Douglas L. Hilkert P.A.

05/26/2022

This is why we rarely wire Seller proceeds, and even then in VERY limited circumstances.

Learn about the new tactics cybercriminals are using to divert funds after settlement. Everyone who is part of an upcoming real estate transaction should be ...

05/18/2022

This is why you need an attorney when you buy or sell real estate.
https://www.wfla.com/news/national/new-mexico-woman-fighting-surprise-foreclosure-thought-she-paid-off-home/

03/26/2020

Today our office closed our first closing using remote online closing. A paperless and no contact closing.

The future is now.

03/26/2020

According to the Secretary of the Treasury settlement services, insurance services, and financial services are essential. Our offices remain at your service.

03/14/2020

CORONAVIRUS NOTICE: Our firm is taking steps to reduce the risks of contracting and spreading the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We ask that our clients and other persons use common sense when coming to our office: 1) If you have tested positive for COVID-19; 2) If you have traveled outside of the United States in the last 30 days; 3) If you have had a fever in the last 14 days; or 4) If you know you have come into contact with someone with COVID-19; DO NOT COME TO OUR OFFICE. Call our office immediately and we will make alternative arrangements. For more information please visit FloridaHealth.gov or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

09/10/2019

Buy land, they're not making it anymore.
-Mark Twain

08/29/2019

Know where you are wiring your money.

For a recent closing we sent the Buyer wire instructions and the amount of their cash to close to purchase the property. Unfortunately a bad guy had hacked the lender's email intercepting a preliminary Closing Disclosure and the Buyer's email address. The bad guy sent the Buyer an email that looked like it came from our office (the email domain was slightly different than our actual domain and the phone number was not even close to our number) telling the Buyer our wire instructions had changed.

Fortunately, the Buyer was sophisticated enough to call our office about the change in wire instructions. We told the Buyer, OUR WIRE INSTRUCTIONS WILL NEVER CHANGE once a file has been opened. The Buyer came to our office and picked up a physical copy of our actual wire instructions. Because of the Buyer's diligence their money was saved from being misdirected and ultimately stolen.
How do you make sure you are wiring to the right place: Confirm who you are dealing with. Google me! My phone number and address haven't changed in 20 years. Check the Florida Bar online; it even has my picture.