Southern California Properties
reviews and complaints

I was looking for an office to lease for my auto dealer office. I came across an ad for a space in Orange and contacted a Roger. Roger had a strange phone number, seemed like a Google voice number so I was not sure if this was a real ad or a scam. Eventually we began emailing about the space and we spoke over the phone a few times and I explained to him I needed a space that allowed for 2 parking spaces, at least one permanent, exterior (outside of building) sign for my business and a sign for my office door. He explained it was not a problem and that management would work with me to make sure my space would pass the DMV and city of Orange's business license requirements. He added I would have to pay an additional $20 per parking space and I agreed. Roger sent me a copy of the lease and had changed the parking space t o$40 per space. I caught the change in the lease and was starting to get suspicious and told him to correct and he finally did. He arranged to meet with me on Wednesday, 10-11-2017. When I saw the place I told Roger I needed assurance I would not have issues getting my business license approved with the city or have issues getting the suite approved by the DMV due to their requirements. Roger said management would work with me to make sure the suite would be approved. I asked to reschedule until the next day so I can provide the specifics to the DMV about the space and show them pictures I had just taken, but Roger said it was not necessary and that he would even send me an email as my assurance that the property management company was willing to work with me. So Roger emailed me email confirmation, while I sat with him before signing the lease; that they would allow to switch my suite to another office if the city or DMV does not accept my suite. Roger asked me to obtain a "money order" only; he would not take a check for $825 as a deposit which includes a first month rent and he said it was refundable. He explained to me if we had any issues with the suite, they would refund my money in full. Rogers' supervisor was on the phone and spoke with me also and he confirmed that they would be ok with all of the DMV's requirements for my space. I mentioned to him at least three times that the DMV requires an outside sign, 2 parking spaces and a sign on the door of my office, and he said they would love to help make it work for me and will fulfill the requirement since they wanted a long term tenant. The next day, I brought a lady that owns a sign company to inspect the property and offer ideas for signs, particularly the outside sign. We then called Roger and told him about a few of the options we had on the outside signs. I text him the pictures and then for the first time, he told me he would have to run it by management, and his tone changed. I felt it was odd and I was surprised and shocked at the same time because from what I understood, they were going to allow an outside sign, that was one of the main reasons I had agreed to rent from them. I received a call from his supervisor, Joel, a few moments later and he began mentioning that an outside sign would require obtaining costly permits from the city, and that the landlord would not feel comfortable with me having a permanent sign anyhow. I was very disappointed and realized I had been scammed at this point as this was the first time he ever mentioned any of that. I told him, we had agreed an outside sign would be acceptable, and what happened to working with me, he disregarded what I said. I reminded him of the email they had sent me regarding switching to another office and he said "maybe we should just cancel the lease because it is going to be too much trouble for everyone." He made it clear at this point an outside sign was out of the picture for me, although that was promised to me prior to signing the lease. We then proceeded to terminate the lease, and I returned the key that same day. Nowhere did I ever sign or agree that I would accept only $400 as my refund, the refund amount was not even written on the termination. Almost two weeks later I received a check for only $400, a little less than half of my refund which I had never agreed to; I was told I would be getting my full refund back. I contacted Roger and Joel, they both stated that I would have to accept the partial payment they or they would void their termination agreement and seek the full 12 months value of the lease. I asked them to kindly reimburse me the difference and they stated they were not willing to do so despite the fact that no services were rendered to me.
It is unfair that this company breached their promises, switched and baited me, and kept $425 from me when I never took possession or moved into their property, not even for a single day. They refused to provide me a space that would work for my type of business despite their prior promises both verbal and in writing. They made me sign the contract based on false pretense, knowing well in advance that I would not be able to use their space and knowing in advance they would try and keep my money anyway; which is why they only wanted a "money order" as a form of payment. I am sure this is not the first time this company has scammed a would-be tenant which may explain why Roger's phone number is linked to a Google account or app and not a regular phone line.

I am a current investor with Southern California Properties, Inc. operated by Dan Murillo, Managing Director . I know firsthand how their scam works. They con you into giving them your money with the promise of providing “Cherry Picked” REO properties in the value range of $45, 000 to $120, 000 at a cost to the investor of $30, 000 each. The investor does not have the ability to view the prospective properties as their inventory is supposedly to fluid to do so. Please see link to verify if you wish (http://genuinemillionaire.com/our-products.php). They promise you will not receive an undervalued property or you will receive a “Swap Out” for a property that does fit their promised criteria. After they have your money, Southern California Properties, Inc. will assign a property that is free and clear but is worth much less than the money provided or is completely worthless. (Condemned, unlivable, terrible condition etc.) They will then tell you that it doesn't matter because they are going to sell it for much more than what the actual property value is. Dan Murillo informed me of this personally! Who in their right mind would believe purchasing a property at a value well below the purchase price is a good investment? I call it what it is, a SCAM! Southern California Properties, Inc. will then place a buyer in the property who usually does not make the payments. I know this because I have spoken to many other Southern California Properties, Inc. investors.

Southern California Properties, Inc. sold one of my homes in November of 2008 and I have yet to receive a single payment. My other home which has never been legally transferred into my name has yet to be sold. The purchase funds for these properties was submitted in September, 2008. Both of the homes I was assigned were and are worth much less than the purchase price. One of which I chose not to complete the purchase contract and Southern California Properties, Inc. still removed my money from the so called escrow account.

Contrary to what Southern California Properties, Inc. claims the eviction process is extremely time consuming and expensive. I will not have access to my property until September, 3, 2009 by court order. Dan Murillo informed me when I made a complaint that this property was quote “Squared Away”.

These people have ripped me off to the tune of $60, 000 and are completely indifferent. They will, without a doubt take your money and not even come close to providing what they promise.

I have filed a complaint with the Orange County County District Attorney’s Office Real Estate Fraud Division. And am also currently working on a class action. Anyone wishing to do so I have the District attorney complaint forms scanned into PDF format and can forward them to you.

In the 3.5 years, we had nothing but complaints with the management staff. Furthermore, when it came to renew the lease back in 2011, we received a letter from the office in May stating that we needed to make a decision by July 25th if we wanted to get the discount rent. However, on June 18th, we received another note that said that the office made an error and we have until June 25th to make a decision when we already had a letter stating that it would be in July 25th. Management said that they wouldn't accept the first letter since it "was an error" and put pressure on us to make a decision in a week's time when we thought we had another month. Southern California Properties, Inc. and their practices are shady in nature. I have no problem putting Southern California Properties, Inc. on blast for all they wrong they do to their tenants. This will continue until our matter is resolved...