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For Sale by Owner (Who the hell are you?)

I love talking to FSBO (For Sale by Owner) people. They are some of the most intelligent and well meaning people I've ever met. They usually are just trying to save a dollar, not realizing that they can cost themselves thousands by not using an agent.

But, this FSBO wasn't that at all. This FSBO was ignorant, abusive, and darn right rude toward me as an agent. In my career, I've only had one other situation like this. But, this time was different, he wanted me to go away and wanted me to go away fast!

Something wasn't quite right here and I had to find out why he wasn't just trying to get rid of me, but really get me to mind my own business so badly! So what made this FSBO so angry that he was willing to threaten me to get off his property? Especially since he was offering a lease with an option to buy, it would be perfect for some of my clients. Well, after some further investigation, it turns out he wasn't the owner at all. He was just trying to collect a large down payment for the lease and then rent it to them every month hoping the owner would never find out.

Since I've now contacted the owner, there has been a 30 day notice to get out put on his door and the con-artist will be looking for a new place to live. Hopefully the new address will be the county jail, where he belongs!

Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739

Photo courtesy of krominator

Posted by Todd Clark (Broker/Sales Coach), GRI (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) on 07/01/2008 10:30 AM

Comments (23)

fsbo, fraud, crook, beaverton oregon real estate, tigard oregon real estate, for sale by owner

Originally posted at: Living Beaverton - Your guide to everything Beaverton: For Sale by Owner (Who the hell are you?)

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23 Comments on For Sale by Owner (Who the hell are you?)

JUL

2008

That is sort of a scary deal. I guess it serves notice to be aware of other con artists like this.

Todd - I wasn't expecting that particular twist. Glad to hear that he was snagged.

"For Sale by Neighbor" LOL I am suprised he gets 30 days!! I would take the front door of that house in for some badly needed repair.

Todd, I've heard of some goofy FSBO scenarios, but this one tkes the cake! So was this guy just a tenant in the house or what? Sounds like he should be pulling a "Go to jail! Go directly to jail" card instead of just a 30-day notice to vacate.

Todd, Yikes!!!! I bet the owner was real happy that you nailed this guy. Can you imagine having a tenant sublet your property without your knowledge? Plus he would have just kept the money anyway. What a nightmare.

Good thing you knew something was fishy!!!

Todd, you like to live on the edge! Here is South Florida- widely known as the con-artist capital of the world; I hear of such events very often! Usually when the deal sounds too good to be true, it is! For reasons like you just described.

That Is How It Should Be!!!

TC,

This is becoming more than just a rare occurence...I keep hearing stories like these all around the country!!! Thanks, Fran

Would have been interesting to see his reaction if someone wanted to buy it outright. I can hear the wheels grinding from here as the charlatan tried to negotiate his way out of a title report. And they say that kids say and do the strangest things ...

Todd, a con artist in your midst. Very clever. Everyone is trying to make a buck in real estate these days. Glad you figured out the real story. I thought perhaps it was a tenant.

Todd: That's nuts. What a mess! I can't believe that people are that low. No....wait a minute.... sadly, I can.

Todd- This is an amazing story.... Congrats to you for persuing an answer- I probably would have run out of there as quick as my feet would go- which is rather slow but nonetheless- I would have never stayed long enough to find out this was a con.

Todd - you have the greatest stories - you can't make this stuff up - but I do think you could write a book!

Whoa! You are kidding me! Wow! I am with Virginia, write a book about this stuff!

Good catch there Todd. It can be scary out there.

JUL

2008

Todd, this is a great blog. Thank goodness you listened to your intuition. Yet another scam we need to watch out for.

Some times it just amazes me that people don't think that there is actually intelligent life beyond the four walls they live in.

JUL

2008

Todd- Way to go my friend. Your curiosity has certainly gotten you into some interesting situations.

JUL

2008

Good for you! Nice pick up, I'm glad you did something about it and didn't just let it go!

Well Done!! Thanks for this post. I want print this and had out to all kinds of buyers looking at FSBO

That homeowner is quite a lucky person that you not only took the time to try to find out about the FSBO, but that you also searched them out once you realized what was going on. Great job on your part!

Hi Todd, your instincts have really served you well. If anyone ever wondered if this really could happen, I sure hope they get a chance to read this.

PS, I would guess you will have a listing one day for your diligence in this situation.

JUL

Amazing! And so many people think that Agents are the scumbags. I'm glad to hear that you didn't just let it go. That story does you credit. It shows not only your professionalism and your integrity but also your perseverance. Good for you! Way to go.

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