Posted by wannabedivin on November 11, 2006 at 19:15:02:
Would you be wiliing to expand on what happened for a learning tool for those of us that are not sophisticated investors yet?
Real Estate Fraud - Posted by Leo
Posted by Leo on November 11, 2006 at 17:11:40:
My wife and I were the victems of Real Estate Fraud in San Francisco. We were defrauded out of our home by someone that was a trusted friend and real estate broker. Where is the best place to find legal representation?
Re: Real Estate Fraud - Posted by Rick, the Probate Guy
Posted by Rick, the Probate Guy on November 11, 2006 at 19:47:17:
For starters, you’ll need qualified legal representation and shouldn’t have much trouble finding that in the SF Bay area.
Personally, I’d never work with any attorney unless they came highly recommended by another attorney that I know and trust. Perhaps you already know a good attorney in another discipline (estate planning, etc.) that can refer you to an experienced real estate litigator.
Next choice would be to get a referral from a higher-up type person at your favorite title company. They frequently deal with real estate lawsuits and know who’s effective in your community. Another important point is definately pick someone who is known in the court that will be hearing this matter.
Another (really plan C) source is the local bar association legal referral service. This is NOT the pro bono, advise-for-free attorney service but the service that many attorneys participate in their local community. It’s very hit and miss, however.
You mihgt as well accept that this is most likely going to be expensive, time consuming and tedious. Don’t think that hiring Perry Mason or Ol’ Blood & Guts is the best representation for you. Leave your resentments at home and select an attorney who is known for being effective, not hostile. I presume that you’re looking for results not vengeance.
Lastly, it’s best that you take some quite time and ask yourself exactly what you’re prepared to go thru and what constitues “acceptable” results.
At any given time I typically have 3-5 attorneys working my own files. That doesn’t mean that I’m that I’m necessarily being sued but I do have lots of deals requiring court resolution.
And, as an after-thought, does the defendant have any assets to levy? Better make sure this is all worth it, right?
Hope this helps