Brazilian national reportedly occupies empty $2.5 million Florida mansion
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Squatting never looked so good.
A 23-year-old Brazilian national has reportedly moved into an empty $2.5 million Florida mansion, using an obscure state real estate law to stake his claim on the foreclosed Boca Raton waterfront property.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Andre Barbosa cannot be moved by police since no one saw him breaking into the 5-bedroom house, making it a civil matter. And representatives for the home’s true owner, Bank of America, said they are aware of the situation and are undergoing a legal process. But that’s not good enough for Barbosa’s wealthy neighbors.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"This is a very upsetting thing," neighbor Lyn Houston told the newspaper. "Last week, I went to the Bank of America and asked to see the person in charge of mortgages. I told them, 'I am prepared to buy this house.' They haven't even called me back."
Barbosa -- who refers to himself as "Loki Boy," presumably after the Norse god of mischief -- did not return calls. He posted a notice in the front window naming him as a "living beneficiary to the Divine Estate being superior of commerce and usury."
A spokeswoman for Bank of America said the company has sent a complaint and an eviction notice to a clerk in Palm Beach County.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"The bank is taking this situation seriously and we will work diligently to resolve this matter," said spokeswoman Jumana Bauwens.
Sunrise real estate lawyer Gary Singer said Barbosa is invoking a state law called "adverse possession," which allows someone to move into a property and claim the title — if they can stay there seven years. A signed copy of that note is also posted in the home's front window, the newspaper reports.