Thursday, November 10, 2011

Dennis Quaid Sues Seller of Austin (TX) Mansion

Turns out global pop music superstar Rihanna isn't the only famous person who's recently filed a toothy lawsuit against the seller of a high-priced mansion. New reports out of Austin, TX reveal the latest high-profile Showbizzer to sue the sellers of a recently renovated residence for which he spent many millions of dollars is actor Dennis Quaid (Great Balls of Fire, The Big Easy and the unfortunate remake of Footloose).

Your Mama discussed the compact, Lake Austin compound in question in January (2011) after Lonestar State tipster Tawny Twostepper tattled to Your Mama about the transaction even before the deal had been completed. At that time the multi-story mansion was no longer on the open market but based on documentation provided by Miss Twostepper we ascertained it was last listed at $12,000,000.

We don't know why and wouldn't dream of making any presumptions or suppositions about the seller's motivation(s) but records we peeped show the property was purchased in mid-February 2011–through a trust–for $5,312,500, a figure notably less than the one-time and obviously optimistic asking price of twelve million clams. The complete property encompasses two lots, one on the water and another on the bluff above it. Unfortunately, the deeds and docs in to which we dug down are bit vague so it's not entirely clear if the above purchase price reflects the total paid for both lots or just for the bluff top section where the massive main house is perched. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Older listing information provided to us by the generous Miss Twostepper shows the main house was remodeled in 2007, measures 11,103 square feet and includes 6 bedrooms and 7 full and 4 half poopers. A bridge and glute-busting staircase connects the bluff-top mansion to the water's edge where there's a swimming pool, boat house and–hot-cha-cha–an FAA-approved helipad.

The Austin 360 website reports the Quaid's filed the lawsuit was filed Monday and charges the sellers Blake and Monica Byram–prominent members of Austin's business, social and philanthropic communities–with "breach of contract, fraud and negligent misrepresentation." Oh dear.

The suit goes on accuse the sellers of making "a number of material representations regarding the condition and characteristics of the property that were false. At the time the various representations were made, defendants knew they were false." More oh dear.

The suit specifies that some of the issues that negatively impact the property's livability and value include, as per Austin 360, "water intrusion and damage; a rat infestation; poor work done during remodeling projects; and that some of the remodeling projects were done without obtaining building permits from the city," issues all of which are alleged in the suit to have been "well known to the Byrams prior to the sale of the property..."And even more oh dear.

We certainly don't have a pony in this parade and make no claims whatsoever as to who might have the better case–buyer or seller–but we have to assume Mister and Missus Quaid spent big bucks to hire numerous, extremely competent engineers and various other types of property inspectors to conduct due diligence before they plunked down millions of dollars for a swank waterside roost. Right? But then again, what do we know.

Mister and Missus Quaid's suit seeks a jury trial to nullify the sale of the property and the return of the purchase price as well as seeking additional damages for expenses related to moving into the mansion, the costs associated with moving out of the mansion and into the rental house in Austin to where they've decamped, compensation for mental anguish, and–natch–court costs and attorney's fees.

Mister and Missus Quaid have lately been in the mood to shake up their property portfolio. They recently put their horsey compound–last listed at $10,000,000–in bucolic Mandeville Canyon area of Los Angeles in escrow. As best as we can tell, they continue to own another even more equestrian-oriented estate nearby. All the celebrity gossips went hog wild a few weeks ago when it was first reported the busy Tinseltowner heaved a Montana ranch on the market with a $14,000,000 price tag and revealed he planned to buy a house in Hawaii where he could indulge his newest passion: surfing.

listing photos: Buckman & Company via Real Estate Space

52 comments:

angie said...

Rat infestation, water damage, poor quality work, and lack of proper building permits. Assuming all of that is true, and if they hired supposedly competent inspectors and engineers to survey and assess the property before purchasing it, and if every single one of those items was missed, we're all doomed, lol. The lack of necessary city building permits is what gets me. Those can't hide behind a wall or under flooring. Someone didn't do their job.

Anonymous said...

His real estate agent was his sister in law, brother Buddy's wife. Did they not bother to check this place out before buying it? Why after nine months of living in the house are they just now filing a lawsuit? Also, since his wife is a real estate agent, looks like she would have checked everything out before buying the place.

Anonymous said...

What the hell do the real estate agents have to do with this?
Clearly 6:44 is a moron that has never bought or sold or owned a home in their life.

A seller lists his property and fills out Seller Disclosure Forms that state the condition of the property etc etc. The buyer receives these forms and then gets an inspection on the property. That is why they are called inspectors and not real estate agents, that is their job, to inspect the property.

Rats? Really? That seems a little far fetched. I doubt an inspector would have missed that. The Quaids are notoriously sue happy so I expect there is some fabrication on their part.

If you don't know about real estate or how the process works, please STFU. A realtor does not live in the house and does not know what was done to it and how it was done, they only know what the owner tells them and affirms. That is why they are suing the owners stupid and not the realtors.

How does a mediocre actor like him amass enough money to buy those properties that he has? Maybe it is from suing people over the years.

Anonymous said...

Good points made 10:43. Someone sure dropped the ball on this OR is it simply the house does not meet the 3rd Missus Quaid's standards? Her father is a contractor here in Austin and her brother a real estate lawyer. Did any of them look the place over before agreeing to buy the "rathole"?

I think the 3rd Missus Quaid must really be a piece of work & Dennis would be much better off without her. When he was married to Meg Ryan (the 2nd Missus Quaid), he was never suing. Lived a quiet life, for the most part & made decent movies. Now that he's with the "trophy wife" it appears he takes on any movie just for the money, always suing someone, or getting away with driving drunk after partying too much.

Why do I get the feeling she is behind the selling of the ranch he has owned for 25 years in MT too?

What's the deal with wanting a jury trial? Thinks because he's a movie star they will be more sympathetic & award more money? With the country/economy in the shape it's in, I don't think too many people are going to feel his pain. I know I don't. Mr Quaid & Missus Quaid may find out how Austin REALLY feels about them.

Why don't you pack up your family, get in that big black Escalade you drive around town & head even further west, like back to CA?

Anonymous said...

I agree with 10:43. Unless the Realtor(s) witnessed rats running across the floor, water coming in the ceiling or any of the other defects, then the liabillity is with the inspectors and sellers (if he can prove they had knowledge and didnt disclose). That said, lawyers go wherever the pockets are. Quaid is creepy anyway. He looks like grandpa with those little kids of his.

Anonymous said...

hope the Quaids prevail....these sellers are dishonest thieves, who have a history of ripping people off....

Anonymous said...

the hand that rocks the cradle

hippocratic oafs

a spoon full of sugar

witch doctors

Haley said...

if the seller's are dishonest why would the Quaids buy a house from them? as a previous poster pointed out Kimberley's whole family is in the real estate business. they had to know their reputation. also, in another article on another site the lawyer pointed out that the Quaids and the sellers are friends. "birds of a feather stick together"
dennis is a real douche himself. i've seen him around Austin a few times this year and every time he has had way too much to drink. he is also known for not being that faithful of a husband.

Anonymous said...

I get the impression the new Mrs. Quaid is a real party girl, who is use to getting exactly what she wants - including a multi-million dollar mansion in her hometown. I'm not sure I would quite call her a trophy wife... but she is definitely costing Dennis alot of money.

Anonymous said...

MAYBE Dennis' crazy ass brother Randy and his nutjob wife were the home inspectors?

Anonymous said...

I'd call the new Mrs Quaid a gold digger because she is not a prize at all. Only ok looking IMHO. Looks anorexic.

Emily said...

Is this all they ever do now? Sue, sue, sue!!

Anonymous said...

Excuse me, these two - oh heck who are we kidding it's QUAID's money, not his golddig.....er....3rd wife - forgot to check this place out properly and now they want me to feel sorry for them? NO WAY! Plus if you live near water, you can expect certain problems. DOn't go complaining about it afterwards.

They perhaps should sue Dennis sister in law who got them to this place. And I'm sure his wife had her say in this too, like with the Palisades place that is now making a 4 mill. LOSS.

I hope they get nothing out of this lawsuit. They....I mean Dennis is more than rich enough. Take your losses Dennis and don't listen to your in-laws or your wife the next time!

Steve Mawson said...

I smell a rat.

Me thinks that this wooden, stilted, ham actor Quaid, thinks he can make a pretty penny from this legal action. Well MAYBE HE CAN.

It surely will be more than he makes as an actor.

Now it goes to show not only is he a bad actor, he really is quite stupid too, if he was in fact "duped".

Anonymous said...

Such nasty attention and shall we say deep and fervent interest in the real estate misfortune's of a movie star! And when one doesn't know the "ins and outs" of the agreement on the property or indeed the principles involved in said real estate agreements! Methinks some people are more than just nasty busybodies. Disgruntled fans/stalkers, mayhap? Keeping close tabs on the Quaids for sure, and kind of creepy!

Anonymous said...

What brings you to this site 2:44 pm? How did you find it unless you too were doing a search on loser Quaid? Me thinks you are a creepy, obsessed Quaid fan feeling a need to come to his defense, especially since you are only the 2nd poster who has done so.

Anonymous said...

Here's an interesting question: why in the world did Dennis let his people leak this rather embarassing story? Why does he want the media's attention for this?

Anonymous said...

One does have to wonder why his people did leak this story. Possibly to help sway potential jurors? Or to let the sellers know they mean business & will ruin them by use of the media?

Anonymous said...

The media can find out anything these days. Filing a lawsuit becomes public record, and when you have an unusual name like "Quaid" I'm sure it wasn't too difficult to notice. I don't think it was a planned media leak.

Anonymous said...

If the home was inspected and in texas all home are to be inspected by a lisc, home inspector all of this would have been pointed out . then repairs or adjustments made . water intrusion and rats have the tel tel signs and are hard to cover up . addons should always have permitts . I would not have bought the home with these condition until they were fixed . Thats my thgought for thr day Denny L West Top To Bottom Inspection Services North Baltimore Ohio inspectordenny@hotmail.com

Deke said...

Agree with previous poster (7:04 a.m.) Don't think most people would buy this home under those conditions. However, I think they were well aware of what was wrong too when they bought it. That's why they were able to buy the home for $5.3 million instead of the asking price of $12 million. Something fishy about all of this & the Quaids are not the innocent victims they claim to be.

Anonymous said...

If the Byrams made material misrepresentations on the Seller's Disclosure Statement and the Quaids can prove the Sellers knew they were lying, Blake had better get out his ever-shrinking checkbook because he is going to have to buy back the rats' nest on the lake. I can't imagine, after all this press, that anyone will be rushing to pay much for this property anytime soon... and certainly nothing close to the $10 million the Byrams brag all over town they sold it for.

Anonymous said...

It literally has rained in Austin only like 5 times this year -- Austin is experiencing the hottest year and one of the worst droughts on record -- so if they are having water intrusion problems now, they are truly screwed (or lying). Wait until it really rains!!! Looks like a pretty house from the few pictures.

Aiden said...

What's the latest on the lawsuit? Still suing or have they settled? Anyone know?

Anonymous said...

I've known the Byrams and Kimberly since she was a Buffington in her "most beautiful" days. She used to date my brother. (She used to date everyone's brother.) Her dad and sister are sweeties. My take is that used the wrong agent to buy a multimillion dollar property from a couple with well known money issues. Their own agent partied with me at that house with the Byrams just before they listed it. She's way young, way unexperienced. Her Broker should have known better. I'm surprised her Broker isn't being sued, too. If they had been more synced in with Austin, they would have used Tosca or Cord or someone who deals with multimillion dollar properties who isn't buddies with the Byrams. The Byrams will never make this right unless big daddy John gets involved for the sake of family "reputation" (as if they have one to protect). I've heard they have lots of legal actions against them or pending and their new neighbors hate them (more building without permits). Someday someone with a real ax to grind will bring down the Byrams, but I doubt it will be the Quaids. No one feels sorry for a super rich movie star with a seemingly perfect life. At least they seem happy. My friend took her child to a birthday party at a Westlake rental house where they are staying and said it was not "Hollywood" at all, that Dennis and Kimberly were just hanging out with all the kids and parents and being normal with family and friends and kids running all around. I hope for those kids sake that they move on and make a good life in Austin. Suing the idiot Byrums will get you no where.

Anonymous said...

Some questions for the previous poster (12/17)

Since you claim to know the Buffington's, can you explain why they did not make sure this home was inspected properly? As pointed out in other posts, Tom Buffington is a well known contractor here in Austin. Blake (Kimberly's brother) is a real estate lawyer & Kimberly holds a real estate license. You'd think she would have noticed all the defects in the home.

As for their agent, she is married to Dennis' brother, but you should know that since you partied with her.

Not so sure how "happy" they really are. The times I've run into Dennis since he moved here, he has been very inebriated. There are also those pesky rumors of his cheating that don't ever go away. Don't think Kimberly has much of a prize with him. I remember her marrying the very handsome David Patton. What a lovely couple they made. Too bad it didn't work out.

Brent said...

Are Dennis and Kimberly still together? I found this on a tennis blog and remembered there was some problem about the house here in Austin. Anyone know if they are still together? http://besabella.com/2012/02/14/serena-williams-hitting-partner-sascha-bajin-gets-the-dennis-quaid-treatment/

KK said...

Pretty sure that they are. I doubt Dennis Quaid was at some party with Serena Williams. Sascha Bajin's twitter account doesn't even have any pictures of him playing the piano.

Anonymous said...

Since when does there have to be pictures accompaning a story for it to be true? Serena's Twitter account is verified & being a tennis fan I have heard of Sascha Bajin & knew he was her hitting partner & friend. Besides the party was at Serena's Los Angeles home & even she tweeted some about it. Maybe she told everyone there no pics & being in her home they respected her request. One other person there tweeted about Quaid playing the piano that night too. There were several sightings of Quaid in L.A. at this time, but no pictures so obviously it must not be true. (insert eyes rolling) My gut says it happened. Very much sounds like something Quaid would do knowing his history.

Shopgirl said...

All these real estate and serena shenanigans are making a lot more sense now that mrs. quaid filed for de-vorce! Looks like its going to be nasty too!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad he finally got caught. He was womanizing back in 2006 when I met him at a party in Austin. Why do men think they will never get caught?

Anonymous said...

the filing of divorce did not last long. kimberly canceled the papers. seems love of money and a life of glamour is much more important to her than the fact her husband has been cheating on her for years. bit of advise kimberly, he's not going to change and this just makes you look weak and pathetic.

GCB said...

Talk at the beauty parlor is the Quaids have packed up and moved back to California. Anyone else heard this rumor? Can't believe our sweet Kimberly took that sleazy cheater back. She deserves so much better.

Anonymous said...

I know Blake and Monica Byram and experienced first hand their dishonesty and threats of lawsuit based entirely on their lies. They wanted something I had, and tried hurting my husband and me in order ot get it. It really hurt us and we had many sleepless nights. They are greedy, scary people. It was truly horrifying. I am amazed that the Byrams have not been charged with crimes in the past as at the time of my experince with them over ten years ago, they already had a bad reputation in Austin of going after innocent people in town through lawsuits and threats. They are truly awful. Apparently family money has rescued them for many years. At what point do their lies and cheating catch up with them? We were put through hell years ago and lost quite a bit of money that I did not have to lose. The Byrams go after people who have much less than they do. They are evil and I believe this is karma. I wish the Quaids luck in this lawsuit and am very happy that finally someone with the means to fight back against this family's constant attacks and force of ill will against good people in town is doing so. I hope to hear about the right outcome of this suit, and that outcome would be against the Byrams.

Bethany said...

What has happened to this home now that the Quaid family has moved back to L.A? And the lawsuit? Anyone know?

Bethany said...

What has happened to this home now that the Quaid family has moved back to L.A? And the lawsuit? Anyone know?

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Here's an interesting factoid that demonstrates Blake Byram's character: BLAKE DILLON BYRAM was arrested in Bee Cave, TX for theft of property with value in excess of $1,500.00 (a FELONY) from a local firearms store. Check the arrest record. The guy is literally a thief!!!

Anonymous said...

More trouble for Blake Byram... His companies up in Georgetown, TX that operate a fixed base operator (FBO) at Georgetown airport have all filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. This is the way he operates... Contract a lot of contractors to do a lot of work of work for you, don't pay the contractors and then file for bankruptcy. Does it really seem far-fetched that he wouldn't properly disclose that the house he was selling had previous rat infestation or water penetration issues?!?!?

Anonymous said...

He was caught red handed on store video at Sportsmans finest removing and concealing a scope from a rifle. His mugshot is on a "busted" mug shot website. Why rich folks steal is beyond me.

Anonymous said...

Felony arrest for theft of property greater than $1,500... I guess Blake's big smile and insincere slap-on-the-back bravado has been covering up a more sinister, dark reality. His mother must be turning over in her grave. His father must be humiliated to see what his son has become -- an all-hype, no-substance thief who steals from his friends and then expects leniency when he gets caught. Hang in there, Charles. He's probably been stealing from you for years right under your nose. This is just the first time he got caught. What a monumental thrill It must be to hold this creap accountable for his actions. The man has no character, whatsoever.

Anonymous said...

Blake Byram was arrested for felony theft for stealing from his buddy? Does this surprise anyone who has known him for any amount of time? Look at the pattern of deceit. How nice to see him finally get what he deserves. I hope Blake doesn't get off on a technicality. I hope the poor victim doesn't get intimidated or charmed out of the process of law enforcement and the judicial system dispensing judgement on him. It's about time he be held accountable for his actions by his community... By the law!!! Karma is a real &$@#%, Blake! You can't just lie, charm and cheat your way out of this one.

Anonymous said...

What a monumental disappointment. You slap a buddy on the back and then you steal thousands of dollars of merchandise out of your friend's store? Really, Blake? Have you no moral compass? Have you no integrity? You have soiled the Byram name in Austin so many times over the years. But now you've really outdone yourself. Felony theft! And even worse, you abused a friend's trust. How will anyone ever trust you with anything ever again? I'm just glad your sweet mother, RIP, isn't here to see how far off the straight and narrow you have strayed. Straighten up, young man. Stop making excuses. Take responsibility for your actions and change your behavior before you lose everything important in your life. Your folks raised you better than this.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know... Has Blake Byram's felony theft criminal trial been placed on the court docket, yet?

Anonymous said...

Cause # D-1-DC-13-600410 Travis County Criminal Court 167th At 9:00am on May 29th 2014. Blake Dillingham Byram, Defendent. FELONY THEFT >=$1,500<$20K

HOW HUMILIATING!!!!

Anonymous said...

Blake Byram was arrested for felony theft in Austin Texas in 2013 and his trial was scheduled in Travis County Criminal Court 167th on May 29, 2014 (Case # D-1-DC-13-600410). Was he convicted? Was the case continued? What happened? Does anyone know?

Anonymous said...

The trial date was continued until June 26, 2014. Stalling won't change the outcome which should be a slam-dunk conviction. We will see, soon enough.

Anonymous said...

Why are so many people watching this and so quick to condemn this man?

Anonymous said...

The reason so many people are watching is because Blake has cheated and hurt lots of good people . He has been caught stealing from Sportsmans Finest and the theft was captured on video so the outcome on this one is not in doubt. This time Blake will have to pay for his behavior .

Anonymous said...

He is a talented liar and Con Man . Extremely toxic individual !

Anonymous said...

I was curious about Dennis Quaid and am fascinated by this back-story about the seller of the house. My husband is from Texas and he said when he lived there, if someone stole something from or disrespected a friend, they'd drag the guy out of the county behind a pickup truck. Someone should write a book about the psychosis of rich people who get there through lies, deceit and intimidation. Everyone know scumbags like Mr. Byram and they'd sell a million copies. Please refresh this blog so we can follow the outcome of the trial.

Anonymous said...

Go to Austinmugs.com if you want to see a real loser who is a true con artist. This guy should move out of the country and change his name. Everyone in town knows the truth and, the story. blake has cheated everyone and, stolen from his friends for years. Sad because he came from such a wealthy nice family. His mother who was a wonderful and classy lady would be devastated.