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EVIDENCE
Oswaldo is a third-generation Detroiter. Oswaldo's grandparents migrated from west-central Mexico to Detroit during the 70's to find better job opportunities.
Oswaldo's grandparents soon began to bring family and friends from Jalisco to also find home in Michigan. Over the years, they are able to build a tight-knit community in Southwest Detroit, a neighborhood now recognized for its vibrant Mexican culture.
In 2013, Oswaldo and his family move into a new home - a house once meant for his older brother as a wedding gift from their parents. His older brother's personal and financial problems over the years lead to Oswaldo taking responsibility for the home in his stead and moving in with his family.
Because his older brother took out a second mortgage, this gift of a home has unknowingly turned into a debt...and the bank is ready to collect. Oswaldo finds out his home is in foreclosure upon receiving a sudden letter in the mail, and with only 8 weeks to figure everything out, Oswaldo is left with few choices but to fight back.
Determined to save his home, Oswaldo finds public notice of his home's foreclosure and imminent auction in a obscure legal ledger.
With the help of friends and family, Oswaldo attends the auction in hopes of having enough cash to win his home back...but he's not the only bidder.The buyers at this auction don't want homes, they just want property. It's clear the buyers here are only interested in profit, not people.
Oswaldo finds himself up against a buyer who has come to the auction with a pre-written check of the exact amount needed to buy Oswaldo's home. He tries to appeal to the buyer, but they laugh in his face. However, while he may have been outbid, Oswaldo is not out of options.
Backed by the power of his community, Oswaldo is able to win back his house through a process called 'redemption': a legal practice where one can still reclaim their home after the home has already been sold at a foreclosure sale.
Today, Oswaldo still lives in this home with a clean title and cleared debt. He hopes to keep this home in the family for his children and their children for years to come.

STEAL ESTATE

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