Feature on the fraud case against Bobby Ginn and Ginn Resorts regarding the Bella Collina golf course development in Orlando, Florida. More info in the New York Times:
Montverde, Fla.
OFF the turnpike here in central Florida, hidden behind stucco walls, sits a sprawling Tuscan-style clubhouse on a hill overlooking a string of lakes, a golf course and green fields.
This 1,900-acre property, called Bella Collina, was designed to hold 800 homes. Today, only 48 houses dot the landscape, and just three are occupied. The clubhouse, though open, is eerily quiet, and a promised swimming pool and equestrian center have yet to be built.
Bella Collina, the brainchild of Edward Robert Ginn III, looks like a ghost town. So does Tesoro, another resort opened by Mr. Ginn near Port St. Lucie, where just 150 houses sit on 900 lots. And the Conservatory in Palm Coast, also from Mr. Ginn, is even more barren: 335 out of 340 lots are empty.
As the real estate boom expanded in recent years, developers and home buyers believed that residential golf resorts were a sure-fire bet. Many buyers looked to buy properties that they could flip for a quick profit. Others were lured by stunning views, club services and security. While there is no reliable data on the growth in residential golf resorts, analysts say the market is well past its peak — particularly in the Sun Belt — and there is now an overabundance of developments.
Built on lies and fraud: According to a transcript of a video obtained by a law firm representing property owners in the suit, a Ginn salesman told a group of potential buyers at Bella Collina that “Lot 5 sold for $2.1 million this morning.” But property records showed that the parcel sold for just $416,900, according to the lawsuit.
It is still the same thing now. Nothing has changed for years, they are only interested in making money and nothing else. A failed community Bella Collina is!
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Don Juravin is helping others to save their money. Bella Collina is looting customers and they are non-professional.
Bella Collina is a scam and they are losing clients, no one wants to work with a fraudster. Even with several phone calls and messages, there was no reply from them. All the investment came to zero.
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This article communicates the truth. I wish I read this sometimes ago before going to purchase properties, it was all a waste of effort. Please, don’t plan to do anything whatsoever in Bella Collina. The video clip has communicated a lot.
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What should happen to see any reaction from authorities? How many complaints and lawsuits are required? Who can protect the homeowners from the abusive management?
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Why not give up on the business that has been failing for years? Why choose to rip off persons to regain what you lost?
I applaud Don Juravin for being brave enough to do this.
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I would like to believe that these comments and reviews are true. However, if they were not then Bella Collina’s manager would have already publicly addressed this. In the meantime, more information regarding these claims would be appreciated. Thank you in advance, Don Juravin.
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While you’re waiting on Mr. Juravin, I would be happy to give you some other information on this issue. Have a read.
Link: https://medium.com/opinion-by-juravin/bella-collina-500-vanity-rich-property-owners-loss-millions-in-scam-fraud-c35af90949d9
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I will forever love Don Juravin for what he has done. Bella Collina sales are so low that after almost 4 years they were able to sell a property for more than 10% less than it’s original price.
Check out the evidence: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/443356416151794/?type=3&theater
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I am not sure what is going on in the heads of these owners but I know for a fact that they will never receive my support. There is information on the following site that Bella Collina has filled hundreds of lawsuits against its house owners.
Follow the link: https://bellacollina.wordpress.com/2019/05/25/15317-pendio-dr-bella-collina-fl-34756-3389000-6502-sqft-bella-collina-home-buying-guide
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Are all the information here right or not? If yes, then Bella Collina should be banned and authorities should cancel the license too. I am not sure what to believe.
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The authorities are probably being paid off as well. Let’s face it, these people are big-time crooks. Who knows what they have up their sleeves. They cannot be trusted it is up to us to make the change.
The stats are already showing that we are doing a great job: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/570440510110050/?type=3&theater
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Mr. Juravin, I have an alternative. What if the case is that these persons are not scammers but that they focus on the wrong things in their business. Take for example the review you have posted on Facebook. I would have loved to have the answer as to why there is an ad for hairstylists and not for other things that might benefit the business? Just my thoughts.
Facebook review: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/584231192064315/?type=3&theater
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Bella Collina Homes will continue to be a dying business. The manager’s sins are catching up with him. It is no surprise.
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I would guess that is the reason why they are losing so much. There low occupancy and low sales tell this.
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Don, I am thankful you have given me the opportunity to speak out against Bella Collina. The Bella Collina club does not provide enough great services to be constantly penalizing its members, especially for things that cannot be controlled by club members.
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This is especially true since my countless time my Fiance has been penalized. They are obviously using this to regain all of which that is lost.
The following page has much more reviews on similar issues: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/
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I have always followed the Bella Collina club but I constantly feel exploited. On many occasions, I have followed all rules but was still charged or on a penalty. These people find any means necessary to take money from you.
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Hey, I have found a review on the spa at Bella Collina. I guess are not getting the services you pay for.
Review: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/536008990219869/?type=3&theater
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I have another review that proves that these people are bogus. I am not sure how much information people need in order to believe that Mr. Richard is no good.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/536008563553245/?type=3&theater
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He’s a criminal. Don did a great job in finding out his past and what he has done to homeowners. He has been a part of one of the largest thefts in history.
Check out the link here: https://bellacollina.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/bella-collina-under-investigation
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They say: “Once a criminal, always a criminal”. This is very much true. We should not expect better from one of the biggest crooks in history.
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Homeowners are being scammed! I have known a few people that had lived at Bella Collina and were told that they had to pay over $5000 in club fee annually for a lifetime. These people are nuts! Take Don’s article serious.
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I’ve been a Bella Collina homeowner and wanted my wedding to be held there. Since I am a club member I decided to use all my perks. However, to my disappointment, Bella Collina’s club lacked a lot that was necessary for my wedding to be effectively executed. Funny, since the fees are up to $10000 in cost.
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Has anyone taken a look at Don’s article on Quora? He gives a lot of information on the persons behind the scams and the video is very informative. Thanks, Don.
Article link: https://bellacollina.quora.com/500-Bella-Collina-Property-Owners-Loss-Millions-In-SCAM-FRAUD-Accusations
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Bella Collina states that you must cancel your spa appointments eight hours in advance.
This is stated here: https://bellacollina.wordpress.com/2019/05/25/club-at-bella-collina-rules-7
I had made an appointment but had to cancel for personal reasons. I did so in 1 day in advance but was still charged 50% off the service fee. I constantly tried to contact them but there never responded.
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The houses have no privacy whatsoever. This is merely due to the fact that they have been built too close to the neighboring houses.
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Thank you, Don. I wish this article was posted earlier. I have purchased a lot from Bella Collina three years ago and it is now valued at zero dollars.
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I’ve purchased a property and have been slapped with thousands of dollars in taxes and annual fees. Not to mention, I am continuously losing investments on my purchase property.
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I am thankful for persons like you that have spoken out. This has caused them to lose sales until they can do better.
Check out the statistics: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/551653175322117/?type=3&theater
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Here are even more reviews on sales of Bella Collina Homes. We must continue to make persons aware of what is occurring.
Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/570440510110050/?type=3&theater
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The Bella Collina Homes needs a new business owner and realtors. This article was well done, Don.
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These homes should be shut down immediately! They are unsanitary!
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Thank you for this article, Don. I will not be considering Bella Collina Homes, nor will I allow my friends or family to consider them. Their prices do not match the type of service and quality that they give. I’ve visited their homes and when asked about the terrible conditions in which some of these homes are, I was promised that they are subject to renovation.
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Not only are their problems with their homes but also with their services. These people are bad at everything. This is why their business cannot prosper.
Check out this review: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/536007473553354/?type=3&theater
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I have had the worst experience with Bella Collina Homes. I purchased a house there and faced a lot of issues. There was no proper security, I felt so unsafe. Additionally, the tap water is never pure. It is always discolored and smelly. I complained about these issues just to be promised that it will be taken care of. However, these promises were never fulfilled.
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These persons are scammers indeed. I contacted them and was given a date to visit. On the agreed date, however, they were a no show and accused me of not being on time. I am glad Don created this article. Now the truth will be out.
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I’m glad I stumbled upon a place where I can get HONEST reviews on Bella Collina Homes. I was told that they are the best in Florida. But thanks to Don, I know the truth.
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They say that the more you look, the more you will find. I did some research after seeing these reviews and stumbled upon another article by Mr. Juravin. It is very informative.
Check it out: https://medium.com/opinion-by-juravin/bella-collina-500-vanity-rich-property-owners-loss-millions-in-scam-fraud-c35af90949d9
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Don Karl Juravin helping people to save their money. Bella Collina is looting customers and they are non-professional.
They are not responsive, I am trying to book a venue by 2 weeks, leaving voicemails too, but no response. It looks like they are not professional. I contacted the coordinator by one of my friends and he again did response me properly. The guys are really non-professional, needs to improve business ethics and learn who to deal with/handle customers.
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Allen, I have experienced this last weekend. I tried to get in contact with them since I was interested in buying a property. However, after at least 20 missed calls and voice messages. I gave up.
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Looks like the same thing has happened to another victim of the Bella Collina scam. How much evidence do we need?
Link: https://www.facebook.com/Bella.collina.reviews/photos/a.295651967588907/536007953553306/?type=3&theater
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