Quote:
Originally Posted by TJLAMPHERE
We are assisting a relative to rent a property. We are using Rentfromavillager.com. How can we confirm that the listing is legit and not a scam? It all sounds good, the owner seems real nice, but before any $$$ is sent, we would like to verify ownership of the property.
Thoughts? Recommendations?
Thanks....
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If you can't verify it on the county websites, ask the home owner directly for home verification. The owners of a new home will understand you want to verify ownership since it is a book direct site. Ask for a copy of their homeowners insurance, Deed, or sales tax license. All Short term rentals need a sales tax license and the owners can print that out on the Florida Dept of Rev site.
RFAV does verify ownership to the best of their knowledge before the Ad goes live. Verification is checked by county record searches, deeds, AOS, and/or LLC documentation. However, they do ask that all information on their site be verified independently by all parties for any offsite transactions.
Per RFAV's Site
Visit the county websites below to verify ownership.
Records Search Terms of Use : Lake County Property Appraiser Lake County
MCPA Search Agree Marion County
Just a moment... Sumter County
Speak to the owner by phone, ask questions, ask for referrals from previous renters and you can always ask for proof of ownership. Search Google for the property address and see if other information comes up regarding the property.
You can always ask the owner for a copy of their Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax (sales tax license).