When you buy a home, you expect honesty and transparency from everyone involved. Unfortunately, not every real estate transaction is handled with integrity. Some real estate agents engage in deceptive practices that leave consumers financially and emotionally devastated. If you believe you’ve been misled or taken advantage of by a real estate professional, you may have legal options. The law provides protections for buyers against real estate fraud, and our New Mexico experienced consumer lawyers at Feferman, Warren & Mattison are here to help enforce it. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
Real estate fraud takes many forms, and often it is difficult for the average consumer to detect until it’s too late. One of the most common types of real estate fraud involves misrepresentations during the purchase of a home. This can include false statements about the condition of the property, such as claiming that a home has no water damage, no history of mold, or that critical repairs have already been made, when in fact they haven’t.
In some cases, the deception is even more calculated. A realtor may fail to tell you about restrictive covenants that can affect your use of the property, misrepresent the condition of the house, or downplay code violations. Some Realtors fail to disclose defects that were brought to their attention by previous buyers, inspectors, or the seller. Other examples of real estate fraud include the following:
Realtors are licensed professionals who are regulated by the State. They owe certain duties to buyers, including honesty and reasonable care, written disclosure of any conflicts of interest, and compliance with State laws and regulations. They must disclose all material facts and conduct themselves honestly. When they do not, their conduct may be legally actionable.
The financial harm caused by real estate fraud can be extensive. In some cases, a buyer is left with a property that needs tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. In others, the buyer may buy a home that is not suitable for their needs, given restrictive covenants or zoning issues. Fraudulent disclosures or omissions can lead to legal disputes with the seller, the bank, or even municipal authorities.
But the damage isn’t only financial. Victims of real estate fraud often suffer significant emotional distress. Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions a person makes. When that process is tainted by fraud, it can take a lot of time and money to address the issues. The stress of discovering you’ve been misled, coupled with the pressure of finding legal recourse, can be overwhelming.
Victims of real estate fraud have several potential avenues for holding a Real Estate accountable. The best course of action will depend on the facts of the case, the type of fraud involved, and how recently it occurred.
At Feferman, Warren & Mattison, we often begin by reviewing all of the transaction documents, such as purchase contracts, disclosures, inspection reports, communications, and closing paperwork, to identify misrepresentations, omissions, or violations of state law. If we can prove that fraud occurred, we may decide to represent you in a civil lawsuit.
One of the most important things you can do is preserve all relevant evidence. Save your emails, texts, voicemails, inspection reports, photographs, any advertisements or listings, and all repair costs. Even seemingly minor details can become important in proving that fraud took place.
Feferman, Warren & Mattison has been representing New Mexico consumers for decades. We understand the local real estate market, the applicable laws, and the tactics some unscrupulous agents use. If you believe you’ve been the victim of real estate fraud, simply contact our dedicated team of New Mexico real estate fraud lawyers for a free case evaluation today.
Website Designed & Managed by
© 2025 Feferman, Warren & Mattison. All rights reserved. Attorney advertising.
