Dan Fisher should have his license revoked! We purchased a home from him, he was the selling agent, Pam Mortimer of Country Life realty was the listing agent. Dan did not disclose the property lines of the property. Shortly after the purchase, the vacant property behind sold, then the vacant property behind that sold. We found out that the line in the back was almost to our deck and we owned 1/2 of our front lawn and 1/2 of our circlular driveway. We realized that Pam Mortimer lived across the street and the owners of the home, the Horns, were their friends. Pam helped the Horns sell their home by not disclosing the property lines. We went to Dan a couple of times and he just brushed us off! We should have retained a laywer but relied on Dan for his help. When we did seek help it was over 3 yrs and no longer could we sue.
This ended up costing us thousands buying the property behind us as the new buyer took out 8 pine trees, roots and all and to have the property lines changed (this took 2 yrs) as he was going to build a home right behind our back deck. What was to be our first home and new marriage became a nightmare! The property behind that one sold and there was dirt, trucks, noise, ect for a few years. I can't tell you how this affected our life and marriage. We lost every dime when we finally sold the house. I saw Dan the other day and layed into him and he said "I was new" and then called me a "b***h". Really Dan! You are a disgrace to your profession and so is Pam Mortimer!
#2Author of original report
Tue, March 08, 2016
Thank you for your response. We were first time home buyers. We did not have any experience in this field. We depended on Dan to help and guide us and he did not when we asked for help. We know now what to ask and look for.
FloridaNative
Palm Beach Gardens,#3Consumer Comment
Mon, March 07, 2016
I am a consumer only and don't know any of the parties you mentioned. However, you are supposed to have a survey done before closing any time you purchase a property. At the closing you are supposed to review the survey in detail with the closing attorney or title agent. Your survey would show in detail your lot lines and any encroachments. If you were getting less than what you thought you were getting, then that is the time to pull out of the deal.
Also, it is common for the tax assessors office to provide aerial photos of the land and show the approximate lot lines, unusally easily shown online. Did you check with the county or municipal tax assessor prior to your contract? This is public information that is readily available. If it isn't available online in your jurisdiction, you can go to the tax assessor's office and request the information in most jurisdictions.
Yes, the agent should have the resources to do the above more quickly but those resources are available to the general public.
I am not defending the agent because it sounds like he could have been more diligent and more knowledeable based on your post. But you are the buyer and you are the ultimate authority as to when and where and what you purchase. The due diligence portion of your purchase and sale contract is set up so you can determine if the property is the right one for you. It is the title work and survey that specifically addresses boundary lines and easements and encroachments.