The manuscript for my book, Failure to Disclose, under my pen name of Nell Hill is finally finished, and I'll either self-publish or find an agent. If you are on Facebook, please "like" me, as social media presence makes a difference to agents in the book publishing world. https://www.facebook.com/nell.hill.9404 My writer friends, Linda L. and Joanne T. have been very helpful in editing my book - and I'm so grateful.
Before becoming a licensed Realtor, I purchased two investment properties during preconstruction in a small town 3 hours from my home town where I grew up in the 1960’s. I changed the location and names, so the setting is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Prior to those purchases, I had several investment properties in Atlanta and Destin, Florida. Purchasing the new ski properties would expand my vacation rentals from beach to ski properties…that was the plan. Both locations are perfect vacation destinations for beach lovers, hikers, and skiers. However, these purchases unraveled my entire investment portfolio. The Realtors’ deception and misrepresentation formed my real estate career, and today I am determined that Buyers have all of the information they need for the purchases. Sometimes in my transactions today, agents for the Sellers believe I’m a pain to work with because I’m determined that the Buyers’ interests must be protected--many times I pay for extra inspections. Honesty is a Realtor’s number one duty, and I take that very seriously. “You’re only as good as your word,” my father would say, and that phrase is used throughout the book.
The new Jackson Hole properties were not properly designed or built for high alpine, so defects appeared immediately after closing. The book begins with the fire that almost cost me my life because the propane meters were not protected from snow and ice. Chapter 2 is about finding these properties shortly after my father’s funeral in eastern Wyoming. Many of you who follow my blog are buyers and potential buyers of second homes and investment properties in Sarasota, Venice, and Siesta Key, Florida. I understand how a person can fall in love with a condo or home when they are on vacation. Buyers beware of new construction!
Six months after these purchases, I attended real estate school and learned about the Realtor Code of Ethics and national real estate laws. In the margins of my textbook, I scribbled "Chenoa," the name of the ski condos I had just purchased. I could not write fast enough when the instructor went over the duties of Realtors, misrepresentation and the laws that protect consumers. Three years after I purchased these condos, there were many lawsuits against the developer and contractors, and I joined in as a pro se party, representing myself. I was the only homeowner who sued the Realtors because I understood their role in this small-town construction saga. My notes from real estate school were very helpful.
It is important to tell my story because first, I almost lost my life due to a construction defect. Additionally, Failure to Disclose is a tool for consumers who are thinking about buying a home under construction. It's also words of warning to Realtors what can happen if they are not totally honest and think their number one duty is closing the deal. The feedback I have received is: “I could not put it down,” and “Well written, what a horrible experience you went through!”
I hope you will "like" my author's page on Facebook, under the name Nell Hill Author and send to others who will do the same. More to follow as I move toward publication.
Thank you for reading my blog and have a good day!
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI
941-914-4914
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