October 2022 Newsletter: We Want to Protect You from Real Estate Scams

Hi,

There’s a lot of pressure that comes with buying or selling a home these days, and in our competitive market, there’s always the temptation to act quickly when looking to make the next move. This month we're taking a look at fraud in real estate and how to best protect yourself and your family from scams.

Our business highlight this month is Mr. Plywood, a great resource in the Montavilla neighborhood for all you DIYers looking for lumber, tools, and everything in between for your next construction project. Check them out today!

Fall events include our Habitat for Humanity build on the east side and Paris Group Realty, LLC's Third Annual Food Drive to benefit Urban Gleaners.

Enjoy the fall and don’t hesitate to reach out about all things real estate,

PARIS GROUP REALTY, LLC

Mortgage & Foreclosure Fraud:
Protecting Homeowners From Scams

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) has made it a priority to protect homeowners. They aggressively pursue companies and individuals who engage in loan modification, foreclosure rescue fraud and other mortgage-related scams, including:

Phony offers of counseling or help.
Cons where homeowners unknowingly sign away their home.
Lease-to-own schemes where a scammer claims to sell a house but pockets all the payments.

The Oregon DOJ investigates and prosecutes the Mortgage Rescue Fraud Prevention Act and other mortgage and foreclosure rescue fraud offenses. Violations may incur civil and criminal penalties, including prison.

Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams

Be aware when a counselor or company:

Guarantees to stop the foreclosure process no matter what.
Instructs you not to contact your lender, lawyer or credit or housing counselor.
Encourages you to rent your own home so you can buy it back over time.
Tells you to make your mortgage payments directly to it, rather than your lender.
Tells you to transfer your property deed or title to it.
Offers to buy your house for cash at a fixed price that is not set by the housing market at the time of sale.
Offers to fill out paperwork for you.

Get it in Writing
Your home is an extremely important asset, so it’s ok to ask anyone you are working with to put a description of all services and promises in writing. Make sure you fully understand the documents before you sign them, or you could inadvertently sign away your home to someone else. Keep all of your records.

Don’t Pay Upfront
If a counselor demands you make a payment before receiving services, or will only accept payment via cash, automatic withdrawal, cashier’s check or wire transfer, be extremely suspicious. Make sure you know exactly what services you will receive before paying anything. Also, you don’t have to pay thousands – or even hundreds – of dollars for mortgage counseling as approved counselors provide their services at little or no charge.

Make Sure Your Counselor is HUD-approved
Scammers may contact you by mail, phone, online or in person and sometimes try to appear associated with your lender or the government. The State of Oregon and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have searchable lists of approved counseling agencies. Ask your counselor if their agency is HUD-approved or state approved and then double check. Visit the HUD website or call 1-877-483-1515 to find out if your counselor is HUD-approved.

Are You Being Offered a Short Sale?
A "short sale" is a term used to describe a transaction where the sale price of the property will not generate enough proceeds to pay off the existing mortgage or mortgages and where the lender(s) agrees to accept less than full payoff. It is a type of loan modification.

Know Your Rights
Oregon law requires your lender to inform you about mortgage modification options and allow you to request good-faith negotiations which may help you avoid foreclosure.

Get Help
If you think you have been a victim or want to notify us about an individual, company or agency that may be engaging in mortgage or foreclosure rescue scams, complete a Consumer Complaint Form or call 1-877-877-9392.

Also see: Mortgage Help for Oregon Homeowners

Source: Oregon Department of Justice - Consumer Protection

Mr. Plywood:
Your Local Building Materials Supply Store

A One-Stop Shop for All Your Construction Needs
If you’re looking for plywood, lumber, tools, and anything in between to get started on your next construction project, look no further! For more than 60 years, Mr. Plywood has been providing the Portland Metro area with the best lumber and hardware products. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff is on-hand to help you select the best materials and tools to ensure your everything goes smoothly.

Products

Plywood – Mr. Plywood has many different plywood options at affordable prices for your latest projects.
Mouldings – Check out Mr. Plywood’s variety of decorative mouldings to accentuate the beauty of your home or business.
Lumber – Mr. Plywood carries lumber for major construction projects such as decks or fences and is available for sale by the piece or by the foot.

Delivery Service Available
When you’re working on a construction project, you know that it’s imperative to receive the required materials at the job site quickly and efficiently. Mr. Plywood offers delivery services throughout the Portland Metro area so that you don’t have to hassle transporting bulky materials.

Whether you need wood, hardware, or tools, Mr. Plywood’s reliable staff delivers your order promptly. Don't hesitate to call them at (503) 254-7387 for your upcoming construction delivery needs.

Visit Mr. Plywood Today
Need help with your next project or just want to talk some ‘shop’ over a complimentary bag of popcorn? Visit Mr. Plywood today – they’ll be happy to see you and show you what they have in stock!

Contact Information:
Address: 7609 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
Phone: 503-254-7387
Email: sales@mrplywoodinc.com
Website: www.mrplywoodinc.com

Business Hours:
Mon – Fri          7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday              8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday               Closed

Habitat for Humanity Team Builders Event

Paris Group Realty, LLC is thrilled to announce its upcoming Habitat for Humanity Team Builder sponsorship event on October 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Through building a home together, we will learn how to communicate, cooperate, and problem solve to get the job done, while strengthening our community.

If you're thinking about volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or sponsoring an event in the future, keep in mind that you don't need previous construction experience, just a willingness to work together as a team to help.

Learn more

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21ST

FOSTER BUILD SITE

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

TEAM BUILDERS EVENT

We're honored to congratulate our company's Owner and Principal Broker, Claire Paris, as an official winner of the Homesnap Top 5% Award for the first half of 2022.

Homesnap looked at the data from the first half of 2022 for over one million Homesnap Pro agents nationwide, and Claire was one of the select few to win a Top Agent Award! This distinction is based on her productivity over the past six months.

Our company takes pride in using a thoughtful and personal approach to real estate, and we look forward to helping make all your property dreams come true!

Reach out to us at (503) 926-5213 or info@parisgrouprealty.com today to discuss selling or buying a home -- we can meet over coffee to get the conversation going!

Is Fall or Winter a Good Time to Buy or Sell a Home?

Many of my clients ask if the fall and winter months are a good time to list their homes on the market. They’re not sure whether the timing is right, or if they’ll get the best ROI on their investment.

If you’re considering selling your home in the next 3 - 6 months, you may find less competition, more serious buyers, and a potentially quicker sales process. The holiday season also provides you the opportunity to stage your home and define a warm and cozy environment that can’t be experienced in the spring and summer months.

For buyers searching properties, there's generally less real estate activity, and less people selling their homes during the fall and winter months. There will also most likely be less buyers during the holidays — and the strong possibility that you'll negotiate a favorable price that can put additional savings in your pocket.

Reach out to us at (503) 926-5213 or info@parisgrouprealty.com and let's get started today!