Action 9

Action 9 uncovers company behind mystery postcard in Charlotte mailboxes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some people in Charlotte have received a postcard in the mail that appears urgent and says it has something to do with their property, but what exactly is not clear.

The postcard makes it seem like time’s running out by saying, “Third Notice” on it, and it’s not clear if there was ever a first or second notice.

It says "I urgently need to speak with you about your property. I've tried for hours to find your phone number. It's important that I hear from you ASAP. How much longer before I hear from you?"

Then is the postcard instructs the resident to call an 888 number and -- for some reason -- "keep this matter private."

Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke called the number. It's a recorded message offering to buy the person’s home.

It said, "We want to make it as easy as possible for you to sell your property to us by offering you things that no other buyer will."

It said they don't have to pay for closing costs, commissions or even repairs. But in exchange the message said, "We can't pay you full reasonable price, but we can pay you a fair price based on the condition and situation of your property."

The message and the postcard both leave out an important piece of information: the name of the company.

Stoogenke went looking for the company.

He started with the address on the postcard. As it turns out, it's not a physical business.  It's a P.O. box at the post office on Sunset Road.  Sometimes, P.O. boxes are dead ends.

But this time, Stoogenke searched state corporate records and was able to link it to an LLC called "Real Estate Busters."

Its motto is "Need to sell your house fast? We buy houses!"

When Stoogenke called that number, the owner confirmed his business is behind the postcard.

He said a marketing company, not Real Estate Busters, came up with the mailing. He admitted it's vague and designed to be that way.

The owner also said Real Estate Busters is a three-person operation that has been around for about five years, and its goal is to buy and sell homes in Charlotte's transitioning neighborhoods.

He told Stoogenke the company flips an average of eight to 12 homes per year, but that the city's housing market is getting so competitive, he'll be eyeing Cabarrus and Gaston counties, too.

Stoogenke asked the Attorney General's Office, the Better Business Bureau and the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association what they know about Real Estate Busters. The AG and BBB got back to him in time for this news report. They have no record of the business, good or bad.

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