The state Real Estate Commission has fined the owners of the Tin Moon Studio and Gallery in Abiquiú for acting as unlicensed real estate agents, a violation of state law.
The married couple, Ton Haak and Ans Zoutenbier, were fined $1,000 each and ordered to halt advertising and management of residential real estate, according to a press release from the state Regulation and Licensing Department.
Haak and Zoutenbier, who are originally from the Netherlands, managed area properties under the name Abiquiú Vacation Homes.
They have agreed to hand over the names and addresses of all their clients and customers for the past two years to Commission investigators so that the state can inform them that their properties have been managed illegally by individuals who do not possess the required Commission-issued real estate brokers’ licenses.
Among the properties managed by the pair were Cañones Cabins, El Rito Retreat, Medanales Mesa Retreat, Barranca Plaza Casita, Casa Grande, Cañoncito Creek Retreat, La Lomita, River Farm Guest Casita, Casa de los Palacios, Casa Amrbosia, Abiquiú House and Amelia.
Abiquiú residents who asked not to be identified, said that the couple has been managing area properties for several years.
Haak and Zoutenbier could not be reached for comment.