The Background
Craigslist is a great tool to find almost anything you are looking for. But with every great tool, there are always some pitfalls. Unfortunately, in this case that means unscrupulous scammers. This is occurring on eBay and other auction sites as well.
My experience with these scammers has occurred on numerous occasions this year due to personal rentals and listings that I had posted on Craigslist.
What they did in my case was to place ads on Craigslist with email accounts that they created using my name, supposedly lending authenticity to what they are doing. In a couple of cases they found old listings that I had and just copied those. In one case, they used the information on a home for sale that was placed, but had photos of a different property and were trying to rent it – go figure!
The Scenario
The scam usually involves a story that the person had to move out of the country for work, etc. The scenarios that I encountered at the beginning of the year involved them moving to England, but since then it’s been somewhere in Africa (lately Nigeria) and they’ll send you a link to a company that they supposedly work for, again hopefully trying to give more authentication to their story.
They would tell the potential renter to drive-by the house & if they were interested they should email them and they would be sent instructions on how to send the security deposit and then therefore receive the keys to the house. Usually the rents were set much lower than the market value as a way to entice people.
Being a REALTOR®, I was very lucky that I had my signs in the yard & people would call me, usually all excited because they thought they had found a great deal. Unfortunately, I’m aware of one person that did go through and send them money before contacting me.
Because of this, I knew that I had to do something and therefore contacted the local police where I live. They said that they couldn’t do anything but did help in leading me in the correct direction. I then contacted the police in the city where the property was located, Craigslist and also the Orange County Fraud Division, which sent me to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. What I learned from the later was totally astonishing and sad at the same time. It appears that they get at least a dozen calls a day from people that have been scammed via the Internet. I know this happens, but the enormity of it I couldn’t fathom.
Craigslist has a FAQ’s page with a lot of information. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page you can send them an email. Try to be as specific as possible. Once I did get in contact with someone, they had the ad pulled quickly.
What’s really sad is that the county’s Fraud Division said that there is very little they could do. I thought it would be easy and that they could track the IP address from where the post was initiated. These scammers are quite smart and even the address that they use for you to send them money are drop boxes and also untraceable from what I was told.
The one way that I was able get a handle on all this was to check the Craigslist category that I posted to and then search for the address. It was very helpful in putting some of this to rest.
I would suggest that you do not contact the person submitting these ads. They will simply just create another email account.
As was earlier stated, the scams run the gamut and not just isolated to Real Estate.
The Solutions
1. Deal only with local people that you can meet whether they are a buyer or seller
2. NEVER wire money and that includes Western Union or any other wire service
3. Fake Money Orders or Cashier Checks are not as uncommon as you may think – you will be held responsible if your bank discovers it not to be authentic.
4. Just because they are using an ‘Escrow Service’ such as PayPal, Authorize.Net, SquareTrade or others does not in any way guarantee the service or product.
5. NEVER give out any of your information whether it is financial, social security number, etc.
The long and short of it is that you should trust your instincts. If it’s too good to be true – it probably is. If you have a queasy feeling about something – then listen to yourself.
REMEMBER - ‘Caveat Emptor’ – Let the Buyer Beware!!
Yes, there are some lovely people are out there. If they put this much effort into a real job, imagine how successful they might be, but….
Till next time….Marc It Sold!
Love my comics in the morning & couldn’t resist this after seeing it. It is just too funny. Yes, social media is great and I think many of can relate to this on so many different levels. LOL!!
Have a great day!!
The following are the market sales statistics for Winter Park, Seminole and Orange Counties, Florida for May 2009. Winter Park is made up of the zip codes of 32789 & 32792. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.
A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.
The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.
The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.
There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.
Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.
Single-Family Homes
47 homes sold during the month of May.
The average sales price is $334,891 with 191 days on the market.
The median sales price is $197,000.
The sales to list price ratio is 93%.
The most expensive home sold for $2,137,500 in Osceola Shores after 528 days on the market.
The least expensive home sold for $40,000 in Windward Square after 582 days on the market.
The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $564,626 with 140 days on the market and on 40 sales, an increase of 18%.
The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 8% and a decrease in the median sales price of 9%. There was also an increase in sales volume of 18% with no change in the sales to list price ratio.
Condos, Townhomes & Villas
21 homes sold
The average sales price was $183,545 with 182 days on the market.
The median sales price was $156,000.
The sales to list price ratio is 96%.
The most expensive condo sold for $230,000 in Townhomes at Harper Place and was on the market 200 days.
The least expensive sold for $38,000 in Wrenwood Condo after 103 days on the market.
The average sales price a year earlier was $151,443 with 136 days on the market on 12 sales, an increase of 33%.
The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 46% and a decrease in the median sales price of 47%. These decreases are somewhat equivalent to the previous month’s increases. Yet, there was a decrease in sales volume of 24% with a 2% decrease in the sales to list price ratio.
For information on Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County real estate and Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County homes for sale in addition to Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Winter Park and Seminole and Orange County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.
To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his website.
Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034
You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker
Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.
Marc It Sold!
BreakingOrlandoNews.com is aggregating Twitter feeds for Game 4 of the Orlando Magic & Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. This is a great and easy way for you to follow what’s going on.
The following are the market sales statistics for Lake Mary, Seminole County, Florida for April 2009. Lake Mary is made up of the zip code 32746. For purposes of this analysis we will be splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.
A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.
The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.
The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.
There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.
Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.
Single-Family Homes
29 homes sold during the month of April.
The average sales price is $343,170 with 110 days on the market.
The median sales price is $366,000.
The sales to list price ratio is 93%.
The most expensive home sold for $750K in Carisbrooke and was on the market 351 days.
The least expensive home sold for $44,000 in Greenleaf & Wilson after 104 days on the market.
The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $354,854 with 155 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 95% on 22 sales an increase of 31.82%.
The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 13.47% and an increase in the median sales price of 60.53%. There was an increase in sales volume of 52.63% with a 1% increase in the sales to list price ratio.
Condos, Townhomes & Villas
10 homes sold
The average sales price was $93,339 with 59 days on the market.
The median sales price was $80,500.
The sales to list price ratio is 98%.
The most expensive townhome sold for $161,990 in Lake Mary Landings and was new construction.
The least expensive condo sold for $39,500 in Canterbury at The Crossings after 92 days on the market.
The average sales price a year earlier was $208,484 with 107 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 96% on 7 sales, an increase of 42.86%.
The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 4.82% and an increase in the median sales price of 15.16%. There was a decrease in sales volume of 9.09% with a 4% increase in the sales to list price ratio.
For information on Lake Mary and Seminole County real estate and Lake Mary and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Lake Mary and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Lake Mary and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.
To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his website.
Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034
You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker
Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.
Marc It Sold!
The following are the market sales statistics for Longwood, Seminole County, Florida for February 2009. Longwood is made up of the zip codes of 32779 & 32750. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.
A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time – in other words, it’s the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it’s specifically indicating which price range is more active.
The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties divided by the number of properties sold.
The sales to list price ratio is just that, you’re dividing the average sales price by the average list price and coming up with a percentage that tells you how much of the list price the average homes sold for.
There needs to be a disclaimer here. These stats are only as good as telling us what it being purchased and happening at a certain period in time. Also, it needs to be fully understood that not only is real estate local, but it is hyper-local. What this means is that the trends that we hear about are overall. Let’s put it this way, what’s happening in one neighborhood, may not be realized in the neighborhood next door.
Additionally, these are only monthly statistics and to get a better scope of what is happening, you need to look at a longer period of time. More high-end homes might be sold in one month as opposed to another. By looking at a longer period, you will get a better overall picture. It is all relative and this has to be understood when utilizing these stats.
Single-Family Homes
27 homes sold during the month of February.
The average sales price is $334,601 with 157 days on the market.
The median sales price is $247,200.
The sales to list price ratio is 93%.
The most expensive home sold for $1.315M in Alaqua Lakes and was on the market 114 days..
The least expensive home sold for $110,000 in Longdale after 149 days on the market.
The average sales price for the same period a year earlier was $324,011 with 164 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94% on 22 sales, a decrease of 23%.
The month to month changes show an increase in the average sales price of 22% and an increase in the median sales price of 9.3%. There was an increase in sales volume of 80% with a 4% increase in the sales to list price ratio. Except for 2 homes that sold for over $1M, the rest sold for $550K and under.
Condos, Townhomes & Villas
4 homes sold
The average sales price is $95,750 with 165 days on the market.
The median sales price is $61,250.
The sales to list price ratio is 97%.
The more expensive townhome sold for $212,000 in The Springs and was on the market 323 days.
The less expensive sold for $48,500 in Clubside at Sabal Point a Condominium after 21 days on the market.
The average sales price a year earlier was $264,000 with 359 days on the market and a sales to list price ratio of 94% on 2 sales, an increase of 200%.
The month to month changes show a decrease in the average sales price of 41%. There was an increase in sales volume of 200% with a 7% increase in the sales to list price ratio.
For information on Longwood and Seminole County real estate and Longwood and Seminole County homes for sale in addition to Longwood and Seminole County relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Longwood and Seminole County Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.
To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his website.
Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034
You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker
Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.
Marc It Sold!
On March 10, 2009, Marc Grossman, GRI opened Marc It Sold!, a real estate services firm serving the Greater Orlando Central Florida area.
To all my readers,
I just wanted to wish You and your families a very, very Happy, Healthy, Peaceful & Prosperous New Year. My hope for you is that you get everything that you strive for and desire in the new year and forever!
Best Regards,
Marc
The recent unseasonal cold weather brought about this post of concrete block construction vs. wood frame. There are advantages and disadvantages with both types of construction. One of the main deciding factors in utilizing concrete block vs. frame construction is the climate of the home.
In warmer more tropical climates, concrete block is generally utilized due to its properties in keeping a home cooler during the early part of the day and therefore using less air conditioning. On the other hand in colder weather, concrete block does not insulate well and you feel quite cold. That’s where I’ve been during these colder days that we’ve been noticing in Central Florida this year. Wood frame construction has more insulating properties than does concrete block. With wood frame you place the insulation not only in the ceiling but the walls as well creating a much more energy efficient home.
Another main reason, which used to be more valid in the past, for utilizing concrete block vs. frame construction was it’s being able to withstand hurricane force winds much better. Frame construction has come a long way over the years and can, when properly built, withstand winds of 120mph. Granted, you are more susceptible to damage from a hurricane in a wood frame home vs. concrete block.
Now we come to our friend the termite. Because of our weather and therefore great deal of moisture during certain times of year, we have the issue of termites. More so than many other parts of the country. With that said, termites love wood. Too many people are of the misunderstanding that you will not get termites if you have a home built of concrete block. While a frame constructed home is more susceptible, there is still wood utilized for the interior construction of a concrete block home – roof trusses, baseboards, furring strips, etc.
With frame construction you will have more design flexibility of the home as opposed to concrete block. In fact some of the design elements that you see in a concrete block home are actually areas that are framed out.
Here’s a little table to assist you in the pros and cons of concrete block vs. frame construction:
|
|
Concrete Block
|
Wood Frame
|
|
Construction Cost
|
|
X
|
|
High Wind/Hurricane
|
X
|
|
|
Insulating Properties
|
|
X
|
|
Possible Termites
|
X
|
|
|
Design Flexibility
|
|
X
|
|
Insurance Cost
|
X
|
|
Hope this helps you in deciding what’s right for you!
For information on Orlando real estate and Orlando homes for sale in addition to Orlando relocation contact Marc Grossman, your Greater Orlando Area Realtor @ 407-463-1034. Additional information is available for Seminole County real estate, Orange County real estate, West Volusia County and South Lake County.
To learn more about Marc and the services he has to offer, visit his website.
Marc Grossman, GRI - http://www.OrlandoHomes-4u.com/ - 407-463-1034
You can read Marc’s other blogs Real Estate Morsels, Real Estate Off The Leash & Real Estate Cracker
Marc donates 10% of his net proceeds to Hospice of the Comforter.
Marc It Sold!
I don’t generally believe in coincidences, but… Yesterday, I wrote a post on ‘stuff’ – the fact that we accumulate such and what it all really boils down to in the end. Today, I received a card for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year from a very dear friend.
He sent it from the Chabad site. I played around the site for a little bit and then boom, I was hit in the face with these words “The Hebrew language has no word for “things,” for “objects” or for “stuff.” Even the words “physical” and “matter” are borrowed terms.” It was from an article “The Adam Factor,” by Tzvi Freeman.
What was somewhat profound to me is that I was discussing an end and today is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. It literally means ‘head of the year.’ This may seem odd to some, but you have to understand that we use the Lunar calendar in this regard. There are several beginnings with Rosh Hashanah. We read the torah from the beginning again. The story starts with Adam and Eve.
It is one of the several high holidays that Jewish people observe and is a very solemn holiday ending on Yom Kippur in which we repent for our sins, ask for forgiveness and that we should be written in the ‘Book of Life’ for the new year.
L’shanah tovah tikatev ve’techatem l’alter l’chayim tovim - “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year, for good life immediately.“
The Background
