It has been recently reported that a new “scam” is taking place in Broward County involving unoccupied homes that are REO’s (bank owned) or Short Sales. A group of people have found a loophole in the system and they are taking ADVERSE POSSESSION , (see Adverse Possession without color of title (Fla. Stat. section 95.18).
Upon taking possession of the home they rent the homes to other individuals and they file a QCD (Quit Claim Deed). There is nothing the police or the Clerk of Courts can do to prevent it. In a quick search of records, over 150 filings have taken place since late last year.
Realtors who list these properties are forced to evict the tenants, who through no knowledge of their own have rented the property. In some cases the Realtors have to pay off the people who filed the QCD or take them to court to prove that they do not have title in order to sell the house.
This is a list of of companies that have been known to participate in this activity:
1. SAVING FLORIDA HOMES
2. COLONIAL PROPERTIES
3. HELPING HANDS PROPERTIES.
4. MAS & SONS Inc.