Spartanburg, SC

We have been asked by our local MLS to distribute this warning regarding a scam. Please also feel free to pass it on.

Columbia, SC - With so much news about economic stimulus packages and the country's economic recovery plans, consumers are hoping some of this stimulus money will funnel down to them. This is the perfect opening for con artists to try to scam the vulnerable. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has received numerous reports of scams using the stimulus package - each with a different twist - to steal personal information and/or money.

One of the more brazen twists uses President Barrack Obama's image to persuade consumers. SCDCA has received a number of forwarded emails from alert consumers who are suspicious of the offer. The mail, featuring a photograph of President Obama, promises a free stimulus check in varying amounts of from $613.27 to several thousand dollars. Consumers are directed to another link where they must "participate in the program" in order to receive the check.

Participation requires completion of several "reward offers" such as magazine subscriptions that the consumer must purchase or a credit card which can only be activated with a purchase. Although the offers themselves may or may not be real products, the consumer will have to spend money on things they possibly didn't need, plus they will not receive a stimulus check just for participating in the program.

The Department has also received calls from consumers concerning other e-mails they have received. The e-mail claims to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and asks them for sensitive information such as a bank account number or Social Security number in order to process their portion of the stimulus package. Consumers should remember that the IRS or any other government agency will never contact you regarding rebates or refunds via e-mail. Additionally, the IRS will never ask you for personal information.

Another twist on this scam arrives by US mail and contains an actual check, again in varying amounts. Of course the check is fake, but it looks very real. The accompanying literature instructs

consumers to call a toll free number for further instructions. Callers are then instructed to deposit the check but to wire a certain amount back to either enter into foreclosure rescue, or if you're not in foreclosure, to purchase a foreclosure "kit" with instructions on how to use the stimulus money to buy foreclosed properties in your area. This scam is for the needy as well as the greedy, but it is a scam nonetheless.

Homeowners qualifying for mortgage assistance or restructuring under the housing portion of the Economic Recovery Plan may be telephone by their lender just to expedite matters, but they should verify that the caller does indeed represent that lender. Consumers are urged to contact the Department if they are suspicious of anything they receive that purports to represent stimulus money.

For more information, contact the Public Information Division at 803.734.4190, toll free in SC at 1.800.922.1594, or online at www.scconsumer.gov.

There has been a lot of "Buzz" about foreclosures and short sales. It is estimated that as many as 40% of home sales will fall into one of these categories in the next 12 months. As many agents change the focus of their business to take advantage of these opportunities others stick to the core business.

Either way, it's Opportunity Time for all who strive to have a successful real estate business, both now and in the future. We believe those who survive this downturn will be stronger and more dominant when things improve. While others leave the business, those who succeed will increase market share. If they do it right, their market share will grow as the market grows and their future success is only limited by their desire, commitment and passion to succeed.

It truly is "Opportunity Time."

We believe that most home owners don't understand how the $8,000 tax credit will benefit them. The Government believes that first time buyers will purchase existing homes which will allow existing home owners to move up to larger more expensive homes and so forth.

This domino effect will therefore reduce inventories and stimulate the housing market and pull the economy out of the recession. It makes sense in that $100K homes would be purchased by first time home buyers allowing those sellers to move into $200K homes and so forth.

The only problem with this plan is that they are counting on these first time buyers to be credit worthy and have saved the money they need for down payments and closing cost. However, many of these potential purchasers are part of the "got-to-have-it-now" generation who have not saved and now realize they must stop spending and start saving. They have stopped using their credit cards and are instead paying off their credit card debt. They are not buying cars or houses.

Many existing home owners will benefit from the tax credit but will there be enough to dramatically impact our recovery? Will the government extend the program past December 1, 2009? I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it unfolds.

Many of you may remember when you had a Hometown Bakery and about 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon all remaining baked goods would go on sale. It helped the owners clear out inventory and purchasers would take advantage of the lower prices. Usually if you didn't make your purchase by 4 p.m. all of the really good ones were gone.

That is the current Real Estate Market! And buyers need to get their shopping done early before all of the really good one's are gone. Just think about it; Prices are Great, Interest Rates are Great, and the Inventory is abundant. In this Shifting Market things change at a rapid pace and this opportunity will not last forever. For first time home buyers there is even more incentive as they have to close on their purchase by December 1^st or lose their $8,000 tax credit.

So, like the Bakery, there is a limited time to purchase your Donuts and they are at a GREAT PRICE!

When you're moving to a new area it can be a pretty daunting task. You really need to have someone you can trust in your new location that knows the area and is qualified to answer all of your questions or at least get you going in the right direction. You also need to do your homework prior to the move. There are several key areas that will affect you bottom line in terms of money when purchasing your new home:

•· Learn about the culture of the new city's real estate market. It's crucial to know whether homes in the new location typically sell close to the asking price or substantially below. Know what items normally convey. Learn about local taxes as it's related to your purchase and make sure you investigate zoning and neighborhood use restriction.

•· Believe it or not you need to have an exit strategy when you purchase. You need to keep re-sale in mind. You may think you're going to stay in your new home forever, but things happen and plans change.

•· If you have a spouse who is giving up a job for the move you should act on this long before the move is scheduled to take place. If you need two incomes you need to be certain that your spouse is able to find employment.

•· Don't forget about the rest of the family. Learn about extra activities that are important to you and your family; sports, places of worship, medical facilities, commuting and transportation logistics; all the things that impact your daily activities.

•· Make sure that you work with an agent who you feel comfortable with and who can watch out for your financial and other interests. Navigating the maze of a new area can be challenging and you should have a relocation specialist in your corner.

If you would like to receive a free relocation package please visit our website at www.HomesInTheUpstate.net and click on the "Relocation Information" tab or call us at 864-706-3669. The Gardner Team is your Relocation Connection for Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina and we look forward to meeting all of your relocation needs.