Cruse v. Burch (In re Zhang)

562 B.R. 190
CourtUnited States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Missouri
DecidedJanuary 6, 2017
DocketCase No. 15-48026-659; Adversary No. 15-4234-659
StatusPublished

This text of 562 B.R. 190 (Cruse v. Burch (In re Zhang)) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering United States Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Missouri primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Cruse v. Burch (In re Zhang), 562 B.R. 190 (Mo. 2017).

Opinion

KATHY A. SURRATT-STATES, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge

FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

The matter before the Court is Trustee’s Complaint to Determine the Validity of Lien, Answer, Affirmative Defense, and Counterclaim Filed By The Burches, Trustee’s Answer and Defenses to Counterclaim, Joint Exhibit List, Joint Witness List, Joint Stipulations of Fact for Use at Trial, Memorandum Filed by Jacob Burch and Stephanie Burch and Plaintiffs Trial Brief. A trial was held on March 8,2016, at which the parties appeared by counsel and presented witnesses and oral argument. The matter was taken under submission. Upon consideration of the record as a whole, the Court makes the following FINDINGS OF FACT:

Debtor, Shulyn X. Zhang (hereinafter “Debtor”) filed a Voluntary Petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on October 23, 2015 (hereinafter “Petition Date”). Trustee Fredrich J. Cruse (hereinafter “Trustee”) is the duly appointed Chapter 7 Trustee in Debtor’s case. Defendants, Jacob and Stephanie Burch (hereinafter “the Burches”), husband and wife, are residents of the State of Indiana. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 3. Trustee commenced this Adversary Proceeding by filing a Complaint on November 18, 2015. Trustee’s Complaint seeks a determination of the validity and extent of any lien ■claimed by the Burches because of the Indiana Circuit Court Order entered on or about September 10, 2013 (hereinafter “Indiana Circuit Court Order”). See Joint Stipulation, ¶¶ 4 and 37. On December 24, 2015, the Burches filed Answer, Affirmative Defenses, and Counterclaim. The Burches’ Counterclaim seeks imposition of a constructive trust on Debtor’s Ally Account 5313 at Ally Bank, because of false statements and misrepresentations made by Debtor in the sale of 615 Worth Court, Carmel, Indiana (hereinafter “Real Property”). See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 5. On January 14, 2016, the Trustee filed Answer and Defenses to Counterclaim. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 6.

I. Mold Infestation at the Real Property and Debtor’s Purchase in 2008

The Real Property was constructed in 2001 by J.F. Sears Construction Co., Inc. (hereinafter “J.F. Sears”). See Joint Stipulation, ¶7. On July 12, 2003, J.F. Sears conveyed the Real Property by corporate warranty deed to Joseph F. Sears and Tammy R. Sears, husband and wife (hereinafter “the Sears Family”), and New Century Mortgage Corporation recorded a mortgage on the Real Property. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 8. In 2006, the Sears Family defaulted on the mortgage and abandoned the Real Property, and thereafter the mortgagee, New Century Mortgage Corporation, acquired the Real Property in a foreclosure proceeding. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 9. On November 26, 2007, the mortgagee, New Century Mortgage Corporation, or its agent caused the Real Property to be listed for sale, using the Multiple Listing Service (hereinafter “MLS”). Wyn-koop Brokerage Firm, LLC (hereinafter ‘Wynkoop”) was the seller’s agent. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 10.

The MLS noted “MOLD DISCLOSURE MUST BE SIGNED BEFORE ENTERING THE PROPERTY” (emphasis original) under “Property Description”. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 11. Wynkoop required [193]*193those entering the Real Property to read and sign a document entitled “MOLD DISCLOSURE AND RELEASE” that stated in pertinent part:

WHEREAS, Seller and/or Broker/Agent have been informed that as a result of a water leak, mold and/or other microscopic organisms may exist at the Property, and such microscopic organisms and/or mold may cause physical injuries, including but not limited to allergic and/or respiratory reactions or other problem particularly in persons with immune system problems, young children and/or elderly persons; and
WHEREAS, Releasor acknowledges that the Seller and Broker/Agent desire, and it is Seller’s and Broker/Agent’s intention, to disclose these matters to Re-leasor via this Release; and ...
Releasor hereby acknowledges that Re-leasor: (i) has read and fully understands the disclosures, terms and conditions as set forth in this Release; (ii) is aware of and understands the potentially hazardous condition of the property as set forth above; and (iii) notwithstanding the foregoing, still desires to enter the Property.

See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 12.

Debtor signed the “MOLD DISCLOSURE AND RELEASE” on or about December 7, 2007. Debtor was asked about this “MOLD DISCLOSURE AND RELEASE” during her deposition on January 29, 2014 in connection with the Indiana Litigation, and Debtor testified that “I mean, the disclosure just tell me there is mold.” See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 13. Debtor submitted an offer to purchase the Real Property, and the seller submitted to Debtor for signature an addendum (hereinafter “Purchase Addendum”). The Purchase Addendum contains the following language:

Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Seller has strongly encouraged Buyer to have the Property inspected and abated or remediated by a qualified mold remediation specialist to reduce the concentrations of mold or similar substances that might be present on or in the Property, prior to human or animal occupancy. Buyer hereby warrants and agrees that Buyer has had the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the Property, for the existence of mold, mildew or other fungal substances and has elected to purchase the Property, despite any mold contamination, relying solely upon Buyer’s own inspection, examination and evaluation of the Property, and not on any information provided or to be provided by Seller.
Buyer further acknowledges that Seller has strongly encouraged Buyer to consult with a physician regarding the potential adverse effects of mold exposure on human and animal health, particularly with respect to humans or animals whose health may be more likely to be adversely affected by mold due to their age, physical condition, allergies, medical condition, history or susceptibility.

See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 14.

Debtor signed and initialed each page of the Purchase Addendum. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 15. On December 19, 2007, Debtor retained Cornerstone Inspection Company (hereinafter “Cornerstone”) to perform an inspection of the Real Property. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 16. The Cornerstone inspection report' identified two “Major Concerns” for the Real Property. First, the Cornerstone report said, “The brick siding does not have visible weep holes installed around the bottom coarse to allow proper air circulation and condensation drainage.” Second, the Cornerstone report said, “The drywall in the finished part of the basement was removed at the time of the in[194]*194spection indicating a past flood and a biological growth was observed on the wood studs and wall throughout the basement area.” See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 17. On January 8, 2008, Debtor purchased the Real Property, and Debtor moved into and occupied the Real Property shortly thereafter. See Joint Stipulation, ¶ 18.

After moving into the Real Property, Debtor had work performed on the Real Property to combat the mold infestation. For instance, Debtor installed an oxidation air cleaning system to the HVAC system. In a deposition taken in connection with the Indiana Litigation, Debtor testified as follows:

Q: All right. I want to talk about the HVAC system.

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Cite This Page — Counsel Stack

Bluebook (online)
562 B.R. 190, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/cruse-v-burch-in-re-zhang-moeb-2017.