1-Star Yelp Review for Kyle Draper and Michael Maloney - Serene Team at eXp Realty…read more
I never leave public reviews for other real estate agents... because this business can be very challenging. But my experience with Kyle Draper and Michael Maloney, both agents with the Serene Team at eXp Realty, has been consistently disappointing and unprofessional over the past 8+ years.
Kyle Draper, who previously worked under my leadership when I was the Team Leader at Keller Williams Downtown LA, withheld a referral commission that was contractually owed to me. He later admitted in writing that he let someone else "keep my cut." I filed a commission dispute and lawsuit, which was dismissed without prejudice due to timing... but his handling of the situation showed a complete lack of professionalism and accountability.
Despite that history, and not yet knowing about a vulgar Facebook comment left about me by Michael Maloney, I gave their team another chance. I moved forward on two escrows at my listing at 240 Robinson Street (south of Silver Lake), where Michael brought in buyers. Both buyers failed to perform. Both escrows were mismanaged and filled with errors... costing me and my client time and credibility.
Later, I discovered that Michael had left a public comment on my professional Facebook page saying, "F*** off you fraud." When I asked him about it, he denied it and said he was "hacked." Regardless of the excuse, the comment stayed up for months and was visible to clients and colleagues.
On top of all that, Kyle Draper cornered one of my partners at an open house and, instead of acting professionally, spent the time talking negatively about me. This has become a pattern... personal attacks, gossip, and backdoor behavior that has no place in a professional real estate transaction.
Here's the summary:
Withheld referral commission
Unprofessional and defamatory public comment by Michael
Two failed escrows from unqualified buyers
Years of personal and professional attacks
If you're working in Los Angeles real estate, especially around Echo Park, Silver Lake, or Downtown LA, I strongly recommend avoiding Kyle Draper and Michael Maloney of the Serene Team at eXp Realty. I wish them the best in life... but I will never do business with them again, and I advise others to proceed with caution.
***UPDATE (June 2025): After I confronted Michael Maloney via text on June 8, 2025 regarding the Facebook defamation, he left eXp Realty the very next day. Kyle Draper left eXp Realty the following day. These facts are confirmed via the California Department of Real Estate. While no explanation has been given, the timing is not coincidental.
In response to this review, Kyle Draper publicly commented on Yelp and falsely implied that a lawsuit I filed had no merit. The case (Bramante v. (Ray) Wu, Draper, Peng - Case No. 20STLC07362) was dismissed without prejudice, which means it was never ruled on and remains fully actionable. Draper's statement is intentionally misleading and part of a continuing pattern of professional misrepresentation (I have attached a copy of the actual court case history verifying my comments).
I've since issued a formal cease and desist and have begun legal action for defamation, commission theft, tortious interference, and reputational harm. I am posting this to protect others. If you are a buyer, seller, or agent working in Los Angeles, ask questions and do your diligence.