Extremely Disappointing Experience. Sellers agent, co-listing agent & managing broker…read more
I am leaving this review because my experience with the listing agents after purchasing my home was extremely disappointing, particularly regarding a significant condition issue with the stairs that was not disclosed to me before closing.
I made a full-price offer on the home on June 1 and had three opportunities to be in the house before closing, including visits with my realtors. During those visits, the stairs appeared finished and intact (covered by new carpet treads, with rounded edges). There was nothing that made me or my realtors aware that the stair treads were concealing significant damage underneath.
I received the keys on June 30 at approximately 5:00 PM. Within about 30 minutes of being in the home by myself, I discovered substantial damage underneath the stair treads. I immediately took photographs and video and notified my realtor.
The following morning, July 1, I already had a flooring crew scheduled to remove the third-floor carpet, and matching flooring had been delivered to the house. The flooring professionals examined the stairs and confirmed that the condition was an ongoing safety issue and that the damaged treads must be addressed. **I also found the invoice for the recently purchased carpet treads-ordered by and sent to co-listing agent Gypsy, in the garage with the extra treads.**
That afternoon, co-listing agent Gypsy came to the house to retrieve the lockbox. I showed her the damaged stairs and explained what the flooring professionals had told me. Additionally, I shared with her that I had found her invoice-to which she said "hmm"
I told her that I believed I should be reimbursed for the repairs. She told me she would speak with the other listing agent, Maggie, and get back to me.
**I never received that follow-up.
On July 8, after hearing nothing, my realtors contacted the listing side and provided the details of what had happened. The listing agents requested documentation and invoices, which we provided. Their ultimate response was that they were not responsible and would not pay anything. I was also told that because I had three opportunities to enter the home before closing, if I did not notice the problem, it was my responsibility.
That response was particularly disappointing because I subsequently spoke directly with the managing broker, Patrick, who explained that the sellers had been given options regarding the "problematic" stair treads and had chosen to repair what was there rather than replace them because replacement would have been difficult to match to the existing flooring.
I want to be careful and fair about this: I am not claiming to know what anyone's intent was. The managing broker specifically told me that he did not believe anyone was trying to hide anything. My concern is that a known/problematic stair condition was covered before the sale, I was not informed of that history, and I discovered the underlying damage almost immediately after receiving the keys.
What was most disappointing was how the issue was handled once I brought it to their attention. I made every effort to address the matter privately, provided the documentation requested, and even contacted the managing broker, Patrick, myself in an effort to find a reasonable resolution. Ultimately, I was left with the impression that the position was simply: you didn't notice it, so it's your fault.
I understand that listing agents represent the sellers, and I understand that unexpected issues can arise in real estate transactions. What I expect from real estate professionals, however, is transparency, accountability, and respectful treatment when a significant issue is brought to their attention. I also expect them to abide by RCW 18.86.030
(Washington real-estate broker owes duties to all parties in a transaction, including:
* exercising reasonable skill and care;
* dealing honestly and in good faith; and
* disclosing all existing material facts known by the broker that are not apparent or readily ascertainable to a party)
I am posting this review because I believe prospective clients deserve to know about my experience--not because I expected the agents to guarantee a perfect transaction, but because of how the situation was handled after the problem was discovered.
I have photographs documenting the condition of the stairs immediately after receiving the keys and the following morning.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend these agents to a buyer who expects their concerns to be handled transparently and professionally after closing. Furthermore, I would not recommend these agents to a seller looking for honesty, or to anyone who appreciates/expects transparency during one of the largest transactions they will ever make in a lifetime.
