Suspicious $100,000 Over-Asking Offer Raises Red Flags.

 A local home seller is raising concerns after receiving an unusually high, unseen offer on their property, only to have it withdrawn hours later. The seller, who listed their home on Thursday, reported receiving a bid nearly $100,000 over the asking price on Friday morning.

"It was just too good to be true," the homeowner stated, noting that the offer came with a personal note from a woman claiming to be highly motivated and in search of a home matching their property’s description.

Skeptical, the seller instructed their Realtor to hold off on immediate acceptance, opting to review the offer the following day. By Friday afternoon, the offer had been retracted, and the potential buyer ceased communication.

"Everything about it triggered my 'too good to be true' reflex," the Realtor explained. "It was submitted on typical contract documents, which made it even more confusing. I just couldn't figure out what the scam was."

The incident has left real estate professionals and homeowners alike puzzled, questioning the motives behind such seemingly fraudulent offers. While the exact intent remains unclear, the incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in the current competitive real estate market, particularly in areas like Florida, where bidding wars and high-value transactions are common.

Possible Scenarios and Red Flags:

• Data Harvesting: One theory suggests the offer could be a ploy to gather sensitive information from the seller's documentation.

• False Hope: The offer might have been intended to create a false sense of urgency and excitement, potentially influencing the seller's decision-making on other offers.

• Money Laundering Probe (Less Likely): While less probable due to the rapid withdrawal, some speculated a test for money laundering.

• Disruption/Market Manipulation: A more disruptive approach to simply waste the seller's and agent's time.

"The fact that it was submitted on a standard real estate board contract is what makes it so strange," the seller said. "I'm still trying to understand what the scammer could possibly gain."

Real estate experts advise sellers to remain vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited or unusually high offers. "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is," warns one local Realtor. "Always verify the buyer's credentials and proceed with due diligence."

This incident serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners in Florida's hot real estate market, underscoring the importance of careful scrutiny and professional guidance. As the investigation continues, the community remains on alert, seeking answers to this perplexing real estate mystery.