Fanny Farton

UPDATE.: Dan Barton filed a Peace Order against me in January of 2025, claiming that he and his family fear for their lives and has gotten a security system. (Fear? He's not the one living in a house that he can't even walk heavily in.) We should note that he is an ex-marine and police officer with a conceal to carry. He's scared of me. He presented the judge with text messages from an unknown number that he claims came from a former employee of Inspectology that I am in collusion with. These text messages said that I was going to beat him up and go to his client list. The judge saw through all of it and gave him the boot.

CORRECTION: I had thought dan told me this was his first sale.But while preparing for the peace order going through text messages and emails, I discovered that it was Donna the homeowner, who told it to me. Dan kept it a secret the entire time.I also kept it a secret that I knew. It wasn't until the sale was over and I congratulated him on his first sale that he found out I knew.

This is my last letter to him and our experience with him.

Mr. Dan Barton,

 It is New Years day 2026 and time I finally get my experience working with you out to the world and off my chest. I trusted you and you made me a fool. After our first conversation with your friendly personality and ability to connect on a personal level, I believed that you were a good honest person and that you were going to help us find a safe home with your background as an inspector, how wrong I was. Instead, you put on the hat of a ignorant realtor to sell a house, two actually. I ask you; would you have bought this house and moved your family into it? Dennis's sister questioned the security of this home and you told her there was nothing that you knew was wrong with it. You knew my first concern was the poles in the basement but your buddies at Inspectology told me everything was fine. Meanwhile, the entire house is sinking, front to back and center. The front of the house (the porch) is also sinking and that was mentioned in the inspection report but not mentioned by you. You told me they put a slope on old porches when I questioned the slant at the door. The addition in the back (kitchen and master bedroom) is also sinking because it has no support under it and a sinkhole. There are 3 different sinking spots in this house and the whole house itself is sinking. You never mentioned to us to get a foundation expert in to look at the house as the report says to do and the sinking isn't even the only problem. Because of your greed, you have put our lives on hold and in constant fear that at any moment we could fall into a sinkhole or as the rep from JES said “A Baltimore earthquake can take this house down”. Every dream we had for The Goat House Farm is gone because now we are in a financial hole with an estimated $150k+ to fix. Do to the condition the house is in we will never get the value we paid and will now lose everything because we trusted you. In these 4 years, you have moved on making a wonderful life for yourself, as we sit stagnant, depressed and in fear that our home is going to fall in on us. I also think it interesting that you never publicly celebrated selling your first house (an urban farm at that). Perhaps you didn't want your name attached to this sale from the start. You said to me “I’ve done everything in my ability to assist you in fixing any issues, which has not satisfied you.” How did having me pay for another person to say you were sold a sinking house help? The help I needed from you was in the beginning to find a safe house not to be sold a sinker that needed to be fixed and be blamed for it. You also said “you and Dennis did an inspection for informational purposes only with the right to terminate. You chose not to terminate after the home inspection.” I ask what was the purpose of retaining your service, other than paperwork?

  Though you (not in so many words) threatened me with defamation of character, your name can be found online for the sale of this house. So I'm not revealing anything that's not already out there, nor am I lying. Please please take this to court. I would love to sit in front of a judge and share my truth. Know there will be a countersuit for pain and suffering from each of us. We have been living in mental and physical pain because of this house. I might even say my mother, who does not live in this house, has a case. She has been caused so much pain and suffering from this because of what she has seen me go through and herself never feeling comfortable in my home because of her weight. It has made her so self-conscious and cautious that she stays in one room while visiting and has made jokes about her weight. We had thought one day she would move in as she will need help getting older but that is unlikely now.

I have posted this letter, my truth(story), a letter from Dennis’s sister Kathy and the emails between us that are not documents “Dennis had to sign”. I have 160+ text messages between us and will eventually get them posted. They have to each be copied and pasted. So, who knows when that will be. I want everyone who takes the time to read our blog and view our Instagram to get everything. Before using your name I renamed you Fanny Farton. I do comment from our Instagram account (OurBadApple) on posts saying things like, we were scammed, our eXp realtor knowingly sold us a sinking house, I suggest to realtors to be honest with their clients unlike ours. I also say these things about Inspectology and Donna too. Again, not a lie, prove me wrong. I have asked you now I ask, Show the inspection report to your boss ask him if he would have moved in here and much less without a lead paint test and all the experts looking at the house first like it says in the report? I would love to know. There is so much going on here it is hard to get it all out at once. So, I will continue to share in hopes that someone learns from my mistake.

Blessed Be 

Maurice 

 

 

 

In the summer of 2021, we decided to become the caretakers of my best friend and Father figure, Dennis. He had been diagnosed with dementia years earlier and is now worsening. We were going to get a house and all going to move in together. We got an agent, but while I was waiting for him to call me back one day I called a number about another house. I was put in contact with Dan Barton. Dan told me that that house needed too much work and asked if I was interested in another? I told him about the one he ultimately hustled us into buying. After that call I trusted Dan, because at this point he had told me he was a home inspector, U.S. Marine, was honest about the condition of the home that I originally called him about and he made a personal connection with the fact that his grandmother had dementia. I am not sure if it was in that conversation or when we met at the house that he told me this would be his first sale. It was a concern of Dennis’s sister Kathy, once she learned of it and Donna, the homeowner (who we had gotten friendly with after the viewing) even told me. I told both of them that I know and trusted him. He got an appointment to see the house. While at the walkthrough he recommended using Inspectology, the company that he was coming from. So, I trusted him that he was going to do us right. The only thing he did right was his pockets.

 I believe Dan took advantage of our excitement for this urban farm that we thought would be wonderful for Dennis's last years. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as wonderful as we thought. We have been unable to enjoy it. We cannot have family gatherings or parties for fear of too much weight, as we are already worried that our stuff is too much in the house. Dennis was known for his Thanksgiving dinners. We only had two because we’re scared of having 13+ people in our house at once. We can’t even walk by our Christmas tree without all the ornaments shaking. Could you imagine a party around it? Literally every room bounces. Daily things in every room shakes and rattles on shelves and counters, pictures on walls move and cracks get bigger. Myself and my partner both grew up in trailers and agreed they were more stable. Every bit of joy that this house and property was supposed to bring has been a heartache. We wanted to do so much here. I saw a text I sent Dan in the beginning about how we wanted to work with schools. We thought about a community garden space and just an overall learning experience (that it has been for us). We even talked to Donna about having wedding parties here. I have what I believe to be one of the world’s largest New Kids On The Block collections and had wanted to create a small museum in a shed, it’s that big. But we are full of shame that we are in this situation and fear of this unsafe house, crippling our ability to do anything. We did add a bench out front for visitors and a mini free pantry for those in need.

 When we did the walkthrough with Dan, our first concern were the poles in the basement. He said the inspection will tell us whether or not they are okay. I at the moment thought that was a bit odd considering he was an inspector, but he chose not to use that knowledge and act ignorant so that later he could say it was Inspectology’s fault, the owner for not disclosing or mine because I trusted those who were supposed to help me and that I should have been more knowledgeable of the process. While in the basement he should have heard the hollowing in the basement floor (not in the report) that is a clear sign as to why the poles are there. Dennis’s brother-in-law pointed it out to us in March 2022 when visiting for the first time. During the inspection walkthrough I was told in person the poles were fine but needed to be replaced. The report said that I should speak to a foundation expert, which Dan never said to me. When I saw that I thought it was to have the poles replaced. Being his first house sale, coming from the company that did the report and knowing the poles were a concern, you know he read that report thoroughly and knew what the wording meant. The entire report page after page says that I should be speaking to different experts. In all of the texts and emails I have, Dan never mentioned I should have these experts in to look at the house first. If he has one, please I would like to see it. I did later get four foundation experts and two structural engineers (three including Dan’s recommendation) and they all said the house is sinking. How is it that I got a home inspector, now realtor and inspection company to look at the house and neither saw, I quote the owner of Ram Jack foundation company, “This house has been sinking since it was built.”? There are many things that were not mentioned in Inspectology’s report. In an Email Dan said “I will also state, that home inspection is an inspection at a point in time. It can not predict the future or see what is going on within the walls or under the foundation.” Is he saying the house sank almost 3 inches in the first year? There would be significantly more visible damage to the house if that were the case. There are clear signs of foundation problems in (and out) of the report that were overlooked. I believe the inspectors were looking out for their buddy and nobody was looking out for us. They knew if they were fully honest about the condition of this house he wouldn't get the sale. Dennis's sister even mentioned the poles to Dan and her concern of the home's safety. He replied, he knows nothing of the problem and will have to look into it, which he never got back to her. I told her they were fine because he and Inspectology told me so. Had either of them said to me get a foundation expert I would have. Dan wrote “We went over everything after the inspection and you were not concerned with anything within the report at the time.“ That is because I was told things were fine. You think there is anyone who would buy a $325k unsafe house or even want to live in it. He knew we would never have gotten this house in the condition it's in but I mistakenly said in a text after our initial conversation before even seeing the house and only what we read online “A heads-up, us seeing the house is pretty much just a formality. Everyone is on getting it.” Big mistake cause now at that point he knows he was getting paid. Careful of how much power you give someone.

 Then there is the lead test when Inspectology said there isn't one. I said, “Should I get one? There's been so many people in the house. You would think it's been taken care of”. The inspector from Inspectology said, that's a good point and moved on. I mistakenly thought he too was supposed to be looking out for us, he should have suggested I get it. Instead he avoided answering and made me feel like I said something smart. That would have been an upsale for him too. They wrote in the report to have it done and Dan said nothing, which according to my google search “Yes, your realtor should legally ensure you receive a lead-based disclosures for homes built before 1978 and strongly suggest getting a lead paint test.” If I had gotten the test, again probably would not have gotten this house because I have tested it since and the house has lead paint and radiators. For our and our cat’s safety and value of the house as our realtor it should have been brought up by Dan.

 There is no mention of the asbestos in the basement ceiling above the support poles that was pointed out to me by the expert witness inspector (I tested it and confirmed that it is) or the possible asbestos in the walls since the house is older than 1980(just bought a test kit for this). I clearly put my trust in the wrong person. Dan and Inspectology have literally destroyed our dreams and hopes of our current future. They have put our lives in mental and physical pain and financial debt to a condemnable home. Yes, I blame Donna as the homeowner as well. She lived in this house for 16 years. She knew everything that was going on here. I guess I should expect a homeowner to lie or as she said do something nefarious. She was smart and made it an as-is sale and that should have been a red flag for anyone with experience in buying and selling a home, which I thought I found in Dan as an inspector. Dan was supposed to be looking out for us, not his wallet.

 I fully believe he knowingly sold us an unsafe home. You can call that defamation of character or facts. He had the report in his hand. He worked for that company. He knew we should not buy this house but selling us this house meant that he was able to weasel his way into taking over the sale of Dennis’s home in Ohio under the pretense that he was taking care of us. So essentially got the commission of two homes from us, while we sit in fear that our house is going to collapse in on us. Dan has sold over 90 homes since. Hopefully; he hasn't destroyed other lives as he has done to us. He sits in a secure safe home that he can dance and play happily with his family in, celebrating his success as if he is the good person that I thought that he was. I honestly do not know how he can sleep at night knowing what he did to us. Well yes I do , he doesn’t care and blames me. eXp Realty corporate also don’t care what their agents do to people as they have blocked me from mentioning them on Instagram. The crazy thing is, is there's nobody to oversee the sale of a house to make sure that people are not taking advantage of, like we were. This was my first task as a caretaker and I failed because I clearly misjudged the characters and morals of those I chose to work with.

 It was Dennis who bought this house and sold his home in Ohio to do it. Dan had that to work with since Dennis was in Ohio and I did not have POA at that time. I felt Dan was handling that professionally. During that time I praised him in texts saying things like I felt he went above and beyond, that I think the universe sent him. I really thought he was looking out for us. When he took over the sale of Dennis’s Ohio home everyone involved was confused but he said it was to secure the purchase of the Baltimore house. He had me call Dennis and get him to change realtors. Dennis didn’t really want too but I told him Dan said he needed to and Dennis conceded. He also told me the agent in Ohio was working for him and he would be getting that sale. Tina, the eXp agent admitted not knowing why she was involved and had to drive an hour to his house in an area she was unfamiliar with. Dennis’s sister Kathy was in Ohio helping him and working with Tina. I have included a letter she wrote to be submitted to the Maryland Real Estate Commission of her experience with Dan and how she felt about the house and how he was treating Dennis.

Dennis came to Baltimore for the signing of the sale in August. He returned to Baltimore a few weeks later and was the first to move into the house. We did not move-in until Oct 5th, my birthday. In the time before he arrived, we allowed the previous owners to remain in the house until they found a place to go, while we began repainting and cleaning. The house was fairly empty and had been for the showing. The dining room only had a rug in the center of the room, that we later discovered was hiding the separation of the floor beams as well as giving the room a visual balancing center point. It is the dining room that the support polls and cross bridges are under. As an inspector I would have expected Dan to clock the fact that there was an additional floor placed in that room to level the room out, just as had been done in the workroom above it, which is the most prominently slanted and unusable room. I not even having the experience of an inspector, learned from a foundation expert and restoration professional that to level the floors, another floor needed to be put on top. It was apparent it was done in two of the rooms in the house. Clearly one of the reasons I trusted Dan was because he was an inspector, but he completely played dumb or is just that bad at his job he needed to become a realtor and pray on people’s excitement and inexperience with home buying. While painting, we noticed some rippling on the wall that the previous owner told us was horsehair plaster, making the wall uneven. It’s not. We later discovered it was poorly spackled cracks in the wall giving it an uneven look that later opened back up. all of these things start to add up in the back of our minds. There is mention in the report of cracks on walls(not pointed out to us in person or by Dan) and the foundation. Then there are those not mentioned by the inspectors or had been covered by the homeowner.

 When Dennis arrived, we had not done his room yet, so he stayed in the guest room. We had to put shims under his furniture to keep his drawers from coming open. We thought that might be because of the carpet. Once in his room, the same had to be done, even though we had removed the carpet and refinished the hardwood floors. Dan later told me they allow for a small tilt in old floors when I mentioned our floors are all unlevel and we have to shim everything

 Within the first few months we realize we may have been scammed and I started looking for help. I contacted The Bar Association of Baltimore and spoke to a few different Attorneys to find help. One of them told me to have an engineer look at the home. when we did, we found it was sinking 2.7 inches. The lawyer then said to have an expert witness who is also an inspector come through the house, which we did. He pointed out the asbestos in the basement and told me that taking this to court was going to be a very expensive endeavor and that I should try to contact the inspection company or go to the news, which both I ultimately did.

 Before going to the news, I contacted Dan. He said he had a falling out with Inspectology and could not help with them but he had an engineer that he trusted, and he would have him look at the house. Even though I know Dan is a big part of the reason we are in this situation I had to play along with him and see where this went. It’s the reason I declined his BBQ party invitation about a year after we moved in because I would have had nothing good to say there. So he had his engineer come and do a walk through. Afterwards he sent me a bill. I said, well, Dan said He was going to have you come. But since I'm paying a bill, I might as well get a report from you. I could not read the report because the wording is to difficult to follow. Dan wrote in an email “Speaking with the engineer, the issues that were brought up by you were noted in the home inspection report.” So, what happened was Dan just admitted to me that he knowingly sold me a sinking house and had his friend confirm it. However, all the things are not in the original report and again I don’t really know what is in Geoffrey’s report. I did ask him to change the wording on the first page as to why he came out and that basically turned into, pay me first then I will give you an accurate report. So I paid him and said well that’s what I get for trusting Dan. I will post my emails with him for all to read. After Geoffrey’s report Dan told me to use the equity in the house to have it fixed. I later learned that's because if I turned it into the insurance company, they would come back after the people responsible, and his name would be on that list. We didn’t learn that until over three years into this from a friend who is a retired attorney, otherwise we would have but there is no way are we using the home equity to fix something we should never of had to deal with right after purchasing a house.

 Sometime in the summer of 2025 I was talking to my partner, and I said, All of those times it is mentioned in the report to speak to different experts, Dan never said anything. He said, No, all he said to us was. “Are you sure this is the house you want?” I yelled out “YES! Oh my god, that's the exact words!” We had never talked about that conversation since it happened. So it was funny to me and to him that those words were the exact words that stuck in both of our heads. There is no doubt in my mind or anyone's mind who I have ever mentioned this story to, that Dan did not know what he was doing to us. We never made Dennis aware of the problems in the house. As his stability worsened, it was only increased by the tilt of the floors.

 We were given a 3-year grace period to sue and hold those responsible accountable. But because of the difficulty of our situation, lawyers wanted $20k and higher to take the case without a guarantee that they were going to win it or who we were even going to be bringing a case against, if not everyone. We ran out of time trying to find Help. So after 3 years, I went to the news. Well, I thought that was going to help. But seemingly nobody watches the news anymore. All I can do is to continue to share our story. Dan said , “I’m requesting that you leave my name, brokerage and team out of any issues reporting to the media and such if that is something you chose to do. Otherwise, this will defamation of character since I did my job to the fullest of my ability and you chose to go through with the sale after seeing the inspection report” when I told him I was going to go public. You can see he blames me again because I trusted him. I have said nothing untrue about him and would like to know how he helped when we are in a dilapidating house? I will walk into court without a lawyer and a file in hand because no one I have shared my story with says Dan is not at fault. Even in an email from Jordan Bird, his previous employer at Inspectology, told me that my realtor did not properly advise me. Though nor did his company as they told me one thing in person, wrote another in the report and left things out of the report conveniently. Clearly the two inspectors were helping Dan with the sale of his first house or just incompetent and unable to accurately do their jobs. I do not believe Jordan bird had anything to do with the fraud that happened here. Though he will take no responsibility for what they did and has also threatened me with defamation of character. The wrongdoing was done by the dream crushing team. Dan, Isaiah, Gregg and Donna.

 As I said before this was my first task as a caretaker and I clearly failed but now that Dennis has passed and the house is still not fixed. We can’t stay in an unsafe house that is getting worse by the day, anymore. Walking away would not only mean we lose our home, the goats will have to go to a sanctuary, our chickens will have to be rehomed and sell most of our things but most importantly The Goat House Farm was Dennis’s pride and joy. He loved telling people he had goats in Baltimore city and would take walks around the property with immense happiness. He loved watching all the people who came to feed the goats and got so much amusement from the kids lighting up in excitement. Our logo is a goat wearing a knit hat just as Dennis did. I know Dennis is not this house, but it would be losing him again. I remember one day in the beginning talking to Dan and he said something to the effect that this was going to be my house one day and I told him we don’t plan on ever moving. For the last year we have been looking for a new house.

 Just as Dan and Jordan of Inspectology blame me for my situation, I too blame myself for my ignorance, trust and If I would have only been more patient and waited for our original realtor to get back, I believe we would have gotten a honest inspection and recommendation resulting in not getting this house. Now that we are here, we feel a connection and an obligation to the community and city to save this little piece of joy to so many. As hopeless as our fight is there is something in me that somehow this will be made right.

Dennis’s sister’s letter to Maryland Real Estate Commission for the appeal of our case. Unfortunately, I dropped the ball do to the stress and lack of help. Later I learned it would have to go to the Maryland Attorney General and I may still submit it to that office once I am done getting it all written out.

To Whom it May Concern:

I am the sister of Dennis Krugman, who currently co-owns the house located at 6706 Everall Avenue in Baltimore. I would like to relate to you my experiences with the realtor that was contracted to help in the purchase this house, Dan Barton. I'd like to start with some background information on my brother, Dennis Krugman, who currently lives in this house.

Dennis grew up in Ohio, moved to Baltimore following college graduation for a job opportunity and lived there for over 40 years in various locations. In 2015 he returned to Ohio to be nearer to family. A few years later it became apparent he was having some mental problems, which was later diagnosed as dementia. He was unhappy living in Ohio and missed his friends and the city life in Baltimore, and so he and his Baltimore friend, Maurice Lease, formulated a plan to purchase a house jointly and Maurice would take care of him for the remaining years of his life.

Maurice enlisted Realtor Dan Barton to assist in the endeavor of finding a home suitable for aging in place and they soon found the Everall house. Dennis was sent photos and agreed it seemed ideal and they decided to proceed with the purchase with the help of Dan. Dennis flew to Baltimore to see the house in person and sign the offer papers and then returned to Ohio to start working on selling his home in Avon, Ohio. He lived next door to a Realtor, whom he considered a friend, and he asked her about listing his house when he was ready to sell and she agreed.

I was at his home numerous times in the following weeks helping with the packing and overheard Dan's phone conversations with Dennis a few times. He was VERY pushy and aggressive on the phone and kept telling him he needed to get his house sold. With the real estate market as it is here and the excellent condition of his house we knew this would not be a problem, as most things were selling in less than a week after listing. Dennis told Dan he had a realtor and would proceed when he was closer to being ready to move. Evidently, this wasn't good enough for Dan, as he enlisted Tina Armstrong with Exp Realty here in Ohio and “assigned” her the job of convincing Dennis he needed to move faster. She was made aware of Dennis' diminished mental faculties by Dan, and she met with both Dennis and I to offer her services. She seemed confused why she had been contacted by Dan, especially since Dennis told her he had planned to use the services of his neighbor. Dennis told her (and Dan) he wanted to use his neighbor, but somehow Dennis was made to feel he couldn't use his neighbor, Donna (with Howard Hanna Realty) Dennis told me numerous times he had been told he “had to” use Tina. Tina was a very nice person, but her office was over an hour away from Avon, where Dennis lived, and she wasn't familiar with the neighborhood, or the market in our area. I had never heard of Exp Realty, as there didn't seem to be an office in our area at all! He finally agreed to list with her and she convinced him he should list to only investors to make a fast sale, which I totally did not agreed with. His house was not something an investor would make any money on- in good shape and in a HOA community which I suspect would not permit renters. After a few weeks of very low offers, which he wouldn't even consider, she listed the house on the MLS and it sold shortly thereafter.

 After the Baltimore Everall house received an inspection we were made aware of various issues -including the presence of knob and tube wiring and uncertainty of the structural integrity of the basement/foundation. Dan continued to push Dennis into the purchase and Dennis became quite stressed and I feared his health was beginning to suffer, so I called Dan to make him aware I would report him to whatever realty board there is in the State of Maryland if he didn't stop his aggressive tactics. In this same call I asked him about the foundation issues in the basement and made him aware of my concern, as my family is considering this house and I want to ensure the house is safe for them. His reply was that he wasn't aware there was anything wrong there and he would have to check over the inspection report. I felt I needed to act as Dennis's advocate, as he might be purchasing a home (for a large sum of money) that wasn't even safe to live in. Dan assured me he would look into the situation and ensure the house would be safe for occupation. Whether this happened or not, I am unsure. Maurice was told the house was safe and the sale proceeded.  

It's clear to me that Dan wasn't working FOR his client- he was working for himself and his own interests. Dennis is currently bed bound and in the ending stages of dementia and Maurice is trying to ensure the house is safe for them. It seems there ARE foundation problems, and the house is leaning due to the foundation sinking. Repairs of this problem, which has been happening for many years according to inspection by professionals Maurice has hired, will be costly to repair and Maurice is trying to figure out where to turn for some much needed help.

My hope is that you will be able to offer some advice on what steps must be taken to rectify this situation and make this house safe for it's occupants.

Thank you for your consideration,

Kathy 

 

 

EMAILS BETWEEN MAURICE AND DAN

Maurice May 26, 2023, 12:55PM

On this day I only sent Dan the positive results from the asbestos test from the drywall in the basement ceiling above the jack poles that was not pointed out by Inspectology but was see by another inspector from 1o feet away.

Maurice Jul 27, 2023 at 8:15 AM  

This email was sent to Dan after Geoffry, his engineer came out.

Hello Dan, Hope you are well. I wanted you to know that I am going public with my house story. I have been writing it out in detail. I will be publishing all reports, emails and any other conversations pertaining to the house. I am putting it everywhere. Blog, Instagram, Twitter ect. Once published the news in my next step. I was screwed and people are going to know. 

 

Dan Jul 27, 2023, 10:43AM

maurice, 

I’m surprised to hear you say this. After meeting with the engineer I thought what needed to be done was clear cut and dry. You may do what you wish. But I am formally requesting you leave my name, brokerage and team out of anything posted to social media etc. Deformation of character is taken very seriously. 

Please remember, you and Dennis did an inspection for informational purposes only with the right to terminate. You chose not to terminate after the home inspection. Speaking with the engineer, the issues that were brought up by you were noted in the home inspection report. You made the decision to move forward with the purchase of the property. 

I want the best for you and you to be happy with the home you have. I’m not sure what you wish to get out of this. In these situation there’s really only two ways to handle everything, have everything fixed as discussed with the engineer and or speak with a lawyer if you believe the seller didn’t disclose anything. 

Thank you for letting me know. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know. 

Dan Barton 

 

Maurice Oct 14, 2023, 3:04 PM

So I am just seeing this and don't believe telling the truth is "Definition of character". Maybe it's more likely you don't want to be associated with the disaster that you sold me. The things I mentioned were not in the report. It did not see that the house was sinking from front to back by 2 inches. It did not say that the house was sinking in the middle and that there was hollow ground. It did not say that your doorways are uneven and will never be even. It did not say the stairs re sinkng at the bottom. It did not say the floor is being held up by a paint can. I can go on. I am sorry it worked out this way but we were screwed by the inspection company you recommended and Donna. I can not pay for all this work it would be more then the value of the house. The Goat is House is known throughout the city and o know that when i publish our story we will have an abundance of support. People love the goats. I will speak to a lawyer about names.

 

 

Dan Oct 14, 2023, 8:37PM

Maurice,

I emailed you two months ago. I'm no sure what has taken place between then and now. As the engineer said, the issues within the report were brought up in the inspections report. If anything, this would be something to bring up to the inspection company and to handle with them. As I stated before, the Inspection was for information purposes only with the right to terminate. We went over everything after the inspection and you were not concerned with anything within the report at the time. I will also state, that home inspection is an inspection at a point in time. It can not predict the future or see what is going on within the walls or under the foundation. If there was any concern for things not being disclosed then that is something to bring up with the previous owner and your lawyer. 

Once again, I'm requesting that you leave my name, brokerage and team out of any issues reporting to the media and such if that is something you chose to do. Otherwise this will defamation of character since I did my job to the fullest of my ability and you chose to go through with the sale after seeing the inspection report. I was happy to help you with correcting the issues long after we settled on the property, which is why I brought Jeff, the structural engineer, into this to help. Although, since you are reaching out to a lawyer and going to be publishing a story, I will make my team lead and broker aware of the situation. Any further communication will need to be through the proper channels.  

Maurice

 Oct 14, 20213, 10:36PM

In fact, you did not go over the report with me. Do you think that if you would have said or if I would have known any of those things that I have just said to you in my last message. I would have said oh, that doesn't matter. Let's buy the house anyway? No, because they were not said. And if they are in the report, and you didn't bring them up to me at the time and try to discridge me from buying house that is sinking. That goes back on you as a realtor. I will say again. The things that I have been dealing with have been in this house since we moved in and discovered them. Which should have been discovered by the inspection company. What has gone on in the last couple of months? I have gone on an antidepressant because of this house and because of the antidepressant, I have done very little as I start to work with them. I stopped write the story and have not even read past page one of geoffey's report. As 8 start back to writing and checking dates I came across your email. have been so stressed my Doctor asked me to try and take it easy but it's hard when you are literally off balance because you house is sinking and the floors tilt the walls are wonky to look at and you are scared it is going to fall in.

 As far as my story goes, you were a good guy until you said I should take the equity out to fix my house. Then threaten me with defamation of character if I use your name in a truthful story. Because you believe you have done everything possible by having me pay for another inspection. Look up the definition of defamation of character. It is something untrue said and again I don't plan to say anything untrue. I will publish every message I have (including this one), so the truth is clear. As well as any inspection report. So anyone can make their own decision on what is true. I said that I would speak to a lawyer because it seems that's what I have to do with your defamation of character threats. I have cover me. 

Blessed Be

Dan Oct 15, 2023, 12:00PM

Maurice, 

Let me be crystal clear. I'm not threatening anyone with defamation of character. I am advising you of it since you are saying multiple times that you are going to the news and publishing a story. This repeated comment is something that I've taken seriously and which could appear to be a threat. I haven't said not to do it, I've simply asked to leave my name, team name and brokerage out of it, so it doesn't go in that direction. I've done everything in my ability to assist you in fixing any issues, which has not satisfied you. The inspections company, structural engineer which is a 3rd party all said these items were in the report. I've only given you suggestions on how to correct any of the issues with the property from my perspective as a realtor. I've suggested speaking with a lawyer in-regards to things not being disclosed to us during the purchase. I've continue to help you well after the settlement of the property. But since you are insisting on going public with the story that is when I have to distance myself from the situation. So if this is the direction you are going in, please have all communication go through the proper channels. I do wish you the best and that any issues get corrected in the best way possible. 

 

Maurice Oct 15, 2023, 1:52PM

I really don't believe, that you believe, by me telling you that I'm going to publish my story was a threat. It is simply me saying what I have to do because I cannot afford to have the house fixed or to pay a lawyer. So at this point it is what I have to do. Going public is not a threat. I believe you don't want to your name involved in it because you know the shit show that it is and you don't want any backlash. Please give me the "proper channel" that I should go through. I would love to talk to whoever I need to to find out if using your name would be defamation of character. Do you have a lawyer I need to speak with? I would also ask where in the report does it say all floors in the main house sink to the center of the house, no support under kitchen floor and the room sinks towardsthe weight of the island, front floor under door held up with paint can, basement floor has hollowing underneath, door frames are crooked, walls are cracked from sinkage and house sinks 2" from front to back. Please I would love to see them because a must have missed them and you didn't mention any of them to me. 

 

Emails Between Geoffrey and Maurice

 

Geoffrey June 14, 2023 7:00PM

Maurice,

 Attached, please find my invoice for the engineering inspection last week.  

 Please advise how you may want me to proceed. I can prepare a written report for you for an additional fee or just summarize my observations by a short email regarding the key items to address for repair and stabilization of the structural concerns identified at the property. 

Let me know if I should prepare a written report or a brief email summary.

Thanks, Jeff

 

Maurice June 16, 2023 11:00PM

Hello Geoffrey, 

  Thank you for coming out and doing the inspection. Dan had told me he knew somebody and was going to have him come out. He did not tell me that I would be paying for the inspection. I was going to ask you for a report and how much that would be but now can we tie both bills together?

 

Geoffrey June 16, 11:23PM

Maurice,

I can prepare a report. My thoughts are to keep the report streamlined and outline the issues and solutions, and provide a recommend sequence to implement the corrections/ improvements to the property. The report will add approximately $400-$500 to the current inspection cost. 

Jeff

 

Maurice June 17, 2023 3:40PM

Ok thank you. Let me know when it is complete. I remembered after you left that I have shims under the fish tank to level it.

 

Geoffrey June 17, 2023 3:59PM

 I will. I’ll have it next week for you.

GEOFFREY June 21, 2023 11:27AM

Maurice,

 Attached, please find the report. I listed a number of recommended corrective actions that are arranged under a sequence which is intended to be followed in the general order of the listing to implement the repairs/ improvements at the property to reduce the potential of needing to readdress the items. Please call me at **** with any questions.

I will place the report into the mail to you today.

Thanks, Jeff

Geoffrey June 21, 2023, 11:43AM

Maurice,

Attached, please find my invoice. 

If you prefer, I can accept payment electronically using Zelle or Venmo.

Under Zelle, I can be accessed using either my email address at ******

With Venmo, I am identified as *****

Payment by check is also fine. Just let me know when the check is mailed so I can be on the lookout for it.  

Thanks, Jeff

 

Maurice June 21, 2023, 5:26PM

Thank you I have not looked at the report but did see that you billed $600 for it and had quoted $400-$500. Why is that?

 

Geoffrey June 21, 2023, 6:43PM

I had already invoiced for my initial time at $250. The report cost is additional. 

It took me much more time than anticipated. I thought I would complete it in 4 hours or less. I invoice at $150 per hour. I put about 7 hours into writing the report. I only invoiced for 4 hours of my time.  

Total was $250 + 4 hours x $150 = $850

 

Maurice June 23, 2023, 10:40AM

I appreciate everything you've done. I had wanted to put this on a credit card but it does not seem that is an option with you. I need a couple of days to figure this out. I have only looked at the 1st page of the report. I tried to print it but cannot. I do question the wording in that.. It appears I contacted you because of movement after the sale but it is because I noticed these things after we moved in. The floors were already uneven the basement wall was already sunken. I will have to go back over my original inspection but you said it noted missing siding. There was no missing siding. There was some that was popped up. Again I have not gone over your report I just glanced at the 1st page maybe taking things out of context. I just don't want it to look like the house was falling down after I bought it and/or that termites have taken it down.

 

Geoffrey June 23, 2023, 12:49PM

Maurice

Unfortunately I am not set up for credit cards.  

I sent the report to you by US Mail as well. I’m not certain why you cannot print the document but you should have received or shortly will receive the original letter and two copies that I placed in the mailing.  

Jeff

Geoffrey June 30, 2023, 8:38PM

Maurice

Please let me know when you may be issuing a check.  

Thanks, Jeff

Geoffrey July 12, 2023, 6:14PM

Maurice

Just following up on payment. Let me know if you have issued a check or when you expect to.  

Thanks, Jeff

Geoffrey July 19, 2023, 10:16AM

Maurice

Just following up on my invoice. Have you issued a check yet? I have not received anything yet.  

If you haven’t sent payment, please let me know when you send the check.  

Thanks, Jeff

 

Maurice July, 24, 2023 10:38AM

Hello Jeff

Can I pay you through PayPal? I will pay the fees and you can transfer to your bank in days. 

Otherwise it's going to be a bit more time. I did not ever receive them in the mail. I still have not looked past the first page. I question the wording as it looks as if this happened after buying and it did not. Ot was noticed after buying. So we have so things to work out. 

Let me know 

Maurice

 

Maurice July 24, 2023, 10:44AM

Also the area by the basement that you focused on, I videotaped during a storm. It remained completely dry because of the drain extensions that we added after buying the house that keeps the water away from the house. We also had the gutters cleaned and gutter guards put on them. She did not have the extensions so the water ran rate along the house. I tried to add the 16 second video and it would not send

Maurice July 24, 2023, 10:49AM

I trimmed it

 

Geoffrey July 24, 2023, 10:53AM

Maurice,

PayPal is fine - I do use that for payment. I believe I can be found by my email address.

Thanks, Jeff 

 

Maurice July 24, 2023, 11:29AM

So I guess you're going to completely ignore everything I said and only focus on getting payment. You have continuously ignored everything I said other than when you're going to get paid. know that every one of these conversations is going to be published in my detailed story online a out the house and my experience with everyone. I will get your payment out later today. 

Blessed Be

Maurice 

 

Geoffrey July 24, 2023, 11:47AM

I’m not ignoring anything you have said. I can make revisions to the report if you want me to. I have been extremely busy and prefer to address all items once you may have finalized comments. If you can markup my report - I can revise and update it. 

Jeff

 

Maurice July 24, 2023, 11:57AM

In any one of those messages you took the time write you could have said just that but didn't. Since you ignored my comments I assumed you would make no changes and that I was going to be paying for a report that was finalized without corrections. From day one of receiving the email with the report I commented on how the wording was you ignore it. Again I will have your payment out later today to finalize my commitment. Hopefully this week I can find some time to finally sit down and look over your report beyond page one. I will also be putting it online in the house blog for everyone to look over. 

 

Geoffrey July 24, 2023, 1:44PM

Maurice,

I received this message today and have reviewed the video. It only ran for a few seconds. I can see the area I was concerned with at the basement hatch way is not impacted by this storm. The area as presently configured forms a "sump condition" and is potentially susceptible to stormwater run-on, which may be impacted by larger storms. It can also be impacted from snow and ice build-up. It does appear that the drainage improvements you made with the downspout extensions are helping to mitigate some of the drainage impacts. Let me know what else you may need me to assist you with.

Jeff

Geoffrey July 24, 2023, 7:21PM

Maurice

Thank you for payment. Let me know if you need anything further.  

Jeff