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eality TV Star's Real Estate Firm Traps North Texans in Costly Contracts

    A reality TV star's real estate company, MV Realty, has been marketing a "homeowner benefit agreement" to homeowners across the country. The contract promises up to $5,000 upfront for using MV Realty as their agent when selling their home, but it comes with some unconventional terms.

    The contract lasts 40 years and can be passed down to heirs if the homeowner dies. Breaking the contract requires paying a hefty termination fee, equivalent to about 3% of the home's value. The company can also prevent homeowners from selling or refinancing by filing a memorandum against the property, which has the same effect as a lien.

    MV Realty has filed memorandums against over 500 properties in DFW and more than 1,200 across Texas. Dozens of homeowners have complained to the Attorney General's Office, while 11 other states are suing MV Realty for unfair or deceptive practices.

    The company's founder, Amanda Zachman, made a name for herself as a confrontational houseguest on "Big Brother" in 2013. After losing the competition, she returned to Florida and founded MV Realty, which focused on Texas in 2022. Many homeowners signed the agreement without fully understanding its terms, including Tanya Shaw, who paid $1,000 upfront but later had to pay an additional $11,000 when she tried to sell her home.

    John and Barbara Reliford are still dealing with the consequences of their mother's contract, which was signed without their knowledge. They will owe nearly $9,000 if they decide to sell their home.

    MV Realty filed for bankruptcy in September 2023, but it's unclear what action the Texas Attorney General's Office is taking against the company. In recent years, 22 states have passed laws against this type of real estate fee agreement, and two Texas lawmakers attempted to do the same, but both bills died in committees.