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Consumer Pamphlet: How to Safeguard Against Fraud When You Buy Property

Note: This pamphlet is available online only.

How to safeguard Against Fraud when you buy PropertyTable of contents:

Know the costs
Do your homework
Sales techniques
Getting help

Anyone considering buying property or land should investigate and research the property carefully on a legal basis, on a financial basis and by inspection. This advice applies to any land purchase, whether a single lot or a large tract.

Decisions should be based on facts, not on get-rich-quick promises. Remember that the value of an improved lot depends on the developer’s fulfilling promises as well as other market considerations such as location, growth potential, the general economy and resale value.

As a prospective buyer, you must determine what utilities are available, when they will be available and who will pay for their installation. You should find out the cost of any “special taxing districts” that may have been formed to install roads or provide water, for example.

Know the costs

If your plan is to build a home, then you must explore financing and insurance costs. Fire and flood insurance, for example, may be expensive. You also must examine such possible costs as property taxes or special assessments levied against the property by private and governmental entities. You should thoroughly understand these costs. Inquire whether the property is located in a flood area. If so, what safeguards exist? Are there adequate drainage facilities to render the property usable for the purpose for which it was offered? Will flood insurance be required and, if so, at what cost? Is the property even buildable? Are there sinkholes on the property? All of these items pose challenges to purchasing land.

Do your homework

Remember, if you decide to buy land, it is important that you read the entire purchase contract carefully and contact an attorney to review the contract before you sign it. Additional documents to consider include any developer, homeowners association or condominium association rules, procedures and restrictions affecting the prospective property. Also, consider obtaining title insurance and a professional survey so that you are aware if anyone else is claiming an interest in the property. If you have any questions concerning any real estate transaction, you should contact an attorney before making a final and binding decision.

Sales techniques

In addition to this general advice about the land itself, it is important to know about sales techniques. Don’t let sales agents pressure you into making a hasty decision, no matter how intense and skillful the sales pitch. Some agents operate on the theory that, if you have time to think things over, chances are you won’t be back.

Some sales agents attempt to create an atmosphere of buyer anxiety by the use of gimmicks. For instance, on a tour of the site, the two-way radio in the sales agent’s car may announce loudly the lot numbers that are sold or deposits taken on certain lots. The sales agent may point out to you that these people realize that this is a surefire investment and are buying several lots before prices go up or before the choice lots are gone. Be warned against such sales tactics. A reputable sales agent would not pressure a customer with such hard sell. Statements regarding future price increases should not be an inducement to purchase. If possible, do comparative shopping.

Getting help

If you believe you are a victim of fraud, misrepresentation or deceit in the purchase of any lot in any subdivision, your inquiry/complaint may fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You may direct your inquiry there.

Contact HUD or send your complaint to:

Office of RESPA and Interstate Land Sales
Room 9154
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20410-0001
Telephone: 202-708-0502
Email

If you feel that you have been the victim of land sales fraud, in addition to HUD, you may wish to contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

If you believe you need legal advice, call your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, call The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 800-342-8011, or your local lawyer referral service or legal aid office.


This pamphlet is produced as a public service for consumers by The Florida Bar.

[Updated February 2018]