Bought house with Friend, but not on Title

[target121]

What is the name of your state? VA
My sister bought a house in Virginia beach VA with a friend back in spring of 2004. The friend told her that she is not on the title because the law didn't allow such. THis summer the house was sold and her friend will not give her any of the sale. My sister paid 50% of the down payment and 50% of the mortgage payments for 2 1/2 years. The only evidence my sister has is the bank transfer of funds from her account to her friend's account. What recourse does my sister have to recouped her share of the sales/investment?

[Ellerge]

Sue the friend! But, without a signed document, her chances of winning are somewhere between slim and none.

[justalayman]

Dig up copies of all the transfers including for the down payment. This may be used to show intent although if the "friend" is smart, she can use it to prove a landlord/tenant relationship and the payments are only rent.

Anybody else privy to the agreement will be critical.

That and hope your sis's friend will not perjure herself in court.

[Ohiogal]

yeah but the friend can also use STATUTE of FRAUDS as a defense. The statute of frauds requires that ALL real estate transfers be in writing. In other words sis would have had to be on the title to prove that she owned the house. she is most probably out of luck.

[seniorjudge]

My sister bought a house in Virginia beach VA with a friend back in spring of 2004. The friend told her that she is not on the title because the law didn't allow such.


Sis does not own any real estate but if she did loan this character money, then she can sue for that.

[target121]

Thanks for your responses. My sister will be sueing the so called friend. WIll also sue the real estate agent that told her that the house could not be in her name because she didn't live in VA.