;
  • Report:  #303

Complaint Review: Realty Executives - Mesa Arizona

Reported By:
-
Submitted:
Updated:

Realty Executives
1255 W. Baseline Mesa, 85202 Arizona, U.S.A.
Phone:
831-1010
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
John Foltz - President

1255 W.Baseline

Mesa,Arizona 85202

Tel # 831-1010

Realty Executives, a real Rip-off

*LIARS

*THIEVES

*100's OF COMPLAINTS WITH VARIOUS AGENCIES

When I went with my Realtor to meet at my new home for a

final inspection, I was told nothing would be leaving the

home, that the owners were out of state and had taken

everything they were going to take. I then gave my broker

the balance of my down payment and was handed the keys

to my new home. The next day I had a locksmith change all

the locks on ALL the doors. Two days later the home was

broken into. Fixtures that were permanently affixed to the

structure were literally ripped off the wall! I reported this to

the police. . At the same time I called my realtor and told

her what had happened. My broker and I thought it looked

like the former owners had come in and took the items they

wanted because my TV, stereo and cameras were not even

touched. There was damage to the walls and a large area of

the white carpeting was totally ruined! The door jam and

door were totally destroyed along with several walls causing

over $6,000 in damages. I was told all the items were

staying and came with the home. The police said this was a

civil matter?

I had asked my broker to call Realty (Rip-off)

Executives and see if they had anything to do with this.

My broker even taped her when calling her. She, the agent

admitted breaking in to the home with the owners parents to

get things they wanted. They did not want to pay for any of

the damages. The Realty Executive Broker bragged that

people have tried to sue us before or file complaints with

the Department of Real-estate or the Real-estate

Department, and that the home owner always looses.

After spending $3,242.00 on court costs and legal

services and filed claims with all the State agencies that over

see Realtors, nothing happened in my favor.

The Realty Executive broker was right, we won't win.

I later found out that the president Mr. Foltz serves on some

of these boards and is the largest home seller in Arizona.

SO, .. buyer be ware! If they do you wrong in any way, do

not expect any type of justice in the Arizona courts.

We called the Better Business Bureau, they do have

an unsatisfactory rating with numerous complaints.


25 Updates & Rebuttals

E. Newman

Mesa,
Arizona,
USA
Face on Business Cards

#2General Comment

Fri, April 17, 2015

"Do you really want someone who puts their picture on their business card?"

Just a comment: Having your face on a business card is not necessarily a bad thing. If the customer, whether buyer or seller, has dealt with a number of different agencies, a picture often helps jog the memory of what was said by the different agents. (Just in case someone was feeling they had done something wrong by putting their face on their card.)


Thomas

Anderson,
South Carolina,
U.S.A.
A lot of heat, not so much light....not yet, anyway.

#3Consumer Comment

Tue, December 05, 2006

Two responses may have hit the nail perfectly, and so I will quote the later one from Sherry - Chandler, Arizona: "However, I'm shocked that your agent took a check from you and gave you the keys at the same time. It usually takes at least 24 hours after a cashier's check is received by the title company for the property to be recorded in your name. If you used a personal check, it has to clear the bank before the title company can record. From what you said, it appears your agent allowed "pre-possession." Your agent should not have given you the keys and the impression the home was yours. Depending on when the agent took your check to the title company and when the deed was recorded, there's a good chance you didn't legally own the home when you changed the locks. That's why the police couldn't help you. Since the owner's parents had to break into the home, they were probably pretty angry, thus the damage." OP should calm down, stop accusing others here, and simply do the following and report back: 1. On what date did OP become the LEGAL OWNER of the property in question? Was that date BEFORE or AFTER the date of the "breaking and entering" event? 2. What did OP's contractual paperwork specify about the status of the removed items? Forget the verbal promises, as was noted before. Before OP gets all worked up: A. I have bought and sold several houses over the years, and I have found that some agents were much more effective than were other agents. B. I read and studied ALL of the details, details, details. I also listened very carefully to what everybody said, and then I compared all statements to what everyone did and everything that was written. C. A few agents actually tried to con me when they discussed marketing my property (and one story is a VERY interesting attempt at self-dealing, but I will omit it here). D. No agent acting as an agent or sub-agent for the seller will ever do the buyer any real favors because that agent will be required BY LAW (very convenient) to represent the seller to any required disadvantage to the buyer. A buyer's broker is not really a buyer's broker UNLESS the buyer (only) is paying a fee or comission to that buyer's broker. If YOU pay them, YOU own them. So, dear OP, answer #1 and #2 questions above and report back. If what Sherry - Chandler, Arizona has postulated is indeed what had happened to you, you were scammed but not the way you think. If you do not calm down and determine what ACTUALLY happened to you, you [and other buyers] COULD EASILY be scammed again. This is why scammers sell 'victim lists' - if you could be taken once, you can be taken again because people are creatures of habit. To me, Sherry's [- Chandler, Arizona] comments suggest that this real estate maneuver is "similar to" the "financing-was-not-approved" spot delivery scam pulled by some auto dealers.


Brandy

Texarkana,
Texas,
U.S.A.
I just bought my home

#4Consumer Suggestion

Tue, December 05, 2006

I just bought my home and I had to pay a down payment at time of closing. It was because the loan company would only give me so much money on it and I had to pay the difference so this COULD HAPPEN to him at the time of closing. I paid with a personal check and yes I did receive my keys the same day did not have to wait until it cleared. Don't listen to these people they are only trying to help this company maybe they hope they will get a good deal if they show them what they said here. Let them keep thinking that and all of us who DO believe him will be the ones laughing all the way to the bank and them crying in the bank because of the BEST deal of a lifetime they thought they where getting from this company. Enough said so everyone think of buying a home STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I bet also some of these people here just don't want to admit that they got cheated because some people are ashamed to admit the truth to themself and friends and family!!! That is why they are saying here that a friend could get a good deal from a dealer ship and the other receive a lemon it was because they did not admit to their freind that they got HAD in a big way. DO NOT BELEIVE THIS COMPANY!!!!!!!! I hope that someone can shut them down. I have never used this company but will make it known where I live that even the OWNER of the company could not have at least pretended to look into what happened maybe just a simple I'M Sorry would have made a difference in everyones mind but because of your post it has to lead us all to beleive that you KNOW it happened and just trying to save your butt. It want happen to many people come here and read this!!!!!!Nothing else left to be said so don't try to come back with something else I WILL NOT RESPOND to you because if you can't respond to his request in a civil human manner than you DO NOT DESERVE IT. SO JUST KEEP MOUTHING ALL THAT JUNK YOU ARE A DEADBEAT COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Sherry

Chandler,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
Looks like mistakes on both sides

#5Consumer Comment

Sun, January 22, 2006

I can see why you're upset with Realty Executives, but I don't think you well served by your agent either. If it's not in the contract, it's not covered. Verbal doesn't go. Fixtures stay with the home unless they're specifically mentioned in the contract. If you can unplug it, it's not a fixture. If you have to dismantle it, like a ceiling light or fan, it's a fixture so you should have been compensated for the fixtures and for the damages. However, I'm shocked that your agent took a check from you and gave you the keys at the same time. It usually takes at least 24 hours after a cashier's check is received by the title company for the property to be recorded in your name. If you used a personal check, it has to clear the bank before the title company can record. From what you said, it appears your agent allowed "pre-possession." Your agent should not have given you the keys and the impression the home was yours. Depending on when the agent took your check to the title company and when the deed was recorded, there's a good chance you didn't legally own the home when you changed the locks. That's why the police couldn't help you. Since the owner's parents had to break into the home, they were probably pretty angry, thus the damage. Both real estate agents and companies let you down. There was a lack of responsibility and professionalism on both sides and, unfortunately, you were caught in the middle. Scenarios like this give agents and the industry a bad name. I hope your next experience is better than this nightmare. Sherry - Chandler, AZ


Todd

Glendale,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
Realty Executives flagorant disregard for the law

#6Consumer Comment

Tue, August 16, 2005

I want to thank this consumer for doing this and I, like many, suggest one of the many news shows here in Phoenix that can highlight this one agents flagorant disregard for the law. Having been a REALTOR in Chicago and in Phoenix, and having worked in industries related to real estate (home inspection), I agree that a company is made of of many employees. However, what the people in Virginia and elsewhere fail to understand is that this gentleman is not only making a complaint to warn others but REALTY EXECUTIVES IS HEADQUARTERED IN PHOENIX. So he is talking about the leadership and company ethics at the top too. As for having worked with this company and its multiple offices in the Phoenix metro area, I have had the opportunity to work with about 20-30 of its agents and employees throughout the years on transactions. None have shown me the courtesy of return phone calls, professionalism or ethics. Maybe this is different in other states but I think before you defend your company, you should think about whether you want to be affiliated with a company that has a tarnished reputation AT THE TOP. A company's ethics and overall reputation is set by the tone at the top. Didn't we learn from Enron or Worldcom? This many people cannot be wrong.


..

Phoenix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
What is it you don't understand you idiot

#7Author of original report

Sun, September 19, 2004

I just received, an automated e-mail from Rip-off Report informing me of your response. Larry, your an idiot. What part of the Report did you not understand! Here is a copy and past from above. "The next day I had a locksmith change all the locks on ALL the doors. Two days later the home was broken into. Fixtures that were permanently affixed to the structure were literally ripped off the wall! I reported this to the police." Larry from Tucson, Arizona, the broker admitted coming there with the mother to take what she wanted! You must work for the same company. You don't fool me. I spell John Foltz = C O R R U P T I O N John Foltz - President Realty Executives has numerous lawsuits. He is a large contributor to all the right people. Since you cannot read, here it is again what the broker said: The Realty Executive Broker bragged that people have tried to sue us before or file complaints with the Department of Real-estate or the Real-estate Department, and that the home owner always looses. I still have the tape, I will ask Rip-off Report if that can be posted here as a wave file.


Robert

Ashland,
Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Franchise Responsibilities

#8Consumer Comment

Sun, September 19, 2004

I agree that any franchisee will have the occasional unsatisfied customer. I'm talking about "patterns", not "individual cases." If a franchise operation allows a individual franchise to build up an large number of unsatisfied customers, that speaks poorly for the parent corporation, and makes that corporation a partner in the unsavory business activities. I am aware of national firms which have pulled affiliations from franchisees which were not "up to standard" in either quality or customer service, and I will not hesitate to patronize those even if I read of an individual complain against them.


Larry

Tucson,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
I don't understand the original complaint

#9Consumer Comment

Sat, September 18, 2004

I have bought and sold several homes in Phoenix and I do not understand the original complaint. The poster said that they had a final inspection, paid the balance of the down payment to the agent, and received the keys to the home from the realtor all at the same time. Normal closing procedure is that earnest money (down payment) is paid at (or shortly after) the time of the offer. After the seller accepts the offer, the buyer has the right to inspect the home. If the buyer does not back out at this point, the buyer has the right to a final inspection immediately before closing. The buyer does not take possesion of the home until closing, which occurs at a title company office. So what I do not understand is why the buyer was making a down payment at the time of the "final inspection" and taking possession of the house without having gone through closing? It sure sounds to me like the buyer did not understand the purchase process and that the property still belonged to the seller at the time they removed the fixtures from the wall. This may explain why the buyer has not been able to prevail in court.


Mary Ann Jordan

Douglasville,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
You will need to avoid almost every franchise in America if you have a conplaint against one and you judge all by the action of one.

#10Consumer Comment

Sat, September 18, 2004

The franchise should be sanctioned by the real estate commision and the civil courts. I am not against this website and I am sure a purpose is served. It would have been nice to have a web site in Hilter's time, but you have to keep things in perespective. The court cases listed are less than 25 and even if there are 100....you have Realty Executive offices in almost 50 states and seven foreign countries. Let's put the true facts on this web site whether it is good or bad. I am not aware of a single law suit against Realty Executives in the State of Georgia and I know there is not a single one in the County of Douglas, Carroll, Harralson or any that I am aware of.......Please give evidence, if available. You may choose to not do business with Realty Executives Premier in Georgia but you will miss an opportunity to do business with an honest, ethical, hard working Broker that has proven service beyond the call of duty day after day, year after year and God willing I will continue until the day I retire. I know there are abuses and I as a Broker will not tolerate any from my agents nor will I keep silent. I will report any and all abuses to the Real Estate Board and The Real Estate Commission of Georgia. Best regards,


Robert

Ashland,
Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Choosing an agent in VIRGINIA

#11Consumer Comment

Fri, September 17, 2004

" (especially those who are using the incident in Mesa, AZ as basis for their choosing of an agent in VIRGINIA!!)." Just think - if everyone used this approach to choosing an agent, the issuer of the franchise would have to act when there is a bad, but profitable, franchise. I many cases, the national franchise will give the standard "each office is independent and we do not exercise control..." answer which translates to "as long as the franshicee pays its fees, we don't care what it does." So, unless I read of the national franchise enforcing standards on bad apples, I will judge one by all - as the "one" is an indication of what the national franchise company will permit "any" franchisee to do.


Smart Shopper

Phoenix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
REALTY EXECUTIVES might have aclean record but look what I found

#12Consumer Comment

Wed, September 08, 2004

Not saying they are a bad place to do business with but I can say they go to court alot. I can post a much bigger list of court case numbers if you all want me to. Here below is a very small list of court case numbers. Do you want me to post the entire list of court case numbers? It's very long! CV1999-005100 CV1999-004237 CV1998-093177 CV1999-012620 CV1999-017125 CV1999-092563 CV1999-092712 CV1999-018881 CV1999-018934 CV1999-003480 CV2000-001400 CV2000-003389 CV2000-006978 CV1999-014135 CV2000-009307 CV2000-010021 CV2000-091768 CV2000-018500 CV2000-019675 CV1996-091861 CV1996-016660 CV1996-017818 CV1996-018082 CV1996-018181 CV1996-016854 not to mention all the victims here on Rip-off Report.


Mary Ann

Douglasville,
Georgia,
U.S.A.
Proud Realty Executives Franchise Owner in Georgia

#13Consumer Comment

Tue, September 07, 2004

I own a Realty Executives Franchise near Atlanta, Georgia. The negative broad brush being used against all Realty Exexutive Franchises is ridiculous. I, as any other consumer, want to avoid being damaged or short changed in any way but to paint all Realty Executive Franchises with a broad and destructive brush because of one incident seems almost criminal. I have never heard of anything even closely resembling such an incident. I have been in Real Estate Sales for ten years and I have never even been faced with a verbal complaint, much less a written complaint, and I would think the majority of ALL Realty Executive Franchises and their agents would fall into the same brackett. Realy Executives is a very professional company in all they do and would never mislead the public. This has to be an incident that all the facts have not been disclosed. Perhaps, an individual or individuals are responsible for a breach, but to discredit all the hard working, honest, and ethical Realty Executive Brokers, Agents and employees located in almost every state in the U.S. and seven foreign countries is absurd. Over the years I have experienced many repeat clients & certainly this is a result of excellent customer service. You will find EXCELLENCE is the rule for REALTY EXECUTIVE Franchises and not the exception.


William

Phoenix,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
sad but true, I have personally heard John Foltz state that he is not affraid of state regulators.

#14Consumer Comment

Tue, November 18, 2003

I'm a real estate professional in the phoenix area. I also have a unique position that puts me in contact with several "top" brokerages in the area. I can tell you that I have personally heard John Foltz state that he is not affraid of state regulators. It is sad but true that he is virtually untouchable as is the entire company. this isn't to say that an individual agent couldn't lose their license but the company would probably claim the agent acted outside the boundaries of practice and the actions were not known or sanctioned by the broker. To consumers I suggest the following: Review state records, call trade groups, BBB, Court records (online) and county recorded documents (online). Look for any adverse information. Do this with the final 3 selections from interviews with potential agents. If none pass, interview 5-6 more and trim that down to 3 and check them out. I would suggest even if an agent is referred to you by family or friends.


Brad

KC,
Missouri,
U.S.A.
Suggestion to "Owner, Realty Executives, Dothan's Elite, Dothan, AL"

#15Consumer Suggestion

Fri, July 25, 2003

Suggestion to "Owner, Realty Executives, Dothan's Elite, Dothan, AL"

You are a consumer of Realty Executives. Have you contacted Realty Executives to get their side of the activates of the Mesa Franchise? Have you contacted Realty Executives concerning the actives of the Mesa franchise at all?

If you think it is unfair to be tainted by the activates of one of your fellow franchisees, then I suggest you not complain about it, but step up and protect it.

If Realty Executives has good reason then the Mesa franchise can have their franchise removed from the Realty Executives franchise system. Then not only would you and Realty Executives reputation be repaired, but it would be enhanced as an organization who polices it members and stands up for consumer rights (your own included).


Chris

Mesa,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
I can report good service from a Realty Executives realtor....

#16Consumer Comment

Wed, May 07, 2003

First a suggestion: If someone physically broke into a house they did not own, that sounds to me like a crime in anyone's book. If the police decline to act, call in the local media and a lawyer and go after the police first. Refusing to act in the face of crime is simply unacceptable.

Back to the issue of Realty Executives, while I have no knowledge of the incidents mentioned, I feel compelled to apeak out upon my and my wife's experience dealing with Realty Executives. Our agent did an absolutely professional and delightful job for us, we could not have been more pleased with her performance.

While there are varied examples I could give you of why we were so pleased, the following incident will serve the purpose well:

The home we bid on in Mesa, AZ had a full sized freezer in the utility room. We wanted it and had it written into the contract offer that it was to stay. This contract was accepted and the deal closed.

We also had written in conditions for the prior owners being late moving out. These involved essentally "rental" payments to us. Again, all was clearly written in the contract, signed and accepted and the deal closed.

The freezer did not stay, it left! That and the prior owners were days late moving out.

The issues came to a head when our realtor, our selves and the prior owners met in the home, still being moved out of. The prior owners knew nothing of the contract details. None had been read or explained to them by their realtor.

They did not own the freezer in question, it was being stored by them for another family member. They could never have afforded the late move-out charges and would not have signed knowing about them.

Our realtor called their's. We all heard our realtor explain very politely the situation. The result was a screamed response loud enough that we could all hear it out of our realtor's cell phone.

Apparently, the seller's realtor had not read the contract either and was accusing us all of some trickery. That'd be a neat trick, sneaking such all the way past escrow services. In plain english!

The resolution was that the seller's realtor paid us out of her commission a sum that my wife and I agreed to. All negotiated by our realtor, with us kept out of heated exchanges, nasty arguments or possible legal action.

All I can say about it is to be absolutely sure everything is written into the contract and understood by all sides as well. Short of that, you will get nowhere without paperwork, and then only with legal costs.


John

Hawthorne,
Nevada,
U.S.A.
you bought it protect it

#17Consumer Suggestion

Wed, April 30, 2003

If you bought the home and your worried about this company breaking into it to take what they want to take and then telling you that you will never win in a court of law since they feel like they are above the law, heres a suggestion for all the home buyers out there that buy homes from these people. Change the locks buy a gun and sit in your home untill they decide to break into it and then shoot them plain and simple I'll bet that this company will cease to exist if they start loosing their workers


Anon

Miami,
Florida,
U.S.A.
File a complaint with the Real Estate Licensing Board in your state

#18Consumer Comment

Tue, February 18, 2003

File a complaint against the seller's agent. It isn't a breach of contract since that agent was not contractually obligated to you, however, it is a moral breach of contract. If they had to rip the door out of the frame to get in the house after the locks were changed, they certainly knew what they were doing wasn't kosher.

Check your contract carefully. There is "real property" and "personal property", and basically anything permanently affixed in the house is considered part of the house unless specifically excluded in the sales contract. There is a lot of debate about the issues, though, and unfortunately your situation isn't that unusual but it sounds extreme because you changed the locks so they had to break in.

If you file a complaint specifically against the agent, the broker of that agent is also held liable.

Let them boast to their own licensing board that they never lose in court. What an arrogant attitude! If they felt entitled to those items, why weren't they taken before the walk-through? Because they knew what they were doing was wrong.

I hope you nail them to the wall. Buying real estate has enough stress without this kind of last minute rip-off. Good luck to you!


Christi

Dothan,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
Owner, Realty Executives, Dothan's Elite, Dothan, AL

#19REBUTTAL Owner of company

Tue, February 18, 2003

One of my agents made me aware of this particular website. As an owner of a Realty Executives franchise, it angered me to read the rebuttals that have been listed here. It is like Louis from Annandale, VA said, we ARE each a franchise and service will vary from location to location. It depends on the Broker/Owners of the companies and the agents that they choose to have represent them.

So many people, whether they are sellers or buyers, have unfortunate situations arise in real estate. The people who have submitted responses here are branding our franchise as a whole on part of the action or lack of action with one particular company.

There are a vast amount of people that I speak with on a daily basis that have had bad experiences with real estate agents and they come from every franchise and company out there. It is kind of like buying a car, one person may get a great deal on a great car at one car lot and their buddy go to the dealership in the next town expecting the same and get a lemon that was $5ooo overpriced on a 12% loan.

It is unfair to owners and agents of companies like mine whose number one priority is client satisfaction to be caught under that "umbrella" of such negativity (especially those who are using the incident in Mesa, AZ as basis for their choosing of an agent in VIRGINIA!!).

Sincerely,


Christi

Dothan,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
Owner, Realty Executives, Dothan's Elite, Dothan, AL

#20REBUTTAL Owner of company

Tue, February 18, 2003

One of my agents made me aware of this particular website. As an owner of a Realty Executives franchise, it angered me to read the rebuttals that have been listed here. It is like Louis from Annandale, VA said, we ARE each a franchise and service will vary from location to location. It depends on the Broker/Owners of the companies and the agents that they choose to have represent them.

So many people, whether they are sellers or buyers, have unfortunate situations arise in real estate. The people who have submitted responses here are branding our franchise as a whole on part of the action or lack of action with one particular company.

There are a vast amount of people that I speak with on a daily basis that have had bad experiences with real estate agents and they come from every franchise and company out there. It is kind of like buying a car, one person may get a great deal on a great car at one car lot and their buddy go to the dealership in the next town expecting the same and get a lemon that was $5ooo overpriced on a 12% loan.

It is unfair to owners and agents of companies like mine whose number one priority is client satisfaction to be caught under that "umbrella" of such negativity (especially those who are using the incident in Mesa, AZ as basis for their choosing of an agent in VIRGINIA!!).

Sincerely,


Christi

Dothan,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
Owner, Realty Executives, Dothan's Elite, Dothan, AL

#21REBUTTAL Owner of company

Tue, February 18, 2003

One of my agents made me aware of this particular website. As an owner of a Realty Executives franchise, it angered me to read the rebuttals that have been listed here. It is like Louis from Annandale, VA said, we ARE each a franchise and service will vary from location to location. It depends on the Broker/Owners of the companies and the agents that they choose to have represent them.

So many people, whether they are sellers or buyers, have unfortunate situations arise in real estate. The people who have submitted responses here are branding our franchise as a whole on part of the action or lack of action with one particular company.

There are a vast amount of people that I speak with on a daily basis that have had bad experiences with real estate agents and they come from every franchise and company out there. It is kind of like buying a car, one person may get a great deal on a great car at one car lot and their buddy go to the dealership in the next town expecting the same and get a lemon that was $5ooo overpriced on a 12% loan.

It is unfair to owners and agents of companies like mine whose number one priority is client satisfaction to be caught under that "umbrella" of such negativity (especially those who are using the incident in Mesa, AZ as basis for their choosing of an agent in VIRGINIA!!).

Sincerely,


Christi

Dothan,
Alabama,
U.S.A.
Owner, Realty Executives, Dothan's Elite, Dothan, AL

#22REBUTTAL Owner of company

Tue, February 18, 2003

One of my agents made me aware of this particular website. As an owner of a Realty Executives franchise, it angered me to read the rebuttals that have been listed here. It is like Louis from Annandale, VA said, we ARE each a franchise and service will vary from location to location. It depends on the Broker/Owners of the companies and the agents that they choose to have represent them.

So many people, whether they are sellers or buyers, have unfortunate situations arise in real estate. The people who have submitted responses here are branding our franchise as a whole on part of the action or lack of action with one particular company.

There are a vast amount of people that I speak with on a daily basis that have had bad experiences with real estate agents and they come from every franchise and company out there. It is kind of like buying a car, one person may get a great deal on a great car at one car lot and their buddy go to the dealership in the next town expecting the same and get a lemon that was $5ooo overpriced on a 12% loan.

It is unfair to owners and agents of companies like mine whose number one priority is client satisfaction to be caught under that "umbrella" of such negativity (especially those who are using the incident in Mesa, AZ as basis for their choosing of an agent in VIRGINIA!!).

Sincerely,


BRANDIE

NORFOLK,
Virginia,
U.S.A.
SOMETHING IS BEING DONE ..This site has saved me thousands of dollars

#23Consumer Comment

Sun, February 02, 2003

My husband and I am shopping for our first home, and thanks to this entry, we will not use the agency listed here, several of our friends are in the ready to buy stage as well, and they won't see a dime from us. Consumers need a site like this to put a dent in unethical companies profits. I will not buy any service until I have come to Bad Business Bureau and checked it out. This site has saved me thousands of dollars, literally. Keep us up to date on the status of your problem. And don't worry about them selling anyone in Hampton Roads a house... word spreads like wildfire around here!!


Louis

Annandale,
Virginia,
U.S.A.
Response to all parties

#24Consumer Comment

Wed, January 01, 2003

I am a real estate sales professional in the state of Virginia, and I deal with similar situations on a daily basis. Unfortunately the real estate industry is plagued with high school and college dropouts, who upon getting licensed receive little to no training. The industry as a whole needs a swift kick in the a*s.

As far as Realty Executives they are a franchise based company you should contact the franchisor Realty Executives Corporate directly. Use the media to embarrass the franchisor, and contact the FTC as a franchise Realty Executives is federally regulated. This gives you an alternate avenue to pursue.

Like most franchises I don't believe they would be too happy to know someone is bastardizing their brand name, especially in a market that is experiencing such growth as your own. Also as is the case with many franchises service is varied from franchisee to franchisee (ever notice how McDonalds vary from location to location (franchise), but Starbucks is the same everywhere (corporate chain)?).

Consumer NOTES TO ALL:

Please treat the search for a real estate agent, in the same fashion one would find a doctor or lawyer. If you begin the search expecting a professional that is what you will find. DON'T buy into the BS of having to befriend your real estate sales person. Agents, who will attempt to bond with you and ask about your kids, are hiding their lack of skill to sell.

If a Realtor has to bond with you and not sell you, how will they sell your home or get you the best deal. Don't you think they will spend most of their time bonding wit the other agent? The individual you choose will be in charge with selling or buying your most valuable asset, and possession. Do you really want anyone out of a phone book or advertising flyer to handle you real estate transactions? Do you really want someone who puts their picture on their business card? Does your lawyer or stockbroker place pictures of themselves on bus benches? When buying or selling your home interview your agents and ask specific questions.

One final note about your friends experience with the price of their home, the problem was not with the company, but with the specific agent who was not honest with your friend about the value of their home, if you ask any professional property appraiser (the people who tell the banks what a home is worth, this is the most important factor in closing a deal) they will tell you the value of a home is determined by the buyer. We love our homes, we have memories in them, and cherish them, but buyers are not paying for intrinsic value. Buyers always determine value.

If you have more questions please Post them.


Eric

Phoenix,
Arizona,
Standard Arizona contracts

#25Consumer Suggestion

Sun, July 28, 2002

The standard Arizona Realtor Association contracts provide that all items affixed to walls stay with the house unless otherwise provided for in addenda to the contract. For example, I am buying a house that the current owner has a water software and reverse osmosis system installed in. Until the seller clarified in writing that he was retaining ownership of those two pieces of equipment, the standard real estate contract in the state of Arizona said that they were affixed to the house and thus staying.

If you're buying a home in the state of Arizona, you should always use the standard realtor association contract or one that your own attorney drew up. You should never use a contract that the seller or his agent drew up. For the most part the standard contract is fair to both the buyer and the seller, and since the buyer broker, escrow agent, and selling agent should all be familiar with it, using the standard contract will greatly speed the transaction. Under the standard contract, the original complainant would have had a very good claim in a court of law. Under a non-standard contract (shrug)... who knows?

Regarding Realty Executives -- I haven't noticed that they're very good. A friend listed his home through one of their agents and his home was on the MLS for over 4 months and had to be dropped in price at least once before it finally sold. This in an area where the average house stayed on the market for three *WEEKS*. On the other hand, you must remember that "Realty Executives" is just an umbrella organization. Your actual results will depend upon the actual agent that you contract with. The original complainant needs to tell us who the broker was who screwed him, not just the name of the umbrella organization.

Finally, a plug for a buyer broker in the Phoenix AZ area who dealt with a bad seller broker (one who did not seem interested in selling the house, returned written/scribbled responses to our immaculate standard forms, etc.) without blowing a fuse (except in private :-) -- xxxxxxxx (EDitorial deletion). So far so good. When this is all over, I'll probably submit my own complaint about that seller broker, who almost destroyed the deal and damaged his seller many times over with his incompetence and inability to properly represent his seller.


juls

san diego,
California,
Buyer Beware

#26Consumer Comment

Fri, April 26, 2002

Regarding your experience with Realty Executives. I have worked in Real Estate for over eight years and have had the opportunity to work with this particualr company. Although I can't think of one particular incident to share, I will say that my overall opinion of them and their credibility is low.

However, you stated several times that you were "told" that everything that remained in the house would in fact stay after the close of escrow.

Look back on your contract very carefully and see if it specifically says that all fixtures and any remaining personal effects currently on or in the property will remain.

I live in Cali, so I'm not real sure how your contracts are, but typically, if your agent or you do not ask, you do not get. How about your agent's Broker? Will they take a little responsibility in all of this? Could they show a little good faith and get some of thier contacts ie; handymen, painters, carpet cleaners, that they work with to pitch in and help with some of the repairs? I feel your frustration, but I've seen worse. Good Luck.

Reports & Rebuttal
Respond to this report!
Also a victim?
Repair Your Reputation!
//