Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Thirteen families and counting -- that's how many are suing the operators of a rent-to-own mortgage program.
They claim they were sold substandard homes throughout central New York for at least twice their value.
The defendants include two local lawyers, real estate agents and mortgage brokers.
A house on Teall Avenue had the potential to be a dream come true for Nancy Lambertson. Instead, she wishes she never drove by it.
“I know needed some work but didn't think it was this bad,” says Lambertson.
The families thought they were buying quality homes at below market value, but were charged at least twice what they're worth, bombarded with paperwork, and left with fraudulent mortgages.
“I was crying,” says Chastity Kenahan. “And I was told [there was] nothing I could do, and now I have no deed in my name. I don't own property I have a mortgage for.”
“I pay $905 mortgage on a $39,000 house,” says Renee Monroe.
The defendants let Lambertson and the others move in early, saying they'd be back to make needed repairs.
They also promised to fix the bathroom: A garden hose is hooked up instead of real plumbing.
Lambertson won't let the kids take showers -- instead they take baths, because there are holes in the floor and the water seeps into the basement.
The defendants are Theresa Sanders, James Hayes, Jerry Sanders, Michelle Powers and Paul Sakowski. They do business as Best House, Best Incorporated, AFA America and Buyer Agent Real Estate Company.
Legal services expect there to be 50 or 60 properties involved when this is all said and done.
The attorney representing some of the defendants, including Powers and Sanders, did not respond for comment.
