Trying to settle an old judgment

[freshstart33]

What is the name of your state? Texas
I am in the process of buying my first home. On my credit report there is an old judgment from an apartment complex where I used to live. This judgment must be satisfied before I can close on the home. I have contacted the court where the judgment was filed and got a payoff amount. I have also contacted the complex to make payment and get a release. The payoff amount from the court is $1019.26, the complex on the other hand in trying to teach other tenants a "lesson" will not release the judgment unless I pay them $2489.79. The original judgment amount from the court is for 1 months rent, court costs and interest being that the case is almost 7 yrs old. The complex has tacked on re-letting fees, "damages" to the apartment, and god knows what else the thought they were liable for. I have tried to settle the judgment by contacting the lawyer who filed the case but, the complex manager advised me that the complex has filed on behalf of thier lawyer. Can this be done or is this BS? I know that I am going to have to get a lawyer involved so what type of lawyer would handle a case like this? Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? Texas
I am in the process of buying my first home. On my credit report there is an old judgment from an apartment complex where I used to live. This judgment must be satisfied before I can close on the home. I have contacted the court where the judgment was filed and got a payoff amount. I have also contacted the complex to make payment and get a release. The payoff amount from the court is $1019.26, the complex on the other hand in trying to teach other tenants a "lesson" will not release the judgment unless I pay them $2489.79. The original judgment amount from the court is for 1 months rent, court costs and interest being that the case is almost 7 yrs old. The complex has tacked on re-letting fees, "damages" to the apartment, and god knows what else the thought they were liable for. I have tried to settle the judgment by contacting the lawyer who filed the case but, the complex manager advised me that the complex has filed on behalf of thier lawyer. Can this be done or is this BS? I know that I am going to have to get a lawyer involved so what type of lawyer would handle a case like this? Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

**A: BS. Hire an attorney and settle for the judgement amount only.

 

[freshstart33]

With what I have laid out so far what type of lawyer would you recomend to handle a case like this? Financial, General Practice,???

 

[HomeGuru]

With what I have laid out so far what type of lawyer would you recomend to handle a case like this? Financial, General Practice,???

**A: a real estate attorney down by the river.

 

[JETX]

Freshstart:
Contact the court and advise them that you want to pay the judgment, but the judgment creditor is refusing payment. They will normally accept payment on behalf of the creditor and can issue the "Satisfaction of Judgment". Texas allows payment to be received by the court.