Phishing is a scam in which somebody sends legitimate-looking, usually urgent-sounding phone calls, emails, or texts. They are often trying to obtain personal and financial information. Here are four ways to help you avoid being tricked. 

1. Do not respond to unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails, and don’t click on any links or attachments form unsolicited sources. 
2. If you have any doubts, directly contact the person or organization via a phone number or email address that you know to be direct (don’t use the one contained the phone call, text, or email). 
3. Avoid fraudulent websites by using a trusted bookmark, shortcut, or typing out the complete URL in your browser. 
4. Never share your passwords, personal information, or authentication codes. 

Some examples of scams that we’ve heard of personally and professionally are: 

• Texts prompting you to confirm a fraudulent charge from your banking institution. 
• Phone calls spoofing local police departments claiming that you’re subject to bench warrants for failing to appear for jury duty. 
• Phone calls claiming that your energy bill is past due and will be shut off immediately. 
• Google Voice related scams.
• Texts requesting redelivery fees.
• Emails with attachments labeled HUD or CD with no context. 
• Mortgage wire fraud. 

The more you educate yourself, the better chance you’ll have to recognize and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a phishing attack.

MarketStats and FastStats have been updated to reflect our consolidated property types. Please keep in mind that data for the previous month is always updated by the 15th of each month. So, to pull October stats, wait until November 15th.  

This is to allow MarketStats time to normalize the data. 

It’s time to start thinking about what business tools will help you and your team be successful in 2023. Real estate companies must gain efficiency to stay competitive in an uncertain market. DepositLink can help.

Book a demo to get your company set up for fast, secure digital payments.

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It’s always good to have a refresher, so here are a few listing reminders:   

• All listings that are entered into CVR MLS must have an active, written listing agreement in effect before your listing can be in an Active or Coming Soon status.   
• The listing agreement must be with the legal owner of the property. CVR MLS does not permit listings by equity or contract owners. The listing agreement provides the owner’s authorization for a host of mandatory disclosures and authorizations, including submission of the property into the MLS, certain intellectual property authorizations, and internet authorizations.   
• If your seller has requested that you delay entry into the MLS, make sure you complete the Owner’s Listing Opt-Out Authorization form (CVR 145) and submit the form to CVR MLS within three (3) days of the ratification of the listing agreement.   
• While you may list properties in any county in Virginia, remember that all residential, multi-family, and lot/land listings within the CVR MLS footprint are required to be entered into the MLS. If your seller has requested an Office Exclusive, the CVR 145 mentioned above is also required.   

Questions? Contact us at compliance@cvrmls.com or (804) 422-5000. 

Click on the links below to register.

Tech Time: MLS Touch 11/29 

Tech Time: Navigating Tax Records 12/1

Road Rules: 12/12

Introduction to CVR MLS 12/14

Tech Time: CMAs 12/15