Real Estate is so hot in SoWal

[kurt]

I got a form letter from a firm in California wanting to buy my property. Some speculators that obviously sent the same letter to every property owner on the tax roll. :shock:

[Smiling JOe]

Yep, I received one too. The company is registered in FL, but some of the officers are in CA. There is so much more money in CA. I know of developers that have gone to CA to get investers to buy here, because of the "cheap" prices. That is exaxtly what these guys are doing, but I guarantee you that these guys are looking for distressed properties. I am sending my letter back and requesting more info. on what they will give me for my property. I'll post again if they get back in touch with me.

[RiverOtter]

Yep, I received one too. The company is registered in FL, but some of the officers are in CA. There is so much more money in CA. I know of developers that have gone to CA to get investers to buy here, because of the "cheap" prices. That is exaxtly what these guys are doing, but I guarantee you that these guys are looking for distressed properties. I am sending my letter back and requesting more info. on what they will give me for my property. I'll post again if they get back in touch with me.

mmmmm :? Wonder if this could be waterman :mrgreen:

[kurt]

Yep, I received one too. The company is registered in FL, but some of the officers are in CA. There is so much more money in CA. I know of developers that have gone to CA to get investers to buy here, because of the "cheap" prices. That is exaxtly what these guys are doing, but I guarantee you that these guys are looking for distressed properties. I am sending my letter back and requesting more info. on what they will give me for my property. I'll post again if they get back in touch with me.

Yeah I suppose they have to be registered in Fla.

Mine has a space at the bottom to fill in and send back in included envelope. In the space where it asks how much i want i think I'll double the value and send it back. :lol:

You're right I'm sure there looking for the 1 in 1000 that needs cash and has no idea of the value of their property.

[Waterman]

Yep, I received one too. The company is registered in FL, but some of the officers are in CA. There is so much more money in CA. I know of developers that have gone to CA to get investers to buy here, because of the "cheap" prices. That is exaxtly what these guys are doing, but I guarantee you that these guys are looking for distressed properties. I am sending my letter back and requesting more info. on what they will give me for my property. I'll post again if they get back in touch with me.

mmmmm :? Wonder if this could be waterman :mrgreen:.

Absoulutely NOT ! I t was not ME!

[Waterman]

I am interested in the address in CA. If close enough, I'll find out who it is for you that is sending this letter. :?:

[RiverOtter]

I am interested in the address in CA. If close enough, I'll find out who it is for you that is sending this letter. :?:

Just funnin with ya :mrgreen: Would be interesting if you could find anything out. 8)

[kurt]

I am interested in the address in CA. If close enough, I'll find out who it is for you that is sending this letter. :?:

His name and company name are on the letter.

[Smiling JOe]

NRLL
ONE MAUCHLY
IRVINE CA 92618

Registered Agent of NRLL is:
FRIEDEN, JEFFREY
2630 BOBCAT VILLAGE CENTER ROAD #B
NORTH PORT FL 34286

Managers of NRLL are:
FRIEDMAN, ROBERT
9 GOODYEAR
IRVINE CA 92618

and

FRIEDEN, JEFFREY
9 GOODYEAR
IRVINE CA 92618


Is that what you are looking for?

I think we all should write to them and tell them we want 10x the current value, CASH, close in 30 days, no contingencies.

(Kurt, be careful asking for double the price. It may be a deal for the buyer...lol)

[Joe]

Found this article online....

Buyer beware

Land that looks good on paper may be fraught with problems after purchase

By Brian Melley Associated Press

TERMO -- Norma and Mark Bernert couldn't afford to buy a piece of property in the San Francisco Bay area so they decided to enter the real estate market, sight unseen, in a subdivision hundreds of miles from home for a few thousand dollars.
It turned out to be their worst investment.

At an auction, the Bernerts bought in Moon Valley Ranch, one of the nation's so-called "antiquated subdivisions' that predate modern zoning, many lacking sewer, water and power and located in the middle of nowhere.

Sales thrive in these places where grandfather clauses allow purchase "as-is' and buyers are left to sort out the problems later.

Buyers in Moon Valley Ranch "get ripped off pretty well,' said Joe Bertotti, assistant director of Lassen County's community development department.

One company pitching lots in Moon Valley is online land marketer LandAuction.com , run by Robert Friedman and Jeffrey Frieden, entrepreneurs from Irvine.

LandAuction.com , also known as NRLL, lists properties in aging and forgotten developments: Concho Lakeland in Apache County, Ariz.; Hawaiian Ocean View Estates on the island of Hawaii; Shelter Cove in Humboldt County; and Deming Ranchettes in Luna County, N.M., to name a few.

Although the company has sold land for years in Moon Valley, Friedman said he's never been there.

"LandAuction.com deals in inexpensive land,' he said. "You cannot use a broad brush to say that these are in a flood plain or a flood zone or what have you. A lot of the properties you're talking about I'm sure are very nice properties.'

For years, local officials worried little about raw land sales that let counties fill tax coffers without having to provide services to absentee owners. "Government saw these things as cash cows in the beginning,' said Frank Schnidman, a Florida lawyer who has written about antiquated subdivision problems.

If buyers try to move into these poorly planned developments, they tax resources, overwhelm sewage systems and roads. In many instances, they simply stop paying taxes and eventually lose the land in a county tax auction.

At Moon Valley Ranch, the land is about as stark as the moon. Barren high desert stretches out for miles at California's untamed eastern edge where faded wooden street signs point down rutted paths. Amid junked cars and the rotting husks of former dwellings, a few homesteads stick out on the dusty plain. Located nearly 60 miles from Susanville, the subdivision has no power, sewer or city water supply.

Taxes are delinquent on 20 percent to 30 percent of the Moon Valley parcels, said Richard Egan, the county tax collector. Countywide, the delinquency rate is 3 percent.

In the days when the tax sale was held on the county courthouse steps, only a handful of bidders showed up. With tax sales on the Internet, the price of land has increased and people as far away as Florida and New York are bidding.

Norma Bernert acknowledged she and her husband didn't do their homework.

"It just seemed like something to start with,' she said of the 20-acre lot they bought from NRLL for $4,750 in 1999. With interest, they paid a total of $5,608.

They thought they would have a place to get away. But much land in Moon Valley is in a flood plain, and after Mark Bernert made the 370-mile journey, he found himself driving through heavy spring muck, his wife said.

In 2003, the couple tried to sell the land but found there was no local market for it. No real estate agent would list it.

Finally, an agent said he knew of a company that might buy it for a reduced price: NRLL. "I said, 'Wait a minute,' Norma Bernert said.

In the end, they sold it back for $2,500.

[Smiling JOe]

Interesting post and article Joe. Where did you find this article? Perhaps you could give us the source, to verify.

You think I should turn these guys on to some wetlands down here? I know several ppl willing to sell some. Thanks again for the info. Unfortunately, the people most likely to be taken advantage of these scams, probably don't read this board. Oh Well. I'll tell all the little 'ole ladies and men to not fall for the scam.

[kurt]

Swampland in SoWal was $30k/acre last I heard but that's probably low now.

[Smiling JOe]

Swampland in SoWal was $30k/acre last I heard but that's probably low now.


Yes, that is low price for wetlands. I know someone who just last week, turned down an offer of $240,000 for 1 acre of wetlands in South Walton. Of course it is located South of Hwy 98, but it is still located some 800 ft off of the road. There is an easement to the property, but no existing road. You would have to mitigate land to put in the road in addition to mitigating more land to put in a house.

[kurt]

Swampland in SoWal was $30k/acre last I heard but that's probably low now.


Yes, that is low price for wetlands. I know someone who just last week, turned down an offer of $240,000 for 1 acre of wetlands in South Walton. Of course it is located South of Hwy 98, but it is still located some 800 ft off of the road. There is an easement to the property, but no existing road. You would have to mitigate land to put in the road in addition to mitigating more land to put in a house.

I can see how numbers might work out for that. I guess I was thinking more of the price for mitigation land.

[Joe]

I got the article by searching http://www.Google.com. Just go to Google and enter:

Robert Friedman and Jeffrey Frieden

You will get many articles.

According to one article, they once sold stereos and back rubs prior to getting into the real estate business...

http://www.gtconnect.com/articles/2005/01/02/news/the_west/west03.txt

[Sunnybeach]

Thanks to all in this thread for throwing out the yellow flag for me and any number of others. Those NRLL folks from Irvine are trolling in the West Palm Beach area. We just got a postcard referencing our high-and-dry, accessible agricultural property in an antiquated subdivision, located in a generally hot area. Recent neighboring sales showed values above the $50K/acre range (10 acre minimum lot size zoning), up from $30K two years ago. Your SoWal thread appeared in my google search (as did the article quoted in the thread). I recall a cautionary article along those lines in the Palm Beach Post about a year ago. Again, thanks for your skepticism.

[Franny]

:welcome: Sunny! Isn't this board the greatest!! :clap_1:

[Beach Runner]

It must be hot - I heard what a neighbor is asking for their house and said, "Woo-hoo!" Even if they get 75%, it'll make the value of our property go up.

We don't want to sell, but we are interested in selling half interest for various reasons.

[SoWalSally]

Thanks to all in this thread for throwing out the yellow flag for me and any number of others. Those NRLL folks from Irvine are trolling in the West Palm Beach area. We just got a postcard referencing our high-and-dry, accessible agricultural property in an antiquated subdivision, located in a generally hot area. Recent neighboring sales showed values above the $50K/acre range (10 acre minimum lot size zoning), up from $30K two years ago. Your SoWal thread appeared in my google search (as did the article quoted in the thread). I recall a cautionary article along those lines in the Palm Beach Post about a year ago. Again, thanks for your skepticism.

:clap_1: :clap_1: :clap_1:

[SHELLY]

I got the article by searching http://www.Google.com. Just go to Google and enter:

Robert Friedman and Jeffrey Frieden

You will get many articles.

According to one article, they once sold stereos and back rubs prior to getting into the real estate business...

http://www.gtconnect.com/articles/2005/01/02/news/the_west/west03.txt

Ya know,...following stories about this unwinding real estate boom just keeps gettin' better and better. :D

Haven't got my letter yet, is the return envelope postage paid--I've got something I'd like to send them back. ;-)

[SHELLY]

It must be hot - I heard what a neighbor is asking for their house and said, "Woo-hoo!" Even if they get 75%, it'll make the value of our property go up.


That "woo-hoo" you hear coming back at you isn't an echo--it's from the county tax assessor's office. :cool:

[Beach Runner]

That "woo-hoo" you hear coming back at you isn't an echo--it's from the county tax assessor's office. :cool:
True.dat

[SHELLY]

And just when I didn't think it could get any more bazaar there's this:

"Under watch: Former "ChiPs" star Erik Estrada, who now uses his celebrity status to hawk overpriced land in the middle of nowhere for National Recreational Properties, Inc., run by Jeffrey Frieden and Robert Friedman, in Internet and television English and Spanish infomercials (guess who the victims are). "

Thanks guys, you made my day :D

[Smiling JOe]

Haven't got my letter yet, is the return envelope postage paid--I've got something I'd like to send them back. ;-)Why yes it is return postage paid. I sent them back a letter informing them that one of my properties is currently for sale and is ready for them to purchase since they were so interested in purchasing it. Needless to say, I have not heard back from them. ;-)

[SHELLY]

Needless to say, I have not heard back from them. ;-)

Don't be surprised if you get a visit from "Ponch" on a scooter.

[SHELLY]

:shock: It's like eating potato chips <pun intended?> I just can't stop!

_______________________________________________

Friedman and Frieden, both 43, took a roundabout path into the real estate business.

They started after high school with a string of stereo businesses. Frieden tried selling cars and phones, and both men even tried to set up a chain of chiropractic massage businesses.

Throughout, they dabbled in real estate, eventually founding an online auction company that sells raw land across that West. That led to NRPI.

Seeking a high-profile spokesman, the two flipped through a talent agency's portfolio and picked Estrada.

Estrada, remembered as a likable motorcycle cop on "CHiPs," was also the star of a popular Mexican soap opera that also airs on U.S. Latin networks. TV ads featuring him appear throughout the country.

"They approached me because they were looking for somebody who dealt with people on the street," Estrada said in an interview.

In addition to getting paid, Estrada is given a lot in each of the subdivisions.

In Cal Pines promotional material, Estrada exclaims: "This place is gorgeous! Take my word for it because I own property there myself." A sign along California Pines' main road touts "Erik Estrada's Home Site."

But Estrada said he had no plans for building on any of his NRPI lots.

Privately held NRPI doesn't have to release its earnings, but a statement filed by Frieden in an Orange County lawsuit against a software company said the company earned profits of approximately $562,828 a month between January and June 2002.

Last November, Frieden bought an oceanfront house in posh Laguna Beach for $4.3 million, according to property records in booming Orange County.

In struggling Modoc County, officials said they have reservations about NRPI's land sales, but those deals help pay for county services. Fewer than 10,000 people live in the county and nearly a fifth of the county's taxes come from California Pines owners, most of them mailed across the state.

County workers sometimes field calls from unsatisfied buyers; they usually refer the complaints to a state agency.

"We get a lot of, 'This isn't quite what was advertised to me,'" said Knoch, the county treasurer. "People complain, 'This isn't fair, they didn't tell the truth.'"

ON THE NET

California Pines: http://www.calpines.com

Lehigh Acres: http://www.lehighland.com

[kurt]

I have seen ES selling Arkansas property on the tube. He's quite convincing. Was he in the village people?

[SHELLY]

Was he in the village people?

Why yes!...Tellico Village (http://www.tellicovillageland.com/) :funn:

[ktschris]

:lolabove: And I thought he hit rock bottom when he went on "Surreal Life" That's to funny!

[Dabell]

some one had sent me a letter as well, emailed me then we spoke on the phone- Pretty much told him.. that we have something in common I too stay up and watch Late night infomercials..

[goin' coastal]

Does this feel familiar??? :idontno:



THE VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE
as seen by:

Yourself


as seen by
Your Lender



a seen by
Your Buyer


as seen by
Your Appraiser


as seen by
Your Tax Assessor

[goin' coastal]

Sorry, could not send the photos.

[Donna]

Does anyone remember greasy Dave DD of late night infomercial fame? He was the "get rich quick using no money of your own" guru. Was indicted and finally pled nolo, paying only a quarter Mil to the SEC. Bankrupted hundreds of his investors, sold thousands of worthless "how-to" packages on tv, and walked away from Hawaii owing banks and the State a gazillion dollars. These guys just keep evolving. He is now building a "Venetian palazzo" winery in the Napa Valley, where he has huge parties serving rare animals (emu, gazelle, buffalo, swan, blowfish, etc.) grilled and paired with wines. He has these gross parties for over 600 people and the amplified rock music is enough to blow your skirt up. Why can't we get these people off the streets, anyway? :idontno:

[gr8mom]

Why can't we get these people off the streets, anyway? :idontno:

Because Estrada is no longer patrolling, he's 'trolling' on infomercials :floor:

[JAMESMOM]

I don't know if anyone is still paying attention to this thread but I found it while looking for information on a firm called N.R.L.L. East, LLC. This is another firm owned by the same folks who run N.R.L.L., Inc. and National Recreational Properties, Inc., Real Estate Disposition Corp. and others. They have recently contacted an elderly client offering to purchase some parcels of land in Texas that she owns. The LLC is registered in California. After reading your posts and the other information I found on the internet I'm going to tell her to stay away from these folks. Thanks for the information. :clap_1:
Ponch should be ashamed of himself.

[SHELLY]

I don't know if anyone is still paying attention to this thread but I found it while looking for information on a firm called N.R.L.L. East, LLC. This is another firm owned by the same folks who run N.R.L.L., Inc. and National Recreational Properties, Inc., Real Estate Disposition Corp. and others. They have recently contacted an elderly client offering to purchase some parcels of land in Texas that she owns. The LLC is registered in California. After reading your posts and the other information I found on the internet I'm going to tell her to stay away from these folks. Thanks for the information. :clap_1:
Ponch should be ashamed of himself.

Glad we could be of service JamesMom! I was wondering if the "Ponch Thread" would be reborn...I missed it so--it was one of my all-time favorites.

[ben dover]

:eek: They are also known as Landauction.com, National recreation properties, and East LLC.
They are big time scammers.
They have found a way to get around real esate laws.

Here is what happened to me:
Last year I bought 10 acres in potter valley, mendocino county. I received GPS coordinates and driving instructions on where the proeprty was located.
I went and looked at it, it was nice and flat.
I went back and bid 33,000. To bad someone else already owned the one I saw. Turns out mine was miles away on the tip of a moutain and completely inaccesable. Not by roads, but by marijuana farmers who had taken over the land decades ago. When we went to find the real proeprty we were sited for trespassing. I contacted a real estate attorney.
Turns out that this land had been abonadoned decades ago and the people using it actually have rights to it. If I even wanted to look at the land I bought it was going to cost me 20,000. for a lawsuit.

For months they lied to me. They said they didn't buy it at a tax lien sale. They did for 1000. Then they sold it 3 or four different times collecting down payments from people and then taking the land back if they are late on a payment, and then reselling it at the next auction. They didn't record the sales. They didn't have to do a forclosure because they never transferred title. This may be how they skirt some rules.
They didn't tell people that land had no access. They changed the brochure in the last year.
I have some phone numbers and addresses if anyone wants them.

You are right, they are scammers. I can't imagine how many thousands of dollars they have taken from people on limited incomes. That way they have less of a chance of getting sued.

I have physical disability that keeps my budget so that a lawsuit is out of the question. So I just take the loss and keep quiet and they keep stealing people money.

[RiverOtter]

:eek: They are also known as Landauction.com, National recreation properties, and East LLC.
They are big time scammers.
They have found a way to get around real esate laws.

Here is what happened to me:
Last year I bought 10 acres in potter valley, mendocino county. I received GPS coordinates and driving instructions on where the proeprty was located.
I went and looked at it, it was nice and flat.
I went back and bid 33,000. To bad someone else already owned the one I saw. Turns out mine was miles away on the tip of a moutain and completely inaccesable. Not by roads, but by marijuana farmers who had taken over the land decades ago. When we went to find the real proeprty we were sited for trespassing. I contacted a real estate attorney.
Turns out that this land had been abonadoned decades ago and the people using it actually have rights to it. If I even wanted to look at the land I bought it was going to cost me 20,000. for a lawsuit.

For months they lied to me. They said they didn't buy it at a tax lien sale. They did for 1000. Then they sold it 3 or four different times collecting down payments from people and then taking the land back if they are late on a payment, and then reselling it at the next auction. They didn't record the sales. They didn't have to do a forclosure because they never transferred title. This may be how they skirt some rules.
They didn't tell people that land had no access. They changed the brochure in the last year.
I have some phone numbers and addresses if anyone wants them.

You are right, they are scammers. I can't imagine how many thousands of dollars they have taken from people on limited incomes. That way they have less of a chance of getting sued.

I have physical disability that keeps my budget so that a lawsuit is out of the question. So I just take the loss and keep quiet and they keep stealing people money.

Wow! I still don't see how they are not breaking R E Laws :blink:

[gib ycnan]

I got my letter from NRLL and I sent it back writing I would consider selling. The next letter I got was an offer that was LLLOOOOOWWWWW! Waterfront lot for $18,000. I threw it in the garbage and later got another letter telling me they had realized my property was worth more and to please call. I threw that letter away also.

[SHELLY]

It never ceases to amaze me how and when some of these "old, blast-from-the-past" threads pop up now and again.

I'm still waiting for Ponch to make his appearance on late night TV to flog the land up in Sunny Hills.


/

[gib ycnan]

Is Jim Barker still up there in Sunny Hills?