Letters from unknown 'Watcher' spark suit against seller of upscale home and title company
One of their reasons for purchasing a $1.3 million home in Westfield, New Jersey, was the New York City bedroom community’s reputation for safety, the buyers say.
But a letter they received from “The Watcher” a few days after closing destroyed their sense of security, making it impossible for them to live in the home, alleges a Union County lawsuit they filed against the sellers this month. The situation was not improved by subsequent letters; one allegedly stated that the writer, who claims to have previously occupied the home, is “pleased to know your names now and the name of the young blood you have brought to me. Who has the bedrooms facing the street? I’ll know as soon as you move in.”
The suit, which seeks damages for alleged fraud and breach of contract, identifies both buyer and seller, Courthouse News reports, but the article withholds the information to protect their privacy.
Also named as defendants are Chicago Title Insurance Company and A Absolute Escrow Settlement Company. They did not respond to requests for comment from Courthouse News.
