If you are searching for a property to buy now or rent, where is the first place you would likely go? You are probably thinking the internet, right? That’s correct.

In this age of technology when we rely on the internet for practically everything, searching for properties to buy or rent has become a lot easier. You could simply purchase or rent a property by searching online with your specification, budget and location and you get options in hundreds.

But when looking for a property online, there are red flags to look out for so that you don’t fall into the trap of scammers. Here are five of them:

1. Unrealistic pricing: Like the saying goes, if it’s sounds too good to be true, then it’s too good to be true. If a property’s price seems too good to be true, it might be a scam or a misleading listing. Generally, any pricing that is significantly below the market price in the area you are looking at, avoid it to avoid stories that touch

2. Insufficient, unclear or even absence of photographs: To a large extent, the pictures of a property can tell you a lot about the property and even if it’s real or fake. What you don’t see, then be careful not to believe. If a property listing does not have pictures of the property, better avoid it completely especially in situations where you are required to pay some monies upfront.

3. Pressure Sale tactics: Another red flag is when the seller or agent ask you to pay sharp sharp so you don’t lose the house. They say things like “There are many buyers waiting but I want you to get the house”. Please run. Genuine properties are like other products on the market, if the seller gets the right price, he sells, if not he waits till he does. Once a agent beings to give you undue pressure, calling and texting, run.

4. Suspicious payment method: Another red flag is when you are asked to make some down payments before seeing the property.  Also, when dealing with a real estate company, it is expected that the business has a name. But when you are asked to pay into accounts different from the company name, be careful even when you have seen the property.

5. Absence of online presence: When dealing with an agent, ask questions such as names, contact number, company name, amongst others and do a thorough online search.  Two things will happen, you can either see the history of his previous dealings and reviews or nothing at all. In the latter, run. In the former, avoid the person if the reviews are indicting.

For properties that you can trust, contact us at PWAN Stars today and let’s make your home ownership dream a reality.