State pulls agents' real-estate licenses after investigation
SEATTLE -- The state has suspended the licenses of the self-proclaimed "#1 (real estate) agent in Washington," and his wife, who are at the center of 27 customer complaints filed with the state.
Michael and Tara Hellickson of Hellickson.com have lost their real estate licenses indefinitely for allegedly leaving a trail of broken promises for struggling homeowners.
The state Department of Licensing's Real Estate Investigations Unit began investigating when it received the first complaint against the Bonney Lake couple in March 2009.
"He is accused of following a patten - patterns and practices that violate real estate licensing law," said DOL spokesperson Christine Anthony.
State investigators said they discovered nine dishonest patterns in the Hellicksons' practice: false advertising, listing homes at prices lower than seller-approved limits, listing homes at artificially-reduced prices to generate low-ball offers, getting clients' signatures under false pretenses and failing to provide copies of the listing agreement to clients.
The pair also falsely promised sellers they themselves would buy the house if it didn't sell in 30 days, and urged them to stop paying their mortgage so that they could short-sell the home, investigators said (View statement of charges on summary action).
According to the state, Hellickson claimed to be a top agent in Hawaii and Oregon as well, but had no license to practice in those states.
Michael Hellickson has held a real estate license in the state since 2004, while Tara Hellickson has been licensed since 1996.
The attorney representing the Hellicksons said the pair denies all the allegations. The pair reportedly didn't even know they were being investigated. Attorney Joseph Scuderi of Cushman Law issued the following statement:
"Our law office is representing Michael and Tara Hellickson. The Hellicksons dispute the allegations being made by the State. They have done nothing wrong.
"Nevertheless, their primary concern right now is the well being of their customers and that transactions currently being processed not be disrupted. The Hellicksons are helping homeowners in distress. The actions of the State could result in sales not taking place, foreclosures, and damages and harm to these consumers.
"The rash actions of the State, without so much as a hearing and an opportunity to respond, does not protect the public and hurts the consumers and community at large. The State's actions also damages contractors working on homes being marketed, employees of the Hellicksons, and the Hellicksons and their professional reputation. The Hellicksons welcome their day in court to respond to these damaging and false allegations."
Michael Hellickson has requested a prompt hearing in front of an administrative law judge. The hearing is expected in the next few weeks.
Michael and Tara Hellickson of Hellickson.com have lost their real estate licenses indefinitely for allegedly leaving a trail of broken promises for struggling homeowners.
The state Department of Licensing's Real Estate Investigations Unit began investigating when it received the first complaint against the Bonney Lake couple in March 2009.
"He is accused of following a patten - patterns and practices that violate real estate licensing law," said DOL spokesperson Christine Anthony.
State investigators said they discovered nine dishonest patterns in the Hellicksons' practice: false advertising, listing homes at prices lower than seller-approved limits, listing homes at artificially-reduced prices to generate low-ball offers, getting clients' signatures under false pretenses and failing to provide copies of the listing agreement to clients.
The pair also falsely promised sellers they themselves would buy the house if it didn't sell in 30 days, and urged them to stop paying their mortgage so that they could short-sell the home, investigators said (View statement of charges on summary action).
According to the state, Hellickson claimed to be a top agent in Hawaii and Oregon as well, but had no license to practice in those states.
Michael Hellickson has held a real estate license in the state since 2004, while Tara Hellickson has been licensed since 1996.
The attorney representing the Hellicksons said the pair denies all the allegations. The pair reportedly didn't even know they were being investigated. Attorney Joseph Scuderi of Cushman Law issued the following statement:
"Our law office is representing Michael and Tara Hellickson. The Hellicksons dispute the allegations being made by the State. They have done nothing wrong.
"Nevertheless, their primary concern right now is the well being of their customers and that transactions currently being processed not be disrupted. The Hellicksons are helping homeowners in distress. The actions of the State could result in sales not taking place, foreclosures, and damages and harm to these consumers.
"The rash actions of the State, without so much as a hearing and an opportunity to respond, does not protect the public and hurts the consumers and community at large. The State's actions also damages contractors working on homes being marketed, employees of the Hellicksons, and the Hellicksons and their professional reputation. The Hellicksons welcome their day in court to respond to these damaging and false allegations."
Michael Hellickson has requested a prompt hearing in front of an administrative law judge. The hearing is expected in the next few weeks.