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On June 7, 2009, I made a $500 deposit to "The Cal Group" towards purchasing one of their homes in Mississippi. On July 15, I flew to Mississippi and Marques Thomas gave me a tour of the homes in that area. Unfortunately, when I applied for a loan, I was told that I would not qualify. Since my trip to Mississippi in July I have emailed and called Marques several times requesting to be reimbursed for my plane flight and hotel stay, as promised. Each time he said he would look into it but nothing happened.
Finally, I filed a complaint with the Mississippi State Auditor and the Better Business Bureau. The Cal Group responded that they would reimburse me for my plane flight, hotel stay and the $500 deposit. But it has been eight weeks and I have not received anything from them.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Sorry, I don't buy your story. I know of no Gulf Coast Realtor that would make such a ridiculous agreement. This sounds to me like the complainer was trying to scam CAL and they didn't fall for it. The "pay my way to Biloxi and I will buy a house" is seen by real estate agents several times a year. Those that come always have something that ends up keeping them from buying a property, yet they do enjoy a good time at our casinos, dining, golfing, fishing and beaches, as I imagined our complainer did
The three people that were at the highest levels of Cal Realty, William Rodwell, Thomas Ester, and Charles Tomasello had their real estate licenses taken away from them by the Mississippi Real Estate Commission in January 2010. Please check with Rick Stubblefield and David Griffith from the Real Estate Commission to verify this. They had an elaborate scam with a man by the name of Marques Thomas where they have taken hundreds of thousands of dollars away from people. They were even taken in by people like, Robert Shemin where they used his name to legitimize themselves. Any money you send them will be long gone. I was given a tour of Biloxi by Marques Thomas. He never reimbursed me for the airfare or hotel stay as promised. Do yourself a favor and stay as far away from Cal Realty and Marques Thomas as you can.
Although my reimbursements were not fast, and I did have to bug the guys at CAL (Marques) a couple times. I was reimbursed for two trips to Biloxi including airfare and hotel stays. On my second trip I came with a group of investors who were considering buying in Biloxi. I was the only person who bought, but my whole party was reimbursed for airfare and hotel expenses...
The Gulfport/Biloxi real estate market is very feable right now. I have a feeling the CAL group may have been running on empty before the bottom totally fell out.
I flew down to Biloxi on July 15, 2009. I emailed and called Marques Thomas several times. I even sent a letter to the Better Business Bureau. It is now Mar 2010. I still did not get my money back.
I know a kid who saved for 8 years for a down payment for his first house. He gave Cal realty over $32, 000 for a down payment for them to build a house for him which they never built. They only gave him half his money back, after a big run around and told him sorry we dont have anymore money. To watch someone so excited about a first house and month after month to drive out to an empty lot. What they took from this kid was worse than money. They are only rats that live in fancy subdivisions that they cant afford.
I have been getting the run around with CAL on some money I invested with them. I am afraid my money may be long gone given the stories on this site I have read. Any recommendations on how to get some of my money back?
When I spoke with the Mississippi Attorney office of Jim Hood they said they could not prosecute because they needed the law enforcement to first charge them. Doesn't sound right to me, but I questioned the lady pretty good and she seemed convinced their office could not get involved. I then called the Biloxi police department and they were useless. I also called the FBI and they at least filed a report on my behalf. I am pursuing other avenues, which I cannot discuss on this open forum.
Thats Thomas Easter...not ester.He doesn't need left off the hook so easy.Did anyone notice that their BBB grade went from a D- to a A.Now its a Not Rated.?
lost money to. they are crooks and belong in jail. everyone has to get together to make them accountable. tlcs dont now what world your in, but the complaints are true
These people need to be in jail. CAL Realty comitted fraud by seling properties between their divisions and thus jacking up the value. They also acted as Financial Advisors without being licensed to do so. They misused IRA funds and broke many people. I am planning to talk to the US Atorney in Gulfport and getting his advice. I would like to compile a list of people who feel like they were defrauded.
Tom Ward
How about Go zone money isnt that Federal money?
If anyone is interested in pursuing action against CAL I would be happy to join.