In real estate transactions, some unscrupulous sellers or agents may use various means to mislead buyers or tenants about the true condition of the property. The following are some common misleading means: 1. **Concealing house defects**: - **Structural problems**: Major structural problems such as foundation cracks, leaks, and mold are not disclosed. - **Electrical and plumbing failures**: Deliberately not reporting problems such as aging wires and leaking pipes. 2. **False advertising of house size and layout**: - **Exaggerating the actual area**: The area marked in the advertisement is larger than the actual measured area. - **Misleading layout description**: For example, describing a non-prime room as a master bedroom, or exaggerating the storage space. 3. **Using modified photos or videos**: - **Beautifying the exterior and interior of the house**: Making the house look more attractive than it actually is through professional photo editing and beautification. - **Hiding defects**: Hiding the problem areas when shooting to make the house look in good condition. 4. **Providing false or exaggerated documents**: - **False property certificates**: Providing forged property certificates or failing to disclose co-owner information. - **Exaggerating the property's appreciation potential**: Providing false market analysis or future development plans to exaggerate the property's appreciation potential. 5. **Deliberately delaying information disclosure**: - **Delaying the provision of important information**: Such as delaying the notification of upcoming major construction projects, community planning changes, etc., to influence the decision of buyers or tenants. 6. **Misleading pricing strategies**: - **Hidden additional costs**: Additional costs such as property management fees and maintenance funds are not clearly disclosed. - **False discounts or offers**: Advertising non-existent discounts or offers to attract buyers or tenants. 7. **Manipulating market reviews**: - **Fake positive reviews**: Posting false high ratings and positive reviews on the platform to enhance the credibility of real estate or agents. - **Discrediting competitors**: Spreading false information to disparage other properties or agents, indirectly enhancing the attractiveness of their own properties. **Suggestions**: In order to avoid being misled in real estate transactions, buyers or tenants should take the following measures: - **On-site inspection**: Visit the house in person to fully understand its actual condition. - **Third-party inspection**: Hire a professional house inspection agency to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the house. - **Verify documents**: Ensure the authenticity and legality of all title documents and contract terms. - **Consult professionals**: Seek advice from a lawyer or real estate consultant to ensure the legality and fairness of the transaction. - **Multi-channel information comparison**: Obtain property information through multiple channels to avoid relying on a single source. Staying vigilant and fully understanding property information will help you make wise decisions about buying or renting a property and avoid potential fraud risks.