Taking a large check from a service member: Good or bad idea?

Is this a normal thing for a sale of a house? Attorneys and what-not?

It absolutely is in New York - I think in New Jersey also.
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Let’s do a poll.

https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=876555

Bump - I think you said the closing was Monday, Nars. So what happened? Do you have a check for a fence?

Closing was yesterday. I have a check. I deposited it but then there was an issue wiring the funds to the seller’s account because her maiden name was on the account. So, I got the check back. My banker said t hat that was reasonable and that wires have to be 100% perfect or they’ll get rejected. I have to hold onto the check a couple more days.

I’ve been in contact with the sellers (through my realtor) about other issues and they’ve always responded promptly so if they’re scamming me, they’re doing it in a funny way. I’m not concerned yet.

FWIW, I’ve also talked to my neighbors and they all liked the family.

I just got a text from my realtor that it’s OK to deposit the check (again). We shall see.

It’s been over a week so I’m going to assume that everything went according to plan. If it was a scam, it was a strange one.

Final follow-up? Do you have your money?

Yes. There were no issues after I deposited the check the second time.

Wires have to be 100% perfect because they are irrevocable and heavily regulated. Of the two factors, it’s the second that the banks care about more…