Justice for Victims of Real Estate Theft
Real Estate Scams are a legal issue that no one wants to deal with. Theses scams can lead to individuals having their houses stolen right from under them. As a real estate law firm to residential and commercial property owners, we help avoid legal problems and resolve disputes. Read below to learn how justice was served for a family after their inheritance home was stolen by a fake investor.
Our firm obtained a judgment against a fake real estate investor who stole a house from the family of a deceased elderly man. Residents of South Philly know that even abandoned homes can be valuable investment properties. Unfortunately, an unscrupulous real estate “investor” discovered a property that was abandoned when an elderly resident passed away. The house was supposed to be the inheritance of the elderly man’s heirs.
The heirs were horrified to discover that the criminal “investor” filed a fraudulent deed which purported to transfer the property from the elderly man to the investor. There was just one problem. The elderly man had already passed away at the time the fraudulent deed was allegedly signed.
After recording the fraudulent deed, the investor brazenly drove its construction vehicles to the home and began making renovations. Their goal was to rehab the house quickly and sell to an unsuspecting buyer.
The heirs to the deceased man’s estate hired our firm to sue this scam artist for damages and to restore their title to the property. The lawsuit filed on behalf of the estate is called a Quiet Title action. A Quiet Title action is a lawsuit filed on behalf of one party claiming a right or interest in a property. The complaint alleged that the defendant committed fraud in filing the deed and that the property was the lawful property of the estate.
A Philadelphia judge ruled that the defendant committed clear fraud and restored title to the property. The judge’s final order barred the defendant from asserting any right, lien, title or interest in the home and declared that the estate owns absolutely and is entitled to the quiet enjoyment and peaceful possession of the subject property to the exclusion of the defendant . The Commissioner of the Department of Records was also ordered to execute a new deed on behalf of the defendant transferring the property back to the estate.
Our client’s headaches and worries were quickly resolved by hiring our firm. After the order was entered by the judge, our office recorded the new deed transferring the property back to the estate. The family was soon able to sell the property for a hefty sum and enjoy their inheritance.
This is an example of how criminal scam artists can take advantage of a situation. Most homeowners are unaware that there are many types of real estate scams out there. You should always consult with an attorney before signing any documents that look suspicious or you don’t understand.
We know that dealing with a legal issue can add a lot of stress to your life. That’s why we are here to help resolve real estate disputes so you can move on with your life.
As a probate law firm for estate executors, we help settle estates efficiently and reduce stress. If you know someone faced with a probate process or roadblocks to an estate property sale, please have them contact us for a free evaluation at:
Phone: (215) 918-4242
Email: info@pennsylvaniaprobatelawfirm.com
If you are not quite ready for a consultation, download our probate handbook HERE. We’ll send you helpful probate guides and resources so you know how to handle the estate.
Disclaimer: While we’re proud of our past victories, please note that past results are not indicative of future results and each case is unique.