You might have heard the horror stories related to probate houses. Now, you dread the thought of undergoing the process, but if you have inherited a home, there is no way you can escape it. We understand facing the probate process after a loved one’s loss is not easy. On top of that, people end up falling prey to probate scams, which worsens the situation.
If you are preparing to sell a probate house in Ferndale, you should be aware of the common scams. Also, you need to know how to avoid it. Let us first look at some frequently occurring probate scams.
Top probate scams to learn about when you sell your house in Ferndale
In every industry, scammers are on the lookout for vulnerable people to take advantage of their situations. These scams may pop up when dealing with a probate house. Being aware of these scams is the first step to handling them.
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Probate avoidance scam
In this scam, perpetrators prey on the elderly because they are easily persuaded. For senior citizens, dealing with probate and the inherited house is too much work. So, they tend to believe whatever they are being told.
The perpetrators convince their victims to purchase products that will protect them from probate. In most cases, the product is a costly living trust kit. After receiving the money, the fraudsters flee the place or deliver a useless product.
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Deceitful listings scam
The next scam is unpleasant for people who are already grieving the loss of a loved one. The scammer uses popular sites like Craigslist to hunt for home renters and deceive them.
First, they research the houses of people who recently passed away and promote them as rental properties. When the potential renters pay the deposit and rent for the first month, they vanish and leave the upset victims to the actual inheritors. So, always look out for fraudulent listings.
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Estate tax scam
Many states impose estate or inheritance taxes, which the property heirs have to pay. And fraudsters take advantage of this rule to procure money. To do so, they use the name of a trustworthy organization or person. According to the regulation, the probate will go forward after the inheritor pays off the tax. That means victims will send an inflated tax to scammers, who will then disappear.
The bottom line
Now that you know the common types of probate scams, keep them in your mind. If you know the probate process and the associated steps, you can avoid all potential scams.
There is an easier way to avoid scams. Sell your probate house directly to a Ferndale estate home buyer like Detroit Cash For Homes. We buy houses in all conditions, even when they are in probate. Our selling process does not involve repairs and renovations, so you do not have to wait for the court’s approval. We can make a fair cash offer and close the deal once the probate is over. Also, our representatives will assist you throughout the process.
If you are wondering “how to sell my house in Ferndale,” Detroit Cash For Homes is your best bet. Call us to know more!