Jim Caulfield EVP, General Counsel | realtors.com
When Taralyn Romero purchased her dream home in Kittredge, Colorado, she did not anticipate the legal and social challenges that would follow. Romero and her fiancé had secured a five-bedroom house with a creek in the backyard for $840,000, only to face unexpected opposition from local residents and Jefferson County commissioners.
Romero described the situation to Realtor.com: "I bought my dream home with a creek running through the backyard—then the locals started a war." The conflict began when residents who had long used the creek began frequenting her property without permission. "I was like, 'Why are 55 people bringing lawn chairs, coolers, snacks, and beach umbrellas into my backyard to hang out all day?'" Romero recalled.
The county sued Romero in 2022 for ownership of the land based on claims of adverse possession and public use via prescriptive easement. "The government went after me to take my property because the community believed it should be theirs," she stated.
Turning to social media for support, Romero documented her experience on TikTok under the moniker "Wicked Witch of the West," amassing a significant following. This online presence brought attention to her plight and garnered support from individuals worldwide.
The legal dispute was resolved in May 2023 when Romero agreed to sell part of her land to Jefferson County for $250,000. This area became part of Kittredge Park while Romero retained most of her property. Reflecting on the outcome, she noted: "It was a win for me, and a win for the community."
Romero subsequently filed a lawsuit against the former homeowners for not disclosing public use or government claims during the sale. This case concluded with an apology from them after mediation.
Now focused on helping others facing similar situations, Romero shared insights from her experience: "If something like this does happen to you...remember that you are at war." She emphasizes balancing assertiveness with negotiation skills in such conflicts.
Despite past challenges, she remains determined to advocate for property rights within real estate transactions.
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