Growth Equity Group - How 170+ investors were scammed

[Andrey Y.]

In 2014-2015, more than 170 investors purchased 2 and 3 bedroom condo units from Growth Equity Group. This company specializes in investment properties in a self-directed IRA. More than 85% of their sales are bought in this fashion.

Business was solicited mainly at investment conferences (Las Vegas a popular site), and some here at BP. I was one of those people who fell for their marketing.

I was sold a condo in a neighborhood in Virginia (specific details to be disclosed later). They sold me the condo for almost $90K. The property value was however, at best, $65K. They came with sweet talk, a personable friendly nature, like a predator (although I didn't know it at the time.) They only allowed an appraisal to be performed through them. One can see why, a legitimate appraiser operating legally would not appraise these condos for what they were selling for.

Growth Equity Group sold units to more than 170+ investors. 3BRs went for $96K, 2BR for $86K. Of course, they also used an "in house" lender specializing in non-recourse loans. They wouldn't allow you to use your own lender. It sounds fishy looking back at it, but not when they present it in a such a welcoming and favorable way. The rate would be 5%, which would balloon to 9% in 4 years!

I see three main issues with what transpired:

1. Sales. Growth Equity Group knowingly sold condos which were valued at $60-65K, for $85K-100K. They did this with open eyes and a smile. They even rushed me to sign on the dotted line.

2. The Appraisal process. Appraisers in the past have been fined and jailed for falsifying numbers, for elevating the appraisal amount. If the appraiser is on the payroll of the company who is selling you a property, or they are getting business or money from the company who is selling you the property, this is a major conflict of interest.

3. Financing. Industry standard for a non-resource loan is - during the balloon period, the interest rate cannot go up more than 0.5% per year or more than 2% total, no matter the interest rate environment. Growth Equity Group again used a lender that they were "working with" and did not let you use your own lender. Their loans carried an interest rate of 5%, which immediately jumps to 9% at the 4 year mark.