Deb Espinoza's Real Estate BLOG: January 2011

I don't know whether to be enraged or disappointed in regard to the bad reputation that some agents and in this case, broker, give the real estate profession.

The story starts with my buyers purchasing a home that was bought at auction by an investment company and 'lip sticked' up to grab a buyer quickly. The MLS listed the vacant property as having a washer and dryer, which was still there when my buyer and I did the final walk thru a couple days before COE. Imagine my surprise when I get a text from my buyers that the washer and dryer are missing from the property when they go to move in.  So naturally I think that the seller must have removed these items, perhaps not knowing that they can't just remove something from the house like that. But no! The broker tells me that HE in fact took them and put them another one of the seller's properties, and that I didn't list them in my purchase offer so he figured he could take them and it was no big deal.  REALLY!!?? and you're a broker?? and a REALTOR??? 

But wait, It gets even better. After telling me that the washer was broken anyway- he offers to pay my buyers a sum to replace the used appliances and we agree and provide addendum of acceptance. Then yesterday I get a call from said broker, " Hey, I just got a new REO property for occupancy check and it has a pretty nice washer and dryer in it so I thought I'd just bring that over to your buyers if they want them." HOLY CRAP!! Are you telling me that as an REO Broker your "Courtesy" (read between the lines) is to take any property in the house that you feel you or someone you know may want?? So, like.. being an REO agent is like a property "free for all" to go shopping in an empty house to see if there's stuff you want??  Gosh, I never realized that it was such a lucrative business. Seeing as how this broker sold the house my buyer bought for a paltry $1000 commission. At least he knows what he's worth, but he better up his commissions to pay for his theft and lack of fiduciary duty for when he gets sued some day...  So is it just me that finds this absolutely outrageous??