RENTAL FRAUD ON THE RISE!

I was listening to Clark Howard yesterday and heard of a scam that I wanted to share with you. If you are in the market for rental property....please do your research on the leasing agent and property. Folks are leasing foreclosed and vacant property that is not there's to lease! The scam is a leasing agent arrives to a vacant home, leases the property with a first and last month's rent. Months can pass by and the proper owner, usually the bank, evicts the tenant.

If you are looking for a rental here are a few tips to protect your $$.

1. ask agent for their license pocket card. As a licensed agent I am required to carry a pocket card. The card has the agent's license number, broker information and the seal of The State of GA. You can also check any agent's license information by visiting The State of Georgia Real Estate Commission.

2. Check tax records. Most counties in GA have their tax records online. This information will give you the proper owner's name and mailing address on record with the county. Visit qpublic.net to be linked to the county tax assessors office. Some of the information is a couple of weeks behind so you can always call or visit the clerk of court. Remember this is public information and you have the right to review it!

3. Last but not least....review the lease. Try to have the lease executed on a Georgia Association of Realtors form.