How do I report a real estate agent who is knowingly violating the law? (foreclosures, insurance)

[Tirade]

Long story short, I know a real estate agent who is continuing to show a house that has very serious safety concerns. By "very serious safety concerns," I am speaking of something that could very easily send someone to the hospital with a life-threatening injury. If it were anything less than this, I would mind my own business, but I'm genuinely scared that an unsuspecting buyer is going to get seriously hurt while checking this house out.

I want to notify the government about this issue, but have no idea who to call. The local health department? The local police? An organization in the state government? I really don't know where to begin.

Sorry if this post is vague, but I'd prefer to leave identifying details out of it. All I can add is that I know for a fact that this person is violating the law, and also I know for a fact that this agent is aware of the problem, but choosing to ignore it.

[ferraris]

Are you sure it's actually against the law? I was under the impression you could show any house you want, regardless of condition. I mean obviously you'd have to disclose the issue prior to the sale, but is it actually illegal to simply show the home?

I've walked into total rehabs (unknown to both me an my agent) where we could see straight from the entry way into the basement.

[Tirade]

Originally Posted by ferrarisnowday

Are you sure it's actually against the law? I was under the impression you could show any house you want, regardless of condition. I mean obviously you'd have to disclose the issue prior to the sale, but is it actually illegal to simply show the home?

I've walked into total rehabs (unknown to both me an my agent) where we could see straight from the entry way into the basement.

Believe me, I've seen my share of poorly-maintained homes and foreclosures lately, so I understand your point, but this issue goes beyond that. All I can say is that I'm very, very sure that what's going on is violating the law.

I refuse to post identifying information on a public forum, but if you're that curious, you can ask me about it over PMs.

[Love2Golf09]

If you're talking about mold, then don't even waste your time. People are shown homes with black mold covering the walls all the time, many times even without a mask. If you're talking about a gas leak, then you need to call the gas company asap first to get that looked it. Whatever the issue, I highly doubt much will happen to the agent. In most cases they can simply claim stupidity and get away with it. Of course, without knowing the exact details and how dangerous the situation is, it's very hard to speculate. But, go with your judgement and call 911 if you have to. Sending an officer out to the house to speak to the agent might spook them enough to stop whatever it is that they're doing.

[Tirade]

Originally Posted by Love2Golf09

If you're talking about mold, then don't even waste your time. People are shown homes with black mold covering the walls all the time, many times even without a mask. If you're talking about a gas leak, then you need to call the gas company asap first to get that looked it. Whatever the issue, I highly doubt much will happen to the agent. In most cases they can simply claim stupidity and get away with it. Of course, without knowing the exact details and how dangerous the situation is, it's very hard to speculate. But, go with your judgement and call 911 if you have to. Sending an officer out to the house to speak to the agent might spook them enough to stop whatever it is that they're doing.

Sent you a PM with the exact details of the situation.

Ignoring h_curtis's usual negativity.

[ferraris]

I can understand why you don't want to post exact details online. If it's truly putting people in harms way, I'd say call the police. If you don't want to take it quite that far, then maybe call the city building inspectors and see if they can help you somehow or point you in another direction.

[ditchdigger]

My suggestion was going to be the building inspector as well.

You've piqued my curiousity. Could you cc me the descriptive PM please?

[selltheburgh]

I don't think this is illegal, though I don't know the full situation. I would say that it is likely a huge insurance liability for both the owner and the agent. feel free to pm me the details too.

[SouthHillsHappy]

I would start by notifying the agents manager/broker.

[Bong477]

was going to suggest the same, if the realtor works for something like howard hanna, start there.