DISGUSTING! 5 Ways Real Estate Investors Prey On People!

[@beverlyhernandez2148]

Please do not hesitate to name drop the investment firms so we all know who they are.

[@andyhughes1776]

And we wonder why there are so many homeless/unhoused people today.

[@djack915]

Really , REALLY love this gal ! Preaching the TRUTH !

[@harrymyhero]

I completely agree. We live in Ohio, bought our house 31 years ago, and we just turned 65. It looks like we will have to live here until we die

[@worldlife9834]

Housing problems are a global problem. This is a massive topic because of the international similarities

[@michaeltorrey3603]

I would love to downsize to a mobile home retirement community but won’t now because of fear the park gets bought out by one of these evil investors. This is capitalism at its worst, very disheartening.

[@eattherich9215]

Unless you can get into a park where the tenants own the land, you will always be at the mercy of vulture capitalists.

[@jeanschultz8857]

It should be that the tenants get first right of refusal before selling the land underneath their homes to investors.

[@junetegtmeier1426]

As a Las Vegas Realtor I would like to thank you for always showing that there are some of us who actually care about our clients. This scenario is exactly why I have maintained my license for 20 years, the thought of someone I care about being taken advantage enrages me. I can not tell you the amount of “investors” that email and text me looking for off market properties, drives me crazy! Not all agents are driven by dollars. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@rem1762]

Vegas real estate is about to crash big time just like Phoenix is right now. Not to mention all those bodies found at the Lake Mead location in weighted barrels brought to you by the mob throughout the years.

[@tacmason]

Good points Kristina, Humorous delivery, but Sincere in all the important places !

[@Leafrench1]

Thanks Kristina for another awesome video. It is disgusting that realtors want to make a buck off peoples tragedies. I have friends that are stuck paying a ridiculous amount for rent in a mobile home park. My daughter was a victim as well. It cost her a fortune to move it. It cost her almost $10,000 to move and reset it up. There were disabled vets living in this park. They kicked them out in the street. Some of these people were missing legs. I want to start a small home community here in Shreveport and Bossier. One that’s affordable and a reasonable price. I would even start an affordable mobile home park, if I could get some investors behind me.

[@dca3092]

Yup. 3 days after the tragedy the sharks were already circling. Stay strong kanaka and kama’āina. We will rebuild in time.

[@lenoywoolridge220]

I live in San Antonio actually a suburb called Schertz and I saw those tiny houses you posted and though the same thing. My step children have been trying to purchase a home for over a year since they got married and it is not working out to the point that we are going to buy land and start a family compound. I looked at my mortgage which I got 4 years ago and thank God for VA loans and the lower interest rates. Had I built the same house today my mortgage would be 2 and a half times more even with VA!!! They have also built several build to rent spots here as we are close to New Braunfels and have good schools. Keep up your good works and you will be rewarded.

[@dianetraynere]

Thank you for being the honest realtor.

[@ube2slow]

I 100% agree with everything you talked about. How in the world others don't see this is insane. There are just to many greedy sob's in this world. Great video!

[@buckbiro]

The low-income housing tenants may have a class action law suit against the Volunteer Mgmt. Company. The company's representative robbed these poor people, thus, the company robbed these poor people (unless she was an independent contractor).

[@desiv1170]

American people: Lawyers are the worst people ever... Realtors: Hold my beer... (sorry.. I know it's not ALL realtors, but the ones calling people in Lahaina are just the worst!!! Grrr!!!)

[@avenger1212]

So, this is where humanity is. People used to live in communities, meaning they knew their neighbors. Neighbors would help each other, whether it's sharing skills or getting crops in the barn in time. They invested in each other. People today don't even know their neighbors names, and wouldn't lift a finger for them unless there's profit to made from it. We value each other based on how much money can be made from one another, not people who also desire peace and joy in their lives.

[@jomr4249]

Now people are getting pushed out of their communities becasie people from higher income states are taking advantage. My state has become completely gentrified within 2-3 years, house prices tripled, and only people that can afford are people from out of state.

[@cb5516]

@avenger1212 Glad you've realized where we are as a society. You're not wrong even though it's sad. Bottom line, get your money.

[@kevkeisha]

What "Golden era" was this exactly?

[@RobD1]

If you don't know your neighbors and their names, is because you don't make an effort to get to know them... I know all of my neighbors and their names and we get along fine! Even some more than a few houses down the street!

[@mariecameau097]

Not anymore

[@jenna6256]

Maybe neighborhoods should form an HOA and all homes must be owner occupied. That is how it is in my neighborhood in PA

[@jasonschwartz8507]

Ah yes certainly having exclusionary deed restrictions that only permit people wealthy enough to afford a down payment and mortgage to live in a neighborhood will make housing more attainable! Undesirable renters need not apply!

[@JC-vq2cs]

Re eviction laws Utah's is appalling - 3 days for any reason. Main eviction lawyer is on state legislature. Renters are so vulnerable, which is why buying a place is so critical if people can swing it - on owned or land trust land.

[@cherylallred1900]

I live in a mobile home park in northern Colorado. My lot rent is $765 plus an extra $10 for pet rent.

[@wegotit2587]

Names…we need names and the companies responsible too, that way they will never be able to do this to anyone again!

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

As soon as it’s confirmed on who they are I will name drop.

[@growlinbear]

Your topics are great and need a lot more attention! This country really needs to make a change. The greed bubble is unsustainable!

[@tessw9744]

I saw a lot of slimey stuff in 2021-2022 just being on real estate websites. I'd see a house sell and the next month sell again for $100,000 more! And I saw this *frequently.* What a racket! 😂 They were flipping houses without doing a thing.

[@fecat93]

I am not a realtor or real estate investor, but if my house was destroyed I would want the option of walking away. I would want to see any offers as they're offers not ultimatums. My in-laws live in a townhome and the unit next to theirs was arson-ed, which made their property unlivable. They lived in a hotel for 10 months for everything to be resolved. In the same situation I would rather buy a livable vacant house within a month than live with 2 dogs in a hotel or apartment for 10 months.

[@kriscree8627]

I am so glad you posted this video. It's all so true!

[@denisemarie485]

I have been so fed up with housing prices for years now. My husband just lost his job. He had about 1.5 years until retirement. We had medical debts and a car payment due to a bad accident. We can't afford to move to a cheaper state and can't afford our rent. Our choice is to cheaply convert a cargo trailer to live in with some camping gear we had. I feel grateful we can at least have that. Many homeless here are seniors on the streets in tents. I never in my life ever worried about a roof over my head. This world has gone insane.

[@duanejahn2368]

In reality, money ALWAYS wins. The convenience of walking away from destroyed property with some money and not having to experience waiting for the property to be rebuilt is enticing for some.

[@curiousworld7912]

We have ceased to be a society; we're nothing more than an economy, and each of us are merely 'economic, consumer units'. Profit is the only 'value' we seem to hold, any longer.

[@solitairecat1]

Well said!

[@curiousworld7912]

@@solitairecat1 As a friend of mine put it, 'If you want to live the 'American dream' - move to Denmark.' :)

[@KenUrbanek]

I am truly saddened by what I am seeing, thanks Kristina for bringing light to these situations 😇

[@Allen-by6ci]

Great video... I agree with your sentiments

[@jovi922]

Great video… love the topic. As a realtor I don’t have a lot of experience with mobile homes but I always thought it would be a cash cow. If the mobile parks were better maintained and had landscaping they would look much better.

[@eattherich9215]

'If the mobile parks were better maintained ...' That is the job of the land owner, which I am sure is part of the agreement with the tenants.

[@jovi922]

@@eattherich9215 absolutely. The land owner of the mobile park should enhance the land. Maintain the interior streets and landscaping. I think it could increase everyone one invested values.

[@realMacMadame]

They are already a cash cow. Even the rundown ones. Unless you are protected by rent control, the owners of these parks will jack up prices every year because they know that the homeowners can't easily move their mobile homes to some place cheaper. It's a captive audience.

[@noreenn6976]

Regarding Lennar, I found an article from May saying the homes would be $160-170k, yhey better have granite countertops and high rnd appliances for that price, ridicilous.

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

They dropped the price from 135 to 127k. My guess they will start moving when they reach the 110k range.

[@ricetxpeaches]

Kristina, the process you describe at around 2:15 is wholesaling, and I completely agree! Most wholesalers I’ve encountered only ask for an extra $5k or $10k, but I do not understand how they feel it’s ethical to find a buyer and profit rather than just connect the buyer with the seller.

[@paulsanabria8977]

Another great informative video. Love it. Be blessed to be blessed.

[@carolwilliams2356]

You are the best at what you do. You cover a lot of ground and always entertain in the process. Keep it up, please.

[@craigcaggiano431]

Thank you for sharing this information. What happens after a disaster to people & their properties when they can’t afford to rebuild ? When is not considered predatory to ask residence who may not have (flood) insurance on their property if they want to sell? It’s tough how can we help them?

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

You can put yourself on a registry if you want to sell. You can contact a realtor if you want to sell. You can contact a lawyer if you want to sell. The point is that the owner makes the first move not someone waiting in the wings like a vulture.

[@craigcaggiano431]

@@KristinaSmallhorn thank you for this insight.. it’s very helpful to know.

[@jer1776]

Perfect example of why we cant have a completely free market for anything.

[@natalieoj3078]

This greed is out of control the govt is to blame from every side allowing the realtors to do whatever they want and allowing the investors the same. This is sickening! Their games played sickening! All of this crap needs serious regulations and NOW!

[@eattherich9215]

It is disgusting, but no government is going to stand in the way of the corporations and the rich skinning the American people. Propagandists are blaming the WEF and Soros, but America has been tightening the screws on the less fortunate for decades.

[@jasonschwartz8507]

How will more regulations increase the supply of housing?

[@natalieoj3078]

it's not just about the supply!@@jasonschwartz8507

[@natalieoj3078]

we also didn't have this mess until the 0% interest rates and the money printing. The govt needs to fix this but all they know is bail outs...

[@falsificationism]

Thank you Kristina for consistently GETTING it!!!!

[@ashbyandrus1917]

Also, there is a growing movement of violence in this country which means if these investors get too greedy and mess with the wrong family, they might themselves regret the day they were born

[@sarahmailevasconcellos3197]

Mahalo Kristina for this story. I live on Oʻahu, and can believe what is happening in Lahaina. Thank you for reiterating that the people of Hawaii should stay there and not be bought out ever but especially at the hardest moment of their lives. Thank you for your empathy and for speaking out.

[@yolantasmith5630]

Day, one to build 15 minutes city

[@lauranewbie8765]

$125. Dollars rent!! 😲 I pay $900. Dollars a month rent, plus utilities here in California, and I own the mobile home. 😥 It really scares me that this park might be sold, and then what?! I can't move this thing! I should sell it before that happens. 😣😔

[@wonhur885]

Stocks are pretty unstable at the moment, but if you do the right math, you should be just fine. Bloomberg and other finance media have been recording cases of folks gaining over 250k just in a matter of weeks/couple months, so I think there are a lot of wealth transfer in this downtime if you know where to look.

[@wonhur885]

Such market uncertainties are the reason I don’t base my market judgements and decisions on rumours and here-says, got the best of me 2020 and had me holding worthless position in the market, I had to revamp my entire portfolio through the aid of an advisor, before I started seeing any significant results happens in my portfolio, been using the same advisor and I’ve scaled up 750k within 2 years.

[@wonhur885]

Having a counsellor is essential for portfolio diversification. My advisor ASHLEY AIRAGAHI who is easily searchable and has extensive knowledge of the financial markets.

[@songweaver8638]

I imagine a lot of these families are destitute and these predators are no doubt offering them rock bottom dollar.

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

Exactly.

[@zerotodeal]

Buyers determine the market I believe the build to rent should have the option to buy at any time the renter decides to buy the house. The previous rent won't be taken into consideration but I believe should always be an option.

[@eattherich9215]

The build to rent model is "sure thing" that can keep accumulating profits with ever higher rents and new junk fees to add to the existing menu. Once you have sold a house, you have lost the ability to continue deriving income UNLESS there is a HOA.

[@zerotodeal]

@@eattherich9215 never know when a truly consumer minded investor will be born. Where money is not the end factor.

[@stephaniecheckleyrealestate]

Horrendous! Thanks for sharing - great video.

[@AQUARIASGOLDENAGE]

Ty for posting this on Your Channel, Honey. This is disgusting. And yes, I'm another One that feels these "fires, not only in Hawaii but other places" are on purpose. I'm not the only one. It's disgusted. Ty for the info❤❤❤

[@SarahJamesJazz]

I'd like to know who these people are that are trying to buy the residents land in the Maui fires? They obviously set the fires to build "generational wealth" for their own. New Laws must be passed to stop the predatory buying and there should be an REAL INVESTIGATION INTO HOW THE FIRES STARTED. That would tell a great deal about who will be intentionally profiting from this tragedy.

[@yourloyalfollower6667]

I live in a mobile home community in a home that my grandfather purchased about 14 years ago. He bought it like a house. He owns the land and the home that sits on it. It’s considered a house somehow.

[@pedroramires5049]

Do you still pay hoa.are you sure he owns the land

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Those are way too small and cramped… and overpriced, to add final mucus cherry on top of the shitcake. I’m so sick of predatory real estate investors and small building promoters. We need variety of house building of many sizes. We don’t all need or want to live in a coffin or shoebox.

[@Metonymy1979]

Good lord, these stories are nightmares. Disgusting. Also, it's definitely illegal for real estate management companies to ask renters to pay for a theft by their own employees. Unless it's specifically stated in their lease contracts, which I highly doubt. I'm glad someone got in contact with the media about this because thats just horrible trying to squeeze low income people to pay for your mistakes.

[@xmarksthespot8216]

Does it make a difference if you have land lease?

[@AQUARIASGOLDENAGE]

The "Build to rent" by us in Arizona, there single story, right on top of each other(not exaggerating at all, ) the one and two bdrms houng for 2300. To 2500. A month. A MONTH! You can view them on a computer, not even in person! I kid You not. You wouldn't believe them if you saw them, and the price. No yard. No grass. You can stick a small barbecue out your window,if its a 2 bdrm one

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

If supply of affordable homes are squeezed out people have no choice but to rent. I’m horrified this is the answer people have come up with for the affordability crisis.

[@AQUARIASGOLDENAGE]

@@KristinaSmallhorn Yes. Idk how They're affording to live in them. They're separated house apartments for a huge price. The rent and housing in our state has skyrocketed to where no one Who is originally from here can afford to buy or rent a place and many are getting put on the street from greedy landlords knowing they can charge more now so more homeless now

[@TheRoom2Breathe]

Super Informative

[@badassbenny1010]

Whats going on in Reno Nevada?

[@kdockrey]

This doesn’t surprise me. Sadly, this is a dream come true for many developers there. Now, theyll develop more hotels and luxury housing for tourism and the workers will be lucky to rent a shanti that they wont be able to afford.

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

It’s terrible.

[@ilya9757]

Hi Kristina, love your channel, ran a simulation for building new homes in California, with a full Excel based sim for pricing models, with prices ranging from $135,000 for a 600+ sq ft home with a 2,400 sq ft lot to $290,000 for a 1,360 square foot home with a 3,750 sq ft lot, but this is for the east part of the state. Do those prices seem fair to you?

[@kevkeisha]

This has prevented Puerto Rico from recovering and is destroying it even more. It's a supercharged way of changing the demographics that live in a region.

[@amadeuschats]

Exactly this is so disgusting!! There is one Hawaii real estate you tuber that is kinda suspicious and I wouldn't trust him!! I feel so bad for these poor people. There is so much misinformation now and unfortunately it is so hard to tell what is truth. So heart breaking!!

[@RodNubianKing]

Hawaii Government DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS NOW!

[@ChrisCook-u1p]

Thank you for this video, confirms what I thought about RE Investors, I will be making a trend in opposite direction

[@JC-vq2cs]

Agree that micro units are predatory in many cases much as I support ADUs in general

[@armalu3270]

Sounds just like the modern-day funeral home industry.

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

I was thinking that myself.

[@chadrowland5234]

This truly is disgusting. This is exactly why people all think that all real estate agents are criminals. Everyone has heard horror stories about real estate agents pulling this and now all real estate agents are criminals. I know a friend from high school who she was a real estate agent and she had to find a new career and become a flight attendant all because people looked at her and didn't trust her.

[@ace-lt8ry]

Your amazing thank you..

[@gregcampbell1729]

Investors have to price rentals just under the monthly mortgage amount because we need to make money. We have to pay the higher mortgage rates, we have to save up 20% plus for the down payment, property tax, income tax, insurance, maintenance, yard work, etc... Most importantly, we have to pay the risk factor, meaning the unknown. If the house sits empty we still have to pay all those bills. I'm no Blackrock, but I'd imagine they have to deal with the same things on a much larger scale while keeping their stockholders smiling. My wife and I are 9-5 workers that risk everything to be landlords, we will always look for an advantage if possible to get ahead.

[@eileeneclark9011]

8/28/23...THIS ALSO HAPPENED IN 2008 THRU 2012 IN ATLANTA AREA... IT INVOLVED LOTS OF SPORTS PPL/ ATHLETES FLIPPING HOUSE 3 TIMES IN 1 DAY!

[@DaveyBooBoo]

We need to first tackle government lobbying

[@thentil]

Capitalism! Markets! Shareholders! Just example 76 of 27,000 how the wealthy transfer wealth from poor to rich. One of these groups has all the lawmakers on their payroll; good luck getting government incentives.

[@eddiecb350]

As much as I despise government involvement in private business, you're correct. It will take government action to stop this trend. There are HOAs that are putting by-laws in their covenants to prohibit rental properties, but that won't make the change happen in our lifetime.

[@vicw9223]

Many situations require government involvement in private business. Tyson foods bussing people from Mexico to work in their factories, tax filing software using dishonest practices and paying legislators to prevent the government from implementing direct filing options (as they have in countries that aren't completely owned and operated by and for corporations), etc. The list goes on (and on, and on, and on).

[@eddiecb350]

@@vicw9223 keep on topic.

[@eattherich9215]

They are 'on topic' since you were talking about government involvement.

[@jasonschwartz8507]

Indeed if only we had more restrictive covenants and deed restricted HOA communities we can solve the housing crisis!

[@sunset1300]

This is like in Phoenix. Investors bought up the older trailer parks and is evicting everyone. Trailers too old to move so guess what more homeless.

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

So disgusting.

[@celticfiddle7605]

What a HORROR STORY Kristina!!! Poor people!! So sad!!!!

[@tanyajessop8063]

I don't care what anybody thinks about what happened in Lahaina it was done on purpose. The developers want that land and have always wanted it! They know that probably 90% of them have no insurance to rebuild there homes and if they do it's not enough! It's a sick world we have become everything is about money & drugs & violence! Hurting anyone to get what you want ! It's so sad watching the news now day's. Stay safe out there everyone hold your family tight and tell them you love them. LOVE & PEACE to everyone.💕

[@SarahJamesJazz]

Investigate the true origin of the fires and prosecute.

[@patsfan8057]

Great video! You're one of the few that are actually pulling back the curtain on what the actual plan is, i.e.: " You will own nothing and be happy. " The only thing I would add is that it wouldn't make a whole lot of difference how many houses get built if there are no restrictions on what these vultures are allowed to buy..

[@richarddaigle8777]

What do you mean investors? This was done by the governement. Didnt they put in a clause saying only they could buy and anyone else was barred?

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

Who pays for politicians campaigns with super pacs? That’s right, Wall Street investors. Politicians are just puppets to Wall Street.

[@jennna17]

Wall Street has manipulated capitalism to work for big cooperate only across all fields. Leaving the average American out in the cold. And I believe in capitalism- but not this kind.

[@patientzero291]

You buy small compact location, because of it's proximity with your money maker(a.k.a. Job). You buy a big plot of land outside the major cities and a small condo unit within the jobs and amenities

[@RED-cy7ig]

First there were predatory loans. Then the 2008 downturn. Now investors are preying on any kind of people. Because they are part of a corporation it's practically legal.

[@libbywish7123]

It’s absolutely predatory. There should be limits on build to rent garbage.

[@zerotodeal]

You never know who will decide to sell and move if you don't ask. You can't assume there are no people that want to sell. Buy yes It should be land plus house plus mark up before fire value.

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

3 days after your home is destroyed is not the time. It’s no different than ambulance chasers. Feeding off people when they are grieving is disgusting and disrespectful.

[@zerotodeal]

@KristinaSmallhorn Sure it is. It's their choice to know options and to know they even have options. The process could be made better. They could be put on a registry if they are open to solicitation. Similar to do not call list.

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

@@zerotodeal we are way past that now.

[@zerotodeal]

@@KristinaSmallhorn So things can never change?

[@spinmouth4114]

Real Estate sale under duress is illegal. Yet real estate investors are always HUNTING for a MOTIVATED SELLER. The law is rarely enforced. The do nothing real estate boards are POWERLESS to stop investors as almost always they are not licensed ,on purpose, "lawmakers" are powerless or lazy because real estate isn't scrutinized like insider trading on wallstreet, yet touted as an alternative investment on wallstreet by several wallstreet ibuyers like OpenDoor, Offerpad, BlackRock, etc. Politicians are fond of redevelopment agencies slush fund, pay to play, buying on the cheap, infill, rezoning, you know tge dark underbelly of real estate is an will CONTINUE to be the wealth gap in America as it becomes a renter nation. Uncle Scam offer $700 for land in HI of all places, especially in that area shows how OFF our government numbers are out of touch with reality. Transitory geriatric leadership at its worst as boomers hold onto the scepter far too long....

[@ismaelcruz3315]

They are dirt bags and this should be illegal!

[@TheLovely990]

A lot of people who have no empathy, or care about anyone but themselves. Look at New Orleans this is sad.

[@amandamcadam114]

The place where I currently live does a tradeoff, you can build your large homes as long as you build a few smaller ones. But all that happens is people buy the smaller townhomes and in 7 years the home is almost double what its worth, they sell it and either buy a local home, or go somewhere more affordable and pocket the cash. And now the townhome or smaller house is unaffordable. I know people my area hate regulation, but you have to have some tight rules in place, and some legal teeth

[@melk9809]

I am a 24 year old man who doesn't come from money and is living paycheck to paycheck. My hobbies and mental health are pounting towards a future where I live in my own tiny home eco village. I want to build and be a part of a supportive community. There are already tiny home eco villages where I live, but I am more leaning to potentially create one. Where would you suggest I start. As much as I know I wouldn't be able to afford anything at the moment, I would like some guidance or help maybe on where a hood place is to start. If anyone does have any suggestions, my ears are open.

[@annscott900]

EVIL people DO this !! NOT a decent human being.

[@scmarinemom24]

The greed in America has reached an all time high. It's disgusting.

[@Slide61]

I have so many stories around realtors and ethics it's scary. I try to keep realtors out of any deal I am doing now.

[@amadeuschats]

Thank you Kristina for this information. Knowledge is Power!

[@ShakaCthulu]

Read the book The Predator State by James Galbraith.

[@FloppityFlopFlop777]

This is sick. Truly. Lord, help us.

[@paigerogers9618]

Investors tell you they will pay you full market value. But what they're offering is your county appraisal districts "full market value". They are stealing thousands from people who fall for this.

[@nevadabadger7925]

Greetings from Reno, Nevada.

[@cwilson8158]

Hello, I'm a Cancer and under treatment surgery landlord was realtor pushed out Senior 2 week into chemo & Radiation. Have been live this right now. Seeing it with us no matter what happens by getting Cancer and being a Senior

[@bladeprime8426]

How is it bad to offer to buy something? How is it bad to buy and sell? Everybody can decide if they want to participate.. but i do like your video!!!

[@FreespiritRbelle]

Horrible. This reminds me of the wicked Bauxite Companies responsible for relocation of our families in Jamaica. Then after all they did they left toxicity in the environment.

[@fireboltaz]

To be honest, I did search real estate opportunities in Maui the other day.

[@LeaRahaelGirma]

I don't understand how people get excited and have actually made plans to hurt people in such a substantial way. This is why I teach my son to take time to think if he'd like someone to do to him, whatever he wants to do to someone else before he acts on his thoughts.

[@santosguzman107]

Hi , from San Antonio ,

[@flislander8784]

This happened after hurricane Ian

[@KristinaSmallhorn]

I know. So horrible.

[@FreeSims]

Ugggh, 135k for a tiny house?

[@lrm52283]

Love the pic of you in the thumbnail!

[@HomesteadingWithAngie]

It should be way longer then 90 days! I wonder if there is something else going on honestly….. land grabs are horrible