Evil Realtor

[ducklite]

A man who donated millions for a cancer center here in Pittsburgh drives a 1972 Jeep. So clothes and cars do not mean squat.

The dad of a really good friend of mine is worth $20 million or more, and wears sweatshirts and jeans and drives a 5-10 year old panel van. Her mom shops TJ Maxx and drives a Mercedes--a 15 year old one!

Anne

 

[ducklite]

I'm guessing that was during a seller's market. These days, I don't think you would have had the same outcome.

We wouldn't have had the bid war that went over the asking price--which would also be a few thousand lower right now, but I have no doubt we would still sell it that fast. It was a perfect starter home with alots of curb appeal and extras, and it was priced to sell. There was only one family who showed up with kids--and a couple with a newborn, who obviously I had no problem with them bringing the baby in--so we really weren't limiting our potential buyers, as we had 30 couples come through the open house in one weekend. We gave the sign-in sheet to a Realtor friend after the attorney review period and inspections were complete and we knew we had a firm sale.

There is always a market for starter homes in the area we sold in--a three minute walk to the NYC commuter bus. We lost three bid wars on other homes in that area before we got into that one--only because the bid originally accepted ended up being not what it appeared and the seller knew we were pre-approved and could close quickly, so we got it over the other bidders.

Anne

 

[snowwite]

One time we were looking at new homes in AZ. We do pretty well financially, but you would NEVER know that by looking at me. I just do not "get into" clothes. Maybe it's because I used to be an actress and had to wear tight costumes ALL the time, but I simply cannot stand restrictive clothing, and I don't see the need to spend a lot of money on clothes (especially considering my dd was 6 months old and was always spitting up on my clothes). So, unless I have a good reason to dress better, I tend to run around in sweats.

Well, I walked into this new home community that was WELL within the range that we were pre-approved for. There is a male realtor sitting behind his desk. He looks up at me and rolls his eyes....honestly, he ROLLED his eyes at me!!! I thought, "Okay, maybe he is having a bad day and just didn't want anyone coming in right now." I go and look at the models. They were BEAUTIFUL and very much like what we were looking for. I came back in (yes, I was carrying my 6 month old) and he was working with someone else, showing them the available lots. I leaned over the display to see what lots were still available, and he said, VERY impatiently, "May I HELP you?" I responded, "Yes, I was wondering if you had any packets of floor plans and available options." In a very condescending voice, he asked, "Have you ever heard of the Internet?" Confused, I replied, "Yes." He said, "Well, you can go online at www.whateverthewebsitewas.com and view them there." I asked, "Don't you have packets available for possible home buyers?" He said, "Possible home buyers?, absolutely." I asked again if I could have a packet, and he said, "I'm sorry, I just don't have any for YOU."

I went to my car, completely STUNNED by the way I was treated. I started to go, and then returned to the office with my dd. He looked up and said, "Did you forget something?" I said, "Yeah....I forgot to tell you how RUDE you were to judge me. Just FYI, my dh and I are pre-approved for a great deal more than what you are asking for your homes, but there is NO way I would purchase from you now. However, I do need your first and last name, as well as the corporate office number.....no, never mind on that last part....I'll just get it off the, what was that word....oh yeah, the INTERNET."

I'm sure my little "attitude fest" meant absolutely nothing to him....but, it seriously made me feel SOOO much better.

I hope that you wrote that letter and got him FIRED!

 

[MushyMushy]

Studies ahve been done that show that indeed overweight people are discriminated against in the workplace in terms of hiring and salary.

Anne

I worked at a temp agency for a brief amount of time in the late 80s, and I remember seeing in the files different comments about the temps' appearances. There was ALWAYS a remark about weight. That was such an eye opener.

 

[Disney Doll]

My DH manages a real estate office and I will tell you without a doubt that if one of his agents had acted like this, he woudl want to know so he could ream them out.

My recommendation is to get the woman's name, call her office, and tell your story to the office manager. If you don't seem to be getting any satisfaction by going down that avenue, then there is also a state board of realtors who will be happy to listen to your complaint.

You might also want to throw in something about being concerned that she was being discrimnatory because your DH was handicapped and you wonder how thatwould fly with the Americans with Disabilites act? Or that she was being discirminatory because you had children.

I wouldn't let it lie though. I will truly and honestly tell you that there are good ethical realtors out there and they hate this kind of realtor who gives them all a bad name.

 

[honeymom]

My DH manages a real estate office and I will tell you without a doubt that if one of his agents had acted like this, he woudl want to know so he could ream them out.

My recommendation is to get the woman's name, call her office, and tell your story to the office manager. If you don't seem to be getting any satisfaction by going down that avenue, then there is also a state board of realtors who will be happy to listen to your complaint.

You might also want to throw in something about being concerned that she was being discrimnatory because your DH was handicapped and you wonder how thatwould fly with the Americans with Disabilites act? Or that she was being discirminatory because you had children.

I wouldn't let it lie though. I will truly and honestly tell you that there are good ethical realtors out there and they hate this kind of realtor who gives them all a bad name.

This is good advice. And, yes, unfortunately this does tarnish the entire industry. I am and know that all of the realtors in my office strive for professionalism. Part of the reason that I chose the agency that I am with - stellar reputation, outstanding well respected broker.

 

[binny]

I agree with contacting the Real Estate board if you think there was a possibility of ADA infraction being an issue Fair Housing would be all over that!
You would be amazed at how fast people jump when you mention the ADA


I am sorry that happened to you. I know it has happened to us as well.

 

[RUDisney]

Maybe I'm naive, but are realtors not bound by the same non-descrimination policies as bankers? I know that if a young woman with a baby came in for a loan, no employee could descriminate against giving her a loan or taking her application just because she "looked" like she couldn't afford it. We could never tell her to come back with her DH or DF so she'd have a cosignor before we ran any credit reports or VOE/VODs on her.

I know that car dealers descriminate based on your appearance all the time, but I thought that realtors would be held to a higher standard.

 

[SillyMe]

Maybe I'm naive, but are realtors not bound by the same non-descrimination policies as bankers? I know that if a young woman with a baby came in for a loan, no employee could descriminate against giving her a loan or taking her application just because she "looked" like she couldn't afford it. We could never tell her to come back with her DH or DF so she'd have a cosignor before we ran any credit reports or VOE/VODs on her.

I know that car dealers descriminate based on your appearance all the time, but I thought that realtors would be held to a higher standard.

Realtors are bound by the Fair Housing laws.

 

[Regina]

I always tease the one agent at the development we recently purchased a home at. They have three model homes, but the style we were interested in wasn't one of them, nor were we thrilled with the choice of lots in the section that was open.

We made arrangements with one of their agents to return during the week to see the home we wanted to view that was near completion. Well, we arrive and when we tell the agent who was in the sales office why we were there, she copped an attitude with a capital "A." She said they only do this for people who have put a deposit down, etc. I nicely told her that we wanted to see it first and that in all likelihood we would wait for the next section to open when we have a better choice of lots. She begrudgingly let us see it.

Wouldn't you know, a few weeks later I pick up the paper and see that they opened the new section. I went, got the lot we wanted and never once missed a chance to remind the agent that she didn't want to show us the house.

I think she learned a lesson about "assuming" if someone is serious or simply there out of curiosity.

Now that the new house is getting built, we just put our existing house on the market. As a matter of fact, today's my realtor open house. I have to say I did stipulate that I want potential buyers to be pre-qualified. No sense taking the pooch on a road trip (he's not the best around strangers) if they can't afford the house. But, when and if I have a weekend open house, I understand that anyone can tour our place. (And there are two neighbors who I know will be first in line. )

 

[ButchJohnson]

Yeah this is irritating but it seems to be becoming more of a trend, particular with houses that the owners think will sell fast. I was going to look at this castle that came for sale in my home town, real famous estate, it was wayyyyy out of my price range but I was dieing to look at it anyway, they wouldn't even show it to anyone unless they alreday had a pre-approved deal for that price range, I just said I'll get back to ya.

 

[SillyMe]

Yeah this is irritating but it seems to be becoming more of a trend, particular with houses that the owners think will sell fast. I was going to look at this castle that came for sale in my home town, real famous estate, it was wayyyyy out of my price range but I was dieing to look at it anyway, they wouldn't even show it to anyone unless they alreday had a pre-approved deal for that price range, I just said I'll get back to ya.

The reason for that is so you don't waste everyone's time.

 

[mrsv98]

Yeah this is irritating but it seems to be becoming more of a trend, particular with houses that the owners think will sell fast. I was going to look at this castle that came for sale in my home town, real famous estate, it was wayyyyy out of my price range but I was dieing to look at it anyway, they wouldn't even show it to anyone unless they alreday had a pre-approved deal for that price range, I just said I'll get back to ya.

I live north of Chicago. All along the lakefront, there are huge, gorgeous mansions. When they are for sale, you can bet you must be pre-approved and have an appt to look. Otherwise it would be looky-loo city. Plus with huge houses like that there is definitely a security issue.

 

[Dee & Greg]

And You ALL Are Invited! Bring your kids! Bring your pets! Fenced in backyard! A great family neighborhood!

Can you tell I need to sell my house... just bought a new one last week!

 

[ZPT1022]

The dad of a really good friend of mine is worth $20 million or more, and wears sweatshirts and jeans and drives a 5-10 year old panel van. Her mom shops TJ Maxx and drives a Mercedes--a 15 year old one!

Anne

Exactly my point! There are plenty of people who have the means but don't feel the need to show it off. DH and I always say that even if we were to win the lottery or come into money or just plain make that much, that I can't imagine we would change everything about how we live. We'd still be conscious about blowing money on what we consider stupid things, we'd likely still drive Hondas, etc, etc...... so **THINGS** are not a good way to judge someone's wealth or lack thereof

 

[ButchJohnson]

The reason for that is so you don't waste everyone's time.

Yeah, thanks for that, I'm vaguely familar with the concept being that I participate in the real estate world.

 

[ducklite]

Exactly my point! There are plenty of people who have the means but don't feel the need to show it off. DH and I always say that even if we were to win the lottery or come into money or just plain make that much, that I can't imagine we would change everything about how we live. We'd still be conscious about blowing money on what we consider stupid things, we'd likely still drive Hondas, etc, etc...... so **THINGS** are not a good way to judge someone's wealth or lack thereof

DH and I often have that "A Dollar and a Dream" conversation. When all is said and done, we've decided on the following:

A semi-remodel of the kitchen to add a Sub-Zero or similar fridge and built in wine cooler. We'd have to downsize the pantry but other than having a set of doors that match the current cabinets made, it would only require some drywall and minimal electric and pumbing. Total cost would be under $15K including the appliances.

Add a pool/hot tub/screen enclosure. Total cost $under $60K for what we'd be more than happy with.

Buy a Saturn VUE Greenline. Total cost, under $28K fully loaded.

We don't feel that any of them is outrageous--the first two will add value to our home, and the last one will be to replace a car that DS wants to buy from us.

The bulk of the rest of the money would go into educational trusts for our nieces and nephews and to charity.

Oh, and I'd buy a new pair of chino's for work, my one pair are getting a bit shopworn.

Anne