Siwell, Inc., D/B/A Capital Mortgage Services v. Jeff W. Watts ( 2015 )

ACCEPTED
07-15-00063-CV
SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS
AMARILLO, TEXAS
4/17/2015 11:32:15 AM
Vivian Long, Clerk
CAUSE NO. 07-15-00063-CV
_______________________________________________________
FILED IN
7th COURT OF APPEALS
IN THE AMARILLO, TEXAS
4/17/2015 11:32:15 AM
SEVENTH COURT OF APPEALS VIVIAN LONG
CLERK
AMARILLO, TEXAS
___________
SIWELL, INC. D/B/A CAPITAL MORTGAGE SERVICES
Appellant
V.
JEFF W. WATTS
Appellee
___________
On appeal from the County Court at Law Number 3 of Lubbock County, Texas
APPELLANT’S BRIEF
Respectfully Submitted,
LAW OFFICE OF KEITH C. THOMPSON,
P.C.
11003 Quaker Avenue
Lubbock, Texas 79424
Telephone: (806) 783-8322
Facsimile: (806) 783-8357
Email: kct@kctlaw.us
By: /s/ Keith C. Thompson
Keith C. Thompson
SBN: 24013631
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT/PLAINTIFF
ORAL ARGUMENT IS REQUESTED
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
SIWELL, INC. D/B/A CAPITAL MORTGAGE SERVICES
Represented by:
Keith C. Thompson
Law Office of Keith C. Thompson, P.C.
11003 Quaker Avenue
Lubbock, Texas 79424
Telephone: (806) 783-8322
Facsimile: (806) 783-8357
Email: kct@kctlaw.us
APPELLANT
JEFF W. WATTS
Represented by:
Lorna McMillion
Mullin Hoard & Brown, LLP
1500 Broadway, Suite 700
Lubbock, Texas 79401
Telephone: (806) 765-7491
Facsimile: (806) 765-0553
Email: lmcmillion@mbha.com
APPELLEE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES ..........................................................................................iii
STATEMENT OF THE CASE ........................................................................................v
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENTS ........................................................vi
ISSUES PRESENTED FOR REVIEW ............................................................................vi
STATEMENT OF FACTS .............................................................................................1
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT .................................................................................2
ARGUMENT ...............................................................................................................3
I. This Court should reverse the decision of the County Court at Law
Number 3 because it abused its discretion by ruling against Plaintiff,
CMS, even though the evidence shows CMS satisfied every element of
common law fraud. .........................................................................................3
A. Standard of review is abuse of discretion..................................................3
B. CMS satisfied its burden of proof by meeting each element of
common law fraud......................................................................................3
i. Watts made a representation to CMS by providing CMS the
rental agreement. .............................................................................4
ii. Watts’s representations in the lease agreement were material
aspects of the transaction. ................................................................5
iii. Watts made a false representation because Watts had no
intention of fulfilling his duties and obligations of the rental
agreement.........................................................................................7
iv. Watts knew the representation was false when he provided
the agreement to CMS. ...................................................................7
v. Watts intended for CMS to rely on the false representation. ...........8
vi. CMS justifiably relied on the false representation...........................9
i
vii. Watts’s false representation to CMS caused CMS to suffer
pecuniary damages of $31,345.37. ...............................................13
PRAYER ...................................................................................................................15
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ......................................................................................16
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ..............................................................................18
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................19
ii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
CASE LAW
1001 McKinney Ltd. v. Credit Suisse First Boston Mortg. Capital,
192 S.W.3d 20, 30 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, pet. denied) ......10
American Indem. Co. v. Ernst & Ernst, 106 S.W.2d 763, 765
(Tex. App—Waco 1937, writ ref’d) ..................................................................4
Baker v. City of Robinson, 305 S.W.3d 783, 797
(Tex. App—Waco 2009, pet. denied)..............................................................14
Bluebonnet Sav. Bank v. Grayridge Apt. Homes, Inc., 907 S.W.2d 904, 909
(Tex. App-Houston [1st Dist.] 1995), writ denied Mar. 7, 1996)....................10
Brush v. Reata Oil & Gas Corp., 984 S.W.2d 720, 727
(Tex. App.—Waco 1998, pet denied)................................................................6
Camden Mach. & Tool, Inc. v. Cascade Co., 870 S.W.2d 304, 311
(Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1993, no writ) ..........................................................12
Cooper v. Cochran, 288 S.W.3d 522, 532 (Tex. App—Dallas 2009, no pet.)........13
Crim Truck & Tractor Co. v. Navistar Int’l Transp., 823 S.W.2d 591, 597
(Tex. 1992).........................................................................................................7
Ernst & Young, L.L.P. v. Pacific Mut. Life Ins., 51 S.W.3d 573, 578
(Tex. 2001).....................................................................................................4, 9
Exxon Corp. v. Emerald Oil & Gas Co., 348 S.W.3d 194, 217 (Tex. 2011) ............6
Field v. Mans, 516 U.S. 59, 71 (1995) ....................................................................10
Flood v. Katz, 294 S.W.3d 756, 763 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, pet. denied) ...........8
Grant Thornton LLP v. Prospect High Income Fund, 314 S.W.3d 913, 923
(Tex. 2010).................................................................................................10, 11
Haase v. Glazner, 62 S.W.3d 795, 798 (Tex. 2001) ...............................................14
Italian Cowboy Partners v. Prudential Ins., 341 S.W.3d 323, 337
(Tex. 2011).................................................................................................4, 6, 7
Libhart v. Copeland, 949 S.W.2d 783, 799-800
(Tex. App.—Waco 1997, no writ)...................................................................14
iii
Mayes v. Stewart, 11 S.W.3d 440, 451
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2000, pet. denied) .....................................11
O’Brien v. Daboval, 338 S.W.3d 826, 843
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2012, no pet.) ....................................9, 10, 11
Petras v. Criswell, 248 S.W.3d 471, 475 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008, no pet.)...........9
Reed Tool Co. v. Copelin, 689 S.W.2d 404, 406 (Tex. 1985) ...................................9
Schwartz v. Pinnacle Comms., 944 S.W.2d 427, 435
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1997, no writ) ........................................3, 10
Summers v. Welltech, Inc., 935 S.W.2d 228, 234
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2008, no pet.) ...............................................11
SECONDARY AUTHORITIES
Black’s Law Dictionary, 950 (9th ed. 2009) .............................................................8
iv
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
This is a suit for damages arising out of a common law fraud claim. The
issue on appeal is whether the trial court abused its discretion in ruling in favor of
the defendant when the court found the defendant did commit fraud.
Siwell Inc. d/b/a Capital Mortgage Services brought suit against Jeff Watts
for damages resulting from common law fraud. Findings of Fact Paragraph 3.
Plaintiff brought suit in the County Court at Law Number 3, Lubbock County,
Texas with the Honorable Judy C. Parker presiding. Final Judgment p. 1.
Judge Parker found the defendant did in fact commit fraud. Findings of Fact
paragraphs 19–23. Judge Parker, however, ruled that Plaintiff did not have
justifiable reliance to satisfy the reliance element of common law fraud and rule in
favor of defendant.
v
STATEMENT OF ORAL ARGUMENTS
Appellant hereby requests the opportunity to present this matter by oral
argument.
ISSUE PRESENTED FOR REVIEW
Did the trial court abuse its discretion by ruling against Plaintiff when it
found the defendant committed fraud?
vi
STATEMENT OF FACTS
In August 2007, defendant Jeff Watts (“WATTS”) took his father, Ted Watts
(“TED”) to Capital Mortgage Services (“CMS”) to apply for a mortgage loan.
(Findings of Fact paragraph 10). WATTS and TED represented the mortgage was
for a new home for TED and his wife, and TED would be living in the new home.
However, research reveals TED and his wife never moved into the new home, and
instead WATTS used his father as a straw man to complete the purchase of the
home. (Findings of Fact paragraphs 19–21).
TED submitted an Application (“1003”) to obtain a mortgage for a new
home; during the approval phase, TED disclosed $810 in monthly debt. (Findings
of Fact paragraph 9). CMS ran a credit report which revealed TED actually had a
monthly debt of $2,216; using the actual debt, TED’S debt/income ratio was
excessive and rendered TED ineligible for a Fannie Mae home loan. (Findings of
Fact paragraph 8).
In order to overcome the debt/income problem, WATTS and TED entered into
a lease agreement whereby WATTS would lease TED’S current home immediately
following TED purchasing a new home with the applied-for mortgage. (Findings of
Fact paragraph 10). The lease increased TED’S income by $2,185 bringing the
debt/income ratio into an acceptable range to obtain the mortgage. (Findings of
Fact paragraph 10).
1
CMS approved the loan for TED. (Findings of Fact paragraph 16). WATTS
moved into the home located at XXXX XXXXX Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 794XX,
purchased with the proceeds of the mortgage loan provided by CMS. (Findings of
Fact paragraph 22). WATTS did not ever make lease payments for TED’S house,
and ultimately he did not make mortgage payments for the new house. (Findings of
Fact paragraph 19). Fannie Mae foreclosed on the home located at XXXX
XXXXX Avenue, and such foreclosure resulted in a deficiency. (Findings of Fact
paragraph 25–26). As a result of the deficiency, Fannie Mae sent demand to CMS
for reimbursement of $31,345.37, which CMS paid. (Findings of Fact paragraph
27–29). Subsequently CMS sued WATTS for fraud based on the deceptive lease.
(Findings of Fact paragraph 3).
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
The trial court found CMS’s reliance on the rental agreement as a source of
income for TED’S mortgage application was unreasonable given CMS’s knowledge
of WATTS’S inability to qualify for a loan.
The court’s finding would force the Appellant to be unable to use fully
executed lease agreements and other documents bearing applicant’s or related third
party signatures as reliable instruments in the loan approval process.
2
ARGUMENT
I. This Court should reverse the decision of the County Court at Law
Number 3 because it abused its discretion by ruling against Plaintiff,
CMS, even though the evidence shows CMS satisfied every element of
common law fraud.
A. Standard of review is abuse of discretion.
In entering judgment, a trial-judge acting as fact finder is presumed to have
ruled on the legal sufficiency of evidence and on the weight of the evidence.
Schwartz v. Pinnacle Communications, 944 S.W.2d 427, 431 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 1997, no writ). When a legal sufficiency challenge is raised,
the reviewing court will reverse the trial court’s decision if two elements are met.
Id. First, the reviewing court must examine the trial court record to determine if
evidence exists to support the finding of law. Id. Second, if there is no evidence to
support the finding, the reviewing court must examine the “entire record to
determine if the contrary proposition is established as a matter of law.” Id. Legal
sufficiency standards will be upheld if the record shows conclusive evidence that
supports all elements of the claim. Id. Thus, a trial court abuses its discretion by
ruling against a party when the record shows evidence to support each element of
the party’s claim.
B. CMS satisfied its burden of proof by meeting each element of
common law fraud.
To prove an action for common-law fraud, the plaintiff must establish each
element of common-law fraud, as
3
follows: (1) the defendant made a representation to the plaintiff; (2) the
representation was material; (3) the representation was false; (4) when the
defendant made the representation, the defendant knew the representation was
false; (5) the defendant made the representation with the intent that the plaintiff act
on it; (6) the plaintiff relied on the representation; and (7) the representation
caused the plaintiff injury. Italian Cowboy Partners v. Prudential Ins., 341
S.W.3d 323, 337 (Tex. 2011).
i. Watts made a representation to CMS by providing CMS the
rental agreement.
The lease agreement WATTS provided to CMS was a representation because
WATTS signed the rental agreement to pay the rental amount to TED. Based on the
rental agreement TED had sufficient monthly income to qualify and receive the loan
from CMS.
Plaintiff must establish the defendant was responsible for a false
representation made to the plaintiff either directly or indirectly in a claim for
common-law fraud. American Indem. Co. v. Ernst & Ernst, 106 S.W.2d 763, 765
(Tex. App—Waco 1937, writ ref’d). The defendant commits fraud indirectly when
it makes a false representation to a third party with the intent or expectation that it
be repeated to deceive the plaintiff. Ernst & Young, L.L.P. v. Pacific Mut. Life
Ins., 51 S.W.3d 573, 578 (Tex. 2001).
Here, WATTS made the representation to CMS that he would rent TED’S
4
house, thus providing TED with an increase in monthly income and allowing TED
to qualify for the mortgage loan from CMS.
During the loan process, Jeff Watts signed a rental
agreement on August 24, 2007 providing that defendant
would rent XXXX XXrd Drive (a home owned and
occupied by Ted Watts) from his father for $2,185.00 per
month for twelve months, beginning September 1, 2007
to September 1, 2008. Findings of Fact and Conclusions
of Law Paragraph 10.
Further, both TED and WATTS signed the rental agreement. Findings of
Fact and Conclusions of Law Paragraph 12. WATTS represented to CMS he was
leasing his father’s house, and this representation was significant to CMS’s
approval of TED’S mortgage loan application. WATTS, however, never intended to
reside at the rental property or to make rental payments to TED. Findings of Fact
and Conclusions of Law Paragraphs 19–21.
Thus, WATTS made the representation to CMS, by signing and providing the
rental agreement to CMS, that WATTS would rent the home from TED. This
agreement allowed TED to have sufficient income to qualify for a loan.
ii. Watts’s representations in the lease agreement were material
aspects of the transaction.
The lease agreement WATTS provided to CMS was a material element for
5
CMS to grant TED a loan because the agreement ensured TED had sufficient income
to qualify for the loan.
The plaintiff must establish the misrepresentation was material for a finding
of fraud. Exxon Corp. v. Emerald Oil & Gas Co., 348 S.W.3d 194, 217 (Tex.
2011). A false representation is material if it is important to the plaintiff in making
a decision such that a reasonable person would attach importance to and be
induced to act on the information in determining whether to make a transaction.
Italian, 341 S.W.3d at 337. A misrepresentation can be material even if it is not
the plaintiff’s only reason for following through with a transaction, so long as the
plaintiff relied on the misrepresentation. Brush v. Reata Oil & Gas Corp., 984
S.W.2d 720, 727 (Tex. App.—Waco 1998, pet denied).
Here, the rental agreement WATTS provided CMS was a material
representation because it provided rental income information and confirmation of
the terms of the lease. Trial Transcript p. 47 line 19–p. 48 line 5. The rental
agreement contained the terms of the lease, specifically the payment terms, which
are a material element in the course of underwriting the mortgage for delivery into
the secondary market. Trial Transcript p. 47 line 19–p. 48 line 5. Further, without
the rental agreement, TED would not have qualified for a loan to purchase the
home. Trial Transcript p. 13 lines 2–10.
Hence, CMS’s reliance on the rental agreement was a material aspect of the
transaction because it provided for the
6
payment terms that qualified TED to receive the loan.
iii. Watts made a false representation because Watts had no intention
of fulfilling his duties and obligations of the rental agreement.
WATTS made a false representation to CMS by providing the rental
agreement because he had no intention of making any rental payments to TED, and
did not intend to reside at the rented property.
The plaintiff must establish the defendant’s representation was false. Italian
341 S.W.3d at 337. A party commits fraud when it enters into a contract that it
does not intend to perform. Crim Truck & Tractor Co. v. Navistar Int’l Transp.,
823 S.W.2d 591, 597 (Tex. 1992).
Here, WATTS did not intend to reside at XXXX XXrd Drive, nor did WATTS
intend to rent the property. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Paragraph
20–21. Further, WATTS never made any rental payments to his father for the
property. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Paragraph 19. By entering
into the rental agreement without the intent to perform his obligations, WATTS
made misleading and deceptive statements to CMS.
WATTS’S representations to pay rent to TED were false because WATTS did
not intend to reside at the property or to make the rental payments to TED.
iv. Watts knew the representation was false when he provided the
agreement to CMS.
At the time WATTS provided the rental agreement to CMS, he knew the
representation was false because he
7
knew he did not intend to comply with his obligations under the agreement.
The plaintiff must establish the defendant either made the representation
knowing it was false or made the representation recklessly. Flood v. Katz, 294
S.W.3d 756, 763 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, pet. denied). A defendant makes a
misrepresentation knowingly when the defendant is aware of the representation
being false or understands it is false. Black’s Law Dictionary 950 (9th ed. 2009).
Here, WATTS signed the rental agreement and committed to renting TED’S
home for $2,185.00 per month. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Paragraph 10. WATTS provided the signed rental agreement to CMS. Trial
Transcript p. 13 lines 2–10. WATTS, however, never made payments and did not
intend to make payments or rent the home from TED. Findings of Fact and
Conclusions of Law Paragraphs 19–21. WATTS knew when he signed the rental
agreement that he was making a false representation because he never intended to
make rental payments. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Paragraphs 19–
21.
Since WATTS did not intend to comply with his obligations of the rental
agreement, he knew his representations to CMS were false representations.
v. Watts intended for CMS to rely on the false representation.
WATTS intended for CMS to rely on the false representation of the rental
agreement because he knew CMS’s reliance on the agreement would secure a loan
for TED.
8
To prove an action for common-law fraud, the plaintiff must establish the
defendant intended for the plaintiff to rely on the representation. Petras v.
Criswell, 248 S.W.3d 471, 475 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008, no pet.). A showing of
intent is satisfied by establishing the defendant desired to cause the consequences
of his act or believed the consequences were substantially certain to occur, and
further, that plaintiff incurred pecuniary loss in the type of transaction in which
defendant intended that plaintiff’s conduct would be influenced. Reed Tool Co. v.
Copelin, 689 S.W.2d 404, 406 (Tex. 1985); Ernst & Young, 51 S.W.3d at 580.
Here, WATTS knew that by providing the signed rental agreement to CMS,
TED would qualify for the loan since renting the home would generate enough
income for TED to become loan eligible. Trial Transcript p. 15 lines 1–25. WATTS
intended for CMS to rely on the rental agreement so TED could purchase the home.
Trial Transcript p.13 lines 11–19. By relying on WATTS’S representation in the
rental agreement, CMS suffered pecuniary damages of $31,345.37.
WATTS intended for CMS to rely on the false representation made in the
rental agreement to secure a loan for TED.
vi. CMS justifiably relied on the false representation.
CMS justifiably relied on the false representations WATTS made in the rental
agreement because CMS had no way of knowing WATTS did not intend to make
the rental payments to TED.
To recover damages on a
9
common law fraud claim, the plaintiff must show actual and justifiable reliance on
the representations of the defendant. O’Brien v. Daboval, 338 S.W.3d 826, 843
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2012, no pet.) (citing Grant Thornton LLP v.
Prospect High Income Fund, 314 S.W.3d 913, 923 (Tex. 2010). Actual reliance is
satisfied where plaintiff establishes it knew of the representation and acted on it.
Schwartz, 944 S.W.2d 427 at 435 (plaintiff’s testimony that he decided to make
investment based on representations defendant made about creditworthiness of
company showed plaintiff’s actual reliance). In determining justifiable reliance,
courts often consider the following two-pronged analysis: (1) plaintiff’s personal
characteristics and abilities; and (2) plaintiff’s knowledge of facts, which includes
the plaintiff’s knowledge of falsity and the consideration of plaintiff’s duty to
investigate. Grant Thornton LLP, 314 S.W.3d at 923.
The first prong in analyzing justifiable reliance includes an examination of
the characteristics, abilities, and appreciation of facts demonstrated by the plaintiff
to justify reliance on the defendant’s representations. O’Brien, 338 S.W.3d at 843.
The United States Supreme Court has ruled justification is a matter of the qualities
and character of the particular plaintiff given particular circumstances. Field v.
Mans, 516 U.S. 59, 71 (1995). The determination of justifiable reliance depends
greatly on the parties’ relationship and relative sophistication. 1001 McKinney Ltd.
v. Credit Suisse First Boston Mortg. Capital, 192 S.W.3d 20, 30 (Tex. App.—
Houston [14th Dist.] 2005, pet. denied).
10
For instance, in Bluebonnet Sav. Bank v. Grayridge Apt. Homes, Inc., 907 S.W.2d
904, 909 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1995), writ denied Mar. 7, 1996), the
plaintiff’s reliance was measured by plaintiff’s status as an experienced business
person and by what a reasonable business person with plaintiff’s experience would
think about the agreement in question. Plaintiffs, however, cannot justifiably rely
on representations if “red flags” exist, indicating the plaintiff should not rely on the
defendant’s representations. Id.
For example, in O’Brien v. Daboval, the court found the defendant
committed fraud by issuing false financial statements that induced the law firm
into establishing a line of credit for defendant. O’Brien, 338 S.W.3d at 843. The
court held even though the plaintiff law firm reviewed the financial statements, and
had a reasonable level of sophistication in business matters, there was no reason to
suspect the statements were false, and reliance upon such statements was justified.
Id.
The second prong of justifiable reliance courts examine is the plaintiff’s
knowledge of the facts and the consideration of plaintiff’s duty to investigate.
Grant Thornton, 314 S.W.3d at 923. The plaintiff does not normally have a duty
to use due diligence to discover whether the representation is fraudulent in order to
demonstrate justifiable reliance. Summers v. Welltech, Inc., 935 S.W.2d 228, 234
(Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2008, no pet.). However, if the plaintiff learned
the defendant’s representation was false
11
before acting on it, the plaintiff cannot claim deception or fraud by the
representation. Mayes v. Stewart, 11 S.W.3d 440, 451 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th
Dist.] 2000, pet. denied). Further, if the plaintiff undertook an investigation and
uncovered the fraud, the plaintiff cannot claim to have justifiably relied on the
misrepresentation. Camden Mach. & Tool, Inc. v. Cascade Co., 870 S.W.2d 304,
311 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1993, no writ).
Here, CMS justifiably relied on WATTS’S misrepresentation that he would
have sufficient income to justify a loan by leasing the home to increase TED’S
income by $2,185. WATTS did not perform the terms of the lease. The trial court
found that CMS did rely on WATTS’s representations of the rental agreement, but
that this reliance was unreasonable given CMS’s knowledge of WATTS’S inability
to qualify for a loan. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Paragraph 23. The
trial court erred, however, by ruling the reliance was unjustifiable given CMS’s
abilities and characteristics, and CMS’s knowledge of the facts of the transaction.
First, CMS as a mortgage company has the abilities and characteristics to
review applicants’ financial information. After reviewing TED’S financial
situation, CMS knew TED would not qualify for a loan without a higher monthly
income. The lease agreement provided TED with enough income to qualify for the
loan. After reviewing WATTS’S financial situation, no red flags existed that would
have warned CMS of WATTS intentional misrepresentations.
Second, CMS’s knowledge of the
12
facts did not negate their reliance on the lease agreement as justification for issuing
the loan. CMS knew TED had difficulty qualifying for the loan, but the lease
served to quell any issues of income. CMS knew WATTS would rent the home and
pay $2,185.00 to TED per month. Based on CMS’s knowledge of the facts, there
was no reason for CMS to suspect WATTS would not follow through with the rental
agreement, or that WATTS had made false misrepresentations. Not being able to
qualify for a home loan is not the same as not being able to pay a certain, fixed
sum of money each month, for rent. Many renters can afford a rental payment but
could not qualify for a loan of the same nature. WATTS had the financial means to
pay the fixed amount of rent, even though he may not have met the strict
qualifications for a home loan.
CMS justifiably relied on WATTS’S false representations because the rental
agreement provided TED with sufficient income to qualify for the loan. CMS, as a
mortgage lender, reviewed TED’S financial situation and concluded that TED would
qualify for the loan with additional monthly income. Despite its review of the
financial situation, CMS had no way of knowing WATTS did not intend to make the
rental payments to TED.
vii. Watts’s false representation to CMS caused CMS to suffer
pecuniary damages of $31,345.37.
As result of its reliance on Watts’s false representations, CMS suffered
pecuniary damages.
13
Finally, to recover damages on a common law fraud claim, the plaintiff must
show the representation caused the plaintiff injury. Cooper v. Cochran, 288
S.W.3d 522, 532 (Tex. App—Dallas 2009, no pet.). Such injury comes as
defendant’s representation occurs “to the plaintiff’s detriment.” Haase v. Glazner,
62 S.W.3d 795, 798 (Tex. 2001). To prove the representation caused the plaintiff
injury, plaintiff must prove the fraud proximately caused the damages where the
plaintiff seeks consequential damages. Libhart v. Copeland, 949 S.W.2d 783, 799-
800 (Tex. App.—Waco 1997, no writ). The plaintiff must prove the fraud was a
substantial factor in bringing about the damages, without which the damages
would not have occurred, and that a person of ordinary intelligence would have
foreseen the damages might result from the fraud. Baker v. City of Robinson, 305
S.W.3d 783, 797 (Tex. App—Waco 2009, pet. denied).
Here, WATTS made a representation to CMS by signing a rental agreement.
Such representation was material because without the representation of a steady
monthly income stream in the form of the lease payments from WATTS to TED,
TED would not have been approved for the mortgage loan. The representation was
false and WATTS admitted he did not have any intention of following through with
the requirements of the lease agreement. WATTS intended for CMS to act on the
misrepresentation, knowing that the bolster in monthly income would result in the
mortgage loan approval for his ultimate benefit. CMS did in fact rely upon the
representation; absent the lease
14
agreement CMS would not have given TED the mortgage loan. By relying upon
WATTS’S misrepresentation, CMS suffered economic damages in the form of the
reimbursement to Fannie Mae in the amount of $31,345.37.
The trial court abused its discretion by ruling CMS could not justifiably rely
on WATTS’S false representations. CMS established by evidence each element of
common law fraud including: (1) WATTS made representations to CMS in the
rental agreement; (2) the representations of the rental agreement were material to
the transaction; (3) WATTS’S representations in the rental agreement were false; (4)
WATTS knew the representations were false when he provided the agreement to
CMS; (5) WATTS intended for CMS to rely on the false representations to grant a
loan to TED; (6) CMS did justifiably rely on the representations; and (7) WATTS’S
false representations caused CMS pecuniary damages. Specifically, CMS
justifiably relied on WATTS’S false representations because CMS performed
financial investigations, but these investigations could not have indicated WATTS
did not intend to fulfill his duties and obligations under the rental agreement.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE PREMISES CONSIDERED, CMS respectfully requests that this
court reverse the judgment of the trial court, and grant all other relief to which
CMS is justly entitled both at law and in equity.
[SIGNATURE ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
15
Respectfully submitted,
THE LAW OFFICE OF KEITH C.
THOMPSON, P.C.
11003 Quaker Avenue
Lubbock, Texas 79424
(806) 783-8322 (Telephone)
(806) 783-8357 (Telecopier)
Email: kct@kctlaw.us
SBN 24013631
/s/ Keith C. Thompson
KEITH C. THOMPSON
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT
16
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Keith C. Thompson, Attorney for Appellant herein, do certify that on the
13th day of April 2015, I mailed by Electronic Mail, a true and correct copy of
Appellant’s Brief to:
Lorna McMillion
Mullin Hoard & Brown, LLP
1500 Broadway, Suite 700
Lubbock, Texas 79401
Telephone: (806) 765-7941
Facsimile: (806) 765-0553
Email: lmcmillion@mhba.com
I further certify that on the 13th day of April 2015 I mailed by Electronic
Mail, an original and five true and correct copies of Appellant’s Brief for filing to:
Court of Appeals
Seventh District of Texas
Potter County Courts Building
501 S. Fillmore, Suite 2-A
Amarillo, Texas 79101-2449
/s/ Keith C. Thompson
KEITH C. THOMPSON
17
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
This document complies with the word-count limitations of TEX. R. APP. P.
9.4(i) because it contains 3,538 words, excluding the parts exempted by TEX. R.
APP. P. 9.4(i)(1).
/s/ Keith C. Thompson
KEITH C. THOMPSON
18
APPENDICES
Final Judgment from Trial Court ..............................................................................1
Trial Transcript ..........................................................................................................2
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law .................................................................3
Mortgage Application ...............................................................................................4
Rental Agreement ......................................................................................................5
19
Jo
Flied 12/8/2014 2:51:10 P
Kelly Pinion
County Clerk
Lubbock County, Texas
2013-568,987 Nadia Morgan
CAUSE NO. 2013~568,987
SIWELL, INC. d/b/a § IN THE COUNTY COURT
CAPITAL MORTGAGE SERVICES
AT LAW #3
V.
JEFF W. WATTS § OF
§ LUBBOCK COUNTY, TEXAS
FINAL JUDGMENT
On December 2, 2014 this matter came on for trial. Plaintiff, SJWELL, INC., d/b/a
CAPITAL MORTGAGE SERVICES, appeared in person and through auorney Keith
Thompson. Defendant. JEFF W. WATrS. appl.!ar~d in person. The parties waived trial by jury
and announced ready.
The Cout1, ulh.:r considering the pleadings on tile, as well as the testimony and evidence.
concludes that PlaimiiThas tailed to pro\'c each clement of its case against Defendant.
It is thcrcforl: ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND DECREED that Plaintiff, SIWELL, INC ..
d/b/a CAPITAL MORTGAGE SERVICES. shall take nothing from Defendant, JEFF W
WATTS.
This is u linal jm.lgmcnl that disposes or all parties and claims. As such. it is appealable.
Plaintiff shall pay all taxable costs of court if' it has not already done so.
All relief not granted herein is denied.
SIGNED ON the 8 Day of DECEMBER, 2014.
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JUDGE PRESIDING
Filed 1/22/2015 2:46:38 PM
Kelly Pinion
2013-568,987 County Clerk
Lubbock County, Texas
Baxter Vaughan
2013~568,987
SIWELL. INC., D/8/A IN THE COUNTY COURT AT
CAPITAL MORTGAGE SERVICES LAW N0.3
PLAINTIFF
v. OF
JEFF W. WATTS LUBBOCKCOUNTY,T~
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
A trial on this cause was held on December 2, 2014. All parties appeared and announced to the
Court that they were ready for trial. A jury was not requested, and the_Court decided aU fact questions.
In response to the request of the Plaintiff, Siwell, Inc., d/b/a capital Mortgage services, the
Court makes and files the following as original findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with
rules 296 and 297 of the Texas rules of Civil Procedure.
Plaintiff Is Siwell, Inc., D/8/A capital Mortgage Services. Plaintiff is a mortgage lender, and
appeared through its representative, Royce Lewis Ill. The plaintiff was represented by Keith Thompson.
The defendant, Jeff W. Watts, appeared prose.
Flndinp of Fact
1. Plaintiff sued defendant for quantum meruit, promissory estoppel, common Jaw fraud and
statutory fraud arising out of a mortgage loan that plaintiff made to defendant's father, Ted
Watts. Ted Watts is not a party to this suit. Ted Watts is deceased.
2. The Joan Plaintiff made to Ted Watts was for the purchase of a house at 8607XXXXX Utica Avenue
in Lubbock.
3. Prior to resting his case, Plaintiff abandoned all causes of action pled except for common
law fraud.
4. Initially, defendant met with Royce lewis individually, to discuss the purchase of 8607 Utica.
XXXXX
s. Defendant could not qualify for a home loan on hiS own because he had an activation of a
foreclosure on another residence and/or a recent foreclosure on his record.
6. Plaintiff knew that Defendant could not qualify for a mortgage loan under any circumstance.
7. Defendant and his father met with plaintiff/Royce lewis and discussed various scenarios
whereby the house on Utica could be purchased. These discussions included Ted Watts CO·
signing the loan with defendant, Ted Watts purchasing the home for defendant as an
investment property for defendant to live in, Ted purchasing the home as an owner-
occupied transaction, and defendant renting the home from Ted.
8. During the loan process it was discovered that Ted Watts could not qualify for the mortgage
on the Utica house because his income from his insurance business was insufficient and he
had too much debt.
..
9. During the application process for the loan on 8607 XXXXX Utica, Ted Watts disclosed $810.00 in
monthly debt on Form 1003.
10. During the loan process, Jeff Watts signed a rental agreement on August 24, 2007 providing
that defendant would rent 4111XXXX 63rd drive (a home owned and occupied by Ted Watts) from
his father for $2,185.00 per month for twelve months, beginning September 1, 2007 to
September 1, 2008.
11. The rental payment for 4111
XXXX 63~'~~ drive was the same amount as the house payment for
XXXXX
8607 Utica.
12. The rental agreement was signed by Ted Watts and d~fendant.
13. Plaintiff was not a party to the rental agreement between Ted Watts and defendant.
14. Defendant testified that Mr. Lewis gave him the rental agreement to sign so that Ted Watts
would show more income and Ted could obtain the loan.
15. Mr. Lewis denied that he handed the rental agreement to defendant to sign, but could not
deny that it was provided by Capital Mortgage Services in some shape or form.
16. In September 2007, Plaintiff, Capital Mortgage Servi~s loaned Ted Watts the money to
purchase 8607
XXXX Utica and the loan was delivered to Fannie Mae.
17. Defendant, Jeff Watts was not a co-signer on the loan. ·
18. Defendant, Jeff Watts made some payments to plaintiff ~or 8607 XXXXUtica.
19. Defendant, Jeff Watts did not make any rental payments to Ted Watts for the home at 4111 XX
63~'~~
x drive.
20. Defendant did not intend to reside at 4111 xxxxx 63nl drive.
21. Defendant never intended to rent 4111 xxxxx drive.
63rd
22. Defendant moved into the home at 8607 Utica after th~ loan was made to Ted Watts and
xxxxxx
lived there for a couple of years.
23. Plaintiff relied on the representations in the rental agreement as a source of income for the
Ted Watts mortgage application but that reliance was unreasonable given plaintiffs
knowledge of defendant's inability to qualify for a loan.
24. The loan made to Ted Watts was current for a number of years after the loan was made.
25. Almost six years after plaintiff made the mortgage loan to Ted Watts, the house purchased
by Ted Watts was foreclosed.
26. The loan made to Ted Watts for 8607 Utica went into default and was foreclosed on by
xxxxxx
Plaintiff.
27. Fannie Mae conducted the liquidation on the property at 8607 xxxxxx
Utica and It was sold at a
price less than the amount of the mortgage, leaving a deficiency of $62,690.73.
28. Fannie Mae sought recourse against plaintiff as the loan 5ervicer for the deficiency.
29. Plaintiff, capital Mortgage Services, negotiated a lesser amount with Fannie Mae and paid
$31,345.37 in settlement.
30. Fannie Mae sought recourse from the loan servicer (Cap~l Mortgage Services/Plaintiff)
because Fannie Mae determined that the loan made to Ted Watts did not meet desk top
underwriting standards when the loan was made.
31. Fannie Mae's evaluation of the loan to determine whether or not the servicer has liability is
based on the transaction when the mortgaged originated and then delivered to Fannie Mae.
32. Fannie Mae found additional debt that was not identified on Ted Watt's application form
1003 to support the loan.
33. Even if defendant, Jeff Watts, had actually been paying Ted Watts $2,185.00 per month as
set out in the rental agreement, Ted Watts would not have had sufficient income to support
the loan.
34. It was unreasonable for Plaintiff to rely on the twelve month rental agreement between
defendant and his father given the plaintiffs actual k~owledge that defendant could not
qualify to purchase the home with a payment of $2,185.00 per month.
35. The basis of plaintiffs liability to Fannie Mae was the debt/income ratio of Ted Watts.
36. Plaintiff's reliance, if any, on defendant as a significant contributor of significant funds was
unreasonable given plaintiff's knowledge of defendant's financial/credit history.
37. Plaintiffs liability to Fannie Mae was a result of risky .underwriting practices of plaintiff at
the origination of the loan to Ted Watts. .
38. Insufficient income/omitted liabilities at the origination of the loan to Ted Watts was cited
by Fannie Mae as the reason for pursuing plaintiff's payment on the deficiency.
39. Even if plaintiff relied on the lease, plaintiff discovered or should have discovered that Ted
Watts had co-signed a loan for defendant prior to the loan for the Utica house which
resulted in Ted Watts not meeting desktop underwriting standards to support the loan.
40. In addition to a significant finding of insufficient income/o.mitted liabilities at the time of
origination, Fannie Mae evaluated the overall loan profile and number of payments made
on the loan in considering the amount of liability of plaintiff.
41. Any finding of fact that is a conclusion of law should be treated as a conclusion of law and
not a finding of fact.
Conclusions of Law
1. Plaintiff failed to prove reliance on the rental agreement was reasonable.
2. Plaintiff failed to establish that defendant was liable to plaintiff for fraud.
3. Plaintiff's damages were caused by plaintiff's underwriting practices.
4. Plaintiff should take nothing by his suit and pay all costs of court.
5. A conclusion of law that is a finding of fact should be treated as a finding of fact and not a
conclusion of law.
Signed this ;aM. day of January, 2015.
J~f!~
Judy C. Parker, Judge
County Court at Law #3
CRT DOA Approval Fonn
( (Revised 419/2013)
as oftflls date: 5114113
Net Amount due
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SIGNIFICANT ANDING: Fin~ings:
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lnsufflclem incomeiothtuad liabilities: According to Desktop Underwrite~ (Due}, the
borrower's monthly debts ware $810 at time of origination. However, our review of the
origination credit report rev~aled the actual monthly payments were $2,216. Using the
actual monthly payments, the new debt ratio was 33fl1 percent This debt ratio was
excessive and renders th~ DU recommendation invalid and the subject mortgage
ineligible for delivery to Fanrrie Mae.
LENDER RESPONSE tr ;.s.t~f'UCABtE (Brief summarv onlv): There was a debt the lender
excluded fi1lm the ratios but did not have evidence supportilg the exclusion. The lender provided
a letter from the Executive VP cf the Bank who made the loan (debt in question) stating the
borrower was a co-signer anr-1 the borrower's son had made all of the payments on time ror the
prior 12 months.
Requirements when completing anatvsts
Evaluate signbnce ot lituiing )a~d on overdllloan pioftle and# of payments made.
~ PmnONER'S
~ ~IBIT
ri=$r4_
Do the overall strengths of th file warrant the Business Decision or Negotiated Settlement?
(~
Why?
REVIEWER'S ANALYSIS/ TIONALE FOR ACTION TAKEN (Indicate any and all reasons
that apply and provide deta ad explanation). The lender should have obtained 12 months of
cancelled checks to support e son had been making the payments. The bank letter is an
alternative document that su orts the exclusion of the debt. The borrower was becoming a
landlord for the first time and id not have any history of managing rental properties Increasing
the risk of this transaction an accepting alternative documentation. We still have a case for
repurchase but I beUeve the I nder has proVided documentation that reduces some of our risk
therefore I have offered a neg tiated seWement.
MANAGER APPROVAL VIA MAIL IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE COPIED INTO QAS
(Signature is NOT requJred)
DIRECTOR APPROVAL VIA AIL IS REQUIRED AND MUST BE COPIED INTO QAS-
(Only IF net loss exceeds $ ,000.00- Signature is NOT required)
NOTE: This form MUST be ompleted In Its entlretv and uploaded into QAS e-docs
(uploading the fonn in QAS omments Is no longer allowed). Please enter "N/A" in any
areas that are not appllcabr to the roan.
See ,.CLOSING LOANS IN Q S" in CRT Sharepofnt training material site for specifics on
loss amount levels and requ red approvals.
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1 Rcotal AgRemeillt
fi.
1. In consideration for the psc of the premises at: 41 ll 63"' Drive, Lubbock, TX 79413, I
xxxxx
agree that 1will rent the:same for the same for 12 consecutive months for ~185.00pcr
month payable by the day of each month and also agree Co pay a late fee of$250.00
per week. (LuutermS.pl,mbtrOJ. 2007 to&ptambuDJ, 2008) !
2. 1~to place a sec~ deposit of$1000.00, to be forfeited; as liquidated damages in
the event of default or breach of any part ofthis agreement. '
3. I agree to give written n~ce of vacating of30 days, ret.um al~ keys and leave the
premises in reasonable qlcan coodition. Then the sewrity deposit will be refunded, unless
rent is due or cleaning is ncccssary. !
4. I will maintain the pmnises in reasonnbJc and habitable condition, (no smoking allowed)
and m:ccpt the as being the same. I also accept any attached inveatory and agree that tbc
rente) mte may be reaso'ably changed due to•expenses. rental!conditions, or sale of the
premises. I :
S. I am responsible Cor ~cs, maiotanancc of yard and llllldsetiping.
6. 1 ap:c to assume alllepl responsibility for tbe acts and condbct of ony visitors and keep
all bouse rules and will ~t violate any laws on the premises. :
7. I agree net to tmnsfer or pssign this agreement not let or sub-lt:l the premises or ant part
of1he s&mD without wri~ CODSentto1he·owner. ' ·· ·
8. I am authorized and ~le to sign Ibis agreement and I mn not rclyiug on prior ol1ll or
written repzesentn:tions ofthe owner agent.
9. Tho owner agent may enter the premises at any time to inspect. repair. maintain, or show
the ptopcrty. i ·.
10. 1 will not remove any nupjture, fixtures, or personal property until all rent cluJrges are
fully paid and 1'8Dt the oWner lieD on the ~
11. My rental application folio is complete and accurate.
12. In the event ofdefault orjbreach ofthis agreement, I aarce ro anyappropriation action
taJa:n by the owner or ~t to legal action, 8lld agree to pay all costs including
re850118ble attomcy's tack.
13. Landlotd is not liable forlloss or damage of tenant•a personal belongings. We urge you to
get yoU!' own ;:eo1a1 ~ for losses due to theft. fire. smoke, water clamage. and the
like.
14. All teoams must show *f i .
or
of insunuu:e for their waterbeds be bdd Uable for tbc
damages to the buDding •d its ecmtents resuUJng fiom damDBc: from the waklrbeds.
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Q)~~~~-~~~- ~~york_~u¥' _ ·2~~· _
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Writtcm signBtUlc ofn:oter
Written signalUR: ofrentor