4 Stars BE VERY Careful with the Free Listing Offer
I bought the 4th edition of this book, and this is the 5th Edition. I took advantage of the free Owners.com
listing and am now regretting it 18 months later. I signed up with the Owners.com listing service this book
recommended. Do not put your email address or phone number in your listing because your listing never
goes away. I don’t know if owners.com sold my info, or someone else copied it from the website - but the
way it looks - I think it is identical to the Owners.com info and my belief is that they are the ones letting my
listing be copied. But I’ve got a google alert for my email address - and every month, some new FSBO
website is advertising my ancient listing (sold a year ago) with my personal information as a new FSBO.
The companies listing it have no contact info to ask them to stop doing it. I’ve put in a complaint to the FTC.
But I get phone calls from realtors to this day trying to convert my FSBO to a Realtor listing. Here are the
websites serializing my listing without my permission: http://www.fsbohouselisting.com/ http://www.
changemystreet.com/ there are several others - but I didn’t save the website. So be careful.
I bought the 4th edition of this book, and this is the 5th Edition. I took advantage of the free Owners.com
listing and am now regretting it 18 months later. I signed up with the Owners.com listing service this book
recommended. Do not put your email address or phone number in your listing because your listing never
goes away. I don’t know if owners.com sold my info, or someone else copied it from the website - but the
way it looks - I think it is identical to the Owners.com info and my belief is that they are the ones letting my
listing be copied. But I’ve got a google alert for my email address - and every month, some new FSBO
website is advertising my ancient listing (sold a year ago) with my personal information as a new FSBO.
The companies listing it have no contact info to ask them to stop doing it. I’ve put in a complaint to the FTC.
But I get phone calls from realtors to this day trying to convert my FSBO to a Realtor listing. Here are the
websites serializing my listing without my permission: http://www.fsbohouselisting.com/ http://www.
changemystreet.com/ there are several others - but I didn’t save the website. So be careful.
Disappointing, pro-agent book.
I’ve sold a couple of my own homes and have read at least half a dozen books about
selling your own home, which may explain why I am so critical of this book. While
reading the first chapter, I looked at the title again to be certain this was a book for
people who want to sell their own homes and not “101 Reasons Why You Need an
Agent to Sell Your Home.” By the end of the second chapter I was convinced that the
author’s real purpose is to discourage FISBOs. While occasionally saying essentially,
“You can do it!” he uses back-handed compliments and qualified endorsements to
make the point that you really need a real estate agent.
I’ve sold a couple of my own homes and have read at least half a dozen books about
selling your own home, which may explain why I am so critical of this book. While
reading the first chapter, I looked at the title again to be certain this was a book for
people who want to sell their own homes and not “101 Reasons Why You Need an
Agent to Sell Your Home.” By the end of the second chapter I was convinced that the
author’s real purpose is to discourage FISBOs. While occasionally saying essentially,
“You can do it!” he uses back-handed compliments and qualified endorsements to
make the point that you really need a real estate agent.
His FISBO Sellers Self Test asks “Are you willing to give up every evening and weekend for the next several
months?” “Are you willing to let strangers into your home?” “Can you be ready to show your home day or
night on a moment’s notice?” In reality, you will not have to give up every evening and weekend. Far from it.
You will need to do the same fixing up before hand and make the same reasonable accommodations to
buyers if you sell through an agent. Selling by owner, you, not a real estate agent, set the date and time for
showings, and you do not need to set those showings for your dinner time or 2:00 AM. No buyers are likely
to come in the middle of the night and very few will come after dark when they can see less of your home’s
exterior. As for the “strangers,” is an agent going to bring only buyers who are not strangers to you?
“How to Sell Your Own Home, The Homeowner’s Guide to Selling Property by Owner” is much more
informative and useful. The author runs Picket Fences, a publication and website for FISBOs. His agenda
is clearly to convince you that you can sell your own home and to tell you how, not to convince you that you
really should hire an agent.
months?” “Are you willing to let strangers into your home?” “Can you be ready to show your home day or
night on a moment’s notice?” In reality, you will not have to give up every evening and weekend. Far from it.
You will need to do the same fixing up before hand and make the same reasonable accommodations to
buyers if you sell through an agent. Selling by owner, you, not a real estate agent, set the date and time for
showings, and you do not need to set those showings for your dinner time or 2:00 AM. No buyers are likely
to come in the middle of the night and very few will come after dark when they can see less of your home’s
exterior. As for the “strangers,” is an agent going to bring only buyers who are not strangers to you?
“How to Sell Your Own Home, The Homeowner’s Guide to Selling Property by Owner” is much more
informative and useful. The author runs Picket Fences, a publication and website for FISBOs. His agenda
is clearly to convince you that you can sell your own home and to tell you how, not to convince you that you
really should hire an agent.
Here you will find comments, book reviews, and opinions on the subjects of
for sale by owner, free listings, rto scams and success stories, identify theft
and any story that relates to rent to own housing , lease purchase, for sale by
owner, and seller financing. As the rto housing industry gains newcomers it
will have its supporters and opponents. This page is by consumers for
consumers. We present the information for your education and perusal and
take no responsibility for the contents. You are welcome to tell us your story.
for sale by owner, free listings, rto scams and success stories, identify theft
and any story that relates to rent to own housing , lease purchase, for sale by
owner, and seller financing. As the rto housing industry gains newcomers it
will have its supporters and opponents. This page is by consumers for
consumers. We present the information for your education and perusal and
take no responsibility for the contents. You are welcome to tell us your story.
Incredible Advertising - Infinity Wealth Group - Extreme Group - Media Mortgage And
Buying Solutions For Sale by Owner Promised to give you a website, 'Homes for Sale by
Owner' Is getting paid per hit, $1000.00 for each investment accepted and 25% if property
was sold Tempe Arizona *editor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your
bank account!
I have to start from the beginning how I got tricked into this deal. It started very innocently with a call from
INFINITY WEALTH GROUP LLC
, in Tempe, AZ. Ph# 1866-871-8303. (Here also, the same message: busy talking on the phone, leave a
message Never to return your call. This was after I closed the deal with Incredible Advertising.
The main part of the business was giving them Phone numbers
and addresses from houses with the signs, FOR SALE BY OWNER That seemed reasonable at the time,
because there was a brand-new 2 story home across the street, and I saw more and more of those signs
appear in the neighborhood, and other places. I was supposed to earn $1000.00 for each home that was
accepted by an Investment Company. Then 25% when the property was sold.
Ripoff Report
Buying Solutions For Sale by Owner Promised to give you a website, 'Homes for Sale by
Owner' Is getting paid per hit, $1000.00 for each investment accepted and 25% if property
was sold Tempe Arizona *editor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your
bank account!
I have to start from the beginning how I got tricked into this deal. It started very innocently with a call from
INFINITY WEALTH GROUP LLC
, in Tempe, AZ. Ph# 1866-871-8303. (Here also, the same message: busy talking on the phone, leave a
message Never to return your call. This was after I closed the deal with Incredible Advertising.
The main part of the business was giving them Phone numbers
and addresses from houses with the signs, FOR SALE BY OWNER That seemed reasonable at the time,
because there was a brand-new 2 story home across the street, and I saw more and more of those signs
appear in the neighborhood, and other places. I was supposed to earn $1000.00 for each home that was
accepted by an Investment Company. Then 25% when the property was sold.
Ripoff Report
Reinier Properties, Lisl Howell, Thomas Howell Renting from them is a mistake!!!! They are
con artists Raleigh North Carolina
Where do I begin. I signed a lease with these people, and unknowingly signed a waiver to have my
documents reviewed by an attorney. As the time passed there were several things in the home that were in
need of repair that went unfixed. Not to mention the A/C unit was sooo old that it didn't work the entire
summer. They installed a window unit, but never fixed the A/C. I had a family with children, and this is
completely unacceptable.
Before the lease was over, I lost my job and they threatened to evict me, so I willfully left without the drama
of an eviction. Then they filed a suit against me saying that I never cleaned the house and charged me
$4,000. And I never got my $2,000 deposit back.
They took advantage of me thinking that I was a stupid single mother without the ability to fight back. And
posting my experience on this website and others will warn other people never to rent from these con
artists. And I know there are other people out their whom they have ripped off. But it needs to stop. And
both Thomas and Lisl claim they are Christians, give me a break.
Waiting4noone
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
U.S.A.
Ripoff Report
con artists Raleigh North Carolina
Where do I begin. I signed a lease with these people, and unknowingly signed a waiver to have my
documents reviewed by an attorney. As the time passed there were several things in the home that were in
need of repair that went unfixed. Not to mention the A/C unit was sooo old that it didn't work the entire
summer. They installed a window unit, but never fixed the A/C. I had a family with children, and this is
completely unacceptable.
Before the lease was over, I lost my job and they threatened to evict me, so I willfully left without the drama
of an eviction. Then they filed a suit against me saying that I never cleaned the house and charged me
$4,000. And I never got my $2,000 deposit back.
They took advantage of me thinking that I was a stupid single mother without the ability to fight back. And
posting my experience on this website and others will warn other people never to rent from these con
artists. And I know there are other people out their whom they have ripped off. But it needs to stop. And
both Thomas and Lisl claim they are Christians, give me a break.
Waiting4noone
Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
U.S.A.
Ripoff Report
MASON CAPITAL GROUP - GRETCHEN FOX AND ASSOCIATES - AMERICAN FINANCIAL
GROUP LLC MASON CAPITAL, SCAM, AFG, GRETCHEN FOX, LOAN MODIFICATION
CANOGA PARK California
I worked for MASON CAPITAL/AFG/GRETCHEN FOX and they are all the SAME COMPANY. The owners are
liars and cheats. They are money hungry buzzards that are not interested in the greater good or stability of
their customers.
They names of the owners are, TOMER, NIEV, REV, AVI. AVI runs the MASON CAPITAL department and
basically what they do is trick consumers into paying the last of there funds into their own pockets, even to
the point where the get weekly bonuses. Sometimes they even charge three times what the consumers
mortgage payment is and then never follow up with the client.
GROUP LLC MASON CAPITAL, SCAM, AFG, GRETCHEN FOX, LOAN MODIFICATION
CANOGA PARK California
I worked for MASON CAPITAL/AFG/GRETCHEN FOX and they are all the SAME COMPANY. The owners are
liars and cheats. They are money hungry buzzards that are not interested in the greater good or stability of
their customers.
They names of the owners are, TOMER, NIEV, REV, AVI. AVI runs the MASON CAPITAL department and
basically what they do is trick consumers into paying the last of there funds into their own pockets, even to
the point where the get weekly bonuses. Sometimes they even charge three times what the consumers
mortgage payment is and then never follow up with the client.
Advantage Rent To Own, LLC (Richard Friedberg, Owner) Rent to own housing scam out of
Arizona (Illegal in most States) Vail Arizona
Advantage Rent to Own, LLC is located out of Arizona and sells Licenses to become associates with their
organization offering a Rent to Own program to people who can't qualify to purchase a home. In many
states this type of program has been outlawed because it requires an upfront down payment which is
Non-refundable and in many cases the RTO consumer pays the down payment and rents for many
months only to lose all that they have paid into the program.
The owner of this company, Richard Friedberg solicits Licensee's through job postings that give the
applicant an impression that they are applying for a job or position with the company only to find out that an
investment is required and that investment varies from person to person depending on how much you
have to invest with no standardized investment amount.
Also, he claims that his company is associated with a large, well established Realty Management
company located in Arizona who has a forty year history of success (Farnsworth Realty and Management
Company) however this isn't true and according to 'Farnsworth' they have severed their ties.
I personally acquired a license to market this program in 22 States and I am based out of San Antonio TX.
only to recently discover that a person in Dallas-Ft. Worth also acquired the same licensing rights in some
of the same markets for which I supposedly has an exclusive marketing arrangement.
I have since filed complaints with both the Attorney Generals in Arizona and Texas and also with the Texas
State Securities Board and I encourage anybody that has been 'Scammed' by this organization to also
contact these agencies.
Ripoff Report
Arizona (Illegal in most States) Vail Arizona
Advantage Rent to Own, LLC is located out of Arizona and sells Licenses to become associates with their
organization offering a Rent to Own program to people who can't qualify to purchase a home. In many
states this type of program has been outlawed because it requires an upfront down payment which is
Non-refundable and in many cases the RTO consumer pays the down payment and rents for many
months only to lose all that they have paid into the program.
The owner of this company, Richard Friedberg solicits Licensee's through job postings that give the
applicant an impression that they are applying for a job or position with the company only to find out that an
investment is required and that investment varies from person to person depending on how much you
have to invest with no standardized investment amount.
Also, he claims that his company is associated with a large, well established Realty Management
company located in Arizona who has a forty year history of success (Farnsworth Realty and Management
Company) however this isn't true and according to 'Farnsworth' they have severed their ties.
I personally acquired a license to market this program in 22 States and I am based out of San Antonio TX.
only to recently discover that a person in Dallas-Ft. Worth also acquired the same licensing rights in some
of the same markets for which I supposedly has an exclusive marketing arrangement.
I have since filed complaints with both the Attorney Generals in Arizona and Texas and also with the Texas
State Securities Board and I encourage anybody that has been 'Scammed' by this organization to also
contact these agencies.
Ripoff Report
Don't Get Caught in a Rent to Own Home Scam!
Get the tools you need before you jump into anything.
Get the tools you need before you jump into anything.
Your credit and identity are more
vulnerable than ever! But you can
get guaranteed identity theft
protection and up to $20,000 in
AIG Identity Theft insurance right
now.
Although computers make life
easier, they also make our
personal information more
vulnerable than ever before. Your
credit card numbers, social
security numbers, and drivers
license numbers are floating all
over the Internet, just waiting for
an identity thief to steal them and
use them to rob you of your hard
earned money and credit history.
Even the government recognizes
this frightening vulnerability. The
Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) is now suggesting that all
Americans regularly check their
credit reports to avoid credit fraud.
At Get Your Credit Report Now,
you can sign up for regular credit
reports as well as identity theft
monitoring so you'll know the
moment your credit is at risk and
you'll be able to stop it before it
costs you thousands of dollars.
Visit:
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Now affiliate-Realtyrto.com
If you have questions or concerns
about the content of this
message please contact:
Get Your Credit Report Now,
10869 North Scottsdale Road
Suite #103-PMB176, Scottsdale,
AZ 85254
To unsubscribe from any future
emails from this offer
vulnerable than ever! But you can
get guaranteed identity theft
protection and up to $20,000 in
AIG Identity Theft insurance right
now.
Although computers make life
easier, they also make our
personal information more
vulnerable than ever before. Your
credit card numbers, social
security numbers, and drivers
license numbers are floating all
over the Internet, just waiting for
an identity thief to steal them and
use them to rob you of your hard
earned money and credit history.
Even the government recognizes
this frightening vulnerability. The
Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) is now suggesting that all
Americans regularly check their
credit reports to avoid credit fraud.
At Get Your Credit Report Now,
you can sign up for regular credit
reports as well as identity theft
monitoring so you'll know the
moment your credit is at risk and
you'll be able to stop it before it
costs you thousands of dollars.
Visit:
The above message was sent on
behalf of a Get Your Credit Report
Now affiliate-Realtyrto.com
If you have questions or concerns
about the content of this
message please contact:
Get Your Credit Report Now,
10869 North Scottsdale Road
Suite #103-PMB176, Scottsdale,
AZ 85254
To unsubscribe from any future
emails from this offer
| IDENTITY THEFT & YOU |
| Rent Scams Fraud Alert Nigerian Home Scams Owner Finance Frauds |
Scams and frauds seem to be everywhere, even in the rent to own homes and
lease purchase industry. Though they are few and far between it can't hurt to
become aware of the issues. There are rent to own scams, landlord ripoffs, tenant
schemes and old-fashioned bribes.
If you have a story to tell we would like to hear it. Or, post it on the blog.
lease purchase industry. Though they are few and far between it can't hurt to
become aware of the issues. There are rent to own scams, landlord ripoffs, tenant
schemes and old-fashioned bribes.
If you have a story to tell we would like to hear it. Or, post it on the blog.
Copyright 2010 RealtyRTO.com, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Rent to Own Homes Industry Council
Resources
Home Selling a Home? Need a Home? Money Tree We Buy Houses Credit Repair Lease Purchase Available States Legal Forms
Scams, Frauds, Alerts
Miami man arrested in Cape vacation rental scam
By Pru Sowers
GateHouse News Service
Posted Aug 05, 2009 @ 12:53 PM
PROVINCETOWN — Miami police have arrested a man suspected of being the Craigslist scam artist
responsible for multiple vacation home rental swindles on Cape Cod and in Miami Beach, Fla.
According to police, Hencock Michael-Williams, 34, of Miami Beach, was arrested Friday.
He is suspected of using a variety of aliases, including “Michael Reese” and “Michael Rath,” in several
scams. He is being held in the Metro West Detention Center in Miami on $100,000 bail. Michael-
Williams, who is suspected of bilking multiple victims out of thousands of dollars put down as deposits
“It was all done very professionally. He lures the victim into a false sense of security and they agree to
send him money,” said Arias, who arrested the suspect last week when he arrived for a court date on the
previous conviction.
In that case, Michael-Williams, who was described as a complex introvert who spends most of his time
on a computer, served no jail time but was ordered to make restitution to the victims. Ironically, that may
have been what led him to allegedly commit new cases of Internet fraud.
“I believe he was using the money from the new victims to pay restitution to the old victims,” Arias said.
Michael-Williams faces a maximum of five years in a Miami state jail on each of the 10 counts. However,
the Miami state Attorney General’s Office said that victim restitution is usually part of the sentencing
process for third degree felonies, with which Michael-Williams has been charged.
“I would hope [Michael-Williams] would serve some time. He keeps doing it,” Arias said about the
alleged crime. Several of the victims on Cape Cod said they were happy about the arrest and would be
contacting Arias to see if their case could be added to the charges against the suspect.
“Looking forward to hearing about the real deal on this guy. Revenge is best served…in Miami. Here's to
getting our money back,” Allison Rude, who was bilked out of $1,100 on a home in West Dennis she
thought she had rented, wrote in an e-mail to the Banner. “Hopefully something will stick and he will be
held accountable,” e-mailed Meg Anderson, who also lost $1,100.
“I’m not sure we are getting any money back, but I’ll take justice,” said Jim Elgert, who lost $745 on a
Truro home advertised on Craigslist.
By Pru Sowers
GateHouse News Service
Posted Aug 05, 2009 @ 12:53 PM
PROVINCETOWN — Miami police have arrested a man suspected of being the Craigslist scam artist
responsible for multiple vacation home rental swindles on Cape Cod and in Miami Beach, Fla.
According to police, Hencock Michael-Williams, 34, of Miami Beach, was arrested Friday.
He is suspected of using a variety of aliases, including “Michael Reese” and “Michael Rath,” in several
scams. He is being held in the Metro West Detention Center in Miami on $100,000 bail. Michael-
Williams, who is suspected of bilking multiple victims out of thousands of dollars put down as deposits
“It was all done very professionally. He lures the victim into a false sense of security and they agree to
send him money,” said Arias, who arrested the suspect last week when he arrived for a court date on the
previous conviction.
In that case, Michael-Williams, who was described as a complex introvert who spends most of his time
on a computer, served no jail time but was ordered to make restitution to the victims. Ironically, that may
have been what led him to allegedly commit new cases of Internet fraud.
“I believe he was using the money from the new victims to pay restitution to the old victims,” Arias said.
Michael-Williams faces a maximum of five years in a Miami state jail on each of the 10 counts. However,
the Miami state Attorney General’s Office said that victim restitution is usually part of the sentencing
process for third degree felonies, with which Michael-Williams has been charged.
“I would hope [Michael-Williams] would serve some time. He keeps doing it,” Arias said about the
alleged crime. Several of the victims on Cape Cod said they were happy about the arrest and would be
contacting Arias to see if their case could be added to the charges against the suspect.
“Looking forward to hearing about the real deal on this guy. Revenge is best served…in Miami. Here's to
getting our money back,” Allison Rude, who was bilked out of $1,100 on a home in West Dennis she
thought she had rented, wrote in an e-mail to the Banner. “Hopefully something will stick and he will be
held accountable,” e-mailed Meg Anderson, who also lost $1,100.
“I’m not sure we are getting any money back, but I’ll take justice,” said Jim Elgert, who lost $745 on a
Truro home advertised on Craigslist.
on week-long vacation home rentals, has been charged with 10
counts of third degree grand theft. Three of those charges involve
alleged Internet fraud for homes on Cape Cod and the others involve
properties in Miami Beach.
However, there are at least eight other fraud reports in Truro and West
Dennis discovered by the Banner that are not part of the original
charges against Michael-Williams.
Miami-Dade Detective Richard Arias, who made the arrest, said he
was able to identify Michael-Williams as a suspect because the fraud
method mirrored a similar Internet scam the man was found guilty of
two years ago. In that case, Michael-Williams, using a variety of
aliases, convinced victims he was the owner of a luxury rental
property. Payments from the would-be vacationers were sent to a
Miami post office box where Michael-Williams would collect and cash
the checks.
counts of third degree grand theft. Three of those charges involve
alleged Internet fraud for homes on Cape Cod and the others involve
properties in Miami Beach.
However, there are at least eight other fraud reports in Truro and West
Dennis discovered by the Banner that are not part of the original
charges against Michael-Williams.
Miami-Dade Detective Richard Arias, who made the arrest, said he
was able to identify Michael-Williams as a suspect because the fraud
method mirrored a similar Internet scam the man was found guilty of
two years ago. In that case, Michael-Williams, using a variety of
aliases, convinced victims he was the owner of a luxury rental
property. Payments from the would-be vacationers were sent to a
Miami post office box where Michael-Williams would collect and cash
the checks.
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