As property values rise, so does the concern of real estate fraud in Arizona. From deed forgery to non-disclosure cases, unsuspecting homeowners can be tricked by calculated schemes. AZRE Magazine turned to Gary Smith to share his expertise on how to protect yourself and clients from real estate fraud.
Gary stressed how anyone can become a victim of real estate fraud, highlighting a past case where a fraudster posing as an elderly homeowner had sold the client’s home without their knowledge.
He continued to describe the characteristics of real estate fraud and how to prevent it — namely, seeking legal counsel before signing any documents. This guidance allows Arizonans to take proactive measures to defend themselves and protect their investments.
Gary is highly skilled in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). He has handled a wide range of partnership disputes, construction defects, design defects, real estate purchases, employment contract breaches, business purchase disputes, consumer fraud, banking and purchase contracts.
A seasoned litigator, advisor, mediator and arbitrator, Gary focuses his practice on commercial matters, construction, real estate, cannabis, psychedelics and administrative law. He has represented a wide range of individual and institutional clients in both State and Federal courts, administrative hearings and arbitration.