A deposit is the first money you pay to reserve a purchase — and a favorite point for scammers, since buyers rush for fear of losing the property. Paying safely keeps you from losing money before you even get the home.
Before any deposit, confirm the payee is the true owner — check the original deed against their ID. For resale via an agent, verify with the owner directly; never pay a "representative" without a power of attorney.
| Do | Why |
|---|---|
| Transfer to owner's account | Clear, traceable proof |
| Avoid cash | No payment trail |
| Keep slips and contract | Evidence in disputes |
Every deposit should come with a written sale agreement stating price, transfer date and refund terms — e.g., refund if the loan is rejected. It legally binds both sides.
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