Melissa's Home Journal

  It sounds like something that couldn’t possibly happen: Someone pretends to be you, lists your property for sale and attempts to walk away with the proceeds. Unfortunately, it’s a real estate scam that homeowners need to be aware of—and new research shows attempts are becoming much more common. According to a 2026 study from the American Land Title Association (ALTA), 59% of title firms surveyed reported encountering at least one seller impersonation fraud attempt during the previous calendar year. That’s more than double the 28% reported in ALTA’s 2024 study. As a Realtor®, part of my job is helping my clients understand not only how to buy and sell real estate, but also how to protect what they already own. What Is Seller Impersonation Fraud? Seller impersonation fraud happens when a criminal pretends to be the legitimate owner of a property and attempts to sell it without the real owner’s knowledge or permission. Scammers may gather information about an owner through public p...

  A Gentle, Step‑by‑Step Guide to Preparing Your Home for Listing (Especially If You Haven’t Sold in a While or Ever) Selling a home you’ve lived in for years — or even decades — is a big life moment. For many homeowners, it’s the first time they’ve sold a home in a long time, or the first time ever, and the process can feel unfamiliar, overwhelming, or even emotional. The good news? Preparing your home for listing doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear plan and a few simple steps, you can make your home shine and attract buyers who appreciate the care you’ve put into it. This guide walks you through the most important things to focus on, one calm step at a time. 🌸 Start With the Basics: Declutter, Deep Clean, and Refresh The best place to start is with the simplest tasks — the ones that make the biggest impact without requiring major renovations. Declutter One Space at a Time Trying to tackle the whole house at once can feel overwhelming. Begin with one room — the living ro...

  image by freepik Protect Yourself from Real Estate Fraud: What Everyone Should Know Real estate fraud can happen to anyone — homeowners, renters, investors, or even people just browsing listings online. Scammers are getting more creative every year, using fake listings , identity theft , and even fraudulent property transfers to steal money or ownership rights. The good news? A few simple precautions can help protect you, your identity, and your property. Here’s how to stay one step ahead: 1. Verify Who You’re Dealing With Before you share any personal information or money, confirm that the person or company you’re working with is legitimate. Look them up online, check reviews, and verify licenses. In Texas, you can confirm that a real estate agent, lender, or title company is licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission . If someone pressures you to act quickly or discourages you from asking questions, that’s a red flag — slow down and verify. 2. Be Extremely Cauti...

                                                                         Image by wirestock on Freepik Buying and Selling a Home This Fall: Tips for a Smooth Move Fall is one of the most underrated times to make a move. With cooler weather, beautiful curb appeal, and buyers looking to settle in before the holidays, it can be an ideal season to both buy and sell. But what if you need to do both at the same time? Coordinating these two big moves can feel overwhelming—but with the right planning, you can enjoy a seamless transition into your next home before the holiday season begins. Here are some helpful tips to make it happen this fall: 1. Review Your Finances Before Pumpkin Spice Season Kicks Into Gear Before you shop for your next home, meet with a lender to determine:...