Mobile Press-Register

Attention: Editor

Letters to the Editor department

You recently ran an article at (http://blog.al.com/live/2007/12/home_buyers_in_state_have_litt.html) regarding my real estate purchase through Re-Max and realtor, Brad Beasley (though you did not name them). I am writing this letter in hopes it will be published in the 'Letters to the Editor' section of your paper. The Press's main concern in this situation seems to have been for the realtor and his company. By not naming them they have shown their alligence to one of the strongest lobbyists in Alabama, the Realtor's Association. They did not appear to be concerned with what many would view as a form of fraud and elderly abuse committed by this realtor and his company, Re-Max. Besides, it only told part of the story.

The reporter, Sean Reilly, a political reporter based in Washington DC said his Editor was concerned that giving this realtor's name in the paper would damage his ability to make a living. (Sean Reilly had every intention of printing names.) Yet Brad Beasley is the one who ruined me financially. There are several points the Press-Register did not mention. One is the fact that this realtor who worked for Re-Max at the time, deliberately and maliciously lied to me before, during, and after this transaction. The first being said several times, was that he would "look after me". The second and most devestating one was, "Miss Orene, this house has already been inspected, so save your money". Yet another lie was saying that the file he had given me (after the closing) had a copy of all the papers I had signed in it.

This man even took me to his parents place of business and introduced us! ???

The closing on the house was March 1, 2005. However, I did not move in until around the middle of May due to a sever illness and recuperation time. That was when I realized there were major problems with the house. I immediately called Donald/Ronald Holyfield who had supposedly done this inspection, but he would not return my calls. I then called the realtor who said he would try to contact the inspecter for me. Finally, when the realtor called back, he told me my file had been 'lost' and nothing could be done until it was found. Since no inspection had ever been done, there was no report to be found.

After I had obtained an attorney, Mr. Henry Callaway of Mobile, is when I found out that the only report in the file was an appraisal report, and even it had several misrepresentations in it, giving thought to Mr. Holyfield never even seeing this house. There was no inspection report anywhere. No inspection had been done. I was then urged to obtain copies of the signed documents. I did so, and though there was no "as is" document in the file that was given me, there was an "as is" document with all the signed ones . The realtor had said during the signing that it was just a document showing that I accepted the house 'as is' since the short time after which the inspection had been done. This document was placed before me after I had already signed what he had explained to me, was the "inspection/Appraisal" report.

My attorney said the only thing he could do was file a civil suit, but that it would never get to court, regardless. Though in my opinion, it was a good case of fraud, I had to follow his advice. Is lying not a crime in a case of this magnatude? It being the biggest investment a normal person will ever make?

When he did file against Beasley and Re-Max, Beasley adamantly denied saying he had told me about any inspection having being done. He said he had 'strongly advised me to get one', which is still another lie. It upset me quite a bit because my word is all I really have, being from the old school where a person's word was of great value.

For about two weeks I tossed it around in my mind trying to think of a way to repute his accusations. I finally thought, if it is done in criminal cases, why can't it be done in mine? Therefore ... I took a polygraph test. Mr. Clay Pouche' who is retired FBI, and a kind and caring man tested me. He had given polygraph tests the last few years before his retirement, and his credentials are impeccable. One of the many being, that after his retirement Governor Riley named him over all polygraph testing in AL. Mr. Puuche' ask me specific questions relating to the realtor, and what I had been told by him regarding the purchase of the house. After it was over, he later came back and said "'you breezed right through it. The polygraph, though not accepted inside a court of law, proved I had not lied about anything.

After this horrendous education regarding the purchase of a home, I fully realize just how foolish I was in trusting this man. It was my first exposure in purchasing a home. Though I had once considered myself to have a little bit of common sense, apparently I was wrong. Even realizing people of that caliber existed, I was not prepared for him. He was so charming (cunning). and he lied so well. He kept telling me I reminded him so much of his aunt, that she also had a great personality.

In answer to the person who commented on the wall switch plate. I had no control over what was printed, pictures, nor word. Believe me, if I had, this realtor would have been named. In addition, pictures of the holes in the attic wood under the shingles, the ductwork, wiring, and pictures of the rotted floors to the dirt (only covered with carpet, and not visible to the naked eye by a walk through) would have been printed. I only wish that switch plate cover had been the worse case scenario.

Also, to the comment about insuring the house for the first one or two years. I wish I had known that. However I was truly unaware, and certainly not informed that this could be done. Had this man advised me in the beginning to get a home inspection, I would have. I seemed to have followed all his other instructions. However, he realized he would have lost a sale. Besides working in my behalf, he was also working for the seller which was not made known to me. This is a conflict of interest.

I do appreciate the understanding comment from the one's who had a similar experience. They are most certainly in my prayers. I fully understand their misery, and only wish them the very best.

The rest of my story needs to be told. I do hope you will print it in the "Letter to the Editor" section.

Thank you,
V. Orene Carlisle Fennell