Help! My neighborhood has been annexed and I was not informed! What to do?

Question

Here's the scenario: I bought a home 5 months ago. On all paperwork from the real estate agent I was told that I was in an unincorporated area and I did not have to pay city property taxes. I find today a city trash bin in my front yard saying "Welcome, you've been annexed as of Jan. 1st 2007". After researching online, I found out that the area I am in was annexed in 1997 (I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL BACK THEN!). No where on any paper work for the house does it say I was already annexed. In fact my subdivision has a completely different name than the area being annexed yet I am somehow lumped together with them. Being that the real estate company said NOTHING about being in an already annexed area and then expressively state in writing "NO CITY TAXES!" do I have any legal action to take against the company or am I SOL because I didn't attend annexation meetings at city hall when I was a junior in high school in 1997?

Here's the scenario: I bought a home 5 months ago. On all paperwork from the real estate agent I was told that I was in an unincorporated area and I did not have to pay city property taxes. I find today a city trash bin in my front yard saying "Welcome, you've been annexed as of Jan. 1st 2007". After researching online, I found out that the area I am in was annexed in 1997 (I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL BACK THEN!). No where on any paper work for the house does it say I was already annexed. In fact my subdivision has a completely different name than the area being annexed yet I am somehow lumped together with them. Being that the real estate company said NOTHING about being in an already annexed area and then expressively state in writing "NO CITY TAXES!" do I have any legal action to take against the company or am I SOL because I didn't attend annexation meetings at city hall when I was a junior in high school in 1997? The real estate company is a national reputabile company.

Answer 1

You've got something here that sounds "fishy", I would contact the DRE (Department of Real Estate in your area) here is California's website and file a complaint:

http://www.dre.ca.gov/

The person who sold you this house should be licensed, this is the company who regulates those licenses. Click on Consumers (left hand side of the front page). Go to DRE assistance (filing a complaint against real estate salesperson). You can research their license on this website too under the Consumers Tab - license status check (to get their license #).

I would then talk to the Better Business Bureau (be prepared to show them your paperwork and file another complaint). In addition, I would talk to someone at affordable legal aide or even pay a lawyer for 1/2 of his/her time (you will then see if you have a good case).

Answer 2

Complaining to the Real Estate Commission won't help. It probably isn't the agents fault. The problem is with the city. It seems like they are very remiss in updating their plats. It does happen more often than you would imagine. Also I would see a lawyer after I spoke with the City.

Answer 3

your best bet is to consult a real estate attorney in your area. take all documentation you have acquired with you...