Need Help! will likely lose 30K to a scam

[Tri Tran]

I used Rent to Retirement to purchase a new short-term rental property out of state, managed by the seller’s agent, Lacey Dickinson. Rent to Retirement had good things to say about her, so I trusted their recommendation. However, communication issues with Lacey began almost immediately—she took two weeks just to send me a contract and was frequently unresponsive, blaming weather-related issues.

She advertised the property as highly profitable, but when I asked for proof, she never provided any. Despite my reservations, I moved forward with the purchase but rent to retirement said good things about her from supposed past clients of theirs. Lacey asked for $20K for furnishings and another $10K to convert the garage to a play room and add a pool heater. I paid her $15K via credit card to her paypal account and another $15K by wire money from my bank. She promised updates and photos once they arrive, but they never materialized.

During the two-month escrow, she was difficult to reach, and despite repeated requests, she failed to arrange an appraisal and inspection despite my many requests. Hurricane Milton delayed things, but even when the weather improved, her communication stopped entirely. We’re now five days from the closing date, with no response from Lacey, despite multiple attempts from me, my lender, and even Rent to Retirement to contact her. I currently live out of state so I couldn't just go to florida to check out the property.

I’ve contacted Rent to Retirement and my credit card company to dispute the charges. We won’t close on time, or likely at all, and I’m expecting the $25K earnest money back, though I doubt I’ll recover the $30K. 

I'm sharing this to warn others about Lacey Dickinson and to ask for any advice on how to proceed.

here is her page

https://www.laceydickinson.com/

[Joe S.]

Quote from @Tri Tran:

I would like to update my initial response. I would like everyone to know that I may have been a little hasty in drawing conclusions without all the details.

This is not a scam. I did jump to conclusions as my emotions got the best of me when I did not hear back from Lacey.

I had the chance to speak with Lacey this morning and also Scott at RTR.

Lacey had some family emergencies she was dealing with as a result of the recent hurricanes. I understand now that her immediate family was dramatically impacted by the hurricane, and I feel sorry for the heartache she has had to deal with. She has informed me that she is actively working on furnishing the home to operate as a STR should I decide to proceed.

I have not closed on this property yet as I'm still determining if it will be a viable investment option for me. We still are going through due diligence with appraisals and inspections, which we decided would be best to complete after the hurricanes passed. Lacey confirmed that if I decide to cancel, I will receive my EMD back and she will work with me to return furniture to refund as much as possible for the furnishing cost, which I appreciate.

Concerning RTR, they have been nothing but supportive in this process. They usually focus on LTRs, but when I informed them that I would like to explore STRs, they made a few introductions to people that specifically work with STRs to help me reach my goals. I worked with Scott who has always been immediately responsive and willing to assist with whatever I needed including introductions to lenders, insurance providers, local agents/brokers, tax specialists, etc. I truly do value their assistance and responsiveness and I do recommend them to anyone looking to get started investing in real estate.

I am a new investor and buying real estate is a big commitment for me. I let my emotions get the best of me immediately assuming a worst case scenario. My apologies for causing concern around this. I am still evaluating if this is the best investment for me to proceed with as we get further through due diligence and I will keep everyone updated on how things go.

A couple things come to mind.

1. You was a little fast on the trigger to go scorch earth. Slandering someone from the rooftops should be a last resort.

2. In my heart of heart, the Realtor was to blame as well, because she suddenly found time to communicate with you, regardless of having family that was affected by the hurricane, as soon as her reputation was on the line.

3. From an outside viewer, I would be nervous to work with either one of you, since you are fast to go public with any grievance and the realtor has poor communication skills and has no problem blaming external circumstances for lack of a simple courtesy call. I mean how hard is it to make a courtesy phone call?