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Home fixer-upper shows are all the rage on television these days, and I even heard a radio advertisement for a seminar on how to make profits -- profits they say! -- from buying distressed real estate and rehabbing the property. You just buy the shambles of a home, put a few bucks into it, paint the walls with a neutral color, swap out some bathroom and kitchen faucets and knobs, and the profits roll in but for the occasional unanticipated need to rewire the entire house, bring the plumbing up to code, redo the foundation, eradicate the termites, and hire a mold abatement specialist. Some say that investing in real estate is just like investing in stocks or bonds. Come to think of it, a settling-and-cracking foundation and the Great Recession have a lot in common. In recent FINRA regulatory settlement, we see how the whole fixer-upper craze has found its way onto Wall Street.
Case In Point
For the purpose of proposing a settlement of rule violations alleged by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), without admitting or denying the findings, prior to a regulatory hearing, and without an adjudication of any issue, Michael A. Crowe submitted a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent ("AWC"), which FINRA accepted. In the Matter of Michael A. Crowe, Respondent (AWC 2016051678001, October 2, 2017).
The AWC asserts that Crowe was first registered in 1982 and by 2012 was registered with FINRA member firm Securities America, Inc. (SAI"). The AWC asserts that he has "no prior disciplinary history."
BF, JF, RS, and SSH
The AWC alleges that among Crowe's customers were a married couple, who are identified only as "BF and JF." Also, Crowe knew RS, the owner of Simply Smart Homes ("SSH") who purportedly had a a history of buying foreclosed homes, fixing them, and then renting them for a profit. At some point, Crowe suggested to BF and JF that they meet RS and consider diversifying their portfolio through an investment in SSH.
In April 2016, Crowe arranged and attended a meeting among BF, JF, and RS, where the parties discussed RS's need for capital for the purpose of purchasing more homes. RS allegedly promised an 8% annual rate of return.
The $50,000 Investment
On April 2, 2016, BF and JF signed a joint venture agreement with SSH and provided a $50,000 check for investment in that company. The AWC asserts that Crowe was paid a $2,500 referral fee. Crowe allegedly did not provide prior written notice to or receive permission from SAI prior to participating in the investment.
SIDE BAR: The AWC does not state whether Crowe's referral fee was ever disclosed to BF and JF.
Nasty Surprise
The AWC alleges that only a few days after the SSH investment at issue was made, Crowe learned of a lawsuit against RS for improper use of investor funds.
The AWC asserts that BF and JF received only a single $1,250 payment from SSH in July 2016 and nothing more.
PST
In pertinent part, FINRA Rule 3280: Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person states:
(a) Applicability
No person associated with a member shall participate in any manner in a private securities transaction except in accordance with the requirements of this Rule.
(b) Written Notice
Prior to participating in any private securities transaction, an associated person shall provide written notice to the member with which he is associated describing in detail the proposed transaction and the person's proposed role . . .
Notwithstanding FINRA's Private Securities Transaction ("PST") Rule, Crowe did not provide written notice to or receive permission from SAI before he participated in the SSH investment by BF and JF. The AWC asserts that on October 13, 2016, SAI filed a Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration("Form U5") terminating Crowe's registration for his allegedly having "Engaged in private securities transaction without Firm approval."
Sanctions
FINRA deemed Crowe's conduct to constitute violations of FINRA Rules 3280 and 2010. In accordance with the terms of the AWC, FINRA imposed upon Crowe a $5,000 fine; a one-month suspension from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity, and ordered $2,500 disgorgement plus interest.
The Arizona Corporation Commission today revoked the
securities salesman registration and investment adviser representative license
of Michael A. Crowe of Mesa who recommended an unapproved real estate
investment to a client. Also, the Commission ordered Crowe to pay a $2,500 an
administrative penalty for his dishonest and unethical conduct.
The Commission found that Crowe recommended one of his
clients diversify his retirement portfolio and invest in a fix-and-flip, real
estate investment called Simply Smart Homes, LLC. The Commission found Crowe
received a $2,500 sales commission for his client's $50,000 investment, but was
subsequently terminated by his securities dealer for recommending an investment
product not approved or recorded on the books of the securities dealer.
In a prior action, the Commission ordered restitution for
investors in Simply Smart Homes, LLC that includes Crowe's client. In settling
this matter, Crowe neither admits nor denies the Commission's findings, but
agrees to the entry of the consent order. For more details about this case,
view the full text of the Commission's order S-21012A-17-0140.
