I would not recommend Tree Realty based on my experience.
I listed my property with them for about six months and was disappointed with the communication, responsiveness, and overall representation.
One recurring issue was slow communication. Applications would come in, but I often had to repeatedly ask for information. In one case, an application was submitted on Wednesday, and I did not receive meaningful information about the applicant until late Friday. When a property has already been sitting on the market for months, delays like that matter.
I also found the screening process lacking in transparency. Instead of receiving a clear summary of income, employment verification, rental history, credit, and why an applicant was being recommended, I had to keep asking for basic information. One applicant was relocating from another state, and my question was simple: would the primary earner's job and income continue after the move to Austin? As the property owner, I am the one taking the financial risk if rent is not paid. I considered that a reasonable question.
What frustrated me most was being blamed when an applicant decided not to move forward. The applicant's own message stated that after reviewing the lease they did not feel the home was a good fit. The lease was prepared by the realtor, not by me, and I never communicated directly with the applicants. All communication went through the realtor. Despite that, I was told that I had "run qualifying tenants off" and that I "keep scaring them away." I found that accusation unfair and unprofessional.
I also had concerns about lease terms being added without discussion. In a prior transaction, pet-related terms and charges were included without being discussed with me beforehand. On another lease, terms appeared that I did not recall approving. Instead of discussing options and getting the owner's agreement first, decisions seemed to be made and then presented as a finished product.
Another concern was the commission structure. Multiple agents told me directly that they were not interested in showing the property because they were unhappy with the commission being offered and would rather take their clients elsewhere. Whether that affected the number of showings or not, it was a concern that was raised to me more than once.
After six months, poor communication, lack of transparency, and being blamed for asking reasonable questions, I decided to terminate the relationship.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend Tree Realty. After six months of poor communication, lack of transparency, and being blamed for asking reasonable questions about prospective tenants, I chose to terminate the relationship and move on.
Update: After I posted this review, the realtor threatened to file a defamation lawsuit against me. I never communicated directly with any applicants. All communication with applicants went through the realtor, and the lease that the applicants reviewed was prepared by the realtor, not by me. My questions were directed to the realtor regarding applicant qualifications and employment verification. read more
