DeKalb residents in despair after property sold

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Members of a DeKalb County townhome co-op say their property was suddenly sold to investors, and now they are left with no equity stake.
 
"I feel like I have been violated, seriously violated, I've redone my whole unit, I've lost all interest in it, everything," said resident Duncan Hansford. 
 
The members of Eastwyck Village, a townhome community off of Candler Road, say it began when they got a letter on their doors stating the mortgage and taxes had not been paid for two years, and they were going to be foreclosed.
 
"I was asking them where the money went, where is my money. I've been paying faithfully every month," said another resident Vivian Robinson O'Neil.
 
The letter stated: "We have two choices. We can do nothing and let a random investor who will have no affinity for or sensitivity to the community buy the loan at auction, or we can be an active participant in our future and empower a buyer who is from our community to ultimately own the property."

The letter then informed residents about  "Saleem & Company," a real estate development company run by two brothers that could help.
 
"To watch two guys come out of nowhere, put notes on our doors on Friday and you have to come Saturday to make a vote," said Keva Scott.
 
It is not clear what happened at that meeting in late October, but court records show the deed for the townhomes was signed over to "Saleem & Company," in consideration of the sum of $10.
 
"It is sick, it is hurting because people have lived here all of their lives," said Scott.
 
Hakim Yamini, who said he worked with Saleem & Company, said "We were blessed to acquire the property, and work to revitalize it."

Yamini would not speak with Channel 2 Action News about the specifics as to how the property was acquired.
 
Property records indicate that the Eastwyck Village Towne Houses was up to date on property taxes through 2013.
 
Residents say they were told they can stay if they pay rent.
 
"I've been here 27 and how can you tell me that I've been giving you my money and you are not paying mortgage and taxes and now you tell me I have nothing?" said resident Duncan Hansford.

WSBTV