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Criminal Acts

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Birchwood Realty, Inc.

What is it called when someone takes money for a service they don't intend to preform?  This is what has been happening in Florida for years and our legislators do nothing to protect the consumer.  Let me explain. 

 

You contract with a builder to build your dream house. You aquire a constructions loan through a bank.  The bank releases funds to the builder to pay for services preformed by sub-contractors and vendors.  The builder takes the money but does not pay the bills.  The builder closes his doors and files for bankruptcy.  The sub-contractors and vendors file leans on (guess who) the customer, who has already paid for their services through the bank and the builder.  There is something very wrong with this situation.   I have seen this happen to several of my friends through the years and It is devastating!  Last week it happened to my daughter and son-in-law; the bank released $70,000. to the builder who took the money and closed their doors a few days later.  The builder knew they were in financial trouble, taking the money was pre-meditated.  Why isn't this considered a criminal act in this state.  Why is the customer responsible for the criminal acts of the builder? 

Our legislators have been listening to complaint from consumers on this subject for years but they have done nothing but give lip service.  They have been on TV talking about sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills to stop this mistreatment of our population.  Where are the bills???  Where is the action???

So, here I am in a state I love watching people I love and care about getting hurt, feeling frustrated and helpless.

 

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For more information on sub-tropical Cape Coral and the Lee County area
                                  Contact

                                                                           Lois Davme with glassesies,ABR

        www.capecoralhomes.pro
            Cell: 239-357-5558                                                             
            Efax: 239-244-8975
    

     Century 21 Birchwood Reatly, Inc.
4040 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, Fl.  33904
                      

 

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Jay LaGace
RE/MAX Realty Team - Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral / Lee County Real Estate - 239-443-8795

Lois, there are things that can be done, or I should say at least you can attempt to do them..

 I had the same thing happen to a client last year that contracted with one of the area builders. ( No Longer Here). The State does have a few programs in place to help the people who get robbed, but there is only so much $$$ from what I understand, once its gone, its gone.

Nov 08, 2007 12:58 PM
Lois Davies
Century 21 Birchwood Realty, Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral & SW Florida
Thanks Jay, I'll talk to you in the morning
Nov 08, 2007 01:02 PM
Scott Slocum
Florida Future Realty Inc. - Cape Coral, FL
Scott Slocum & Associates 239-222-4800, Cape Coral
That is insane... and disgusting at the same time...
Nov 08, 2007 01:07 PM
Vicky Poe
Good Ole Rocky Top - Crossville, TN
Realtor/ Auctioneer
This should be cracked down on and stiff punishement. 
Nov 08, 2007 01:12 PM
Scott R. Turner
CENTURY 21 Broadhurst - Myrtle Beach, SC
Everything We Touch Turns to SOLD!!
It is criminal and as long as our gov't bickers and drags there feet the little guy suffers. I'm sure by now you have a lawyer, should be interesting to see what they have to say. Keep me informed.
Nov 09, 2007 01:50 PM