First Time Home Buyer

Check out National Association of REALTORS®’ consumer guide for first time home buyers . . . https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-buying-your-first-home

Wire Fraud

Here is a helpful guide from Title One, a Title and Escrow Co. on how to avoid wire fraud . . .

Cybercriminals constantly seek victims to wire them compensation, sales proceeds, or deposits. Real estate transactions are especially vulnerable. Here are steps to protect your money.

Call Before Sending Money:

• Do not wire money without calling us, TitleOne, to confirm wiring instructions.

• Call us if you are suspicious. Be wary of emails asking for money early or for part of the money needed to close. Don't trust an email that changes, updates, or "re-sends" wire instructions.

• Call your financial institution after you have talked to us. Confirm that they have the correct information.

Call After Sending

• Call us after sending your money to make sure we received it.

• Staying in touch with your escrow officer is the best way to avoid problems.

Act Immediately if Something Seems Wrong

• Contact your financial institution. Ask your bank to contact the bank where the wire was sent.

• Contact your local Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office – the FBI works with other agencies and might be able to return or freeze the funds.

• File a complaint online with the FBI at https://bec.ic3.govOpens in a new tab.

Offers of Compensation

Continuing to share National Association of REALTORS® consumer guides. Here is one regarding offers of compensation . . . https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2024-09/Consumer-Guide-Offers-of-Compensation-2024-09-11.pdf

Veterans Buying a Home

Find out what #veterans #needtoknow about #buyingahome with National Association of REALTORS® consumer guide . . . https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2024-09/consumer-guide-veteran-buyers-2024-09-04.pdf

Open Houses and Written Agreements

With new standards in the real estate industry, consumers have questions. National Association of REALTORS® offers helpful consumer guides. Take a look at this one, about #openhouses and whether or not you need to enter into a written agreement . . . https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2024-09/consumer-guide-to-open-houses-written-agreements-2024-08-29.pdf

Written Buyer Agreement

What is and why are you being asked to sign a #writtenbuyeragreement? Take a look at National Association of REALTORS® consumer guide for help in understanding . . . https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2024-08/consumer-guide-written-buyer-agreements-2024-08-24.pdf

Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements

National Association of REALTORS® has some helpful consumer guides. Take a look at their consumer guide for #negotiating written #buyeragreements . . . https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2024-09/consumer-guide-negotiating-written-buyer-agreements-2024-09-17.pdf

Listing Agreements

National Association of REALTORS® has some wonderful consumer guides to peruse. Take a look at their consumer guide for listing agreements . . . https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-listing-agreements

Veterans Buying Homes

Veterans are near and dear to my heart. I have family members and friends who have collectively served in every U.S. Military branch. I am extraordinarily grateful to receive the blessings that service members have bestowed.

As a REALTOR®, I have been honored to work with veterans in their home buying process. National Association of REALTORS® has a helpful resource that may answer some questions for veterans looking to purchase a home. If you have additional questions, or would like more information about buying home, contact Jenny Hershberger Bushman.

Make a Plan

Do you and your household have a plan, in case of a natural disaster? Here is a great resource to help you get organized: https://www.ready.gov/plan-form.