Maassen
An Alton couple alleges the people who bought their Godfrey home have failed to make adequate payments on it.
Louis J. Zimmerman and Jamie L. Zimmerman claim they sold their home at 332 Tremont Dr. in Godfrey to defendants Joseph and Lisa Welch in May 2000. In their complaint, the Zimmermans allege the Welches agreed to make payments of $600 per month until the contract on the house was paid off.
Later, in October 2007, the Welches wanted to add a pool, deck, hot tub, family room and two bedrooms to the property, according to the complaint filed May 14 in Jefferson County District Court.
In order to pay for the improvements, the Zimmermans agreed to take out a second mortgage for $68,000. The couple secured the mortgage with their home at 8621 Seven Hill Dr. in Alton, the suit states.
After obtaining the funds from the second mortgage, the Zimmermans gave $20,443 to the Welches, the complaint says. In turn, the Welches' mortgage payments on their Godfrey home were adjusted, the Zimmermans claim.
Although the Welches continued to make required payments through March 2011, they have since failed to pay for their mortgage, according to the complaint.
"Out of a total of 240 monthly payments, the Defendants have made 40 monthly payments and 200 monthly payments of $581.47 each remain due and owing," the suit states.
Not only have the Welches stopped making their mortgage payments, but they have also failed to pay their property taxes, the complaint says.
The Zimmermans claim they have incurred various other expenses, such as painting, plumbing repairs and flooring, to repair the Godfrey home in which the Welches were living.
"Plaintiff Louis Zimmerman has expended approximately 735 hours in time at $20 per hour, totaling $15,700; Plaintiff Jamie Zimmerman has expended time in making necessary repairs to the real estate, a total of 200 hours at the rate of $20 per hour, totaling $4,000," the suit states.
In their complaint, the Zimmermans are seeking a judgment of more than $180,844.82, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
They will be represented by Stephen J. Maassen of Hoagland, Fitzgerald and Pranaitis in Alton.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-662.