The Riz Team Blog

If you’re unsure, remind yourself that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Joe Richer •  Sat. Mar. 2, 2013  • Toronto Star

Q: What are the warning signs of mortgage fraud? What can I do to protect myself?

A: Mortgage fraud is a complicated criminal act that is an ongoing concern for the real estate profession.

As the regulator responsible for upholding the integrity of the profession, RECO works in partnership with all parties involved in real estate transactions to investigate complaints to make sure real estate professionals are compliant with the law and impose disciplinary action on those found to have knowingly participated in fraud. As Registrar, my position is that any registrant proven to have knowingly participated in mortgage fraud faces losing their registration.

You can protect yourself from being an unwitting participant in mortgage fraud by being suspicious of situations where you are:

-Asked to overstate your income or make other false statements on a mortgage application.

-Asked not to complete certain sections of a form or sign documents that contain blanks.

-Are discouraged from visiting the property you’re purchasing or having it appraised or inspected.

If you’re unsure, remind yourself that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the police.

If you have a question for Joe, email askjoe@reco.on.ca. Joseph Richer is RECO’s registrar and is in charge of the administration and enforcement of all rules under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act. You can find more tips at reco.on.ca, follow on Twitter @RECOhelps or on YouTube at youtube.com/recohelps.

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The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s one-day charity garage sale to raise money for women’s shelters and violence prevention programs will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Royal LePage offices across the country. Since 2009, Royal LePage Shelter Foundation has raised close to $1.2 million at the National Garage Sale for Shelter to help stop the cycle of violence and provide a safe haven and new beginnings for women and children.

We need your help and the help of our community to reach our goal! You will be helping women and children in our community safely escape violence. 100% of the proceeds goes to a local women’s shelter and to education and violence prevention programs in our community.

How can you help?

DONATE! We are looking for gently used (& new)  items to sell at our Garage Sale (no clothes or large appliances please).

-March 25th-May 9th – Items can be dropped off at AMJ Campbell, 305 Industrial Rd., Cambridge, 877-211-0021, during regular business hours. Please let them know it’s for Royal LePage Wolle Realty Garage Sale.

-May 6th-10th – Items can be dropped off at Royal LePage Wolle Realty, 842 Victoria St., N., Kitchener, between 9:00am-7:00pm.

-May 9th – AMJ Campbell special pick-up day. Please call 519-578-7300 before MAY 8th to arrange to have your items picked up this day. This is for the local Kitchener/Waterloo Area only

SHARE! Please help spread the word.

-Print up our poster & share it in your condo building, public venue or business.

-Like  Royal Lepage Wolle Realty Garage Sale for Shelter on Facebook

-Invite people and share the Facebook Event

-Tell a neighbour or family member about the event

SHOP! Be sure to join us Saturday May 11, 2013.

You will find us in Royal LePage Wolle Realty PARKING LOT located at 842 Victoria Street North, Kitchener (the corner of Victoria & River Road). We would love to see you there!

If you have any questions or need help please contact us at 519-578-7300