One common type is about hidden structural problems. For example, a house might look fine on the outside but has a cracked foundation that the buyer discovers only after purchase. Another type is false advertising. Like when a realtor claims a property has a large backyard but in reality it's just a small patch of grass. Also, there are stories about bad landlords who don't maintain the property or who harass tenants.
The most common horrible real estate stories often involve financial scams. Some developers will take people's money for a new construction project and then run away without building anything. There are also stories related to foreclosure nightmares. Homeowners who are facing foreclosure might be scammed by so - called foreclosure rescue companies that actually make their situation worse. And then there are those tales of properties being haunted, which can really spook new owners or tenants, though that's more of a spooky addition to the real problems like bad plumbing or electrical issues.
One common story is when agents over - promise and under - deliver. For example, they say they'll get you a great price for your house, but in the end, you end up with much less than expected. Another is when they don't communicate well. You're left in the dark about offers, showings, etc.
One common type is title fraud. This is where someone forges property ownership documents to sell a property that's not theirs. Another is mortgage fraud, like when borrowers lie about their income or assets to get a mortgage. And there's also rental fraud, where scammers rent out a property they don't own.
There are several typical real estate scams. The bait - and - switch scam is one. They advertise a great property at a good price but then try to substitute a different, less desirable property. Phony loan modification scams also occur. They claim to be able to modify your mortgage terms for a fee but don't actually do anything. And let's not forget about the equity skimming scam where the scammer takes over a property, collects rent, but doesn't pay the mortgage.
Well, once I had an agent who showed me a house that was completely misrepresented in the listing. It said it had a renovated kitchen, but when we got there, the cabinets were falling apart and the stove was ancient. It was such a waste of time.
One common type is the back - stabbing friend. They might pretend to be your friend but then talk behind your back, like sharing your secrets or spreading lies about you. Another is the selfish friend who only thinks about their own needs and uses you for things like rides or money. And there's also the jealous friend who tries to undermine your achievements, for example, if you get a promotion at work, they might say it was just luck and not your hard work.
Often, horrible kid stories involve accidents. Like a kid falling from a tree while trying to get a ball and getting seriously injured. Also, stories of kids being left alone in a strange place can be quite horrible. It's a very scary situation for a young child who depends on adults for safety.
There is this horrible real estate story about a person who rented an apartment. The landlord was really sneaky. He would enter the apartment without permission while the tenant was away. One day, the tenant came back to find some of their personal items missing. It turned out the landlord had been going through their stuff and had taken some things. The tenant had to go through a long and difficult legal process to get justice.
Physical violence is unfortunately also common. Gangs or individuals targeting gay people for beatings, just like in the story where a gay couple was attacked on the street. Also, exclusion from social groups or family. Many gay people are shunned by their families or not allowed to participate in family events because of their orientation. This can be extremely hurtful and isolating.
Fire incidents are quite common too. First responders often face intense heat, thick smoke, and the risk of buildings collapsing. They may also encounter situations where people are trapped in burning buildings and they have to risk their lives to save them. These types of situations can be extremely difficult and often result in some very horrible experiences for first responders.
A common one is dealing with bad tenants. Landlords might face tenants who don't pay rent on time, damage the property, or even use it for illegal activities. Another is getting into a contract with a dishonest real estate agent who misrepresents a property. For example, they might say a house is in great condition when it actually has major structural problems.