'Frustrated': Ontario family loses dream home after $38K deposit falls through
It's a dream for many Canadians, trying to save up enough money for a down payment on their very first home. That was also the dream for the Esmeralda family, a family of five with two dogs who currently live in a Scarborough apartment building.
"It was my biggest dream to have a home for my family," Alma Esmeralda told CTV News Toronto.
Esmeralda said she was ecstatic to find a house in Peterborough, Ont. for sale that was within her budget and had a huge backyard for the family’s dogs.
"When we went to visit the house there was space for the backyard for the dogs and we were very excited," said Esmeralda.
A friend told Esmeralda she knew someone who could help. Though he failed to show up for the showing of the home – saying he was sick – Esmeralda said he claimed he could help close the sale and arrange a financing plan.
Esmeralda said she gave him $38,000 for the deposit and they thought they would get possession of the house in May, but there were delays.
"They kept telling us funds are not ready and the lender is backing out," said Esmeralda.
After months went by, she discovered the man she was dealing with wasn't a real estate agent after all and was given bad news about her deposit.
"I don't know it's gone. When I asked him, 'Oh no, why is the house for sale again?' I said, 'Our deal is not even done yet.' But then he is no longer answering me," said Esmeralda.
The Ontario Real Estate Association said buyers and sellers can check to make sure a real estate agent is licensed by checking the Real Estate Council of Ontario’s (RECO) website.
"It will give you a realtor or if you want to check a specific brokerage you are looking for you can do that as well," said RECO President Rick Kedzior. "That would give you confidence the person is licensed to sell in Ontario."
The website also shows if the agent has had any issues in the last five years, including enforcement actions, disciplinary decisions, charges or convictions, or other disciplinary measures..
Esmerelda said the man she gave the money to is now no longer in contact with her.
When CTV News contacted the man, he said he never purported to be a real estate agent.
"I never said I was a real estate agent from the beginning," the statement reads.
"My intention is to return her funds, I apologize for the delay and all the stress it has caused. I just really want to get it back to her we can put this all behind us."
Esmeralda is still hopeful that her dream on owning a home will one day come true.
"Right now I'm depressed, (I'm) frustrated. My hard-earned money is gone and some of the money I owe my friend. But I do hold out hope I will get my money back," said Esmeralda.
A real estate agent must have their licence with them at all times when they're conducting business, which homebuyers can ask to see. It may be in the form of a physical licence or a digital copy on an electronic device such as a phone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates Heists, arson and a baseball bat brawl: the violent side of clothing donation bins
In part three of a four-part investigation into the seedy underbelly of the lucrative clothing donation bin industry, CTV W5's Jon Woodward and Joseph Loiero look into allegations that the industry is rife with organized crime activity.
Canada will cut its permanent immigration levels by at least 20 per cent
Canada will lower the number of permanent immigrants it allows into the country by at least 20 per cent from its previous target of 500,000, CTV News confirmed Wednesday.
Montreal's mayor is leaving politics, and she's not alone. Is it the toxic climate for women?
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante announced Wednesday she would not seek a third mandate. Her decision has many talking about the demands of municipal leadership, particularly for women.
CEO of N.B. potato chip company taking 'extended leave of absence' after arrest
The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.
Memorial growing outside Halifax Walmart where employee was found dead
A memorial is growing outside a Walmart in Halifax after a 19-year-old employee was found dead inside an oven in the store Saturday night.
Trudeau says Liberals 'strong and united' despite caucus dissent
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Liberal party is 'strong and united,' despite efforts from within his caucus to oust him as leader.
'Canadians can breathe a sigh of relief': Bank of Canada governor on interest rate cut
The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.
Search efforts begin at Prairie Green Landfill: Manitoba government
A search has started at Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two victims of a serial killer.
'Things are very hard here': Popular Toronto crossing guard asks community for help finding work
He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.