Renters, Home owners, and all real estate professionals be advised! We were looking at a home in Kailua Kona for rent that was represented through Lava Rock Realty and their representative Corrie Gulsrud. We went through the extensive process of submitting all the requested info (i.e. credit, paystubs, banks, etc..). We are very qualified, and were told that we were the best prospects they had vetted, they offered the home to us almost immediately. Now because we live in California, it was crucial that we received the approval prior to flying out to do the final review and complete the documents - why would we, or anyone fly out 2,500 miles to look at a home unless they were told that the home was their first right or refusal?! After being given assurances that the home was ours if we were serious, and us deciding that it was the right fit, it was weird to find that the lease docs were not prepared and ready for signing previous to our arrival on island. Initially I thought she was just unprepared, or unprofessional, or both.
Upon arriving back in Los Angeles a few days later with still no docs, we were told that we would be receiving the Docusign lease agreement immediately, but after stalling with excuses and going radio silent for a few days we finally received the docs on Friday - A whole 5 days later (I know about island time, but as real estate professionals I would expect a much more reasonable turnaround - maybe expecting people to do what they say is too much). Fast forward 5 days, we were at Disneyland celebrating my daughters 4th birthday, and finally the docs arrived, HOWEVER that evening when we got home to sign them, the docs had been voided???
This believe it or not isn't even the bad part, now before I continue I AGAIN ASK MYSELF IF THIS IS A COMPANY THAT VALUES THEIR CUSTOMERS TIME, AND REPRESENTS BEST IN CLASS SERVICE?
At this point we're baffled, we have rented, owned, and sold real estate and have NEVER had such a comedy of errors, but the sales rep Corrie Gulsrud was there to assure us nothing was wrong, and that she would be back in touch soon with answers as to why our lease was voided. After waiting patiently for another 4 days, we were told that there was a problem with our dogs and that the HOA of the housing community did not accept our breed of dog, a bull terrier, and that's why we would not be allowed to rent the home - How strange considering they had previously sent me the HOA rules and handbook, and there were no breed or size restrictions for dogs. Concerned I reached out to the HOA manager directly only to find out that there was no breed or size restrictions.. BUT WHY WOULD THEY GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO CRAFT SUCH A RIDICULOUS LIE?
SIDE NOTE: I've found that when people are buying or looking to rent real estate it's a very personal venture, in my opinion I feel that Lava Rock Realty and their sales rep Corrie Gulsrud didn't take that into consideration with us.
As I informed Lava Rock Realty that the HOA had no Breed or size restrictions, the story then changed to the owner not wanting dogs (but why would the home be marketed as a rental with dogs being ok?). We were just trying to rent a home, we didn't need the games and lies, at this point we were over it - it was clear that the issues that were developing were steering us to look for another option. Lava Rock then told me that they were washing their hands of the client, that the client would consider renting to us because of our predicament, but it was up to us and the client to work together to figure out the rental details as they are no longer representing the client. If you are confused, then imagine how we felt! In the end we decided to walk away from Lava Rock and the home owner all together, it was too stressful and confusing trying to figure out who is being truthful or not.
At this point our predicament was:
1) We had given our 30 day notice and needed to be out by the end of the month - Now we were homeless in a few weeks
2) Our belongings and car were being moved to a container to be shipped out in 1 week (partially pre-paid)
3) We had nowhere to move to - Which meant we were potentially looking at having to store our container at the harbor for a cost of $100.00 per day.
4) No desirable rentals available..
WHAT DO WE DO - We decided to change directions, make the move to Hawaii, where we reside now, and put this behind us.
Now months later, as I reflect and I have had time to cool off I look at the situation and will say that I am not mad at Lava Rock for changes to the allowable pet policy - it may be the case that they were put in a bad situation, however the home owner seemed to be pointing the blame at them. I will say that not identify an issue before we flew out and spent $1,400.00, and the lies regarding the HOA pet policy, as well as the empty promises of "The docs are going to go out in an hour" is a company that has bad practices that people should be aware of. read more
