December 5, 2024
A Holiday Hoax
I was holding an Open House in Lawrenceville and moments before I started closing up, the doorbell rang.
"I'm so sorry to be late," she said when I answered the door, "but this house seems like it's perfect for a person I know."
As she tours the house, she tells me about her friend, her love of the neighborhood, and her career as a surgical nurse in the Army. We have a nice chat and she's on her way.
It Gets Weird
The next day, she texts to thank me mentions that she also does Estate Planning. She asks if I'm interested in meeting some clients during an online training session since it'd be an easy way to meet people who might be thinking of buying a home.
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Fast forward to the call and, guess what. I'm the guest of honor. There are no clients and their is no training. I'm one of 5 people on the call.
I spot a small logo at the bottom of one of their backgrounds, and after a bit of Googling, discover that I've been lured into an MLM call. They hadn't gotten to the point of asking for money when I left the meeting and blocked the woman on my phone too.
Be Alert For Property Deed Scams
It was a poorly executed "scam" but there are other scams out there that are ruining a lot of lives. Specifically, property deed scams that involve illegally transferring home ownership without your knowledge. The variations include:
- Forged signatures on a counterfeit deed
- Pretending to be the homeowner and filing a fake deed
- Using stolen identity information to transfer title
- Mailing letters to homeowners demanding a fee to access vital property information
- Finding vacant properties and selling them fraudulently
Protect Yourself & Take Action
Set up notifictions on the The FILING ACTIVITY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM (FANS) website of the Georgia Superior Courts' Clerk Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). It's free and fairly straightforward. Set them up on all property you own.
- Additionally, if you rent part of your home, be aware that allowing a tenant to receive mail at your address can make a scam easier to perpetrate.
If you have any concerns or questions about items you receive in the mail or phone calls demanding something that seems off, always do your research. I'm here to help!
POST SCRIPT
Since this newsletter was originally sent out in early December, Victoria's book has been released. You can find it, and her other books, on Amazon!
Elvis Lives
Passion & Energy
If you haven't met Victoria in person, why not head over to Books & Brew for their bi-weekly Poetry Open Mics. The next one is tomorrow, Friday 12/6 at 7pm.
December Chores
Even though it pangs me to spend money on home maintenance when it might mean I can't buy something more exciting, I try to remember that keeping my home systems humming along is a reflection of the gratitude I feel for our home. Plus, my future self will thank me when we ultimately sell, because the sacrifices now will only serve to make our home more desirable.
As you tackle these chores, think of them as a way to take care of something that matters to you:
Change Out Air Filters
Indoor air quality is a bit of an obsession for me. Do this every 1–3 months to keep your air fresh and your HVAC system happy.
Check Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers have an a 10-12 year life expectancy. Check the expiration dates to make sure they are ready to go.
Fire Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test the batteries and replace if necessary.
Clean Up Your Air Intakes
Dust can clog things up so use your vacuum (I use a shop vac!) to improve efficiency.
Take a Look at Your Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping wears out over time. Check for drafts and replace where needed because a tight seal saves energy and keeps you cozy.
Clean Out Gutters & Clear Leaves Off the Roof
This is not a chore to ignore! Wet leaves pile up, freeze and plug downspouts. Plus heavy wet piles of leaves add unnecessary stress on your roof. And yes, in Smoke Rise, you may need to do this more than once before Spring!
Swing By for Fresh Donuts & Hot Cider
12 noon to 3pm both days! My address is 2267 Deer Ridge Drive.
Bring donations of warm jackets, hats, blankets, etc. and help keep people a bit warmer this winter.
Tripping the Light Fantastic
I was driving down Silver Hill on Friday, 11/29, and what did my eye doth see? Well, it'd have been very difficult to miss!
Mere minutes later, I'm snuggled in the enormous sleigh with Santa and Mrs. Claus telling them what I want for Christmas. Unfortunately, what I really want are some of the vintage blow mold decorations off the Victor and Theodora's lawn, but that won't happen. (If you know, you know.)
Then the very next night I went with my husband and aunt. I haven't been able to get my 17 year old son Emmett there, but it'll happen.
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