The plaintiff claimed sole ownership of a property and sought damages for unauthorized renovations by the defendants.
The defendant real estate agent claimed a 50% equitable interest based on an oral joint venture agreement and financial contributions to the deposit and closing costs.
The court found the defendant had an equitable interest despite the lack of a formal written agreement, applying the doctrine of part performance.
However, because the defendant repudiated the agreement after the plaintiff's son gutted the property, she was entitled to restitution of her financial contributions totaling $154,615.55, while the plaintiff's claims for damages and loss of rent were dismissed.
