gregorygarver.com

Olga · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Posts: 4

I have run into a situation while house-hunting. A broker is acting shady. Couldn't look up anything online. I mean - when you buy a $5 junk thing on ebay, you still check the seller's rating, you don't want to be fooled. Now with a home, you are committing much more and how would you find out who is who? I am sure this guy is not honest, but how can I check and who do I tell to stop him from taking blatant advantage of people? Anyone know a website? (for reference, there is a "ratemyteacher" website, there has to be one for realtors, or any businesses for that matter)The realtor in question is the listing agent for the house I liked. He was very stubborn not showing the house to us, he didn't pick up the offer we dropped off at his office and now he is saying they are working with a different buyer, but the house is still available. The sellers are elderly people, I am sure he is taking advantae of them and of course I am mad that I can't get the house I want! The broker has his own agency, so there is no one to complain to there. Ideas?

BootsMcGraw · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 1

Ask the realtor for a list of names and address and phone numbers of satisfied clients. If he is unwilling to do that, then he is hiding something (like the fact he HAS NO satisfied clients).If he gives it you, call those folks, visit them, and have them give you their opinion of his worth.

maryh · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 4

i used to be a real estate agent- and i know first hand there are ALOT of shady ones out there (reason i quit). You can always contact the local realtors board-just about area has one and in most cases they will be more then willing to give advice, if thats no help yuou can get ahold of the consumer protection in your area- theres a department that runs the testing and licencing for EVERY real estate agent- and if there has been previous complaints they can tell you. Also every real estate agent it employed by a broker- its their boss (unless they are the broker) I would recommend calling up the agency they work for and expressing your concerns to the broker themselves- most of the time they are concerned that their agent is running away buisness and will set your mind at ease. plus im wondering if you are buying the house through the agent who listed the property??? I wouldnt recommend this- I would recommend finding a agent to represent you and only you. alot of the time agents will do whatever they need to sell the house for their client - which is the seller (not you) ,as much as they say they act as a dual agent- its not true. As a buyer its best to have someone working on your side without any ties to the home being sold. If your in a contract with someone your not comfortable with- get out, just ask and they will reluctantly release it, and get it in writing.

MonikaWilson · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 4

If there are any complains filed against a certain agent you can look it up at the Department of Business Regulations/Real Estate License on your State Web Site. Here in Florida the name is http://www.myflorida.com There you can verify a license as well.I have to agree that there are a lot of "shady" people out there acting as a Real Estate Agent. As far as i know there is no Consumer Web Site where you can look up a Realtor reputation. If you have the feeling that the Realtor you are dealing with is "shady" and you just don't feel comfortable to deal with him/her i would strongly suggest to find yourself another Realtor. You have to feel comfortable and confident in working with a Real Estate Agent, if this situation is not there you just have to switch Realtors.

KandyM · Joined: 21 Jan 2005 Posts: 3

If it is the broker (the boss as someone put it) acting shady, I would asked to be released from the contract, if you have one. It is a good idea to interview several before choosing one. You will spend a lot of time with them and entrust with them your deal. Go with your gut!

soldit4them · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 5

If you are not happy with him you should not use him. To check on him go to you local state site and look up real estate licensing board. They will be able to tell you how long he has been in business and things like that.

ScamBuster · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 6

http://www.ripoffreport.com & http://www.scam.com is a good site to check to see if the realtor is a crook or not...

Thomas2SellRealtor3467 · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 5

You dont need to deal directly with him if you think he is a shady character. You can find you a honest realtor and let them know that is the home you are interested in buying. From there you work with your realtor and they will deal with that guy.