trust someone willing to bypass a background check or skip on pulling your credit score. Legitimate rentals will come with a professional application process that includes running a background and credit check. If they’re offering to do you a favor by skipping these things, consider it a red flag. If you’re worried about presenting a low credit score when buying a house, have no fear. Parkhaven Communities works with its residents to find a home that fits their needs. We rent to own meaning you can rent your house while working towards eventually owning it. Along with some other criteria, you need to be able to cover your down payment, first month’s rent, and the security deposit in order to rent to own.
Lastly, when it comes to dealing with scammers, it’s best to trust your instinct. If something doesn’t seem right or you feel pressured to make a quick decision on buying a house, take a step back. Frauds often create a sense of urgency or intimidation to push their victims into making decisions on the spot. If you’re looking to make our mobile home community your neighborhood, you should know that we’ll never make you feel this way. With these tips in mind, you can find your new home and enjoy the process. Reach out today to find out if Parkhaven is right for you!
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