Key Details:
- A Chicago property owner says his fixer-upper was listed on the MLS without his consent, prompting an ethics complaint and CBS New coverage, plus a full review on The Real Word.
- The listing, promoted as a $200,000 off-market deal, has raised questions about ownership verification, agent due diligence, and the risks of working without proper documentation.
What started as a headline turned into a case study in due diligence. It’s also a reminder that not every listing dispute is as simple as it might look.
A Chicago man says his fixer-upper was listed for sale without his knowledge, permission, or signature. This week on The Real Word, Byron Lazine and Nicole White took a closer look at the story. They broke down what happened, explored both sides of the emerging narrative, and even tried to call the listing agent directly to get his version of events.
The property was posted on the MLS, promoted on social media, and featured in videos that included interior shots of the home.
According to Frank Diaz, the legal owner, he never authorized the listing and had never met the agent, Anthony Kirkland, who was marketing the property.
Here’s a look at what happened, what we know so far, and what real estate professionals can take away from this situation.
The CBS Report: An Unwanted Listing and a Familiar Front Door
Frank Diaz, a Chicago property owner and investor, told CBS News that in late May, he spotted a social media post featuring a home that looked familiar. It was his own.
As Diaz put it,
“I recognized the property. I recognized the front door. I was not their client, and I am not their client.”
The property, located on Taylor Street in Chicago’s Tri-Taylor neighborhood, was listed on the MLS as an off-market, all-cash opportunity for $200,000. Kirkland, a licensed Coldwell Banker agent who brands himself as “The Ace Broker,” was listed as the agent.
Marketing videos appeared on his Instagram, though they’ve since been deleted.
Diaz said a lockbox had been installed, the locks had been changed, and that whoever filmed inside the home was trespassing.
When CBS News reached Kirkland by phone, his response was brief:
“Somebody was posing as the owner, and once I was informed he wasn’t the owner, we took it down. That was it.”
The call ended when the reporter asked who had authorized the listing.
The Real Word Reacts: Byron Calls the Ace Broker
On this week’s episode of The Real Word, Byron Lazine walked through the case and even attempted to get Kirkland on the phone himself. When two calls went unanswered, Byron followed up with a text.
“Hey, this is Byron Lazine. I was just recording a podcast on BAM, picking up a little bit on your story here on the confusion on the listing out in Chicago. I’d love to just get your side of it if you’re interested. That’s why I called.”
In one of Kirkland’s Instagram posts, he thanked his buyer clients, Jessica and Pedro Diaz, and twice alluded to their being the brother and sister of Frank Diaz.
“Special thanks to my amazing buyer clients Jessica & Pedro Diaz, the brother and sister of Frank Diaz, for hiring me as their realtor. Thanks for the referral, Fransico Diaz (their brother). I appreciate the impeccable review of your experience with me, The Ace Broker.”
Byron and Nicole reviewed a second post by Kirkland, which has since been deleted from his Instagram account, where he calls out Frank Diaz directly.
Is it possible Kirkland spoke to a different Frank Diaz? We may never know. There’s no clear connection made between Jessica and Pedro Diaz and the property owned by Frank Diaz.
Is This a Case of Mistaken Identity?
Throughout the episode, Byron and Nicole emphasized the importance of hearing both sides. Byron added that this entire situation could be cleared up with a simple document: the listing agreement, with Frank Diaz’s signature.
Nicole suggested it was possible Coldwell Banker may have prohibited his sharing of that document on IG, particularly during their investigation.
So far, no such contract has been shared publicly. And while Kirkland has remained vocal on social media, neither he nor Coldwell Banker has published any documentation verifying who signed off on the listing.
For its part, Coldwell Banker issued a public statement:
“We have canceled the listing out of an abundance of caution as we investigate this matter.”
The Chicago Association of Realtors confirmed that an ethics complaint had been filed and noted that consequences could include up to $15,000 in fines, suspension, or expulsion.
What Real Estate Pros Should Take Away from This
Regardless of who is ultimately at fault, this situation highlights why agents need clear processes in place before publishing a listing.
- Always verify ownership before listing. Public records, tax rolls, and direct communication with the deeded owner should be part of your process, especially in off-market deals.
- Get proper documentation when working with referrals or family members. A signed listing agreement from the legal owner is essential. Don’t rely on verbal assurances.
- If your client’s home shows up for sale without their consent, take swift action. File a complaint, notify the brokerage, and advocate for your client.
Whether this story ends up as a case of fraud, mistaken identity, or something else entirely, one thing is clear. It pays to do your due diligence, not just to protect your license but also to protect your reputation and your clients’ trust.
Make some time to enjoy Byron’s and Nicole’s full conversation in the video above.
