A Locust Grove homeowner says what she thought was a straightforward property tax loan turned into something far more serious: a transfer of her house title for no money at all. Jamie Norris says she was behind on property taxes when she signed a quitclaim deed and later discovered that her home's title had been recorded in the name of a local company instead of her own.
Henry County deed records show the title was transferred to T and T Properties Limited Inc. for zero dollars, according to WSB‑TV. Norris told Channel 2 the company offered her a loan to cover $6,850 in overdue property taxes but insisted she sign the quitclaim deed as “collateral.”
Court fight over who owns the house
In July, T & T filed a dispossessory action seeking to evict Norris, but a magistrate judge later ruled in her favor, finding there was “no landlord tenant relationship,” according to WSB‑TV. The company has said it will return the title once Norris pays off the loan. At the same time, it has filed again to evict her and now claims she owes more than $12,000, a figure the firm says folds in interest, late fees and attorney costs.
Why advocates see red flags
Consumer advocates who monitor foreclosure‑rescue schemes say deals where a homeowner signs over a deed “as collateral” are a well‑worn tactic used to strip people of equity and control. The National Consumer Law Center notes that these arrangements often involve transfers where “the rescuer takes title to the property ‘temporarily’ with the promise that the homeowner will get it back, a promise that always fails,” and the group has urged lawmakers to clamp down on such practices; see the National Consumer Law Center for background.
Where homeowners can get help
The dispute has now moved into the courts - T & T’s case appears on federal dockets, and filings are listed on Justia - highlighting how high the stakes can get once a deed changes hands. Homeowners approached by companies offering fast “rescue” money for tax or mortgage troubles are urged to talk first with a HUD‑approved housing counselor, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lists on its mortgage help page, and to contact local legal‑aid organizations such as Atlanta Legal Aid for free advice and representation.
Norris says she wants her title back and plans to keep fighting in court. Her case stands as a caution for any homeowner told to sign over a deed as part of a so‑called rescue instead of using a conventional, clearly documented loan.
