From Excitement of Homeownership to a Nightmare

I am soliciting your help for my cousin, Marty after a dishonest, unethical realtor took advantage of her. This realtor knew Marty’s situation and how vulnerable she was with finding a house for her and her mom. At the age of 68, Marty's mother was diagnosed with Pick’s Dementia and could no longer live on her own. The realtor convinced Marty to get a hard money loan to purchase a house, and as a first-time buyer and new to this process, Marty didn’t understand what this meant. She trusted the realtor because a close and trusted friend recommended him. She thought he had her best interest at heart. Since Marty was handling this process all on her own for the first time in her life, she believed everything he said and knew he would not steer her wrong, knowing that her mom’s condition was slowly deteriorating. She thought he was a good person because he had worked with one of her closest friends.

The need to start purchasing a home for Marty and her mom started in 2020; during the pandemic, Marty noticed that her 68-year-old mother was not responding as usual when she called her on the phone; something was a little off with her mom. Marty’s mother sometimes seemed very confused, couldn’t express herself, and had difficulty processing information. Marty didn’t waste any time. She immediately made an appointment to see a doctor. The doctor first thought that her mom had suffered a stroke. But after a CT scan, the stroke was ruled out. After several appointments, the diagnosis finally came: Pick’s Dementia. My aunt’s life would never be the same.

To give you a little context, Marty is a self-employed hairstylist and has established an excellent business for herself. She works hard to service her clients and ensure they all have healthy, gorgeous hair. Due to the pandemic, she was forced to move her business to her home, which worked well for her. But, her mom’s condition caused her to create a new plan. Marty’s mom owned her own home. However, her house did not allow Marty to move in and run her business. Therefore, Marty had to make some hard decisions. Her third-floor apartment was not conducive for her mom, who walks with a prosthetic leg. So, she decided to purchase a home that would allow Marty to care for her mom and continue her home-based business.

The realtor helped to sell her mom’s house and purchase her home. So he was privy to a lot of information. Once the new contract was accepted for Marty, the realtor advised her to get a hard money loan, and then in three to four months, he would help her refinance into a conventional loan. Well, three months came around, and he was nowhere to be found. He ignored every phone call and text message. Marty quickly realized that this situation was a financial pithole. She has been working with different real estate professionals for over a year to rectify this situation, but it has spiraled out of control. She is devastated! This situation along with caring for her mom, who is getting worse everyday, the cost of medication, and the doctor’s visits have been overwhelming. The realtor preyed on her lack of house-buying knowledge, and emotional state regarding her mother. He advised her on one wrong decision after another, which was worse than expected. He has since been fired from his brokerage and lost his real estate license, but the damage has been done. We are still faithful and know the power of prayer and asking for help.

So, if you have it in your heart to donate, you will help Marty to keep her home. All donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated. Donations will go towards legal fees, property taxes, and settling the financial obligations that stemmed from the impropriety. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity!