A Bothell real-estate agent was allegedly involved with a home from where a 30-year-old woman suspected of squatting was arrested.
Kirkland Police arrested the woman at the $3.2 million home, located at 435 Eighth Avenue West, and booked her into the City of Kirkland jail June 15.
The house located in the Market neighborhood, was at the center of a dispute between the woman, Bothell and Bellevue real-estate agents and the bank.
The Bothell realtor owns a business that offers homeowners a way to get out from under upside-down mortgages. Mark von der Burg of VDB Real Estate of Bellevue said that the woman was working with the Bothell realtor on pursuing the house.
The realtor was fired from Keller Williams Real Estate of Bothell June 9 in connection with the Kirkland house.
“He has denied working with (the woman),” said Dave Duncan with Keller Williams. “We didn’t like the perception of impropriety. Whatever he was doing had nothing to do with Keller Williams.”
Last week, a sign on the front door of the home said the home was no longer for sale and no trespassing was allowed. A UCC Financial Statement was also posted on the front door, stating that Priority Rose Childrens Outreach of Bothell placed the house as collateral June 7. The paperwork lists First Citizens Bank and Trust as the debtor.
The woman, who moved into the home more than a week ago, told police and neighbors that she owned the home. The women showed police false documents when they came to the house to investigate June 6, said Kirkland Detective Allan O’Neill.
A thorough investigation of tax logs, utility bills and asset records revealed that First Citizens Bank is the lawful owner of the home. The bank served the woman an eviction notice last week and on Tuesday, Kirkland Police arrived at the residence with bank officials to assist in returning the home back over to the bank.
When police arrived, the woman was not in the house, but she arrived shortly after and was arrested for criminal trespass and booked into jail.
The Reporter will update this story as more details become available.
