realestate

Real estate firm accused of operating "Ponzi-like" investment scam in $157,000 lawsuit.

Braintree couple joins lawsuit against Success Real Estate owner over sudden closure.

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Braintree couple has joined a growing list of individuals suing Stephen Webster, owner of Success Real Estate, after he abruptly closed his business last month. Stacey and Christian Ballerino filed a lawsuit in Norfolk Superior Court against Webster, who operated real estate offices in Marshfield and Braintree. The suit alleges that Webster owes the couple $140,000 from a personal loan and $17,000 in commission earned by Stacey while working as an agent.

    The lawsuit claims that Webster's business faced significant financial difficulties due to a slowing market and outdated model, leading him to borrow money from friends, associates, and agents. However, he allegedly used these loans to fund his own lifestyle rather than repay them. The Ballerinos claim they lent Webster $200,000 with an agreement to be repaid by April 2024, but he has only made small payments, leaving a balance of $140,000.

    The lawsuit is one of several filed against Webster, who faces claims from over a dozen agents and individuals totaling more than $1 million. Judges have frozen Webster's properties pending final judgments in other cases, preventing him from selling them before the disputes are resolved. The Ballerinos are seeking an attachment on three of Webster's properties to prevent him from selling them while their lawsuit is ongoing.

Real estate firm accused of Ponzi scheme in $157,000 investment lawsuit.