September 7, 2022

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate

Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. And even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next.1


This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward qualifying for the best mortgage rates available today – and open up the possibility of refinancing at a lower rate in the future.

How does a lower mortgage rate save you money? According to Trading Economics, the average new mortgage size in the United States is currently around $410,000.2 Let’s compare a 5.0% versus a 6.0% fixed-interest rate on that amount over a 30-year term.

With a 5% rate, your monthly payments would be about $2,201. At 6%, those payments would jump to $2,458, or around $257 more. That adds up to a difference of almost $92,600 over the lifetime of the loan. In other words, shaving off just one percentage point on your mortgage could put nearly $100K in your pocket over time.

So, how can you improve your chances of securing a low mortgage rate? Try these eight strategies:

 

Raise your credit score.

Borrowers with higher credit scores are viewed as “less risky” to lenders, so they are offered lower interest rates. A good credit score typically starts at 690 and can move up into the 800s.3 If you don’t know your score, check with your bank or credit card company to see if they offer free access. If not, there are a plethora of both free and paid credit monitoring services you can utilize.

If your credit score is low, you can take steps to improve it, including:4

  • Correct any errors on your credit reports, which can bring down your score. You can access reports for free by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.
  • Pay down revolving debt. This includes credit card balances and home equity lines of credit.
  • Avoid closing old credit card accounts in good standing. It could lower your score by shortening your credit history and shrinking your total available credit.
  • Make all future payments on time. Payment history is a primary factor in determining your credit score, so make it a priority.
  • Limit your credit applications to avoid having your score dinged by too many inquiries. If you’re shopping around for a car loan or mortgage, minimize the impact by limiting your applications to a short period, usually 14 to 45 days.5

Over time, you should start to see your credit score climb — which will help you qualify for a lower mortgage rate.

 

Keep steady employment.

If you are preparing to purchase a home, it might not be the best time to make a major career change. Unfortunately, frequent job moves or gaps in your résumé could hurt your borrower eligibility.

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will typically review your employment and income over the past 24 months.5 If you’ve earned a steady paycheck, you could qualify for a better interest rate. A stable employment history gives lenders more confidence in your ability to repay the loan.

That doesn’t mean a job change will automatically disqualify you from purchasing a home. But certain moves, like switching from W-2 to 1099 (independent contractor) income, could throw a wrench in your home buying plans.6


Lower your debt-to-income ratios.

Even with a high credit score and a great job, lenders will be concerned if your debt payments are consuming too much of your income. That’s where your debt-to-income (DTI) ratios will come into play.

There are two types of DTI ratios:7

  1. Front-end ratio — What percentage of your gross monthly income will go towards covering housing expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, and dues or association fees)?
  2. Back-end ratio — What percentage of your gross monthly income will go towards covering ALL debt obligations (housing expenses, credit cards, student loans, and other debt)?

What’s considered a good DTI ratio? For better rates, lenders typically want to see a front-end DTI ratio that’s no higher than 28% and a back-end ratio that’s 36% or less.7

If your DTI ratios are higher, you can take steps to lower them, like purchasing a less expensive home or increasing your down payment. Your back-end ratio can also be decreased by paying down your existing debt. A bump in your monthly income will also bring down your DTI ratios.

 

Increase your down payment.

Minimum down payment requirements vary by loan type. But, in some cases, you can qualify for a lower mortgage rate if you make a larger down payment.8

Why do lenders care about your down payment size? Because borrowers with significant equity in their homes are less likely to default on their mortgages. That’s why conventional lenders often require borrowers to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) if they put down less than 20%.

A larger down payment will also lower your overall borrowing costs and decrease your monthly mortgage payment since you’ll be taking out a smaller loan. Just be sure to keep enough cash on hand to cover closing costs, moving expenses, and any furniture or other items you’ll need to get settled into your new space.

 

Compare loan types.

All mortgages are not created equal. The loan type you choose could save (or cost) you money depending on your qualifications and circumstances.

For example, here are several common loan types available in the U.S. today:9

  • Conventional — These offer lower mortgage rates but have more stringent credit and down payment requirements than some other types.
  • FHA — Backed by the government, these loans are easier to qualify for but often charge a higher interest rate.
  • Specialty — Certain specialty loans, like VA or USDA loans, might be available if you meet specific criteria.
  • Jumbo — Mortgages that exceed the local conforming loan limit are subject to stricter requirements and may have higher interest rates and fees.10

When considering loan type, you’ll also want to weigh the pros and cons of a fixed-rate versus variable-rate mortgage:11

  • Fixed rate — With a fixed-rate mortgage, you’re guaranteed to keep the same interest rate for the entire life of the loan. Traditionally, these have been the most popular type of mortgage in the U.S. because they offer stability and predictability.
  • Adjustable rate — Adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, have a lower introductory interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages, but the rate can rise after a set period of time — typically 3 to 10 years.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, 10% of American homebuyers are now selecting ARMs, up from just 4% at the start of this year.12 An ARM might be a good option if you plan to sell your home before the rate resets. However, life is unpredictable, so it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks involved.

 

Shorten your mortgage term.

A mortgage term is the length of time your mortgage agreement is in effect. The terms are typically 15, 20, or 30 years.13 Although the majority of homebuyers choose 30-year terms, if your goal is to minimize the amount you pay in interest, you should crunch the numbers on a 15-year or 20-year mortgage.

With shorter loan terms, the risk of default is less, so lenders typically offer lower interest rates.13 However, it’s important to note that even though you’ll pay less interest, your mortgage payment will be higher each month, since you’ll be making fewer total payments. So before you agree to a shorter term, make sure you have enough room in your budget to comfortably afford the larger payment.

 
Get quotes from multiple lenders.

When shopping for a mortgage, be sure to solicit quotes from several different lenders and lender types to compare the interest rates and fees. Depending upon your situation, you could find that one institution offers a better deal for the type of loan and term length you want.

Some borrowers choose to work with a mortgage broker. Like an insurance broker, they can help you gather quotes and find the best rate. However, if you use a broker, make sure you understand how they are compensated and contact more than one so you can compare their recommendations and fees.14

Don’t forget that we can be a valuable resource in finding a lender, especially if you are new to the home buying process. After a consultation, we can discuss your financing needs and connect you with loan officers or brokers best suited for your situation.

 

Consider mortgage points.

Even if you score a great interest rate on your mortgage, you can lower it even further by paying for points. When you buy mortgage points — also known as discount points — you essentially pay your lender an upfront fee in exchange for a lower interest rate. The cost to purchase a point is 1% of your mortgage amount. For each point you buy, your mortgage rate will decrease by a set amount, typically 0.25%.15 You’ll need upfront cash to pay for the points, but you can more than makeup for the cost in interest savings over time.

However, it only makes sense to buy mortgage points if you plan to stay in the home long enough to recoup the cost. You can determine the breakeven point or the period of time you’d need to keep the mortgage to make up for the fee, by dividing the cost by the amount saved each month.15 This can help you determine whether or not mortgage points would be a good investment for you.

 

Getting Started

Unfortunately, the rock-bottom mortgage rates we saw during the height of the pandemic are behind us. However, today’s 30-year fixed rates still fall beneath the historical average of around 8% — and are well below the all-time peak of 18.45% in 1981.16, 17

And although higher mortgage rates have made it more expensive to finance a home purchase, they have also eliminated some of the competition from the market. Consequently, today’s buyers are finding more homes to choose from, fewer bidding wars, and more sellers willing to negotiate or offer incentives such as cash toward closing costs or mortgage points.

If you’re ready and able to buy a home, there’s no reason that concerns about mortgage rates should sideline your plans. The reality is that many economists predict home prices to continue climbing.18 So you may be better off buying today at a slightly higher rate than waiting and paying more for a home a few years from now. You can always refinance if mortgage rates go down, but you can’t make up for the lost years of equity growth and appreciation.


If you have questions or would like more information about buying or selling a home, reach out to schedule a free consultation. We’d love to help you weigh your options, navigate this shifting market, and reach your real estate goals!

 


Sources:

  1. Washington Post –
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/08/04/mortgage-rates-sink-below-5-percent-first-time-four-months/
  2. Trading Economics –
    https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/average-mortgage-size
  3. NerdWallet –
    https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/what-is-a-good-credit-score
  4. Debt.org –
    https://www.debt.org/credit/improving-your-score/
  5. The Balance –
    https://www.thebalance.com/will-multiple-loan-applications-hurt-my-credit-score-960544
  6. Time –
    https://time.com/nextadvisor/mortgages/how-lenders-evaluate-your-employment/
  7. Bankrate –
    https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/why-debt-to-income-matters-in-mortgages/
  8. NerdWallet –
    https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/payment-buy-home
  9. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau –
    https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-options/
  10. NerdWallet –
    https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/jumbo-loans-what-you-need-to-know
  11. Bankrate –
    https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/arm-vs-fixed-rate/
  12. MarketWatch –
    https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/as-mortgage-rates-rise-heres-exactly-how-more-homebuyers-are-snagging-mortgage-rates-around-4-01656513665
  13. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau –
    https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-options/#anchor_loan-term_361c08846349fe
  14. Federal Trade Commission –
    https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/shopping-mortgage-faqs
  15. Bankrate –
    https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/mortgage-points/
  16. CNBC –
    https://www.cnbc.com/select/mortgage-rates-today-still-relatively-low/
  17. Rocket Mortgage –
    https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/historical-mortgage-rates-30-year-fixed
  18. MarketWatch –
    https://www.marketwatch.com/picks/continuing-home-price-deceleration-heres-what-5-economists-and-real-estate-pros-predict-will-happen-to-the-housing-market-this-year-01659347993

Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves: A Guide to the Best Buying and Selling Seasons

December 2, 2025
Timing isn’t everything in real estate, but it can mean the difference between saving $20,000 or paying a premium, selling in 30 days or waiting three months, and negotiating from a position of strength or uncertainty. As we look toward 2026, understanding seasonal patterns has become more critical than ever. With inventory levels normalizing and market conditions continuing to evolve, knowing when to make your move can dramatically impact your outcome. Whether you're a first-time buyer watching every dollar or a seller trying to maximize your profit, the season you choose matters. The challenge? Not everyone can wait for the "perfect" time. Job relocations happen in January. A growing family needs more space in July. Retirement doesn’t wait for spring. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each season so you can make the smartest decision within your timeline. Spring: Peak Selling Season (March-May) Spring isn’t called peak season by accident. The housing market comes alive with energy that is impossible to ignore. Data shows homes listed in spring sell in as few as 33 days, compared to 49 days in winter. 1 May also offers the highest seller premium, 13.1% above market value, translating to faster sales and higher returns. 2 Buyer psychology also plays a role. Warmer weather encourages open house attendance, longer daylight allows more viewings, and families aim to move before school starts, creating urgency. Spring blooms and greenery boost curb appeal in ways winter staging cannot match. 3 The Competition Factor The trade-off is that spring’s advantages come with more competition. Sellers must make their homes stand out, pricing correctly, staging well, and marketing aggressively. Buyers benefit from the largest inventory, with new properties listed weekly, but face higher competition. In May and June, 35% of buyers pay above list price compared to 24% in January, making bidding wars common and increasing pressure to decide quickly. 4 Summer: Extended Peak Season (June-August) As spring transitions to summer, the market maintains its momentum. June often sees the highest sales volume of the year, with more than 16,500 homes selling per day. 1 The Family Timeline Summer’s appeal aligns with family schedules, as school breaks let children move without disrupting education. Warm weather and long days make moving easier and provide ample time for viewings. Outdoor spaces like pools, patios, and landscaping are at their best. Higher prices and sales activity reflect the premium buyers pay for peak-season convenience. Late Summer Shifts By August, changes appear. Unsold spring or early summer listings may become “stale,” and buyers begin settling as school starts. Competition eases slightly, though prices stay high, making it a transition month where patient buyers can benefit. A practical concern is moving costs, which peak in summer due to high demand. Nearly half of all household moves occur between June and August, increasing competition for movers and rental trucks alike. 5 Fall: Underrated Opportunity Season (September-November) Fall might be real estate's best-kept secret. While conventional wisdom suggests spring is the only time to transact, savvy buyers and sellers increasingly recognize fall's unique advantages. Less Competition, More Serious Players Data shows a large share of home sales occur in the fall, a detail often overlooked. With fewer competing sellers, listings stand out more, and active buyers tend to be serious and ready to act quickly. 3 October typically offers the best conditions for buyers. Data shows it has one of the lowest seller premiums of the year—about 8.8% above market value—as demand cools and competition eases. 2 Home prices also tend to dip slightly from summer highs, saving buyers thousands compared to peak-season purchases. 4 For first-time buyers especially, fall can be an ideal time to find value without the bidding wars of spring and summer. The Urgency Factor Fall brings natural urgency. Buyers aim to close before holidays and bad weather, while sellers may be motivated by taxes or avoiding a winter listing. Comfortable weather in many areas makes showings easier. Fall buyers are often more decisive, with fewer casual browsers and more serious purchasers ready to negotiate. Winter: Value Season (December-February) Winter gets a bad reputation in real estate, but for buyers with flexibility, it offers the year's best value proposition. The Numbers Don’t Lie The low-competition environment in winter provides the best opportunity for buyers to secure a discount. In January, only 24% of buyers pay above list price compared to 35% in May and June, which greatly reduces the chance of bidding wars. 4 This lower competition also means winter homes stay on the market longer, averaging 49 days versus 31 days during peak season, giving buyers more time, less pressure, and stronger negotiating power. 1 Motivated sellers become more flexible as the holidays pass. Moving companies also offer their lowest rates in winter. Winter’s Challenges Winter has trade-offs. Sellers face the lowest buyer traffic, holiday distractions, limited curb appeal from dormant landscaping, and shorter daylight for showings. Yet winter offers advantages. Less competition can help if you price aggressively and present well, and buyers who do visit are highly motivated, often relocating for jobs. Warm-climate markets like Florida and Arizona see smaller winter slowdowns, making location important. 1 Snow and ice create safety hazards, and cold weather makes moving harder. However, winter also reveals property truths, such as heating efficiency, drafty windows, and roof performance, which is all information savvy buyers use during inspections. Regional Differences: Not All Markets Are Equal Seasonal changes in the real estate market depend heavily on location, meaning a strategy that works in one city may fail in another. Markets in the Midwest and Northeast experience the most dramatic seasonal swings due to harsh winters, which push most activity into the short window between May and August. For example, daily home sales in the Midwest often more than double from January to June, with states like Illinois and Ohio seeing significant annual price swings. In contrast, Southern and Western markets enjoy stable, year-round activity because of mild weather. Places like California and most of the South see much less severe slowdowns in winter. The exception markets are those where mild winter weather attracts buyers, like Phoenix, Arizona , where the best selling time is late November. Understanding these local patterns is crucial, as local market dynamics always matter more than general national statistics. Feel free to reach out if you would like to know more about the specific seasonal patterns in your local area. Pricing Strategies by Season Pricing strategy must adapt to seasonal realities. What works in May fails in December, and vice versa. Spring and Summer Pricing During peak season, competitive pricing often attracts multiple offers. Pricing strategically 10–15% below comparable sales can spark competition and push final offers above list. Psychological pricing also matters; listing slightly under round numbers ($349,000 instead of $350,000) increases online visibility and appeals to buyer behavior. Emphasizing seasonal features such as outdoor spaces, natural light, and blooming gardens helps justify premium pricing. 3 Fall Reality Check As competition declines in fall, pricing should be more realistic. Listing slightly below spring comparables can help generate activity. Flexibility on price attracts serious year-end buyers eager to close before the holidays and bad weather. Recognizing buyer urgency allows you to price strategically rather than reactively. 2 Winter Aggression Winter requires more aggressive pricing to attract a smaller buyer pool. Pricing 5–10% below spring values can create immediate interest. Motivated sellers should focus on value over premium pricing. Buyers shopping in January aren’t bargain hunters, they’re seeking homes that justify moving during an inconvenient season. 1 Year-round best practices stay consistent: use a Comparative Market Analysis, consider current market conditions, account for unique property features that algorithms may overlook, and monitor comparable sales while staying open to adjustments. Buyer Offer Strategies by Season Spring and Summer Competition Peak season requires quick, confident action. Get pre-approved to show you’re a serious buyer and be ready to move fast. Consider offering above asking price when you find the right property, and use an escalation clause to outbid competitors up to your limit. Flexible closing dates also strengthen your offer. Some buyers write personal letters to create emotional connections. Fall and Winter Leverage Negotiating power shifts with the seasons. In fall and winter, when seller competition drops and buyer pools shrink, you gain leverage. You can more easily request seller concessions such as closing costs, home warranties, repairs, or even appliances and fixtures. Use inspection results to negotiate price reductions, as motivated sellers grow more flexible later in the season. You can also request longer inspection periods and winter move-in credits.¹ Year-Round Negotiation Fundamentals No matter the season, understanding the seller’s motivation is key. Support your offer with market data rather than emotion, and build rapport when possible. Stay calm and avoid emotional decisions. Have your agent handle offers and counteroffers to reduce tension. Know your limits and walk away from deals that don’t fit your goals. In buyer’s markets, be assertive; in seller’s markets, make offers strong and decisive. The fundamentals stay the same, though their intensity shifts with the season. BOTTOMLINE Seasonality creates opportunities and challenges, but personal circumstances should drive timing. Spring/early summer brings the highest prices and fastest sales. Winter offers buyers the best deals. Waiting for the “perfect” season doesn’t help if life demands action. Understanding your specific situation, timeline, and goals allows us to create a customized strategy that maximizes outcomes within your constraints. The best time to move is when it's right for you. Sources 1. National Association of REALTORS®. Navigating the Housing Market: A Seasonal Perspective. 2024. https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/navigating-the-housing-market-a-seasonal-perspective 2. Bankrate. Best Time to Sell a House. 2024 https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/best-time-to-sell-house 3. Investopedia. How Seasons Impact Real Estate More Than You Think. 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/010717/seasons-impact-real-estate-more-you-think.asp 4. Zillow https://www.zillow.com/learn/best-time-to-buy-a-house/ 5. My Moving Journey https://mymovingjourney.com/blogs/moving-in-peak-season-vs-off-season

Can You Really Trust Online Home Estimates?

November 3, 2025
For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio—a quick hit of seeing your home's estimated value, right at your fingertips. With 178 million monthly users and over 100 million homes covered, the platform's instant, free, and convenient appeal is undeniable. But here's a famous cautionary tale: Spencer Rascoff, Zillow's former CEO, sold his own home for a staggering 40% less than its Zestimate. This story highlights a critical fact that many homeowners don't realize: Zillow itself calls its Zestimate a "starting point... not an appraisal" 1 . If the creator of the system can be off by that much, how accurate are online home valuations for the rest of us? Relying on an automated number for your most valuable asset could be a mistake worth tens of thousands of dollars. In this article, we'll examine how these powerful algorithms work, reveal the data behind their wildly varying accuracy rates, identify what they systematically miss, and show why local human expertise remains irreplaceable when precision—and your equity—matters most. How These Algorithms Actually Calculate Your Home's Value Automated Valuation Models are algorithms designed to crunch massive amounts of data in seconds. 3 Think of them as sophisticated calculators—impressive in computational power, but limited by the quality and completeness of their inputs. These systems analyze public records, tax assessments, recent comparable sales from the MLS, and basic property characteristics like bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. 4 For standard properties with plenty of recent comparable sales, this data-driven approach can produce reasonable estimates. But here's the fundamental limitation that shapes everything else we'll discuss: these models rely purely on historical data and never actually visit your property. They're backward-looking by design, using what sold yesterday to predict what might sell tomorrow, and while an algorithm can tell you that your home has three bedrooms, it cannot tell you that the primary suite has stunning morning light that makes buyers fall in love. Accuracy and When Online Estimates Miss the Mark Now for the numbers that every homeowner needs to understand. When discussing AVM accuracy, you'll encounter the term "median error rate." This measures how far the estimate typically deviates from the actual sale price—specifically, half of all estimates fall within this percentage, and half fall outside it. 2 Lower is obviously better, but context is everything. The On-Market vs. Off-Market Divide Here's where online home estimate accuracy gets interesting—and where most homeowners make their biggest mistake.

How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)

October 1, 2025
Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports. ] Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encounter suspicious activity during the closing process , and one in 20 end up victims of wire fraud. 2 These aren't isolated incidents targeting the naive or unprepared—they're professional operations that can fool experienced investors and savvy consumers alike. Scammers have adapted to modern technology and remote transactions, making their schemes harder to detect and more financially devastating than ever. The shift to digital communications and remote closings has created new vulnerabilities that criminals actively exploit. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, property owner, or renter, understanding these threats and knowing how to protect yourself is essential. From wire transfer hijacking to fake listings, title theft, and impostor agents, real estate scams come in many forms. Here's how to recognize and protect yourself from the most common threats. Wire Transfer Fraud: The Costliest Threat Wire fraud strikes at closing when buyers are most vulnerable. Criminals hack or spoof emails from real estate agents, title companies, or attorneys, then send fake wiring instructions directing your down payment to their accounts. The setup appears completely legitimate—the email looks official, uses proper terminology, and creates urgency around closing deadlines. Real estate wire fraud schemes cost victims $145 million in reported losses in 2023 1 , with typical losses exceeding $70,000 per case . 4 For many homebuyers, this represents their entire life savings and down payment. By the time fraud is discovered, the money is usually gone forever, as these transfers are nearly impossible to reverse. Critical warning signs include: Last-minute wiring instruction changes marked urgent or claiming emergencies Email address anomalies with letters off or different domains (like "titlle-co.com" instead of "title-co.com") Pressure tactics demanding immediate action to avoid closing delays Protection requires verification. Always confirm wiring instructions in person or by calling verified phone numbers—never rely on email contact information. Many brokers now require wire fraud acknowledgment forms. 5 If fraud occurs, contact your bank and the FBI's IC3 hotline within 24-72 hours for the best recovery chances. 5 Rental Listing Scams: Too Good to Be True Rental scams use fake listings or fraudulent "landlords" to collect upfront payments for properties that don't exist or aren't actually available. Scammers copy real listings with gorgeous photos and below-market rents to lure victims, particularly those under pressure to find housing quickly in competitive markets. The emotional manipulation is deliberate—scammers create urgency by claiming multiple interested renters or limited availability. They often pose as property managers or landlords who are conveniently out of town, overseas for work, or on missionary trips, making in-person meetings impossible. Red flags include: Unusually low rent for the area or property quality Remote landlords who claim they're out of the country and can't meet in person Upfront payment requests before property viewing or lease signing[^7] Never send money for rentals you haven't verified. Insist on inspecting properties before paying anything, and verify ownership through county records. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for deposits—these payment methods are nearly impossible to recover. The implications extend beyond renters. Homeowners can also be targeted when scammers impersonate property owners to illegally rent out vacant homes. If you own vacant property or one that's listed for sale, monitor for fake rental ads using your address. Some counties offer property fraud alert services that notify you of suspicious activity. Title and Deed Fraud: Stealing Your Home Title fraud involves criminals forging documents to steal ownership of your property. They typically use quitclaim deeds with forged signatures to make it appear they own your home. Once they've fraudulently transferred ownership, they can take out loans against it, sell it, or rent it out, leaving you with a legal nightmare to undo. Vacant homes, investment properties, and homes owned free-and-clear are prime targets because fraud is less likely to be detected quickly. The trend is accelerating as criminals become more organized. The FBI's Boston field office has reported a "steady increase" in quitclaim deed fraud cases, exacerbated by remote transactions. Between 2019 and 2023, over 58,000 victims reported $1.3 billion in losses to real estate fraud , including title scams. 8 Some operations involve crime rings with teams specifically tasked with identifying target properties through public records. Watch for unusual mail including notices of new mortgages you didn't initiate, stopped tax bills, or deed transfer notices. If you stop receiving property tax statements or get unexpected foreclosure notices, investigate immediately. Protect yourself by monitoring your property records through county databases and setting up fraud alerts where available. Consider title insurance for additional protection. Fake Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors Identity scams involve criminals impersonating transaction parties or real estate professionals. Fake buyer scams target home sellers with attractive cash offers, then send fake cashier's checks for deposits exceeding required amounts, asking sellers to wire back the difference. Seller impersonation has exploded recently— more than half of U.S. real estate agents (54%) encountered seller impersonation attempts in 2023 . 9 Fraudsters pose as property owners to list and sell properties without authorization. Fake real estate professionals create phony profiles, sometimes stealing legitimate agents' names and photos to mislead clients into paying bogus fees. In one recent Florida case, a scammer stole a real Realtor's identity online, misled multiple clients, and collected thousands in illegitimate fees before the fraud was uncovered. 13 Always verify identities by checking photo IDs and confirming credentials through state licensing databases. Legitimate Realtors have license numbers you can verify independently. Meet in person when possible and independently verify property ownership through public records. If you receive unsolicited offers to buy your home, never provide banking information or accept funds from unvetted parties. Bait-and-Switch Schemes These scams promise attractive deals, then switch to inferior terms once you're hooked. Rental bait-and-switch advertises great properties that are suddenly "unavailable," then pushes less desirable alternatives at higher prices. "We Buy Houses" schemes offer inflated purchase prices, then renegotiate last-minute or assign contracts to other buyers, often leaving sellers with as little as 50% of market value . 6 Mortgage bait-and-switch promises unrealistic rates requiring large upfront fees, then switches to higher rates or forfeits your deposit if you decline. Trust your instincts when deals change suddenly or seem too good to be true. Get all offers in writing and avoid non-refundable upfront fees. Best Practices: Your Defense Strategy Work with licensed professionals. Use reputable real estate agents, attorneys, and title companies. Verify licenses and check reviews. Verify all identities. Ask for photo ID and confirm credentials through independent sources. Meet in person or via video call when possible. Protect personal information. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and never email sensitive financial data. Avoid pressure tactics. Legitimate deals don't require immediate action that bypasses verification safeguards. Use secure payment methods. Wire transfers should only go to verified escrow accounts. Avoid cash, gift cards, or individual wire transfers. Monitor your property. Regularly check title records and set up fraud alerts where available. Report suspected fraud to local police, the FBI's IC3, and the FTC to help protect others and potentially recover losses. BOTTOMLINE Real estate scams exploit trust and urgency, but the warning signs are consistent: bypassed safeguards, pressure tactics, unverified identities, and deals too good to be true. Protection comes from verification, patience, and working with experienced professionals who can spot red flags. Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, take time to properly vet every aspect of your transaction. If something feels wrong, pause and investigate—it's better to lose a "great" deal than become a fraud victim. Planning a real estate transaction? Let's discuss how to protect your investment while achieving your goals. An experienced agent can help you navigate the process safely and spot potential scams before they become costly problems. Sources  1. FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center - https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf 2. National Cybersecurity Alliance - https://staysafeonline.org/resources/5-common-real-estate-scams-you-need-to-know-about/ 3. Rocket Mortgage - https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/real-estate-scams 4. Eftsure - https://www.eftsure.com/articles/wire-fraud-statistics/ 5. National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/wire-fraud 6. MMBB - https://www.mmbb.org/article/unmasking-real-estate-scams/ 7. Federal Trade Commission - https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/rental-listing-scams 8. Florida Realtors - https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2025/06/quitclaim-deed-fraud-rise-fbi-says 9. American Land Title Association - https://www.alta.org/news/news.cfm?20231108-Over-Half-of-US-Real-Estate-Professionals-Experienced-a-Seller-Impersonation-Fraud-Attempt-in-2023 10. NBC Washington - https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/scammers-impersonating-owners-in-vacant-land-sales/ 11. Kiplinger - https://www.kiplinger.com/article/real-estate/t048-c050-s002-how-to-protect-your-home-from-deed-theft.html 12. Federal Housing Finance Agency - https://www.fhfa.gov/AboutUs/Reports/ReportDocuments/FraudPrevention.pdf NBC Miami - https://www.nbcmiami.com/investigations/scammer-posing-as-realtor-costs-victims-thousands-and-unfairly-tarnishes-a-reputation/3598591/