Background
The practice of submitting Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS) for inclusion in property records characterized as liens, covenants, encumbrances, or security interests in exchange for money has recently emerged throughout the country. These agreements obligate the current owner to use the other party’s services in the future, and further attempt to bind successor owners by purporting to create a real property interest. Failure to comply with these agreements may give rise to a lien against the property to secure liquidated damages.
ALTA Position Statement
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) supports efforts to protect consumers by prohibiting the filing of unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, a practice that creates impediments and increases the cost and complexity of selling, refinancing, or transferring real estate. ALTA advocates for state laws and regulations preventing enforcement of Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS).
State Legislative Tools
State Regulatory Action
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States that have Enacted NTRAPS Legislation
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NTRAPS Articles
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Florida Court Rules MV Realty’s Contract ‘Unconscionable’ Under State Law
In its holding, Florida’s Circuit Court of the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County found that MV Realty’s Homeowner Benefit Agreements contract is unconscionable under Florida law and violated the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Minnesota Joins List of States Suing MV Realty
MV Realty faces similar lawsuits in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Calif. Court Orders Preliminary Injunction Against MV Realty
The Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles on Sept. 13 issued a preliminary injunction against MV Realty, a Florida-based company that engaged in a predatory scheme to lure vulnerable homeowners looking for financial help with an immediate payment and then locked them into so-called Homeowner Benefit Agreements.
Hawaii Joins States Protecting Homebuyers from Predatory Contracts
Hawaii joined 30 other states that have passed ALTA-supported legislation that includes provisions protecting homeowners from the predatory practice of filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS).
Measure Protecting Homeowners From Predatory Contracts Close to Becoming Law
The practice of offering an upfront cash payment in exchange for a decades-long contract for exclusive rights to sell the property may soon be illegal in Illinois. “What we saw happening in the marketplace was real estate brokerage firms were going to homeowners and paying them as little as $300 dollars to sign a listing agreement that could last for as long as 40 years,” said Elizabeth Blosser, Vice President of Government Affairs with the American Land Title Association.
States Crack Down on Predatory Real Estate Deals
In less than two years, more than half of all states around the country have passed AARP-backed laws that protect consumers from unfair real estate agreements, in which brokers trade a small up-front cash payment for the future right to sell a person’s home. AARP worked with the American Land Title Association (ALTA) to create model legislation for states to follow, with a goal of passing a law in all 50 states.
Five More States Ban Unfair Real Estate Fee Agreements
Nearly half of the states in the country now have passed bills protecting homeowners from the predatory practice of filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS). The latest states to pass bills over the past month include Arizona, Nebraska, Kentucky, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
Missouri Sues Real Estate Firm for Filing Unfair Real Estate Fee Agreements
Missouri became the 10th state to sue MV Realty and certain affiliates for filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS).
Indiana Becomes 17th State to Protect Homebuyers from Predatory Contracts
Indiana became the latest state to pass legislation that protects homeowners from the predatory practice of filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS).
A Closer Look: ‘Predatory’ Agreements Targeting Georgia Homeowners
Georgia lawmakers and real estate professionals are cracking down on what they call predatory business practices that are impacting the future of Georgia homeowners. The practice in question is Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Service, NTRAPS, an agreement that targets homeowners over 60.
Georgia Becomes Ninth State to File Lawsuit Against MV Realty
ALTA, the AARP and the Southeast Land Title Association (SLTA) applauded Georgia Attorney General Christopher Carr for suing MV Realty and certain affiliates for filing unfair real estate fee agreements in property records, known as Non-Title Recorded Agreements for Personal Services (NTRAPS).
Judge Extends Deadline for Consumers to File Proofs of Claim Against MV Realty
A judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida extended the deadline for consumers to file proofs of claim against MV Realty. Title agents and attorneys may have clients who should file a claim.
Missouri Governor Restricts Foreign-owned Farmland Near Critical Military Facilities
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson issued an executive order banning businesses or individuals from nations designated as adversaries from purchasing farmland within a 10-mile radius of critical military installations in the state.