Beware of false MLS listings

[Smokey Bear]

I have seen a few say "verify". How would I verify that the current listing is legitimate if I have to contact the listing agent that put it up falsely?

Start shooting pictures of your listings as well as sales. Betcha they don't have 'for sale' signs up in front.

 

[Michigander]

I think what Pam is getting at is not the "pie in the sky, sucker born every day" listing but a listing even on a house that doesn't exist. Drive by, see if there is a sign in the yard, get showing instructions, delve further.

I have seen this with "sales", in particular the ones which are entered for "comp purposes only" as indicated above. A call to the Realtor that goes unanswered or hemming and hawing on their part, all sorts of ways to try and find out what is going on, one of the best is of an agent who you know to be honest and asking them what they know about it. Agents will talk.

 

[Couch Potato]

I have seen a few say "verify". How would I verify that the current listing is legitimate if I have to contact the listing agent that put it up falsely?

One thing you can do is drive by the listing and inspect it. If there is not a sign in the yard, you need to do further research. Check the ownership of the property; is it owned by someone with the same last name as the agent?

Sometimes verification is not easy. Appraising can be hard work at times.

 

[TC]

That would never happen in my MLS. Agents get fined for not verifying lot size, entering via lock-box without calling first, you name it. I can't imagine a MLS tolerating a fake listing.

TC

 

[Tudor]

for a listing you could always call the office and ask for showing instructions

Showing instructions are on the listing printout.

 

[Restrain]

Wife just finished a review, bunch of townhomes, listed at $349,000, then jumped to $480-490K, selling for $510K. Agent was saying that they were originally listed as unfinished, then had been finished. The listings were all there, and were used to bring in flippers. Misrep by the agent in that they had all been completed.

However, the real estate commission won't act unless a complaint is filed by a party to the transaction. Since I'm not a party, they won't accept my complaint.

 

[Michigander]

Showing instructions are on the listing printout.

Usually something about calling the agent or the office. When you do that, you might get some run around? Anyway, Cynthia and others also pointed out driving by and seeing if signs are up. Don't go making suggestions into issues. Calling to set up an appointment might get you information you wouldn't get otherwise, and I would certainly use my Realtor status as a way to get in as opposed to going as the appraiser.

 

[Mr Rex]

That would never happen in my MLS. Agents get fined for not verifying lot size, entering via lock-box without calling first, you name it. I can't imagine a MLS tolerating a fake listing.

TC

You are a gullible sort aren't you? Want to buy some water view property? Realtor ethics is an oxymoron.

 

[Mystery man3]

Fake Pending Listings

New one for all appraisers to watch out for:

Some Realtors are now entering false high priced 'listings' and even pendings into the MLS systems for appraisers to use.

I am shocked. LOL

At least there getting more creative. They have to help skippy justify a high value somehow.

 

[reggieP123]

always verify! thanks for the heads up, though!