Just tried to call two times to ask a couple of questions about a house that was posted to look like a rental. I really don't know anything about their company so I said I was just looking to get more pictures of the house and ask some questions about their process. Two times I was hung up on. Like others said, this is probably a scam, and not true rental property that they control. They also don't score well at the BBB (Better Business Bureau) so I wouldn't give them my personal info or credit card numbers. Won't see ya there. read more

This company has outrageous customer service and grossly misleads the consumer. I feel completely scammed. I contacted the company when I became interested in a home they advertised on Trulia.com. They informed me that the only way to view the home (and similar homes in my area) was to join their membership based website which would provide me with the contact information of the sellers of many more homes in my area that fit my needs. I stupidly believe them. Once I paid the $40 membership fee, I was presented with a list of viable homes in my area. The only contact information available for these homes was to the banks which owned the property. After contacting the bank of over 10 properties, I learned that, not only was I unable to contact the sellers (as advertised) but the properties were not even available for sale or rent. When I contacted the company about the discrepancy, they person who sold me the membership (Isaac) became rude and indignant. I was told that the only way to receive a refund would be to submit a written request via mail, and that they probably would not refund my payment. I am stunned by the actions of this company and feel much less trusting of the real estate industry because of them. read more

Just tried to call two times to ask a couple of questions about a house that was posted to look like a rental. I really don't know anything about their company so I said I was just looking to get more pictures of the house and ask some questions about their process. The guy answered was a complete jerk and hung up on me two times, with absolutely no reason! Like others said, this is probably a scam, and not true rental property that they control. read more

Rude. Scam. 'nuff said. All the jerk was interested in was getting my monthly $40 payment. When I told the jerk-off that I wanted to see the property first to see how this may be beneficial to me he says "then call me when you're ready," and proceeds to hang up the phone on me!! No one. I mean NO ONE hangs up the phone on me!!!! read more

Big SCAM, was told they would help with searching properties for Rent to Own, true enough. What they did not say was that I was going to do the calling the owners of the properties, sent them letters to ask about selling their houses, in other words harassing the owners about the property they are delinquent on, as if losing their property was not ordeal enough. oh yes, the individuals I spoke to on first equity where very nice, they their scam so they have to be in order for you to fall into their scam. you will be wasting your time and money. by the ways the fee will not be a one time fee is a monthly fee until you decide to cancel it, that is why they are so quick to ask for your credit card. their number 805- 580-3720, posted all over craig list properties. please be aware. read more

Can someone of law enforcement please handle this? This is a TRUE SCAM! I called for information, and every-time I would ask a question the rep would completely ignore me! When he got to the payment of $40 I told him I need to speak with my husband and see if this would be a good fit for us, and boom he hangs up! Yes, I called right back, ultimately I wanted to believe maybe the call disconnected. Spoke to the same guy and ask, "Was I just hung up on?" The guy didn't answer... I said "Hello?" I KID YOU NOT HE RESPONDS, "WHAT!!!" STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY! IT ISN'T REAL!! THEY JUST WANT YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION!!! read more

Awful. Such a scam. I wish we would have done our research before we handed over 50 bucks and my credit card information. We spent all day today looking at these properties listed only to see that they were still very much taken and definitely were not available. And when we called they just gave us the run around, "Oh yeah well some units may still have people living there but they will have to be out soon". Nonsense! I can't believe this. We have to move out in the next month and definitely did not have the extra money right now to be scammed. Now I have to go get an entirely new credit card to avoid them taking anymore money out of my account. read more

Wow I Called This company and from the moment they answered it sounded sketchy I made a commitment about ok grate I'm gonna do a little research on your company and he just hung up RED FLAG !! All day read more

SCAM!!! STAY AWAY The homes are not real!! Do not waist your time or pay the $40, its a SCAM read more

Pure bait and switch. I called them up regarding a rental home they advertised on Craigslist - and they hung up on me after I pointed out that they were offering a home for rental, but they were SELLING access to their list. Which is... the very definition of bait and switch. I wonder if there is a class action lawsuit regarding this? http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/First-Step-Equity/internet/First-Step-Equity-scammers-non-existent-rentals-sales-pitch-to-take-over-mortgage-Golet-850857 read more

Please everyone should be careful and stop being fooled by all these brokers and account managers. I was scammed $400,000 of my investment capital, they kept on requesting for extra funds before withdrawal request can be accepted and processed, at the end I lost all my money, All efforts to reach out to their customer support desk was declined ,I found it very hard to move on . Luckily I came across a comment on a recovery website that recommended a funds recovery expert on binary/forex and bitcoin investment recovery, and I contacted him immediately through his email address and explained my issues with my investment broker to him ,God so kind, he and his team worked relentlessly to recover my funds, and was able to build a case on the scam broker with the information I provided about my trading experience and my funds was refunded back to me within a week interval, I was able to get access to my funds with his help, I still can't believe how possible it is to get my invested capital back, including my bonus with the company. I know some people has been a victim of scam investment broker. I feel obligated to recommend him and his great funds recovery strategy, feel free to reach out to ADRIAN LAMO if you are having issues withdrawing your funds, via his email address: HACKWITHADRIANLAMO @ GMAIL COM and he will guide you on steps to take and get your invested capital including your bonus refunded back to you. read more

These people are so full of S*** i drove by the house with my husband and the house they are claiming to rent is not for rent it is already sold and they just want your money. They are scam artist. Dont trust them nor give them any money or your credit card. read more

Well contrary to.the other reviews the lady I spoke with, Lucy, was very nice respectful and answered all my questions. She explained that these are houses in default and you will be paying the back.mortgage and the deed will be in your name, before the house is put up for short sale. Then once the house is current you will have the mortgage transfered in your name. Good deal if the person is over half done paying off the house..... What she said makes sense but I'm going to dig a little more and make sure its legal before I pay the $40 and move forward. If you have questions speak with Lucy she's not rude like these other guys. read more

I wish I could give it NEGATIVE STARS! READ the other comments, they are TRUE. I called 805-770-5043 in regards to a Craigslist posting for a home. I gave him the ID# and he gave me very basic details on the property, bedrooms/bath/ square footage and monthly amount. Then he explained for $40 he'd do a Title search and give me a list of other properties in the area. Which in theory sounds logical, right? Well since my husband was at work and I was only looking to get more info on the property other than what was already listed, I told him I would call back but first I wanted to contact my husband FIRST. WHY? Because that's what you do in a committed relationship. Even though we BOTH work, it's OUR money, not mine to blow freely. I just wanted to relay the info I got (which wasn't much) and make sure we made a decision TOGETHER to commit to the $40 for the process... to which the guy chewed me out and then hung up on me while saying I was wasting his time. Look man, I WASN'T wasting your time. I might have actually paid you the $40, NOT for the listing, but for the Title look up and the home owner's contact information. I thought it had value, but when you turned into a shitty asshole, you can go FUCK YOURSELF. That just reinforces this unprofessional shit company that should probably be forced to close. read more

Beware of the scam! So, I am looking at Craigslist today for my brother who wants a lease to own property. I told him that these things are all scams but I figured I give it a shot. I called 805.770-5040 A male robotic voice came in reading a script and told me that this property is available and he needs $40.00 so he can email the actual address and what other homes that is avail to lease to own. I told him that I need to check your First Step Equity and asked for the website. He got upset and told me that I am not ready and if I am ready to call back....I told him I want to make sure that this is not a SCAM and before I hand him over my $40.00 I want to check out the company...he hanged up!!! Beware Yelp readers. Check the internet first before you give out your wallet!! I knew it was too good to be true. read more

ZERO STARS!!! NEGATIVE STARS!! In my entire life, I have never been treated more rudely by an agent than by TWO of this company's "finest." On my first call, I was told that in order to learn more about the property, I had to furnish them with the ID number off the ad. I replied that I wasn't aware of that and politely asked him to hold on a moment while I did a quick online search. He hung up on me. The second agent got to the point of robotically reading an explanation of how the company works. When one or two items he mentioned intrigued me and I had a question, HE COMPLETELY IGNORED ME and kept reading. When he got to the point of asking for the $40 "registration fee," I told him that unless he was willing to answer a few questions for me, I would be reluctant to proceed with the transaction. "Well, when you're ready, let us know," he said in a particularly surly manner, and SLAM! he hung up. This company should be put out of business for cruel and unusual punishment of potential customers. read more

I saw a house on Craigslist with this number. Because of the lack of detail and willingness to forgo a credit check I googled the number. On Yelp, the number belongs to Elite Tile Works. I called to verify and the person who answered snapped at me and hung up. I called back and it went straight to voice mail and I was able to get name of company. read more

Scam...bait and switch put ads of homes that are not available to try and get you to pay a $40 monthly fee. Its a fraud, scam ...not sure how they are in business!! Rude, crazy person that runs it... read more

I'm glad I checked out this company. I knew it was "bait and switch" when I saw Canon Drive home listed at 2300 per month. That home would rent for about $8000, easy. I called and got the same pitch to give them $49 per month. Luckily I was on my computer and found these other reviews, so I saved myself grief. read more

Total scam they have houses listed that are not in default all the info is incorrect.They make it sound so simple and easy on the phone but hello it takes way longer than a couple weeks or even a month to move into a foreclosure..so mad we gave them the card number I've always been skeptical of these sites..once in the site it does not help you go about the steps to getting a house you have to do all the leg work..fill out and send letters to the owners of the properties.Im a mail lady so I know which homes are available or for sale or just sold in my area and it was all incorrect.Just save for a house to buy..scam.No credit check is also a red flag read more

Let me add to Marty L's review. Very poor customer service; the guy on the phone was rude and abrupt. I called to inquire about a home I found on trulia.com. When I asked one too many questions regarding membership and member limitations, he hung up! Go somewhere else for your housing needs; this guy is not serious enough about his business to treat potential customers with any consideration. read more

They mislead you, misinform you and out right lie. in my opinion its a complete scam! no customer service no return calls.

SCAM! SCAM! SCAM!! These people hung up on me as soon as I asked ANY questions about their processes, or to confirm availability of homes they have pictured. I lived in the neighborhood of one of their advertised homes, and know who owns the home in the photo they are using - and can confirm that it is in fact NOT in default, nor is it in their inventory. Three different people hung up on me as soon as I made ANY type of inquiry about information they were reading off their script. Save your money, and your identity - I think this operation is more interested in having access to your credit card information than collecting the nominal $49/mo for their proposed service. read more

Worst customer service I've ever experienced. Rudest employees I've dealt with. Refusal to give requested information, outright refusal to listen to customer complaint, staff interrupted and cut me off when trying to explain my customer service case. It was my fault I gave them money for the last few months. I made several attempts to call their customer service line, (805) 770-5041, to no success or reply. I was then told by the main phone attended, (805) 770-5040, that there were no records of my 5 attempts to get help with using their service. I've e-mailed and called, and once was literally told "Our customer service line will reply to your e-mail or phone call when they were able." I never heard back from them. I couldn't even explain past 5 words to the terribly rude person on the phone, who continued to just push me for my e-mail and assume I wanted a cancellation. I wanted help navigating their platform, but this interaction drove me to cancellation. Of course, I cannot get a refund for the month I -just- paid for. Terribly run business, "state regulated" is a lie. This is an awful, predatory business that will not help you with what you need. They just want your money and to cancel your account when you're done paying them. Don't make our mistakes. read more

SCAM! BEWARE!! These guys are sooo RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL!!. Found an add on Craigslist and called to inquire about it. They were rude the whole time.They hung up on me after I asked them questions about their business. They talked down to me and questioned MY questions. Really? Glad I used my common sense to not sign up for anything. DO NOT TRUST THEM!! read more

SCAM! SCAM! Called regarding a property and once I started asking questions, he put me on a 10 min hold and then hung up. I called back, he just hung up. I googled their phone # and found all these complaints on Yelp. Looks like they are trying to sell a service for $40-$50, lol. SCAM!!!!!! Stay away!!! read more

I called to check it out & see what the process is & the owner want someone to move in 35-40 days & i was told no credit check & verify income & in 5 years the property can be changed to your name then next thing he was asking for was my credit card info to process a payment & i asked him is there some where i can go & speak to someone to verify & he answered is it going to be visa master or american express & i told him thats not what i asked you & he said thats not how it work & i asked him if theres a website i can look up to verify & before i give you any account info & he said i would send you a reciept while were on the phone if not i wish you luck on your house search & i just hung up on him... BULLSHIT SCAMS SCAMS read more

If I could give this place no stars, I would! this place is a SCAM SCAM SCAM!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT use this "realtor". I was not even sure I was speaking with a human over the phone, the guy tried to rush/trick me into paying $40 for a RTO property I was interested in. When I told him I was only interested in more info and would not give him an of my personal info, HE HUNG UP. SO unprofessional. If there is one lesson I have learned the hard way it's never believe what you see on craigslist. It's always to good to be true. read more

My God!! I've never seen like that before. True scam.. I felt that I was talking to an automated machine when I was talking to a life person acting like a machine. He mentioned that in order to give me more information I will need to pay $45 as soon as I said that I won't pay for something that I don't know, he said thank you and have a good day!! and he Hung up!! read more

S - C - A - M with all capital letters! Holy cow they couldn't be more obvious! I called about 8 time and as soon as I asked a question about particulars I was hung up on (even spoke to 3 different people) ....EVERY TIME! read more

Do not get involved withe first step equity they are no good and all they do is take your money. customer service sucks I call three times trying to get some answers first to two I was hang up on and the third I was told not to call back there any more after they got my money I quest not hum??? Do not waste your money with them. They should be close down. read more

Well everyone, I got the hang up 4 times, all he wanted was my info, I informed him I will do the questioning, hang! Sounded like it was always the same empty headed guy. I'd steer clear of these cons. read more

Great customer service !!!! I have found and taken over three home loans this past year. First Step Equity has a wealth of information and is well worth the $49 membership fee !!! Thanks !! read more

HORRIBLE... These people are a scam & denied my refund but cancelled my service! I have made 3 attempts and this bullshit ass company could care less. I will be contacting the BBB AND taking legal action. DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE, PEOPLE OR COMPANY EVER!! I wish I could give this -10 read more

Thanks to Yelp for saving me the agony, time and expense of dealing with this company. I saw a property for rent on Craigslist (CL) that looked familiar and the price that First Step Equity (FSE) listed it for was very (too) reasonable, based on my prior recollection of the property (I'd seen the house on Zillow about a month before). That should have set off alarms. I was still so intrigued that I searched out the address of their CL listing using Zillow (I looked at about 100 properties in the general area FSE had indicated it would be and found a house with the exact same square footage...and as pictured, the exact same one that I'd seen on Zillow before). Zillow still had the original sales listing pictures, inside and out...a truly stunning rental at FSE's asking price. But Zillow showed that it had been sold (3/18) the day after FSE's listing came out (3/17) on CL...one day after! That should have set off alarms. But no, you don't want to believe anyone would try to deceive you. Then I did a little more research on FSE. Thank goodness I ended up here. Now I won't be waiting for FSE to contact me back (I left them a phone message and sent an email via CL) about the property. Again, thanks Yelp contributors for opening my eyes. You've certainly relieved a lot of stress over this. Now I can move on. Remember, if it looks too good to be true... read more

I give this a ZERO rating!! This is a scam, and why does Craigslist still allow them to post is beyond me! I called about a house for rent, and first the guy was silent, then when I asked what are the steps to rent-to-buy, he hangs up on me!! I called back twice, and he kept on hanging up on me! read more

I rate this a negative 0. THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM!!! They just want your money. Once they have your $40 they won't help you at all! They made me call like 5 times for a home that didn't check credit, had 4 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, pet friendly and monthly fee was only$1100 which is cheap if you think about it because nowadays the rent is at least $1250 for like 2 bedrooms! they told me that on First Step Equity I had to make an account, pay $40 and search the home I was interested in but its fake these homes are fake and don't even exist.They are rude and if you keep asking questions they scream at you. I asked this lady named Lucy and she got mad because I asked her a question she said " I already told you that,you didn't listen to me" and refused to give me information. I also came across a guy named Corey he was nice but don't get manipulated by them because they steal your money. If you come across them don't call because it's a scam. They charge you MONTHLY HIDDEN FEES!!!! I found them on craigslist there #(805)770-5040. If you have already came across them you could possibly change your credit card number so that they don't keep charging you. THEY MIGHT EVEN STEAL YOUR IDENTITY WITH THE INFORMATION YOU GIVE THEM!!!!THEY JUST WANT YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ITS A FRAUD! 126 E Haley St A17, Santa Barbara, CA 93101is there location. read more

If there were an option for negative stars, I would select it. I have NEVER been spoken to so disrespectfully, and the agent hung up when I started asking questions about the property. Based on the reviews I see here, it is clear that this so-called business has NO business selling anything or dealing with people. Whoever answered the phone hung up when I started asking questions about the property (maybe check your facts and see if there is a property code listed in the ad before you start yelling at a prospective client when it is not listed) and demanded $49 when I asked about the property listed. Unbelievable. I just created a Yelp account with the sole purpose of informing anyone looking into this business that they are rude, unprofessional, and probably a scam. read more

I called to view a home they had listed on craigslist and they said I had to sign up for their services that cost $40 a month before I could even view the homes that are being foreclosed on. I said I wanted to view a home first and they said "I don't make the rules" and hung up. read more

Wouldn't send me inside pictures or actual address of place posted on CL. Seems a scam as all they wanted to do is get me to pay for an application fee. read more