Impossible listing agent, what to do?

Nobody
Home Buyer
11225

I'm a buyer looking for a home in Brooklyn. One of the national real estate companies has an office that is listing 2-3 properties of interest.

I'm a qualified buyer and tried to schedule 3 viewings. I've spoken to 4 of their agents at different times. All of them were dismissive and had the telephone manners of a pizza delivery service. I'd complain, but the rudest one is the franchise owner.

Every time, they tried to get me to sit down with their mortgage broker. They wanted to see full documentation before they would schedule a viewing. I have my own mortgage broker and I am pre-approved, but they wanted me to fax over all kinds of documentation. I don't want to give them all that information, effectively tipping my hand.

They claim to be "on my side", but I don't think they are even on the seller's side. They seem to be focused on one thing only: maximizing their sources of commission. The one thing they certainly don't want to do is sell houses, Anything I can do?

Answers (9)
Rhonda Holt
Agent
Brooklyn, NY

Hello, buyers get yourself a real estate agent in your area and have them call the company. Another agent that is agressive, yet has good mannerisms will get you into the homes.

Mon Aug 11 2008, 12:03
Allison
Agent
Brooklyn, NY

Rudeness is never acceptable and should never be tolerated by anyone. Some agents may go a bit too far in trying to ensure that they have true qualified buyers. You can always request a letter from your lender indicating that you are pre-qualified to purchase the home.

You can give Corley Realty Group, Inc a call at 888-360-5757 x86 and ask for Allison Long-Corley. I would be happy to assist you with finding your dream home.

Sun Aug 10 2008, 17:12
Norma Palazzolo
Agent
45255

I am sorry to say that is not too surprising. As a professional Realtor that really makes me angry as most of us work very hard to help buyers and sellers. My advice: Call a Coldwell Banker Agent! You will get the very best customer service.

Fri Jul 25 2008, 09:58
Sold by Me
Both Buyer and Seller
Stafford, NY

It shouldnt really surprise anyone that there are listing agents out there that survive on just listing properties on the backs of real hard working buyer agents, that when you actually call some, not all of these listing agents regarding there own properties they know the hardest part of the job during todays market is trying to sell, chances are they prefer to sit back and let someone else try and sell, more credit should be given to the buyers agents that are out there they are like what oil is to a car with out them the industry can not run, the other posters are correct find yourself a buyers agent you feel comfortable with best of luck to you

Fri Jul 18 2008, 10:24

Regardless of the location, a buyer in this market being treated as you've been is appalling. When they say that they are "on your side", what do they mean? Have they provided you with the required (by law) NYDOS disclosure statement? If you've had a substantive contact, report them to the DOS if you have not been provided with this required acknowledgement of exactly "whose" side they're on- it's a simple up front form, alerting you as to their "agency" with you.
It's a very serious offense not to provide the disclosure, so if you've met with ANY of them in person, and not received it, that's one way to correct reprehensible behavior- I understand that the fines are of substance.
Faxing over documentation is fine, but frankly, I'd locate an agent familiar with BUYER AGENCY- you need someone other than the listing company to work with you- more importantly, for you.
If they persist in being difficult, you can also write the seller a letter, explaining the difficulty that you've had- if I were selling, I'd fire the whole group in a heartbeat, if the facts are as presented.
Good luck- you are very likely correct in your assessment that their interest is in maximizing their commission. Behavior like this would certainly indicate that. Opinion.

Web Reference: http://optionsrealty.com
Tue Jul 15 2008, 14:36
Billie Milligan
Agent
Wrightsville Beach, NC

It may be different in Brooklyn but in NC we have a multiple listing service. Every agent who is a member has an access to all of the listings from all of the different real estate companies. Just because Company Z has the listing doesn't mean you have to use one of company z's agents. Interview many buyer agents until you find one you are comfortable with. You may start searching through a friend or colleague who has recently purchased a home and had a good experience.
Once you have found an agent to represent you, share your pre-qual letter and any other information that lets the seller's agent know you are a strong buyer with serious intentions.
Good luck! I know you will find a good agent who will treat you with respect and kindness.

Tue Jul 15 2008, 14:13
Yolanda
Agent
11216

Hi, Feel free at call Yolanda of D. Cherry Real Estate Associates at 718-552-2324. We specialize in residential properties in Brooklyn & have listing that could be of great interest to you. Be well.

Tue Jul 15 2008, 13:55
Caesar Galindo
Agent
Staten Island, NY

Give me a call at (718) 698-2179 or ( 646) 302-1470 at Prosperity Real Estate Group, We are on Richmond ave as well, I can help you answer any questions you may have, this is not commitment to come with us. YOu can come and inquire about this even if you are already working with someone. Buying a property is a constitutional right, and we are here to make sure you are not provided with erroneous information.

My Name is Caesar Galindo Office manager, and Law Student at CUNY Law School.

Mon Jul 14 2008, 10:44
Janice Styles-h...
Agent
Clifton Park, NY
BEST ANSWER

While there is no excuse for rudeness, they are most likely following the instructions of the homeowner to only show it to qualified buyers. If you are already preapproved, you should be able to get a letter from the lender or mortgage broker saying that you are preapproved for this property (it should not say the amount you are approved for, I agree that this would be tipping your hand). Have you considered working with a buyer's agent? That Realtor would be working for you. Under a signed buyers agreement, they would owe confidentialty and loyalty to you and not the buyer. This agent would be paid by the seller for bringing in the buyer (99% of the time) so it should not cost you anything. They would set up all appointments. They will also first determine that you are indeed qualified for the price range you are looking in, but you will do that once with them and not each time you want to see something. They will be able to give you good advice about the market, neighborhoods, specific properties, what to offer etc. Good luck

Mon Jul 14 2008, 10:39

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