Results 1 to 19 of 19

Thread: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

  1. #1
    God/dess cinammonkisses's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Some Fat guys Lap!
    Posts
    9,647
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 90 Times in 67 Posts

    Default I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    I've been debating on posting this for a few months now. Ok, so my mom is in her early 50's. She's never been to college. She's not by any means "slow" but she can be naive and unknowledgable on certain things and it's pretty easy to throw around big words as she doesn't have any idea what you're talking about.

    Ok, so here is the issue. Back in Dec, my mom called me up to discuss this program that she got approved of ($20,000 grant for a home). Since this is what I'm in school for, she asked my opinion. I told her that I'd come to check the place out w/ her blah blah..

    Well anyway she signed the papers and everything without me. My mom lives in Cleveland and for those who dont' know they have a serious problem with predatory lending and such.

    So, a few months ago, I come to visit my mom. As soon as I walked in the house, which is a townhome I could see issues that I was concerned with. She bought a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath house for a little over $100,000. Sounds good except my mom has damn near EMACCULATE credit and this house is literally across the street from some damn projects (ie. public housing) and a cemetary. With foreclosure rates the way they are, she could've gotten a house in the suburbs for about the same amount.

    So, while I was first here visiting. I slept in the basement. It's just about fully finished. Ok, so I'm up on the phone and I could hear walking up and down the stairs and the TV blaring. So I look at the wall and notice there is a hole in the ceiling and I can literally hear everything that is going on in the next house!

    Later that next day, while my mom is at work, I come down stairs and guess what I found. Raw sewage covering the entire basement floor. When my Mom got home, she made several phone calls to the people who she bought the house from (Development company) and for the most part they ignored her phone calls.

    After I sent a firm email to the guy he immediately called my mom and said someone will be out. This took days, and the contractors that came out basically said something was clogged at the townhome next door to my mom.

    So now, there is currently mold growing on the walls in my moms BRAND NEW home! Oh, and did I mention for the first month that she was here, they hadn't properly sealed the kitchen sink or the shower head..so both were leaking. The showerhead water was leaking down into the lighting fixture in the kitchen.

    So now, I just get a call from some guy with the (Devolopment Company) he tells me to check the basement cause the guy next door said his is flooded. Yup, you guessed it..so is my Moms. So, I ask him why mom doesn't have her own pipes and the guy says something like "all 2 houses share a sewer line"

    Ok, so my mom won't be home yet until 7pm and I'm pissed the eff off! The first time all this stuff happened I asked my mom tons of questions as to why she didn't do a walk through and hire a home inspector. She said the (development company) told her they had their own, and it would save her $300. I pulled up this company on Google and found a SHITLOAD of negative information on them. I even showed the links to my mom..yet at the time she was still just being naive saying, "well they'll get it done.."

    I'm stressing the hell out. My mom is such a good person and I hate that she's being taken advantage of. Advice, opinions...I just feel like exploding on these people!







    Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"


  2. #2
    Banned jasmine's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,728
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Maybe do a search for legal assistance/housing/pro-bono work in your area. I definitely think you need a lawyer. I would also look into the local housing authority and file a complaint with the BBB and call the local government offices to see what other legal rights you have. Sorry I don't have any more advice.

  3. #3
    Featured Member Kabukicho's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Different places!
    Posts
    895
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    I'm sorry I'm clueless, but yeah speak to a lawyer. I get mad hearing about stuff like this, good for you for looking out for your mom.

  4. #4
    God/dess Emily's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    11,302
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 143 Times in 72 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    do you think the other residents will want to join in?

    It might be easier to afford a lawyer or get one for free that way.

  5. #5
    God/dess cinammonkisses's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Some Fat guys Lap!
    Posts
    9,647
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 90 Times in 67 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Quote Originally Posted by Emily View Post
    do you think the other residents will want to join in?

    It might be easier to afford a lawyer or get one for free that way.
    I haven't the slightest idea. I have noticed that like 80% of the residents in my moms "community" are all around her age. I feel like they are being targeted or something

    I did a search on google again, and found more news articles on unsatisfied homeowners through this company. The one lady had a lawyer. I think I'm gonna call her lawyer up and see what he/she has to say and what the status is looking like for his current client.







    Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"


  6. #6
    Veteran Member sparkleeyz's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Where I dream of Brooklyn, PA
    Posts
    705
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    WOW! thats crazy. I would contact a lawyer asap. Since your mom has no mental problems, they wont be able to do anything about the fact that she signed the contract but maybe they can do something about the shitty condition of the house and slow response from the developer.
    "I Can Sell Raid To A Bug. i'm A Hustler I Can Sell Salt To A Slug" -Cassidy

  7. #7
    God/dess cinammonkisses's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Some Fat guys Lap!
    Posts
    9,647
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 90 Times in 67 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Quote Originally Posted by sparkleeyz View Post
    WOW! thats crazy. I would contact a lawyer asap. Since your mom has no mental problems, they wont be able to do anything about the fact that she signed the contract but maybe they can do something about the shitty condition of the house and slow response from the developer.
    Yea, my mom definately has no mental problems she just lacks knowledge in certain areas. I usually have to explain things to her and put them into simpler terms. She's just uneducated on most things.

    Update: I called my older sister and told her everything that is going on. Now she's pretty upset too. I gave her the President of the Dev. Company name and the Dev. company. So I guess she's gonna do some research too. She told me to call HUD in the morning.

    Also: I'm pretty mad. Just a few months ago, I was able to find a shitful bunch of dirt on this company..now NOTHING negative is coming up! You think they paid these folks off??







    Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"


  8. #8
    Veteran Member sparkleeyz's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Where I dream of Brooklyn, PA
    Posts
    705
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    ^^^^ Did you try the better business bureau website?
    "I Can Sell Raid To A Bug. i'm A Hustler I Can Sell Salt To A Slug" -Cassidy

  9. #9
    God/dess cinammonkisses's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Some Fat guys Lap!
    Posts
    9,647
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 90 Times in 67 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Quote Originally Posted by sparkleeyz View Post
    ^^^^ Did you try the better business bureau website?
    Based on BBB files, this business has an unsatisfactory rating with the Bureau due to unanswered complaints.The business has resolved some complaints presented by the BBB; however, the BBB did not receive a response to other complaints Complaints against this business concern Contract Issues, Customer Service Issues, Guarantees or Warranty Issues, Product Issues, Refund or Exchange Issues and Service Issues When evaluating complaint information, please consider the company's size and volume of business.The number of complaints filed against the business may not be as important as the type of complaints and how the business handled them The BBB processed a total of 8 complaints about this business in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 8 complaints in the last 36 months, 6 of those were closed in the last 12 months Complaints Concerned Service Issues: 2 Outcome of all complaints
    Resolved: 1

    1 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledged acceptance to the BBB. Administratively Closed: 1
    1 - BBB determined that despite the company's good faith effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
    Customer Service Issues: 1 Outcome of the complaint - Administratively Closed: 1
    1 - BBB determined that despite the company's good faith effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
    Guarantees or Warranty Issues: 1 Outcome of the complaint - Administratively Closed: 1
    1 - BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
    Product Issues: 1 Outcome of the complaint - Administratively Closed: 1
    1 - BBB determined that despite the company's good faith effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
    Refund or Exchange Issues: 2 Outcome of all complaints
    Resolved: 1
    1 - Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledged acceptance to the BBB. Administratively Closed: 1
    1 - Company agreed to arbitration in accordance with their BBB agreement, but the consumer declined.
    Contract Issues: 1 Outcome of the complaint - No Response: 1
    1 - Company failed to respond to the BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.







    Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"


  10. #10
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    961
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Call the news media NOW!!! They LUUUVVV stories like this. And yeah, also get a lawyer.


    EDIT::: If you think predatory lending, and with their record, contact whoever handles 'elderly' cases for the city/ county. It is a govt division. They may be able to get a lawyer pro bono, etc..

    And also the DA. Also, the feds were cracking down on them (predatory lenders), contact them too.

  11. #11
    God/dess cinammonkisses's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Some Fat guys Lap!
    Posts
    9,647
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 90 Times in 67 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Quote Originally Posted by glambman View Post
    Call the news media NOW!!! They LUUUVVV stories like this. And yeah, also get a lawyer.


    EDIT::: If you think predatory lending, and with their record, contact whoever handles 'elderly' cases for the city/ county. It is a govt division. They may be able to get a lawyer pro bono, etc..

    And also the DA. Also, the feds were cracking down on them (predatory lenders), contact them too.

    Contacting the news media, that sounds like a good idea.

    Though I am worried that this company is in "good" with most of the city. They are all over the internet getting awards and big building development projects. I'm so over whelmed!!!







    Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"


  12. #12
    God/dess anomar's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    2,373
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Yes, contact the media!

    I would recommend brainstorming both the print media and tv media resources in your city and getting contact info for them . Write up a brief summary of where you are right now with this investigation. It sounds like you have a very sharp idea of why this is a huge deal!

    Send out an email to all of the potential reporters on your side and make sure to include your phone # and ask them to contact you at any time. If you can do this asap that is best, since a lot of people are off on Sat-Sunday.

    ETA: I might be biased b/c I work for an independent newspaper, but those (the small free weeklies) often ar the scrappiest ones, so definitely look into them. Looks like CityBeat might be a good resource???

  13. #13
    Veteran Member Casey4Now's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Among the Yahoos
    Posts
    231
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Is there an Association? Does your mother pay association dues? Did she receive bylaws form the developer? I do paralegal work for the last 8 yrs for a real estate attorney in MI, I may have some advice although the laws may vary in OH..I may be able to steer you in the right direction.

  14. #14
    Veteran Member cadencetyme's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2008
    Location
    This is where i long to be: La Isla Bonita
    Posts
    334
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 55 Times in 38 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    i would try to find some sort of advocate or social worker. also contact the news stations about the possiblity of targeting like another said.

  15. #15
    God/dess ahmeerah's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Center of the World.
    Posts
    3,128
    Thanks
    66
    Thanked 82 Times in 51 Posts
    My Mood
    Breezy

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Quote Originally Posted by Emily View Post
    do you think the other residents will want to join in?

    It might be easier to afford a lawyer or get one for free that way.
    Exactly what I was thinking. I'm sure you'll find a law firm who'd be interested in this case. Especially if you get some of the other people affected involved too.


    And yes - MEDIA!!!!!!

  16. #16
    Senior Member DarkMoon08's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2008
    Location
    the abyss
    Posts
    99
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    It sounds like a lawyer, the media, and the feds are the way to go here.

    Nail them to the wall if you can. People who take advantage of the elderly need to be flogged severly (sp). Then thrown in jail...for a long time.
    If life sucks...change it.

  17. #17
    God/dess virgoamm's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2006
    Location
    In the clouds.....
    Posts
    2,413
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    I'm sorry Cin. You've been given some great advice and I really hope everything works out. There's a special place in hell for people who prey on the elderly, imo.

  18. #18
    Featured Member teeth_of_the_hydra's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2006
    Location
    The Wild
    Posts
    1,409
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 23 Times in 10 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    I have no advice either, but you are a super sweet kid for doing all this. If this is the kind of thing you're hoping to have a career in (because you said this situation related to your major, right?) then you are going to be a phenomenal success. Best of luck to you, Cinn.
    Drought was over. Where was I? Drinks were on the house.
    For mixers, my love, you'd poured--what?--even the rain.

  19. #19
    God/dess Paris's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    6,345
    Thanks
    168
    Thanked 801 Times in 419 Posts

    Default Re: I need to contact a Lawyer...(everyone plz respond) it's pretty long!

    Ask around in the neighborhood and see if anyone else is having problems with the houses. There are lemon laws for homes. Check over your mother's paperwork on the mortgage and look for the builder warranty section. I'm not sure what the laws are in your area, but in Oregon it is required that builders provide a 3 year warranty on new construction. I believe that is a national law, though, due to so many interstate builders like DR Horton or Centex.

    It is still too early for you to call a lawyer. As terrible as your living situation is, it sounds like the seller is trying to make things right. You might get a faster response from the seller if you contact you local planning/ zoning office. That is where the builder must obtain permits and have the new construction certified by a city inspector to insure that the building was constructed up to city code. Ask to see the inspection record for your address or to get contact information for the inspector(s) that handled that subdivision. You won't have to pay a thing. This is a public service covered by your local taxes.

    What you are looking for is repeated inspections on the same thing. For instance if you see that your address was inspected and failed more than 3 times for mechanical (this would effect plumbing and electric in the early stages) or rough-in plumbing or finish plumbing or mechanical/ electrical. These are HUGE. Framing or roofing or floors are easily repaired. Foundation, plumbing and mechanical are much more complicated to go back and repair a botched job.

    Document everything you do. Every time you speak with the seller, make a note as to the date/time and notes on what was discussed. I'm afraid that you may have a long and arduous battle ahead of you. You absolutely must keep good records.

    Please feel free to PM me with questions. I know a couple things about construction laws .


    Promote yourself and earn more money! This is a business that is owned by strippers for strippers. Let's make that money!


Similar Threads

  1. how long to wait to contact a customer?
    By Starfire in forum Hustle Hut
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-13-2008, 03:58 PM
  2. Replies: 9
    Last Post: 08-03-2004, 10:54 AM
  3. bachelor parties and the law (sorry, pretty long)
    By Theresa in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-03-2003, 03:06 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •