Two months ago, our Realtor took us to see a home in Mass. Our offer was accepted and we went through the inspection. We asked the sellers to repair one minor issue. Our Realtor came back to us reporting that the listing agent said the couple were insulted at our request and no longer wanted to sell. Weeks later, after writing an email to the sellers explaining that we loved the house, we received a phone call directly from the sellers, telling us that the inspection was never the issue. They said they were planning to purchase another home, the sale fell through, and they couldn't sell their home yet. To date, we have still never been told about the issue by the listing agent.
We think it's probable that the listing agent (a REALTOR) did not tell us about the issue because she believed we'd go look at another property and she'd lose the sale.
Knowing that Realtors © are required to go by a code of ethics, do we have the right to file a complaint about her unethical behavior?
2007-12-17 07:53:19 · 5 answers · asked by red_writer 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
We have the sellers' statements in writing.
2007-12-17 08:03:09 · update #1
You can file a complaint, but the chances are good that it won't result in anything. In order to get anywhere, you're going to need those sellers to verify what they told you IN WRITING. The odds of that occurring are very slim, since this woman is working to sell THEIR house.
As well, how do you know that it's not the SELLERS who are not telling the truth about this ? After nearly two decades in real estate, NOTHING out of the mouths of buyers or sellers surprises me anymore.
Follow up: If you have the sellers on paper to that effect, go for it. It's rare for sellers (or buyers) to do that, but apparently these folks have agreed to do so. Start with the managing broker of the firm involved, and then work your way 'up the ladder'.
2007-12-17 07:59:39 · answer #1 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They used the inspection as a way out of the contract. They probably had no contingency stating they had to get the other home before they could sell theirs. That inspection saved their butt. The listing Realtors represents them not you and owes loyalty and confidentiality to his clients, not you. It sounds unethical and you may have a valid complaint but I don't think you have anything to gain. Make the complaint if it will make you feel better.
2007-12-17 08:55:10 · answer #2 · answered by Ross 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smell fishy to me. You paid for an inspection? I think I would want an explanation face to face with the sellers, the sellers agent and the listing agents Broker. Someone is not telling you the truth.
2007-12-17 09:03:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what your complaint would be. You had no contract with the agent and suffered no loss. Also, she was not obligated to disclose the financial situation of the seller to you.
You can file your complaint, but her behaviour was not that unethical and not against any real estate laws that I have heard of.
2007-12-17 08:59:55 · answer #4 · answered by Landlord 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
why not? i would
2007-12-17 08:01:02 · answer #5 · answered by Queen D 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋