It is important to remember, outwardly scam artists tend to be clean cut, well spoken, and often seem to know a lot more about  your situation than you do.   They often attempt to lure people by belonging to, or pretending to belong to the same racial, religious, social, or other group as their victims.  They will often say or do whatever you want to hear or have them say in a very convincing manner, often agreeing with your plight and seem to empathize with you. 

With certain exceptions, someone who charges you a fee to negotiate with your lender on your behalf must be licensed with the California Department of REal Estate.  You can do a quick check, or “License Status Check” by going to www.dre.ca.gov.  You should also conduct further investigations before doing business with someone offering to help you by checking public records, the Better Business bureau. and the Internet, asking for and verifying references and going to the physical address to verify one actually exists. 

Another clue is when someone tries to push you into making a decision right now, or making false deadlines.  If they give you a deadline ask to see it in writing from a source you trust.  Taking time to ask friends, family, or just discuss the decision with someone else is always a good idea.   If and when you do finally sign a document, know what you are signing after you have had a chance to read it, and don’t allow the person to leave without giving you copies of what you signed.  Never believe anyone who tells you, “it doesn’t matter what it says in the contract, here is the truth”.   A written contract almost always trumps a verbal promise. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t ever allow someone to talk you into doing something illegal, or let them convince you it’s OK because everyone is doing it.  Do not comprmise your position by getting involved in anything underhanded.  Once you agree, you will be less likely to blow the whistle on the scam artist if you too are involved in the scheme.   The bottom line is the more you know about foreclosures, the less likely you will be duped.

The steps in selling a luxury home include many of the same steps needed to sell any other home, except that your audience may be very different and the level of expectations may vary greatly.  In addition to the usual preparation, the following recommendations can bring a better price and a faster sale:

Pretend your home is a model home.  How does it compare? 

Does the entry to your driveway and entrance look impeccable?

Do you have color brochures (preferably books) available in a "Marketing Center" of the home for buyers to see and take with them?

Do you have a virtual tour and/or a video of the home and grounds for buyers to preview?

Is your home readily available for viewing at all web portals?

Do you have a website for your property (i.e. www.123Paradise.com)

To view marketing ideas for your luxury home go to www.SellThisLuxuryHome.com  or visit www.DavidOrmonde.com

 Also, see related information below:

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=MfdCzE2KhQIC&dq=luxury+homes&printsec=frontcover&source=bll&ots=p6M8cCiy5K&sig=Ip6FF_3WwPnlHyUG1Kf0O184zK0&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=11&ct=result#PPP1,M1

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=4zmr6Hl14AQC&dq=luxury+homes&printsec=frontcover&source=bll&ots=qPm4-Iv0L1&sig=r3kvC9T2t6mzBzXOm-tNj6XXvog&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=12&ct=result

http://www.luxuryhomemagazine.com/index.cfm