Another Loepere St. Scam

[Ragin]

Another great home deal

BUFFALO, NY INVESTMENT PROPERTY!!!!!

No credit check. You deal strictly with us!!!
Buffalo, NY - 2 family dwelling for sale – investment property.

All you need is cash!! $9,000 down!!!
Payments for balance can be for one year or 40 years!!!
Fully negotiable.
Full purchase price is $25,000 or best offer!!! Will make deal on any reasonable offer!!!

This property is a great fixer upper. This is not a Tax Sale Property. Generated incom: 31,000 / 5 years after taxes etc.

There won't be any liens or mortgages against this property. It will be free and clear title. All taxes are paid and current. You will need to include $565.00 on top of the purchase price. (The fees are Deed Preparation, Transfer Taxes, Search, Attorney Fees, and Recording Fees)

You may email me with any questions to s_wms2000@yahoo.com* or call me at (203) 495-9182 or if busy, call (203) 823-6042
The seller reserves the right to accept any reasonable offer.

Res, if you look to the side of that add, you'll see this info:

Size: 22499.00 sq.ft
Type: Duplex-Fourplex
Style: 2 Story
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 2
Garage space: 3 cars
Year built: 1910
Location: Buffalo NY New Haven, Connecticut 06511
Map and Satellite Photo
Price: $25,000

Look at the location as listed here, then check out the map and satellite. The map and satellite photo points to property in NEW HAVEN, CT, but the description of the property says BUFFALO, NY INVESTMENT PROPERTY!!!!!

[Ragin]

HAHA! She's got so many ads out there, it's funny.

It's obvious that she's just looking to dump the property while making a tidy little sum off of it.

I wasn't able to grab a camera today but I'll do what I can over the weekend. It's one of those "must see" things

I hear ya!

I'm gonna be in Buffalo tomorrow. I'd like to swing past the place myself.

[woodstock]

I'm gonna be in Buffalo tomorrow. I'd like to swing past the place myself.

a factual peice of advice: dont go alone & go early in the morning, anything into the afternoon may be considered unsafe.

[Shovel ready]

a factual peice of advice: dont go alone & go early in the morning, anything into the afternoon may be considered unsafe.

What a load of crap. I used to visit friends who lived in some roughish parts of the east side at NIGHT. Never a problem.

[WNYresident]

Are there any buffalo police here who can fill us in?

Exactly how is that area in general?

[ESP]

Well, I've driven by there twice in the past two days. I've observed the street to be mostly quiet. I saw the same kid (late teens, possibly early 20s) walking down the street on both days. Both days he tried to flag me down for something... wonder what *rolls eyes* I think he only tried to flag me down because I stopped in front of the house with a phone in hand, but that's only my observation.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous only because I was alone and it was getting dark, but I wasn't scared for my life.

There aren't many houses left on the street and what is left is pretty much in poor condition. It's so sad too. I grew up at 16 Loepere and can remember when the neighborhood was vibrant, there were lots of homeowners. The front of houses had flowers and neatly trimmed lawns and there were lots and lots of kids playing outside together. I knew everyone from broadway down to Stanislaus (that was where the line ended for me since I wasn't allowed to cross the street!) I remember a mom and pop grocery store being at the corner of Loepere and Stanislaus where we would walk to buy candy, comics and junk food. I was probably 13 or so at the time.

Even sadder is that when I look at 13 year olds now, they're nothing like I was when I was 13. They dont dress the same, they don't act the same and where the hell are their parents? Oh well, another topic for another discussion on another day.

Anyway, it almost looks like someone was up on top of the porch area at some point since the gaping hole where the porch door should be (should get good and mildew-y in there after the rain) seemed to have something in front of it. I couldnt exactly tell what it was but it wasn't enough to nearly cover the hole. Like maybe someone was moving something in or out.

I wonder if the house is in use...

[pgirhard]

Can the moderators please remove me from this forum. I tried to do it myself, but couldn't find a way. Thank you.

[fantoms88]

Can the moderators please remove me from this forum. I tried to do it myself, but couldn't find a way. Thank you.

Try to hang in there!

[fantoms88]

Hello to everyone!!! I just joined this forum.
I’m a Buffalo resident of only 2 years, so please forgive me because I am still unaware of all the Buffalo politics.
Upon searching for certain issues concerning Buffalo and my interests, I just happened to bump into this forum. In scanning my topics of interest, I came across the caption on this board, “Another Loepere Street Scam” and, in noticing how many responses it incurred, I figured it was a “hot” topic and of course, I took a look. Let it be understood that I have been viewing the board for a couple of days.
As I read all the responses by everyone here, and the replies from the “owner” of Loepere, I too, felt that the owner of Loepere may be doing something a little underhanded.

The more the topic was addressed each day, and the more it was determined to “expose” the owner of being a scammer, the more I became convinced it was true.
But… being the type of person I am, I try to be objective.

So, I took another look. I started looking at several issues.

In reading pgirhard’s response, several times, I actually saw in her responses that although she was trying to give her “explanation / defense” she was also trying not to disclose, to persons she did not know, all of her business.
I figured this. If she was trying to scam people, why give her true name, phone number and true address, After all, harassing phone calls etc. 2. She’s from Connecticut. That was also un-disclosed by her. Seemed to me she was not trying to hide anything. She submitted all her contact info. Everyone here has her contact information and, so have I. So, I decided to make contact.

I really wanted to know what the “real deal” was. I wanted to know why she bought this house and only for a dollar. I wanted to know why she was not fixing it herself. I wanted to know how she could have the audacity to even try to sell it at that price!!! There were a whole slew of questions I wanted to ask. Why?? Because if I felt anything was shady, my intent was to let everyone here know that this lady is a crock of sh**t and you are all right!!! I was a little apprehensive as I dialed (203). And I prepared myself for a rude response once I identified myself as a Buffalo citizen responding to the issue concerning this forum.

I got through and asked for Sybil Thomas. It was she that answered. I identified myself. She paused for just a sec and in a very soft but assertive voice said “ Hi, how are you this evening? I said fine, and you? She said, so-so…! That opened the door for me. I told her that I hoped she didn’t mind me calling, but if she did I wouldn’t bother her any further. She said no, it was ok. I told her that I was aware of everything that was going on in the forum and, I was just curious about a few things. She told me I could ask whatever was on my mind.
I must say. That as nervous as I was before I made the call, she made me feel very comfortable. So I asked away.

We spent over 2 hours on the phone last night. I must also say, that Ms. Thomas is a very delightful woman to speak with.
After listening to her side, and realizing some things, I almost felt ashamed believing otherwise.
She explained a lot of things to me, and I felt she was being very honest with me, and I believe her.

Like I said earlier in this post. I’m not in the habit of joining forums, but after our conversation, I felt compelled to join in order to become sort of an advocate for Ms. Thomas. I do have Ms Thomas’ permission to un-disclose some of our conversation. I refuse to get into an internet battle. I’m not on that type of time. After I speak my opinion, I’m leaving it at that.
I took notes as we spoke. She knows that!!!

[fantoms88]

First of all, I will speak in concerns of myself. I will not drag anyone else or anyone else’s opinions in this.
I was wrong to assume many things. Ms Thomas did not get/buy/bid on the house as I thought she did. Apparently, Mr. Kaliek Allah, whom she really didn’t know that well, gave her the house. She explained that she did Mr. Allah a favor, and as his payment, and appreciation, he surprised her with the house as a gift. She told me what she had done, but I’d rather not disclose that. All I will say is this lady has a beautiful spirit.

Mr Allah completed the transaction and Ms Thomas became the legal owner December 29, 2005.
Ms. Thomas told me that in December, there were tenants in the house.
She admits that she was not ready or thinking about getting or buying a house. She stated that was the furthest thing on her mind. She admits she knows nothing about real estate. She did however feel that since there were tenants, the house could supply an income. She paid the current taxes on the house, in December.
In December before ownership, Mr. Allah, he gave her the name of a man that had oversaw / maintained the property for him. She employed him to collect the rent from the tenants. The tenants never paid the rent, and was giving the guy a hard time. So, instead of putting the guy in the middle, she decided to remove the tenants.
By first of January, the tenants moved on their own.. She asked the “overseer” to go into the house to see that everything was ok. He claimed it was. Everything was fine. No damage at all.

She decided to sell the house because she was unsure she could handle it. She proceeded to place it online. At this point, she still had not been able to go to Buffalo to see the house.
She thinks she started trying to sell early Jan.

As she was trying to sell, she was informed that squatters had taken residence and they had lights going. She called Buffalo police in hopes that they would assist her. She said she called Buffalo Power and told them the situation. After a couple of days, they called her back and informed her that they shut the power from the pole so that situation would not happen again.
She believes that the squatters left when the lights got shut down.

She reached the overseer and asked him to check everything in the house. That’s when he told her that he thinks that when the squatters left, they trashed and took what they could sell, including the furnaces.
He gave her a list of things that needed to be repaired. She said that she lowered the price in order to sell quick.
While in the process of selling the house in Jan, someone from Buffalo responded. This person wanted to see the house and Ms. Thomas arranged for the overseer to meet them. The person visited the house and told Ms. Thomas that she had a good solid house and it is a diamond in the ruff. She told Ms. Thomas to look past the repairs, that the house has character. She also told Ms. Thomas not to sell it anyone..to sell it to them.
When I asked Ms. Thomas why she didn’t sell it to the person, she stated she started feeling that it just might be a good opportunity for her to get a start on owning property, so she decided not to sell, and started making preparations to come reside in Buffalo.
So, now…she has decided to fix the house and move to Buffalo.
Ms. Thomas did not re-new her lease at her Connecticut apt.

She requested the overseer to board up the house securely and she said she called the Buffalo police to request patrol every now and then. She also requested the overseer to contact the proper persons for estimates on the repairs.

The overseer contacted a plumber. They toured the house. The plumber called her and informed her of what was needed. The main most expensive repair was the furnace and water heater install. The plumbing wasn’t bad, but about 3 pipes were needed, as well as new bathroom necessities. He stated his estimate of $2,000 in labor and submitted a list of everything that was needed.

She did research online to get prices for the supplies. She stated the supplies came up to about $3500 (rounded off) including the furnace. To her, that was not too bad. She felt it was tight, but she could handle it.
She said she sat down one day and figured out everything that was needed for the rehab and move.
Everything came up to almost $8,000.

She proceeded to try to get a loan. No success.
So she did what she does best and invested what little money she did have and was able to raise money short of $1,000 needed for everything.
She told me that she did an advertising campaign, where-as if someone would loan her money, she would pay it back within a certain time, or she turn her property over.
I asked her that if she didn’t have any money for repairs, then how could she pay back anyone that helped her?
She told me something that was very reasonable. She doesn’t have money upfront for repairs, but, she can afford to pay back $$250.00 a month to anyone that would help. And that’s after all her personal expenses.

In March, she took the drive up to Buffalo. She said that after her and her ex boyfriend cleaned out the house, he realized that the work needed to be done was not that critical While in Buffalo, she called the plumber that gave her the estimates. They met her at her house.
They gave her an estimate of about $4,000 in work needed to be done.

Now she estimated that she needed more money for the house and move. She spent gas and tolls for the Buffalo trip. And she had rented a storage unit for 5 rooms. She gave the overseer some money, and she still had one more month to pay rent.

She was raising the money on her own, she was preparing for the move, she placed her things in storage, she didn’t re-new her lease, and then her family started complaining about moving to Buffalo.
She told me that even though they were against it, she still wanted to come and she made plans for her and her 12 year old to move. She even transferred her son out of school. The others were older, and would be fine.

She stated her full plans;
She was going to get the power turned on. She said she had bought 6 electric radiators, the kind that’s used in cabins, to heat the rooms till the heating system was repaired. She felt that as long as she had hot water and electric, she could pioneer it, especially since the winter was breaking.
She was going to do one room and one floor at a time. She was going to convert to a one family house to make it seem it was a mini mansion. She had planned to open her business on one floor.
She stated she had made preparations for the gas and electric to be turned on. They just wanted an inspection of the circuit breakers and the outside meter..because of the light situation with the squatters.

She started making preparations to do everything. She said that her boyfriend at the time was going to do all the work. She stated that he was very talented, could build a house from the bottom up. Just didn’t know about heating systems and plumbing.
According to my opinion, here’s when everything fell.

As she was getting ready to move, a host of events, very crucial events took place. I’m not going to disclose exactly what happened, but I can tell you this. She’s a very strong woman.

As far as the ex-boyfriend comment that was made? In my opinion, Ms. Thomas made a pretty good move to make him an ex.

So after all those events took place, she felt she couldn’t leave Connecticut.
She told me she decided to sell the house.
She said she really didn’t want to let the house go, but at the same time she couldn’t afford to fix it anymore, but at the same time, she didn’t want to sell it for pennies, but, if she had to sell, she wanted to help someone that couldn’t get a loan to get a house.
She told me she felt the frustration of what it feels like to be able to pay, but no one will trust you.

She told me she felt that there are people with money, but are un-bankable. So, with the help of someone, she tried to find a creative way to sell the house, as help someone else as well as help herself.

She also brought something else to my attention.
Investors buy houses for about $3500-$5000 And then put $8,000and sell for $20,000, $25,000 maybe more.
She asked me was she doing anything so bad by offering someone to pay $3500 with the intent to buy, and pay 500 a month for a 2 family house. She stated that the person could rent out one floor and live on another. She also stated that the 2nd floor is actually a 2 floor situation.

Ms. Thomas stated her terms on the website are not all the terms exposed. She states there is an addendum to the terms to those who are truly interested in the house. She did give me permission to say this. There is a buy out price.

I realize this turned into something short of a novel, but I feel very compassionate toward Ms. Thomas right now. I did tell her, however, that what she may have done wrong was not research the market thoroughly, before stating a price. She agreed about that. She asked me what she should do to make it more acceptable. I gave her my opinion.

But now, no matter what opinion or advice I give her, if she ever did have a chance to sell her property, it has been blackballed by all here.
I went to craigslist and someone had the poor lady’s ad flagged.

For something that started out as an opinion, this topic turned into something no less than a brash and hostile bashing. It seems to me, some people here have made it their business to try to destroy this woman. I just can’t believe it. People that have nothing to do with this property, used their gas and drove over to Loepere Street just to bring back their version of the house. Some are even going to “buy” a camera to take photos!!! Ms. Thomas has been ridiculed terribly. This has turned into a smear campaign. I just don’t understand. I don’t see it as her fault. As I see it, she tried to deal with something she didn’t ask for.
I’m just saying this. Why are you spending your valuable time and energy on something that is not really your business. This has done nothing but accomplish 2 negative things.

1. She may not be able to sell the house because of all the hard work this forum did. So the house may not get fixed. 2.You have made it difficult for her to ever want to be a part of our Buffalo community.
Why did you do this? Has she done something to you personally? She claims she knows no-one here.
Has she ever done anything to Buffalo? She claims she never lived here.

It’s a fact that people in general have a habit of forming their own conclusions before they know all the facts. Has that ever happened to anyone here? Have you ever been blamed for something you did not do, or been accused of something without your side being heard??

I asked Ms. Thomas what her business was. She told me. I researched it online. I was very impressed, but I know the hardships on a business like hers. I’ll tell you one thing. We sure could use a business like hers here!!!
It would be a break for a lot of people.
I noticed that Ms. Thomas helps many all over.

I truly wish I had the money she needs to fix her house. I’m really thinking of trying to help in some way. If anything, I can volunteer her some manpower for free. I know how to paint. Hell, I’m even thinking about making little donation boxes that says Let’s help Ms. Thomas save 62 Loepere Street!!!

Suggestion: Instead of brow bashing, humiliating and laughing and accusing Ms. Thomas of scamming, why not do something like give her advice, or suggestions that would help both her and the community?

[ESP]

That's wonderful that you find Ms. Thomas as a person with a kind spirit. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Since you stated your opinions, I will state mine

She admits that she was not ready or thinking about getting or buying a house. She stated that was the furthest thing on her mind. She admits she knows nothing about real estate.

Owning property is not only a priveledge, but a responsibility. It was up to Ms. Thomas to do her homework, research the neighborhood and research the house. Ms. Thomas went on someone's word that it was a diamond in the rough and took it at face value.

In my opinion, Ms. Thomas should have started by finding out the assessed value of the property. Seeing that the property alone is worth $1400, the total value of the property is $5000 would make any person who could do a little bit of math learn that the structure itself was only worth $3600. That should have set off a HUGE RED FLAG that there may be a potential problem with this property.

She said she really didn’t want to let the house go, but at the same time she couldn’t afford to fix it anymore, but at the same time, she didn’t want to sell it for pennies, but, if she had to sell, she wanted to help someone that couldn’t get a loan to get a house.

The Broadway-Fillmore area has a neighborhood housing service plus there are other programs in the area. There are first time homebuyer programs and other loan and grant programs. Had Ms. Thomas proceeded with doing her homework, she may have found this information.

Theres a HUGE difference between selling a house for pennies and selling a shell of a house for $25,000. HUGE DIFFERENCE>

Investors buy houses for about $3500-$5000 And then put $8,000and sell for $20,000, $25,000 maybe more.
She asked me was she doing anything so bad by offering someone to pay $3500 with the intent to buy, and pay 500 a month for a 2 family house.

The first sentence here should answer her question of "was she doing anything so bad." She was trying to unload a house at a high price without sinking a penny into it other than supplies that she had already bought. She was expecting her tenants, who had intent to buy of course, to do all the work. When she was done, she would walk off with a tidy little sum. In my opinion, yeah, that's "anything so bad."

Had Ms. Thomas did what investors do and actually REPAIR the property and make it habitable, then yes, maybe at that time she could have gone with selling this property on her terms. She had already raised 7k. She could have put that into the house and maybe got 18k for it.

People that have nothing to do with this property, used their gas and drove over to Loepere Street just to bring back their version of the house.

I’m just saying this. Why are you spending your valuable time and energy on something that is not really your business

You're right. I did exactly that. I took a 30 second drive onto a street three blocks over. I didn't exactly bring back a version of the house, I brought back facts. The paint is peeling. The garage has broken windows and is sagging. There is a gaping hole upstairs where a porch door should be. Those are facts, not a version of them.

You're right that I have nothing to do with this property. I have everything to do with the neighborhood though. I live here. I work here. I raise my children here. My property value declines when properties like this one pop up. Seeing as what I perceived as a potential rip off and scam, I stated my OPINION and the facts that I gathered. I did nothing else but that.

I truly wish I had the money she needs to fix her house. I’m really thinking of trying to help in some way.

I applaud and commend you for your compassion and generosity! But what about the 80 year old lady down the street who owns her property? She can't get them to renew the insurance because of the peeling paint and broken windows. She can't do the work herself but she can't afford a contractor either. Maybe you should swing your brush there!

I honestly think that no one was trying to tarnish Ms. Thomas' name. I think what we are all trying to do is protect our neighborhoods and those most vulernable in them.

Think about this scenario:
A mother, raising 5 kids, might think this sounds good. She's got 10k put away so she goes for it. Before she moves in, she has to make her real estate livable. She's pretty handy so she doesn't think much of all the work she has to do. She's got 6.5k left after the down payment. So now, she says "Hmmm... Ms. Thomas said it would cost 4k to have the repairs done." A furnace, new plumbing, probably a new floor upstairs due to the water damage, new doors and locks will cost more than 4k. It cost me 16k to have my electric, plumbing and heating system overhauled. Then I found out that the tiles on my sewer line needed to be fixed. That cost me another 3.5k. The city has no responsibilty for the sewere pipe from the house to the main sewer. I had to have the street dug up to fix it!

So anyway, now this mom is deep in debt, she thought she was buying into the american dream. But was she? Nope, now she feels SCAMMED.

Along the way, someone finds out that mom is running electric heaters in the house to keep the kids warm. Her little one tells the teacher that their heaters plug into the walls! Teacher thinks "hmmm" and next thing you know, there's CPS. They see that the house is in rehab but is not suitable for the kids and now mom, who was only trying to live that american dream, is losing her kids. She thought someone was doing her a favor...

Ok, my point may have been a little extreme, but these are the type of vulernable people that are in this neighborhood. Most of them are living well below the poverty line and those that arent are struggling to hold on to what they have until they feel they have no alternative but to move on and find a better life.

Again, these are my opinions. While I'm truly sorry for Ms. Thomas' problems in her life and I could probably sympathize AND empathize with them (she's not the only one who has ever been on a rollercoaster of a life), the way she went about this was all wrong.

In order to make our area grow and thrive, we have to make sure there is no flim flamming going on.

And that, kind sir, is why we are so protective. And that, kind sir, is why we try to make sure that there is nothing dishonest going on.

My advice to Ms. Thomas:

Do not become a property owner unless you are prepared for it.
Do not try to sell your house over the internet.
Either drop the price down to about 6000, or sink the money into it to make it habitable and then try to sell it.
Do your homework and find out what is in the neighborhood in ways of owner occupied grants and loans for low income folk who are ready to settle into their own homes. (see first point of advice)
Call a property inspector to see what the real scoop is. They will determine the code violations if there are any and make recommendations.

So, with that said, good luck to you Ms. Thomas.

[fantoms88]

Do not become a property owner unless you are prepared for it.

Hmmm! I see you still don't get it. Ms. Thomas did not electively become a property owner.

[moonshine]

fantoms88, thank you for your input on this property. Your willingness to volunteer your time to help the neighborhood is commendable.

First things first, a picture of the property:



I agree with you that Ms. Thomas is a victim of circumstance. Kaliek Allah also owns a property at 53 Loepere. He was well aware of the condition of the property when he offered it as collateral for Ms. Thomas' services. Unfortunately Ms. Thomas, who had no ill intentions, is now stuck with a property that Allah knew wasn't worth the paper the deed is printed on. It's a classic case of "Buyer Beware".

As I stated in a previous post, Ms. Thomas is simply attempting to pass the problem onto another owner. But, she is being underhanded in the process. Her terms of purchase are a blatant attempt to foreclose in the near future. Furthermore, she's already attempted to procure funding in a manner that would place a lien on the property. Clouding the title is dishonest to a prospective buyer. In my opinion, Ms. Thomas needs to seek some legal help in this situation because her terms of sale are unethical. Texas has already outlawed lease options and rent to owns in response to practices similiar to Ms. Thomas'. As an honest investor I don't need anymore laws in this state.

Ms. Thomas is free to sell the house at any price she wants and set her own terms, but that doesn't prevent the people on this board from demanding a higher standard. It's unfortunate that she's found herself in this situation. Passing the property to a vulnerable buyer under absurd terms is reason for concern.

fantoms88, you're a saint for offering your time and labor to rehab the property. It's just too bad that the parts of the house are worth less than the whole. In other words, the cost of materials to rehab this property aren't worth the "after repair value" (ARV). The property is, to use a banker's term, "Economically Obsolete". The properties on either side are abandoned. There is no functional yard. The building in the rear that is considered a "garage" is collapsing. Put that same property in Tonawanda and you would have a perfect fixer-upper. Investors would flock. In that neighborhood you're screwed. Supposed you decided to put new fixtures into the house? Do you honestly think they will still be there in the morning? It's a clasic chicken-egg situation: The owner-occupant must be on-site to prevent vandalism, but the house can't be lived in without major repairs that would attract vandals.

Hopefully Ms. Thomas will revise her terms of sale. The purchaser MUST be placed on title and have that title insured. Any attempt to prevent the purchaser from having an equity stake in the property will be met with criticism by me.

fantoms88, I encourage you to stay active in this forum. I encourage Ms. Thomas to do the same. We're not scumbags. Many people here would help anyone at the drop of a hat. I look forward to your conversation.

And I'm still not Dick Kern.

[ESP]

Thank you for your insight Mr. Kern!

**note, Mr. Moonshine is not Mr. Kern! I was attempting to lighten the mood a little**

I know that Buffalo is trying very hard to discourage these types of transactions. There is a "Don't Borrow Trouble" campaign which will legally challenge transactions of this sort. I don't know of any immediate law changes, but I'm sure they are on the horizon.

A gift of a house is a wonderful thing, but I think she should have really looked at what she was getting into before she accepted that gift and the transaction was completed. I'm not sure but I thought that with a transaction of this sort, both parties must sign. If that's not the case, then what's stopping everyone wanting to bail on the city and abandon their house from signing over their property to some random stranger out of the talking phone book as a "gift" without their knowledge or consent? That is where "Do not become a property owner unless you are prepared for it" comes in... Wouldn't Ms. Thomas had to have consented to receiving the "gift"? A monetary transaction of the property is recorded, even though it's $1.00, therefore the property is listed as being purchased by Ms. Thomas.

Please correct me if I'm wrong on that part. I really do not know the property transfer laws since I've only ever purchased one property.

Again, i'm not trying to rip Ms. Thomas to shreds. She portrayed herself in a poor way on the internet. Her online ads were numerous and each one stated something different as well as different down payment amount. I have seen them range from $3500 + expenses to $9000 + expenses. Her solicitation for a loan also made me question her ethics. You know what they say about first impressions.

Unfortunately, she also came here steamed up, accused people of having tiny minds (or something of the sort) and started name calling when questioned. Again, you know what they say about first impressions. I can understand the need she may had to defend herself, but I'm not sure the way she handled it was well. Again, I think it just made people look harder to see what she was up to.

The purpose of these boards seem to be to discuss WNY, debate and question politics, ethics, etc. I'm pretty sure that most people here have some sort of passion for where they live or they would not even bother coming here.

I'm passionate about my neighborhood. People say I'm nuts because I live smack dab in the middle of the East Side (Loepere is 3 blocks from me) but I love where I live. I'd do anything to protect it and I always encourage friends and family to invest in it (some have, some just laugh).

The city government isn't looking out for us, so we have to look out for ourselves, especially those who have invested their lives here.

And, as Mr. Moonshine said, we're not scumbags

[steven]

Hmmm! I see you still don't get it. Ms. Thomas did not electively become a property owner.

Ms Thomas DID electively become a property owner when she took deed to the property. I didnt see anywhere in your post where it was forced on her.