Peter -this story is wild! Sounds like there was quite the scam going on here. There is also so much going on right now with vacant and abandoned properties - many homeowners have just walked away, thereby abandoning their homes, due to potential foreclosure. Homeless persons are searching for vacant homes and laying up until rousted! In the process of inspecting REO properties for the Bank, I have walked into setup situations where people have set up home - even brought in their own television, bedding, kitchen equipment, coffee pot, etc. Wild things are happening right now.
The Bank is looking at this closely and are considering they should try to keep the homeowner in the home even after foreclosure, until it sells.... these are strange times.

Janet Greninger
Coldwell Banker
Aptos

Interesting story. check out this one about a man living in someones attic for 10 days... http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/nationalbreaking/ci_12769505

Dear Peter. Yes it can be scary right now in the real estate market if you do not know the "in's and out's" and the legal aspects of a transaction. That is why is is good to have a reputable and experienced agent on your side. There are a lot of scams going on and we need to be careful to not believe everything that is told to us.

Julie Lozano, Realtor
Prudential California Realty
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
calljulielozano@yahoo.com