| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Barry Cohen and Jerrilyn Cohen v. Roger Pettingell et. al | 2023 CA 001309 NC | Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in and for Sarasota County, Florida | Plaintiff alleges that real estate agent Roger Pettingell, working for Coldwell Banker, failed to disclose a higher offer on a property, leading to the plaintiffs purchasing a different home at a higher price. |
Roger Pettingell Sarasota Lawsuit: Examining Claims of Misrepresentation in Sarasota Real Estate Deal
Roger Pettingell, a prominent real estate agent in Sarasota, Florida, affiliated with Coldwell Banker, has been named in a lawsuit alleging misrepresentation in a real estate transaction. The case, “Barry Cohen and Jerrilyn Cohen v. Roger Pettingell et. al”, was filed in the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit in and for Sarasota County, Florida in 2023.
The Allegations
The lawsuit centers around a property sale where the plaintiffs, Barry and Jerrilyn Cohen, claim that Roger Pettingell failed to disclose a higher offer on a property they were interested in. This alleged misrepresentation led the Cohens to purchase a different home at a higher price.
The plaintiffs argue that Pettingell, acting as a transaction broker for both the seller and the buyer in the initial deal, breached his fiduciary duty to the Cohens by not disclosing the higher offer. They further allege that Pettingell’s actions were motivated by self-interest, as he stood to gain a larger commission by facilitating the sale to the other buyer.
Pettingell’s Response
Roger Pettingell has denied the allegations, maintaining that he acted ethically and in the best interests of all parties involved in the transaction. He asserts that the Cohens’ offer was not the highest and that he followed proper procedures in presenting all offers to the seller.
The Impact on the Sarasota Real Estate Market
The lawsuit against Pettingell has raised concerns among buyers and sellers in the Sarasota real estate market. It has highlighted the importance of transparency and ethical conduct in real estate transactions, especially in a competitive market where multiple offers are common.
The Legal Landscape
The case is ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain. However, the lawsuit has already garnered significant attention, given Pettingell’s prominence in the Sarasota real estate scene. The case could have implications for real estate agents and brokers, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of their practices and greater emphasis on disclosure requirements.
Beyond the Lawsuit: The Importance of Due Diligence
Regardless of the legal outcome, the Pettingell lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence for buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. It is crucial to work with reputable agents and brokers who prioritize transparency and ethical conduct. Additionally, buyers and sellers should carefully review all documents and disclosures to ensure they are fully informed about the terms of the transaction.
Conclusion
The Roger Pettingell lawsuit has brought to the forefront issues of transparency and ethical conduct in the Sarasota real estate market. As the legal battle continues, it serves as a valuable lesson for all parties involved in real estate transactions, emphasizing the importance of trust, integrity, and informed decision-making.
