What to do what to do...

[brainsmile]

Ok so here's the deal. A neighbor of mine is pretty pissed off at me because here in san diego, for new communities, many home builders make you sign a note saying that the home will be a primary residence and owner occupied. Which means that you are stating that you are not an investor. This particular person ticks me off pretty bad because he and his wife have purchased 3 new homes in the area (all of which are yet to be built AND will close escrow within months of each other) and will sign each one saying that it is their primary residence.

It ticks me off for many reasons.

1. by doing this they are taking away a home from a person who really wants to live there.

2. they are circumventing the rules and no one is holding them accountable.

3. they seem to think that they should be able to buy as many homes and not be questioned.

So I reported them to the builder. I think it's my right to voice my concerns and the builder for one of the homes (corporate office) called them and said that they have to live in the house for a year as the contract stipulates. Well he found out it was me. Not that I care but he comes up to me and says it's none of my business. To a point he is correct but it is my business in the fact that each time they purchased a home in the first phase meaning they got the cheapest home possible and will ride the price hikes up and make some good cash each time. I mean in more than one instance he took the home I wanted so we had to go look elsewhere.

I estimate that he'll clear a cool million in profits from these 3 homes. I need to make it clear that I didn't plan on buying those 3 homes (just one) so don't come at me with the hypocrite line.

I just don't think it's fair and him getting caught with the hand in the proverbial cookie jar is not my concern. I mean I think that he's mad and threatening me with words such as "you don't want to be my neighbor" and "you don't know the extent of how angry I am" yada yada yada as being his right. I'd say he should just lay low and shut his pie hole.

I told him that in the sense of being a good neighbor I won't say any more about him. Though I'm not sure that's ethically right. Every time I say anything he just comes back with, you better not. I say, "well it's a closed issue I won't say any more"...

YOU BETTER NOT

Well you won't hear of anything from me

YOU BETTER NOT

I'm getting tired of it. Why can't some people with money just be humble.

My goodness... he acts like a 4 year old.

He claims he "hears stuff" without naming names. Well it just makes me want to blurt out something like, "yeah? we I hear stuff too about how you like to be spanked until you yell sooweeeee" but I bite my lip and be the better man.


SUGGESTIONS? Hey gothic girl can I have you send this guy a check? :P

[Jenny]

That sucks... Some people are just asshats! :( Good luck!

[Gothic Girl]

SUGGESTIONS? Hey gothic girl can I have you send this guy a check? :P
ROFLMAO! That cracked me up BS!

[ufcrusher]

My opinion is that although it sucks, the guy is doing NOTHING illegal. The clauses will probably be worthless in a court of law, so long as he pays as promised what do they care.

[brainsmile]

well it depends... for instance the builder reserves the right to 20% of any rental payments they receive so as long as they hold all 3 homes with no renters they are fine. I don't know if they can do that financially but probably can with Line of Equities.

And if they sell within a year they can ask for all the capital gains they receive from the sale of the property. I'm sure there are ways around it.

Honestly the only thing that bothers me is that they won't own up to the fact that they are doing something "shady" and instead are trying to turn it on me.

[Gothic Girl]

You know what though? I would do the same thing. I don't think that's fair they keep buying up the houses (especially when a couple were ones that you were trying to get). I mean, it's pretty obvious that they are going to be using these as rentals, without living in them for 1 year. You can't live in 3 differents houses all at the same time. I hope they builder comes to their senses and does not let this happen again.

[brainsmile]

yeah... I know... thanks for the support. I try to do things by the book and I've lived but these people are using loopholes and such to sell profits and break contracts.

[Gothic Girl]

yeah... I know... thanks for the support. I try to do things by the book and I've lived but these people are using loopholes and such to sell profits and break contracts.
Heh, I know how you feel!

[Merlin]

I wouldn't worry about it too much. This guy is taking quite a bit of risk. If interest rates creep upwards or there is a change in the local economy, then he could be upside down on his investments real quick. And yes, activity like this are typically signs of a merket top.

[brainsmile]

True... but I'm sure he's got enough cash to weather any dips. Hey Merlin have you been getting my emails?

[WhiskeyPapa]

Not that I care but he comes up to me and says it's none of my business.It is your business. Because of his dealings, you may end up living next door to a rental house. No offense to renters here, but homeowners typically make better neighbors. They maintain their property better and therefore make your property more valuable.

You are 100% right. I just hope you don't end up living next to them for a long time...

[Grimm]

Maybe if everyone decided that a lack of integrity was everyone's business, the world would be a better place.

Next time he tries messing with you get in his face. Tell him that you aren't the one who broke the rules and that if he wants to keep pusshing you he might find out a bit too late that you will push back.

[DaFunkyUnit]

i must admit, BS, that's a very responsible move to do. very considerate.

kudos to you! :thumbup:

[InfiniteNothing]

True... but I'm sure he's got enough cash to weather any dips. Hey Merlin have you been getting my emails?

How about a 14 year slow down like Japan's house market?

I think what he's doing is highly unethical because the speculation is raising the price of homes far beyond what the avereage San Diegan can afford.

[ray]

I know this great demolition team...

[cadetevon]

I think you did right to point out to the builders what these guys are doing.

A home owner will care more about their home, property and their neighborhood more than a home renter will.

In the long run, it will make for a nicer place to live if they are all owners and not renters.

That said, I need to fess up and let it be known that I'm a renter and not an owner, so I know and understand that not all renters fall into this catagory.

[mcs328]

I wish I had the guts to do what you did. I'm not sure I would or not because I'm not in that situation but it boils my blood too. Imagine you're young and shopping around and the same greedy dipshat outbids you above your range and resells it. Then you got to sacrifice some other luxury to raise your limit. The poor are kept poor and the rich get richer. I don't know if this applies but here goes....For evil to win, the good guys have to do nothing.

[Showtime]

He probably won't use them as rentals. I think he plans to sell them and make that million. Then you will have neighbors who paid a lot to live next to you.

Or you could hope that the market drops before he sells and he loses some dough, but we both know that aint happening.

[doolittle]

i would be more worried about the threats he is making, bullys usually dont go away. you guys have seemed to reach an agreement on this issue, i imagine the next disagreement will be equally hostile.

[Kevster]

I would be very concerned if he starts renting out the home next to you. I have renters next door and the house they live in looks like a dump. The paint is peeling, there is exterior fire/smoke damage where one of the renters accidentally torched his room by leaving a few candles burning too long, the gutters are falling off, etc. They also like to throw parties that start at 3am in the morning too and I've had to go over there a few times to get them to be quiet.

The reason the builder has that caluse in the contract is because they are trying to deter speculation. This jerk you live next door to is trying to circumvent that agreement (one that you are also held too with your home) and that is very unethical. I'm sorry to hear that you live next to such a person. If you wanted to report him to the other builders you could do so without legal repercussions but if he continues to be threatening, I would start getting it documented (video perhaps).

[Jihforce]

Obviously he know he's doing something shady, otherwise, why would he continuously tell you that you better not discuss this issue any further? BS, i think you are just being too nice. I would have told him off. :D

[Kevster]

One thing I was wondering about too Brainsmile - how did he find out it was you?

[Grimm]

One thing I was wondering about too Brainsmile - how did he find out it was you?
I'm betting that the contractor told him. The contractor probably gets certain tax benifits by sticking to the no-speculator policy. The trick is that so long as he is not "aware" of any speculators he is not responsible to do anyhting. But since someone bler a whistle, he has to do something about it and lost two sales.

[cadetevon]

I'm betting that the contractor told him. The contractor probably gets certain tax benifits by sticking to the no-speculator policy. The trick is that so long as he is not "aware" of any speculators he is not responsible to do anyhting. But since someone bler a whistle, he has to do something about it and lost two sales.


But if sales where BS is are anything like where I am (San Diego, CA) those other two houses will go quick as anything.

Builders can't build fast enough out here.

[Grimm]

But if sales where BS is are anything like where I am (San Diego, CA) those other two houses will go quick as anything.

Builders can't build fast enough out here.
I know what the market is like out here in SD. But the contractor still has to go through the trouble and paperwork of selling it again.

[brainsmile]

One thing I was wondering about too Brainsmile - how did he find out it was you?
I'm not a coward... if I say something against someone I make no bones about hiding that it was me. If I'm on solid ground in my beliefs and it's according to the guidelines everyone is to follow then I don't worry about it. He's the one that's upset which tells me he has something to hide and is being ultra defensive.

Now if he was to bother my kids or wife then he'd have more issues. But a real man will just talk to me 1 on 1. I've said my peace with him so I don't expect to see his mug anywhere near me. He told me I shouldn't want to be his neighbor. Well I think it's more the other way around. Believe me I'll be watching him like a hawk. I called up the VP of the builder to report him first hand.

As for his threats... my only concern is that he's got a son in law in the sherrifs department. But if he was to start using the law for unlawful purposes, I'd go after him too. I may need a lawyer for that though... oh UFCrusher! :P

I'm in San Diego myself so I know that housing is pretty good but I also see that all the talk of bubbles is making people pause for a moment longer. Houses are still selling but it's taking longer to sell.

I know that this guy will put his home up on the market soon after escrow closes if not before. Yeah I know that's unethical :rolleyes: but really what's to stop him from doing so?

I've been talking to some brokers who say that he'll probably list a high commission on the seller's agent since that will be a family member who sells the house. That way the house sells with no profit after commissions thereby avoiding any capital gains taxes. I mean wow... I don't know... makes me want to move away too.

[ufcrusher]

As for his threats... my only concern is that he's got a son in law in the sherrifs department. But if he was to start using the law for unlawful purposes, I'd go after him too. I may need a lawyer for that though... oh UFCrusher! :P



You rang? :kaching: :shakehand

[brainsmile]

hehe... yeah... hmmm suing the city of San Diego possibly someday. Hmm what say you :P

[Grimm]

hehe... yeah... hmmm suing the city of San Diego possibly someday. Hmm what say you :P
Can't get blood from a stone.

[brainsmile]

:P I squeeze real hard

[Kevster]

So Brainsmile, I guess your neighbor is probably going to get a little concerned with this news coming out?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/latimests/alleyesonhomemarketinsandiego;_ylt=Alhh15f3kpIYxa7UunqyFY4DW7oF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCU l

Serves him right in my opinion. He signed a contract and he should be held accountable to it. Is he still acting like a 8 year old?

[InfiniteNothing]

I have definitely noticed signs of this happening in San Diego. Namely... I see a big push to try and sell by many of the condo owners here.

[brainsmile]

See below for update

[brainsmile]

Well I know for certain that I'm not liked by this person. As I originally stated, I made no bones about hiding my identity as the person that ratted him out. I still have no regrets.

My belief is to treat everyone the same. So I spend a great deal of time getting to know the construction workers who built my home. I occassionally bring them donuts or pizza just to show them my appreciation for building my home. In the end they tend to be more receptive to any problems I report and I have received a lot of benefits from having a good relationship with them.

One of the customer service representatives who goes through the final inspection with homeowners just prior to the close of escrow pulled me aside and told me that he was also really pissed at my neighbor. When addressing some of the complaints that the owner had the neighbor told him he was disappointed that the builder would sell the house next door to, "any c_h_i_n_k with money." I'm not sure if I can call that anything other than being racist and ignorant.

Furthermore, the neighbor across the street had a special house blessing ceremony and hung some leaves on his front stoop. The racist neighbor went further to say that he was going to go over there and rip those leaves down. I mean wow... what can I say to that?

I don't know if anyone else knows how radical this guy is. Makes me want to just follow him around and just always buy homes next door to make him mad.

On the bright side, his home is already on the market so he won't be my neighbor. Of course the asking price is $300,000 more than what he originally paid for it. Good for me but I'm still mad he's making that much profit.

[ufcrusher]

Thats really sad. Unfortunately, I think racism is actually getting worse rather than better as time goes on. The only difference seems to be that people are more quiet about it, keeping it to themselves unless they are accidentially overheard.

The only thing that you should worry about is if he placed his ad in Aryan today reality magazine. :)

[brainsmile]

maybe I should send him a subscription along with a copy of Eddie Murphy's SNL reggae song "Kill the White People."

[Kevster]

Boy having a neighbor like that would really piss me off. I have difficulties with one right now as it is, but she isn't blatant like yours is. Let me guess - this piece of $#!& is from out of state? Maybe from the south, perhaps?

[nickel]

i think you should just ignore the jerk as best you can.

[brainsmile]

I don't have a problem with him so much as he has a problem with me and my nationality and my having more than 2 quarters to my name. He's basically says all these things and then tries to blow it off by saying oh well I'm a redneck. I'm none too pleased

[southernbelle]

Boy having a neighbor like that would really piss me off. I have difficulties with one right now as it is, but she isn't blatant like yours is. Let me guess - this piece of $#!& is from out of state? Maybe from the south, perhaps?

:nono:

Now, bless your heart, you probably didn't mean that to some across as it did, but back off the blanket stereo-typing, please. Buttheads come from all over this U.S. of A., and the South doesn't have any more claim to 'em then anyone else.

[Grimm]

:nono:

Now, bless your heart, you probably didn't mean that to some across as it did, but back off the blanket stereo-typing, please. Buttheads come from all over this U.S. of A., and the South doesn't have any more claim to 'em then anyone else.
Having lived on the East coast, the South and the West coast, I would have to say that the South did tend to exibit more racisim. When I was in Mississippi in the late 80's they still had shops that were "white only" they didn't post signs as such, but if you went in and were the wrong color you would not get served. If you stayed it would be sugested that you go to another establishment. If you refused to leave things could get ugly. Apparently there were "black only" establishents too, but I never went anyplace that I encountered those.
Arround the same time I found no such locations on the east or west coasts.
Living in Texas in the mid 90's I found that there was a lot of racial prejudice. In public it was fairly polite, but when not in public it was pretty evident that many people had no respect for other races.
It wasn't everybody, it wasn't even a majority. But it was a much larger minority than anywhere else I have lived.

[Kevster]

Having lived on the East coast, the South and the West coast, I would have to say that the South did tend to exibit more racisim. When I was in Mississippi in the late 80's they still had shops that were "white only" they didn't post signs as such, but if you went in and were the wrong color you would not get served. If you stayed it would be sugested that you go to another establishment. If you refused to leave things could get ugly. Apparently there were "black only" establishents too, but I never went anyplace that I encountered those.
Arround the same time I found no such locations on the east or west coasts.
Living in Texas in the mid 90's I found that there was a lot of racial prejudice. In public it was fairly polite, but when not in public it was pretty evident that many people had no respect for other races.
It wasn't everybody, it wasn't even a majority. But it was a much larger minority than anywhere else I have lived.

The only times I have ever directly experienced religious discrimination was in Texas (outside the Fort Worth area) and North Carolina (Charlotte).