Page 14 - Stuart Exposure - June '22

Page 14, Stuart Exposure

rEal EStatE SChool happEnIngS

Treasure Coast
Real Estate Report ‘All God’s Creatures’

Beware The Numerous Real Estate A Crowd Pleaser
Scams Out There By Jackie Holfelder
By Jim Weix “All God’s Creatures”,
This crazy real estate the spring 2022 art exhibit
market is ripe for fraud. For presented by Visionary
Sale By Owner (FSBO) School of Arts (VSOA) had
sellers, buyers, and renters crowds flocking to Infiniti Brianne Murray, age 10
are the most common victims. Stuart the weekend of April
A recent case involved a 22 to 24.
Palm Beach woman who was The record-breaking
arrested and charged with turnout of VSOA supporters
scheming to defraud, grand enjoyed works of art from Raven and Ivy Van Stratten, age 7
theft, money laundering, the nonprofit’s talented
aggravated white-collar instructors, interns, and
crime and communications fraud. students ages 5 to 18.
Investigators say the scam involved 25 properties located “All God’s Creatures”
in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Indian River, Lee, Orange and included almost every
Flagler counties. Taking advantage of desperate buyers, animal that swims, flies,
prosecutors allege that she “listed” properties for sale on creeps, crawls, gallops, Erin and Gavin Cutter, age 6
various real estate websites without the owners’ knowledge, and slithers as the beauty
often impersonating an owner. Once a buyer committed to of the animal kingdom was
purchasing the property, she would act as the title agent celebrated and displayed
facilitating the closing. So far 45 victims have been identified. through the eyes of students
Although this case was on a larger scale than most, there and teachers. Sienna Hinsley, age 14
have also been other cases where property was “sold” by The exhibit promoted
FSBO sellers that didn’t own the property. These criminals positivity through its
are taking advantage of buyers desperate to buy a home in inspiring artwork.
today’s crazy real estate market. VSOA students have
Port St. Lucie Police say they’ve also seen an uptick in won more than 500 local,
rental scams over the past few months as scammers target national, and international
unsuspecting renters and steal thousands over the Internet. To awards for their works. Gianna Falcones, age 17
help people avoid being scammed, the county has set up a site VSOA offers semester
where people can check to see if a property might be involved workshops, private lessons,
in a scam. Visit www.trieshield.com and select sign up. summer and spring art
There is a joke that goes: “Abraham Lincoln once said, camps, and outreach
‘Don’t believe everything that you read on the Internet.’” classes. Every week of Mary Rose Morris, age 11
This applies to things like the latest conspiracy theory and summer is filled with fun-
definitely applies to real estate. filled themed fine art.
The Internet is a scammer’s best friend. They can easily For information on
post fake properties for sale or rent on numerous sites. camps, classes, or how to
To avoid being a victim, you can do several things: support Visionary School of
1. Get a third party involved. Most FSBO sellers and Arts, call (772) 283-4888,
landlords are willing to pay a real estate agent that brings email info@visionary-
them a buyer or tenant, so use one. Along with checking out arts.org or visit www.
the property, the agent can handle the contracts. The agent visionaryschoolofarts.org.
can also put your deposits in a trust account.
2. Verify the property owner. Go to your county property Photos by Liz McKinley
appraiser’s website and look up the owner of the property. Amarri’yah Moses, age 9 and LeAndre
3. Physically visit the property and meet with the seller Lynne Barletta and Jodi Maxwell, age 13 Graham, age 8
or landlord. If you can’t, then have your agent do it. While
you are there, it would be a good idea to talk to several of
the neighbors.
4. Do not give the seller or landlord any money until you
have a sales contract or lease signed by all parties.
Unlike buying items online, with real estate there is no
free shipping or easy return policy. However too many buyers
and tenants don’t seem to realize that.
Jim Weix is a broker associate with The Keyes Company.
Jim has 25 years of experience selling real estate full time.
If you have questions or want the services of an experienced
expert, you can reach Jim at (772) 341-2941 or jimweix@
jimweix.com.

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