Code violations even worse than described in article

Editor,

I think the problem with code violations and local governments (http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n5-090208.cfm) is even worse than the article indicates. I have direct experience with this situation. I am a buyer’s agent with a bank-owned foreclosure under contract in Haines City. It had a code violation. The code violation was for the non-cutting of the grass. The fine is $100 a day.

Yes that’s right – $100 a day! A bit excessive if you ask me, especially since the city isn’t really fining an actual person. The previous owner defaulted on his mortgage and left, and the bank hadn’t taken ownership of the house yet. No one is motivated to cut the grass because of the fine.

The fines eventually added up to $18,000. The violation was taken care of, but the fines and lien still exist.

Here’s the issue: I cannot close this house until the fine has been paid and the lien lifted. The bank doesn’t want to pay that much and is fighting it. The only way to get the lien lifted is to go before the magistrate and request it to be removed.

The magistrate meets once a month.

And you thought short sales were tough.

Bill Gabriel, GRI
Classic Homes GMAC Real Estate
Clermont

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