Why you should use a LOCAL Real Estate agent.

This notice was sent to all agents who subscribe to the Arizona Regional MLS.

• SCAM ALERT: Check Your Vacant Listings
• A recent scam reported to ARMLS® involves tenants moving into a pending short sale listing. The surprised listing agent contacted the owner who had not rented the property to anyone. The tenants (two women with two children) were physically moving in and had turned on utilities in their name. The sign and the lock box were removed, and all locks were re-keyed. The tenants responded to a For Rent sign in the yard. They gave someone $1,800 as rent and signed a lease. While the short sale was able to close, the unfortunate victims of this scam were out $1800 with no place to live.
• This down economy encourages some people to take advantage of others. Listing agents should check their vacant listings regularly and provide neighbors their contact information in case they observe any suspicious activity.

One of my promises to my sellers is to check the property at least once a week when it is vacant. Do you really believe the agent who lives and works an hour across town will do that? Do they have the time? If they do have the time, why?

Many, if not most homes for sale in Sun City are vacant while on the market. Doesn't it make sense to use someone who lives and works here to help you sell your home?