People v. Russell CA3

facts underlying defendant’s convictions is not necessary for our resolution of this appeal. The facts are summarized from the probation report as follows. Between October 2009 and July 2010, defendant was a licensed real estate broker doing business as “Summer Hills Realty,” “R. Russell Properties, LLC.,” and other names. Defendant conducted a “Rent to own” program he advertised via the local newspaper, radio advertisements, and internet Websites. Defendant profited from the business by requiring clients to pay an up-front or buy-in fee of $2,900. In return, defendant would provide the client with a list of foreclosed homes and the client would select from that list (or identify on his or her own) a home the client wished to eventually own pursuant to defendant’s program. Defendant would purchase the selected home on behalf of the rent to own client and lease the home to the client for up to two years. At some point during the lease period, defendant would allow the client to purchase the home from him and transition from renter to homeowner. As part of the program, the client was required to sign defendant’s contract that provided the $2,900 up-front fee would pay for moving…