From the Record/Herald News:
Realtor was a burglar, cops say
It began in December, when a Mahwah man who had put his house up for sale returned from work one evening to find a camera and camcorder missing.
Sometime later, $2,000 in cash disappeared from a house for sale in Ramsey. On top of that, nearly $50,000 worth of jewelry was taken from another home.
On Wednesday, police arrested a real estate agent who they said used her position to swipe the jewelry, electronics and cash from several North Jersey houses in the past three months.
Susan Silok, 54, of Mahwah had entered the homes carrying an oversized purse, then slipped the items into a plastic bag, police said.
…
Silok, a Realtor for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, turned herself in to Mahwah police on Wednesday. She was released without bail while police continue their investigation.
…
News of the arrest Wednesday rattled North Jersey’s real estate community, primarily because agents say they work hard to earn a homeowner’s trust.
Caveat Emptor!
Grim
This ads a new meaning to “Crooked” Real Estate Agent!
We know one realtor who is actually part owner of his Monmouth County office, who gets a listing, then holds open houses. He steals stupid things like TV remote controls and smaller, less expensive items the owner would think they misplaced. This guy is loaded and as crooked as they come! Now imagine how he rips you off when it comes to the big money – house, commission, hidden closing costs!
Great! Have an open house and find you r personal belongings for sale on eBay!
-Richie
Well realtors are going to take more of a beating over this one… however keep in mind there are bad apples in every profession, doctors, teachers, even cable guys!
KL
The press seem to be having a field day with these. I have a feeling it’s due to the recent “Realtor Ethics” campaign. I see or hear that commercial at least once a day. They are really pushing it hard.
Makes you wonder when someone needs to advertise the fact that they are ethical..
grim
the whole industry a shake up. it hasn’t evolved since the days of the horse and buggy.
They say there’s no such thing as bad publicity, eh?
Some more gems..
http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/recdiscp.htm
James Dwyer, broker, Cape May County. On July 19, 2005, the Commission revoked James Dwyer’s real estate broker’s license for a period of nine years or until he released from supervised release, whichever is later. Dwyer was found guilty of a violation of N.J.S.A. 45:15-17(e), in that his recent federal conviction demonstrates unworthiness, and a violation of N.J.S.A. 45:15-17(l) in that he engaged in conduct which constitutes fraud or dishonest dealing. On June 10, 2005, Dwyer was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted on 10 counts of fraud for using false tax returns and financial statements in order to secure mortgages.
Richard Love, formerly licensed salesperson, Monmouth County. On April 26, 2005, after an uncontested hearing, the Real Estate Commission found Mr. Love guilty of a violation of 45:15-17(n) in that he procured a real estate license by misrepresentation and 45:15-17(e), misrepresentation. Mr. Love’s eligibility for licensure was revoked for a period of one year and a $1000 fine was imposed. Mr. Love failed to disclose prior convictions on his application for licensure.
Nadine Van Berry, formerly licensed salesperson, Atlantic County. On Tuesday June 7, 2005, the Commission suspended Nadine Van Berry’s eligibility for licensure as a real estate salesperson pending the resolution of her criminal indictment. Ms. Van Berry was arrested and indicted, along with her husband, on federal attempted robbery and bribery charges as part of a scheme to arrange a robbery of Atlantic City tax receipts as well as a bribery of a West Cape May public official. To date, no trial date has been set.
Henry Newbold, salesperson, Morris County – After a full hearing on June 8, 2004, the Real Estate Commission imposed a five year period of ineligibility as a real estate salesperson and an eight year period of ineligibility as a real estate broker upon Henry Newbold. Newbold did not disclose the revocation of his New Jersey Board of Real Estate Appraisers trainee permit on his real estate broker-salesperson license renewal application, in violation of violated N.J.S.A. 45:15-17(a). The Commission also found Newbold guilty of a violation of N.J.S.A. 45:15-17(e) in that he signed his supervisor’s name to appraisal reports and used comparable sales that did not exist.
as much as I hate the new Realtor commercials, they are pretty smart to be getting out in front of the ethical issue from a PR standpoint.
My favorite qote from one Sea Girt office. These people are notorious for screwing people out of tons of money…Finally, we may start to question why an agency advertises honesty…maybe there is some doubt!
…”Hard work and personal service, combined with honesty and integrity, guarantee that no one can or will serve your needs better.”…… gag!
Realtors have basically robbed everyone who has bought a house in the last 4-5 years. Some (as in the present example) are just more overt than others!
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