Forged Documents

**dreamer** · 03-15-2009, 10:32 AM

I need some advice. I bought some property and my realtor advised that a survey wasn't needed because the law would protect me if there was a problem with the acreage. The RESPA was signed and instead of writing the acreage on the document, he only wrote the tax parcel number. I took the seller to court and the judge concluded that I agreed to buy the property described by the tax parcel number but the amount of acreage could not be contested even if it was incorrect because it was not listed on the RESPA. I feel the realtor made a mistake because he knew of my concerns about the acreage size so he should have listed it. (Did I mention that this was my first ever real estate purchase so I did not know much - now I know a lot)

Now to the forged documents - 2 of the documents had forged signatures and both came from the real estate agent. I had a handwriting analyst review the dcouments who concluded that they were forgeries. Is there something that protects us from this stuff?

**scout** · 03-15-2009, 10:49 AM

Sorry for bad language, but you are in "deep s*it". I am not familiar with American law, but I think that this is universal and applicable to any corner in the world. It is common sense that you should get your land, but including that you succeed to prove on the court that those documents were forged, and also that you haven't break some law too because you were misguided by your agent. I think story was like this: agent was trying to become friend with you constantly reassuring you that "everything will be just fine", and you were kinda embarrassed not to trust him so you followed his advice. Now you are paying your schooling. In the future let the RE agent do his job, and lawyer his. That way everybody will be happy.

Greetings, and I hope that you will settle the thing to your benefit.

**dreamer** · 03-15-2009, 10:59 AM

You have it right. I was a newbie and trusted that my realtor was experienced and would guide me through the process. I even asked him for references before I used him including one from a bank. Who would know that someone can advertise a piece of land at a certain size when it is not correct and be allowed to get away with it. Where is the justice? The laws need to be changed to protect buyers.

"In the future let the RE agent do his job, and lawyer his. That way everybody will be happy."

I wasn't sure what you meant by this. I think my problem was letting them do their jobs without asking more questions. The only ones who are happy now are the crooked ones.

**scout** · 03-15-2009, 11:24 AM

I understand your aggravation.

Originally Posted by dreamer

Where is the justice? The laws need to be changed to protect buyers.

You're not the only one. I often ask myself the same question

Originally Posted by dreamer

"In the future let the RE agent do his job, and lawyer his. That way everybody will be happy."
I wasn't sure what you meant by this. I think my problem was letting them do their jobs without asking more questions. The only ones who are happy now are the crooked ones.

I understand too. I didn't expressed my self quite good. I meant that you should always hire lawyer for purchases, good and honest agent wont have anything against it. Crooks will get nervous, and start persuading you to trust them. Any descent lawyer will "see through them" instantly.

Unfortunately, damage has been done, now for the future, always check. I often say: "Who ever gets bitten by snake, he is afraid even from a small lizard"

Once again, Greetings, and take care.

**dreamer** · 03-15-2009, 11:34 AM

Great advice!! I will definitely consult a lawyer BEFORE i close on a piece of land.

**jennsellsfast** · 03-15-2009, 11:47 AM

Dreamer have you confronted your Real Estate agent on this matter? I would, becuase the bottom line is that you trusted him and he completely let you down.

**dreamer** · 03-15-2009, 11:53 AM

I've tried but he never calls me back. I'm thinking of sending an email to him and to his real estate company.

**jennsellsfast** · 03-15-2009, 12:37 PM

I definitely would Dreamer. Tell as many people about this horrible situation as you can, so it doesn't happen to anyone else! His brokerage needs to know the type of business he is conducting.

**dreamer** · 03-15-2009, 12:46 PM

Hi Jenn,

Funny thing is he is not listed on the Windermere website anymore. Maybe they had complaints about him.

I have just finished sending emails off to my senator, representatives, the Washington State real estate commission, and the state Attorney General. I hope someone will be able to help me fight this.