Case Study

The Lot That Almost Got Away
A Real Estate Fraud Turned Victory in Just 3 Weeks

🧩 The Challenge

While preparing to list a vacant lot for sale, Tracy Brandon noticed something alarming: the legal owner listed in the tax records didn’t match her client’s name. This discrepancy pointed to potential title fraud—a situation most Realtors would walk away from. Tracy leaned in.

💡 The Strategy

With no clear guide for a situation like this, Tracy became the guide. She took action herself—making calls, gathering evidence, and assembling a legal support network by contacting:

The County Clerk’s Office

The District Attorney’s Office

The County Attorney’s Office

The Appraisal District

Law Enforcement

And a trusted real estate attorney

This wasn’t just problem-solving—it was advocacy.

🎉 The Result

In just 3 weeks:

A police report was filed

Tracy’s client was interviewed by ABC-13 Houston

The fraudulent seller, seeing the news report, reached out, paid the attorney’s fees, and a judge deeded the property back.

That single case sparked an investigation that led to 40 stolen properties being returned to their rightful owners.

✨ Community Impact

This wasn’t just about one piece of land—it was about doing the right thing. Tracy’s client got his land—and his peace of mind—back, thanks to her diligence. But the ripple effect was even greater: Tracy’s determination not only protected her client’s interests, it helped dozens of other Houstonians reclaim what was rightfully theirs.

"Real estate isn’t just about listings and closings—it’s about protecting people, their stories, and their legacies. I’m proud to be the kind of Realtor who stays in the fight.” — Tracy Brandon