Where to complain about a realestate agent? (sales, real estate)

[hotdog03203022]

We just finished the worst experience with the seller's realestate agent. The seller's agent was unprofessional, made changes to a contract without our permission, rude and deceitful to mention a few. We documented everything and sent it registered/return-receipt to the agency manager for an explanation but never got a response. We also contacted the headquarter (national chain) customer service representative who contacted the agency but also never got a response. She finally told us to call the office manager (who signed for our formal complaint). So, we are now looking for suggestions - what would you do next?

[Joy333]

After the changes were made did you initial the contract or sign it? You send a letter to the real commission to complain but being rude or unprofessional is not a crime or something they will do anything about. They are only interested if the agent performed a r/e violation. If you agreed to the changes they made and initialed or signed, they did nothing wrong, if you didn't then that part of the change is not valid without a signature. How were you made aware of the change? Need more info to know if it was a violation, or just an unprofessional realtor, or just a new realtor.

[hotdog03203022]

Thanks for the reply. Here is what happened (as it relates to the contract):

1. We signed the contract (and made a copy).
2. Our agent forwarded to the seller's agent.
3. The seller (agent) crossed out two items and made word changes.
4. The seller signed the contract.
5. The contract was then sent to the mortgage company and we got a copy.
6. Upon reviewing the contract, we noticed to the two changes that weren't even intialed by the seller (or dated).

Don't get me wrong - the changes wouldn't have been a problem but it was just another example how we were treated by the seller's agent. That plus the other issues was just unacceptable and put us over (anger) the top.

Our objective? Why should an agent be able to get away with this. Apparently, the agent is a super money maker - and the agency would rather ignore the problems and make the money.

Again, thanks for your reply.

[hotdog03203022]

So Joy333 - as an Agent - what would you suggest I do?

[Bluidblonde]

Where I was trained (not in Florida) we did business differently. So I can not speak of Florida's rules and regs. But I would suggest that maybe you contact the local county Board of Realtors to discuss your issues. I am sure they could tell you if a violation has or has not occured.

[hotdog03203022]

Originally Posted by Bluidblonde

Where I was trained (not in Florida) we did business differently. So I can not speak of Florida's rules and regs. But I would suggest that maybe you contact the local county Board of Realtors to discuss your issues. I am sure they could tell you if a violation has or has not occured.

Thanks for the suggestion. Funny, we contacted the "headquarter's" with our complaint and they in turn forwarded the complaint to the offending office. They said they don't actually "control" the offices - they are independent sales people. The offending office didn't reply to them - nor did they reply to my certified (signature required) letter. They just don't care.

Anyway - I have an appointment with a realestate attorney - I plan on running this as far as I can.

[hotdog03203022]

Originally Posted by Bluidblonde

maybe you contact the local county Board of Realtors

I looked and all I could find were non-governmental websites that are only "pushing" membership yet no way of registering a complaint. Interesting...

[TN Gal now]

Originally Posted by hotdog03203022

Thanks for the reply. Here is what happened (as it relates to the contract):

1. We signed the contract (and made a copy).
2. Our agent forwarded to the seller's agent.
3. The seller (agent) crossed out two items and made word changes.
4. The seller signed the contract.
5. The contract was then sent to the mortgage company and we got a copy.
6. Upon reviewing the contract, we noticed to the two changes that weren't even intialed by the seller (or dated).

Don't get me wrong - the changes wouldn't have been a problem but it was just another example how we were treated by the seller's agent. That plus the other issues was just unacceptable and put us over (anger) the top.

Our objective? Why should an agent be able to get away with this. Apparently, the agent is a super money maker - and the agency would rather ignore the problems and make the money.

Again, thanks for your reply.

I'm going to comment, but you may not like my opinion. I totally understand your frustration and anger. I also had a bad experience with an unethical realtor and it's beyond frustrating.

I don't think it's uncommon for the buyer or seller to make changes before signing the sales contract as it passes between the parties, but is then returned to the "other party" to initial approval for those changes. I think your realtor has some guilt in this also and that realtor should have discussed the changes with you - unless he/she also was unaware. However, while I truly understand your frustration, you commented that the changes really weren't a problem and you would have agreed to them, I'm guessing that other than your frustration with how you were treated you're generally satisfied with the overall transaction.

So, now you're continuing your vendetta against the realtor and losing focus on the positive aspects of the transaction. You're losing all your good feelings by pursing this and ultimately the only one who will really gain is the attorney.

My suggestion is to simply chalk it up to experience. Report it to the Real Estate Commision/Licensing Board, and any "official" agency you think needs to know. In the future make certain that you review everything each step of the way. And in the meantime, at every opportunity share your experience (without malice and/or the risk of libel) with anyone considering a real estate transaction. Realtors depend on their reputation and, ultimately, unethical actions will be their demise.

Easier said than done, but my voice of experience says let it go...move on...and be happy

[WellShoneMoon]

The State of Florida regulates real estate sales associates, brokers, and property appraisers who hold Florida licenses to practice those professions. Presumably the agent you're complaining about is licensed by the state.

To file a complaint against a Florida licensed real estate agent or broker, go to the website of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation -- they have an online complaint process. You'll need to have copies of all relevant documentation and specific information for your complaint. The Department will review your complaint, and if you have submitted evidence that there was a violation of state law or administrative rules, the Department will conduct an investigation and follow through with the disciplinary process.

Vague claims of unprofessionalism or rudeness will not generate an investigation. The Department has to be convinced from the evidence you provide that there was probably a violation of state law.

Go to www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr and follow the links to file a complaint.

[d4g4m]

You can make a complaint against anyone holding a real estate license to the- Fl Dept of Business and professional regulations.
Every county has a 'Board of Realtors'. File the complaint in the county where the agent operates.