Long Beach Real Estate-Downtown Long Beach Condos

Good story Laurie -

Too bad it's not a story - it's true!  I am seeing similar situations all around my neighborhoods today.

Vicki

Many of you may or may not know that I also post some of my articles on other sites on the web.  One of those sites, Active Rain, is a real estate related social network.  Realtors from across the country participate and discuss many issues.  This post was also placed on that site.  I thought my Long Beach readers may be interested in the comments from industry professionals across the nation on this issue:

69 Comments on Did You Get Your Real Estate License in a Box of Cracker Jacks?

I don't know CA law but in FL the first agent could loose her license for calling the couple once they had listed with another agent. That first agent sounds like she could benefit greatly by receiving a slap.

01/10/2008 05:53 AM by Gary McAdams Delete Report as Spam

If I received an offer?

I would present the offer. But I'm delighted that there are currently multiple offers. One might even be from an ethical agent with a shred of competence.

And... Have you spoken with the Broker yet?

01/10/2008 05:54 AM by Mike Jaquish Delete Report as Spam

I don't even know how to respond to this?? So many violations. No wonder you omitted Realtor.

01/10/2008 05:55 AM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

We deal with this type all the time...it's more like they get pulled over and the cop asks for their Real Estate license, We have very strict rules for things like that and loss of license is most likely the outcome. Protect the public is the big thing here.

01/10/2008 05:56 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-Weston Florida Delete Report as Spam

I would take the offer in the best interests of YOUR CLIENTS

01/10/2008 05:56 AM by Russ Ravary Delete Report as Spam

I can't believe she would call the couple considering she was the root cause of their finacial meltdown. I would present the offer, once the couple saw her name that offer would be dead on arrival.

01/10/2008 06:19 AM by Jennifer Fivelsdal,ABR,GRI,SRES Delete Report as Spam

I am with Missy, not sure how to respond to so many violations ! And boy...they are a doozies !

01/10/2008 06:24 AM by Melissa Grant, Realtor Delete Report as Spam

So many violations, so little time. But don't fall into the trap yourself. If she submits an offer you are required to discuss that offer with your clients. They don't have to accept in, they don't have to give a reason why they aren't accepting and what are the chances that she really has a client to buy the property?

01/10/2008 07:39 AM by Cindy Jones-Offering Real Estate Service for the 21st Century in Northern VA Delete Report as Spam

The industry is so full of agents like this there is really no way to control it. Licensure is so easy, it's an open invitation to high-binders and opportunists. Laws are promulgated but not implemented. Regulation is adopted but not enforced.

Unless a consumer devotes their life to prosecuring their life to complaining about an agent, nothing will be done.

I have a friend who filed a complaint against an agent and it took two years for the investigator to contact them. What agent fears that?? I've served on the Realtor Grievance Committees and there are few, few complaints that make it to Professional Standards. Even then, the form is more important than the substance. They try but the system is stacked to protect the guilty.



01/10/2008 07:55 AM by Homefinders, Real Estate in MD & VA, Lenn Harley, Broker, New & Resale Homes Delete Report as Spam

Laurie, that is absolutly nuts, but we do know that does happen sometimes. Obviously they made a much better choice. To many agents react with thier "feelings" and not with thier minds. (Maybe the don't have a full one, who knows.) I actually had someone leave voicemails on my phone after I didn't use them for a service. Some wih profanity, some without. (Did I mention that when they were working in my house they raided my fridge!) And they wonder why they don't get call backs.

01/10/2008 09:08 AM by Birmingham Alabama Real Estate, Stephen Wolfe Delete Report as Spam

If I received an offer from her I would have her clients get pre-qualified with a lender you know. I can't believe an agent would act the way she did, its just disgraceful.

01/10/2008 11:02 AM by Camarillo CA Real Estate Agent/ Mana Tulberg Delete Report as Spam

Laurie..OK so I'm laughing like crazy....as I know the agent must have ralatives that work in the South Bay.. what a boob.. longevity and good business ethics are not synonymous.. The chances of this agent actually writing an offer are nil.. but if it did materialize.. you being the consumate professional you are would look it over.. present it to you client with the other offers you have and no doubt pick a terrific offer from a good agent.... then write a brief note to the nitwit agent telling her you are so sorry her offer was rejected.. trying hard not to spit out the champagne your clients bought for you on the note....

01/10/2008 11:05 AM by Manhattan Beach CA/ e-PRO..... Kaye Thomas... Delete Report as Spam

Hi Laurie,

Getting the license is the easy part, pass a written test, done. I've said for many years is like passing a written driver's test, just because you pass that part, it doesn't mean you know how to get behind the wheel drive. Same this in r.e., just too many "agents" like this who are licensed yet clueless.

01/10/2008 12:30 PM by Orange Co. Real Estate~Lynda Eisenmann, Broker-Owner, Brea, CA Delete Report as Spam

Laurie, I am speechless! How does she get the unmitigated gall to call her victims at all, much less cross the sign line ethics boundary? I doubt she even has a viable offer. Have you asked your clients if they would entertain any offer She writes?

I would write her up. Whether she gets a slap on the wrist, a suspension or nothing, is not the point. We need to make the attempt to remove these violators from our industry. Evil flourishes when good men and women do nothing. She is evil... A liar and a scoundrel...and that's my 2 cents.

01/10/2008 12:34 PM by Wilmington NC Real Estate Ginger & Roger Sala Keller Williams Delete Report as Spam

Laurie -- OMG what audacity and stupidity. . .not a pretty combination! Here they give a RE license to anyone with a pulse.

01/10/2008 12:39 PM by Lori Gilmore - Will County Illinois Realtor Delete Report as Spam

That a terrible story but very common. Regardless of where they got their license, Real Estate like every other industry has people who are unethical in their work habits. The same applies to the mortgage business. Shame on the consumer for following this realtors advise, but shame on the realtor for advising what they did.

Sean Allen

01/10/2008 12:49 PM by ~ Sean Allen & Pilar Lorenzo ~ The Mortgage Professionals Delete Report as Spam

I have run into several agents just as bad or worse. they do seem to give us a lot of material to write about here on Active Rain. I hope they serve as an education to the rest of us.

If she brought an offer, I would present it. Our state law requires that all offers have to presented immediately.

01/10/2008 12:51 PM by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® Delete Report as Spam

I was exhausted just reading this... wow! What nerve of that agent.

But also, why did this couple allow her to play with their money? They're grown ups and should have done research on their loans because the foreclosure market has been heating up for more than 2 years already.

01/10/2008 12:59 PM by Donna Harris, ASP Delete Report as Spam

HI Laurie - glad they have you to help them throguh. I am sad for them. Please report that agent!

01/10/2008 01:03 PM by Courtney Cooper, Owner/Broker, Realtor- Seattle WA & Seattle Suburbs Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

I have had a run in as most people in this business for any amount of time will, with unethical and even criminal people in the business. There are all kinds of people out there and that is the difference between an agent and a professional agent. THe tough thing is teaching the public this.

Visit my website: www.TeamQuintana.com

Ross Quintana

Team Quintana Real Estate - Spokane Washington

Spokane Real Estate Experts!

01/10/2008 01:04 PM by Ross Quintana - Spokane Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

I think she might have crawled out of a box of Cracker Jacks versus getting her license from it. What a trip.

01/10/2008 01:06 PM by Amanda Hall--Realtor, Fort Worth Texas Delete Report as Spam

Are you smoking crack? Only when someone else pays. I never reach into my pocket to buy my own rock. Agents like this give drug dealers a bad name. Glad you made this a Public Post, Laurie. Maybe the other agent will read it and get a clue. The young couple is now set back, what, 5-7 years if not more? And then the phone calls.

The phone calls are clearly over-the-line and solicitation of another Professional's client. Real estate is now like that that horror movie, Dawn of the Dead. If you don't get a clean head shot some of these blood-sucking zombies don't go down.

01/10/2008 01:17 PM by Andrew J. Lenza, ABR GRI MBA Delete Report as Spam

I wish the other agent could read this and get a clue! But she's probably too stupid to use a computer. Here in Alabama we still string folks up for doing things like that. She should at least be taken out back and have the crap beat out of her.

01/10/2008 01:32 PM by Jay Knorr, Prudential Preferred Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

I feel for the couple, they trusted this agent with their dream and she stole it. I think she needs her license snatched from her and never given back. THE only one she ever thought about in the entire process was herself. It is so unfair to the couple and our industry.

Sharon

01/10/2008 01:44 PM by Sharon Ivey Delete Report as Spam

Laurie:

What a sad story. It has happened more times than we want to know.

01/10/2008 02:05 PM by » Bill Burress Florida Mortgage Broker Delete Report as Spam

I am not at all surprised - this is how the unprofessionals in our business make a living. The bad part is that other agent is probably sleeping just fine at night.

01/10/2008 02:15 PM by Rebecca Savitski NC Real Estate Listings Delete Report as Spam

The other agent should go before your real estate commission and they should lose their license. End of discussion.

01/10/2008 02:19 PM by Jay McGillicuddy~Real Estate Broker Delete Report as Spam

Laurie, this couple got sucked into the wealth-creation appreciation band-wagon, huh?. I would bet the agent wasn't acting alone.

01/10/2008 02:26 PM by Michael Tarabotto (Certified Appraiser) Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Westside Delete Report as Spam

Box of cracker jacks indeed. She'll end up getting what's coming to her in the long run. It just hurts now to have those people in our profession.

01/10/2008 02:39 PM by Karl Burger - Pensacola Real Estate News Delete Report as Spam

Sounds to me like the initial mistake on the part of the young couple was to listen to the "realtor's" (small "r") advice about investing in the second condo. Did you question her about her expertise in real estate investment or just assume, because she was realtor, that she knew all about it. Just as all the consumer-oriented real estate publications are suggesting that realtors be interviewed and their resume checked, so should prospective buyers or sellers when touching on an area that requires special expertise.

I ALWAYS tell my clients that I'm a REALTOR--I'm not a lawyer, not a CPA, not a mortgage officer, not an investment counselor. Would they have listened to their dermatologist's advice about a duodenal ulcer?

Well, maybe they would........

01/10/2008 02:58 PM by Steve Heydel Delete Report as Spam

Very good blog. There are just too many bad RE agents out there. We all need to remember the power we can have at times.

Rich Lecinski

Long Realty

Oro Valley - Tucson Arizona

www.arizonagreatliving.com



01/10/2008 03:22 PM by Richard Lecinski Delete Report as Spam

The sad part is even if you did turn her in to the board it's unlikely anything would be done. Hold your head high as the true professional.

01/10/2008 03:22 PM by Christina Bennani Delete Report as Spam

I'm glad you left out the term REALTOR...although she should not be one! Can you file a compliant? She had no right to call your clients and she just makes us all look bad!

01/10/2008 03:23 PM by Monika McGillicuddy~ N.H. Real Estate Broker & Trainer Delete Report as Spam

awful story. Is money so inportant that you would hurt others to make some....just awful.

01/10/2008 03:39 PM by Team DiMuria Delete Report as Spam

holy cow...just when I thought I had seen it all. Unfortunately, this bad experience and that bad service can spread through the public, and blanket us all as greedy crooks sometimes. Good for you for being a Realtor, and not a greedy nice real estate agent

01/10/2008 03:42 PM by Sean Carroll, Berkeley Heights NJ New Providence, Cranford Homes for Sale Delete Report as Spam

holy cow...just when I thought I had seen it all. Unfortunately, this bad experience and that bad service can spread through the public, and blanket us all as greedy crooks sometimes. Good for you for being a Realtor, and not a greedy nice real estate agent

01/10/2008 03:42 PM by Sean Carroll, Berkeley Heights NJ New Providence, Cranford Homes for Sale Delete Report as Spam

What a horrible situation. I hope there is a way to file a complaint against the agent for the ethical violations. If she brought and offer you would have to present it but hopefully you won't be faced with this. This is exactly what gives real estate agents a negative reputation.

01/10/2008 04:00 PM by Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit Delete Report as Spam

I am still in awe over the behavior of this so-called "Realtor". I would be calling the DRE so fast it would make her head spin. I agree with Diane, this is exactly what gives us a horrible reputation as real estate agents. Please let me know what happens about her.

01/10/2008 04:07 PM by Charles Tharp ~ Inland Empire Real Estate Specialist Delete Report as Spam

Makes me embarrassed to be part of this business. There are bad apples everywhere but they wreck lives in our business. I hope you are successful in reporting her and that something comes of it. Unbelievable.

01/10/2008 05:13 PM by Bethesda Real Estate Sales ~ Josette Skilling Delete Report as Spam

Treat it according to the twerms/policies she should have observed.

01/10/2008 05:25 PM by Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor Delete Report as Spam

Too sad! Eventually those agents that do wrong by their clients will be called out (and hopefully leave the business).

01/10/2008 05:29 PM by Delete Report as Spam

I would present the offer. The clients know just how she is. So anything in the offer that seems a little fishy, I would turn it down. I feel so sorry for these poor people. I hope everything works out for them.

01/10/2008 05:32 PM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent Delete Report as Spam

Laurie...

I think if I hear the phrase "short sale" again today...

I am actually going to start banging my head against the wall.

Ouch :)

P.S. Our market is starting to turn into one HUGE "short sale". That's it...It's time for that wall :)

Nervosa? Very funny Code Monkey's :)

TLW...ROAR!

01/10/2008 06:05 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's...Wife! Delete Report as Spam

Thanks for bringing light to this type of situation - yes, it happens. Yes, you should turn her in to anybody who will take action. This should be more than a slap on the wrist.

01/10/2008 06:09 PM by Delete Report as Spam

In NJ if you have an offer in writing it must be presented. Aside from that, what you see going on with the other agent is the death rattle. The one good thing about the turn in the market is that these people will not survive. There will be some last screams that will pass. Good luck to your clients.

01/10/2008 06:14 PM by Jean Doyle Morris and Sussex NJ Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

How about my experience with a "experienced broker" who owned a francise for an unnamed company. She submitted offer, stated earnest money was in her company escrow account, sent me a copy of the check.

Her buyers walked days before closing, would not release the deposit to my seller, I was switching companies at the time, she stated screeching that I was out of the deal and since there was no longer a deal all future communication would be between her and my former broker and that I by talking to my former client I would be committing a felony. I still have her endless bizarre e-mail. I personally think someone was missing a few parts from the tinker toy set.

Turns out her buyers were people she knew and that the check was never deposited but merely written to show a earnest money deposit. This a** is still a broker. I got a letter from her a few months ago because she was trying to recruit agents who she identified as producers (in our county 4 houses in 6 months earned you that distinction and I had done somewhat better).

I was tempted to call but listened to my better angels

01/10/2008 06:21 PM by Delete Report as Spam

This is exactly the reason that I wish there were more restrictions out there on who can obtain a license!

01/10/2008 06:55 PM by Emily Lowe - Nashville, TN Realtor Delete Report as Spam

Bad agents get a reputation and their offers are always treated with suspect. I feel sorry for their clients. I always present the offer and suggest extra safeguards.

01/10/2008 07:13 PM by Portland Oregon Real Estate >> Wayne B. Pruner, GRI Delete Report as Spam

Hi Laurie - jeez, and this person still has her real estate license? That person is exactly part of the reason our industry doesn't enjoy the reputation it really should have. I would have called her up just as you did and given her an earful, as I imagine you did. Yes, I'd report her in a heartbeat. I don't know what your state laws are, but there surely are several potential violations of our Code of Ethics. Having chaired our Grievance Committe a number of times over the years, I'd love to get my hands on that complaint!

REPORT HER!!
Ann

01/10/2008 07:23 PM by Portsmouth NH Homes Portsmouth Condos ~ Ann Cummings Delete Report as Spam

I LOVE that title you used for this post! And just so you know, I usually only get my jewelry and trinkets from my boxes of Cracker Jacks. Maybe I should buy the bigger boxes, and perhaps I just might find some licenses in those boxes instead of jewelry and stick on tattoes.... ;-)

Ann

01/10/2008 07:25 PM by Portsmouth NH Homes Portsmouth Condos ~ Ann Cummings Delete Report as Spam

Laure - It's no wonder this agent said "I sell a lot of short sales!" She probably created many. The fact that this person is apparently not a REALTOR® is a shame. She has flagrantly violated the REALTOR® code of ethics in many ways. About the only recourse for this couple would be arbitration if the arbitration clause was used. If not, then they would need to proceed with civil action. They obviously don't have a lot of cash or they wouldn't be in two short sales. So, this incompetent, unconscienable agent is able to scurry under the sink and come out again to feed on more unfortunate prey another day.

Perhaps some attorney needing business would want to pick up the gauntlet on this (filing against both agent and brokers) and see if there might be enough people and enough money to get a class action suit going on this one. I can't believe I would ever suggest suing anyone, but you know sometimes there's just no other way.

Laurie - thanks for being a REALTOR® and taking the high road simply becuase it's the right thing to do.

01/10/2008 07:26 PM by Marlene Bridges-Laguna California Homes, Condos, and Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

Fat chance this agent will actually come through with an offer, it is amazing she is still in business

01/10/2008 07:37 PM by Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor Delete Report as Spam

Laurie, My first reaction is 'holy crap.' It just befuddles me. You would have to present the offer to your clients, but I can't see either your clients or yourself trusting this person and that she could even help to bring it to close. Now, I surely wouldn't counter or call this person to let them know that the offer was rejected.

01/10/2008 08:20 PM by Marc Grossman, GRI - Central Florida Real Estate Specialist Delete Report as Spam

Love your title & the crack part. I have these thoughts of other agents too often. I work hard to not get negative but I am assisting customers here in VERY similar situations as the lovely couple on the swings. It is a disgrace. I hope these agents can still sleep at night, the money they made those couple of years must make a nice pillow or something.

01/10/2008 08:22 PM by Cape Coral Real Estate - (239) 218-2229 Susan Milner Delete Report as Spam

Wow....Laurie, your post left me absolutely speechless. That's not an easy task by the way. I would most definitely turn her in. The real victims-your clients, should write a letter as well : )

01/10/2008 08:25 PM by Bend Oregon REALTOR ® Kelli Fronabarger Delete Report as Spam

For her it was ALL about the commission. She broke every ethical rule in the book. How do [people like that stay in business. I bookmarked this post. Very very informative...

01/10/2008 08:38 PM by Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Five Star Realtors, West Michigan Delete Report as Spam

I would be ashamed to call anybody if I was the one that gave them the advice that ruined them financially. I hope they get back on track and get their dream home.

01/10/2008 08:39 PM by Jeff Link "The Asheville Real Estate Guy" Delete Report as Spam

I would doubt very much that the agent has any buyers....and if she does, at least here...you have no choice but to present the offer....just check the financing upside down and backwards !

01/10/2008 10:14 PM by Sally & David Hanson Delete Report as Spam

Ugly situation, Laurie. But she is not the only one out there using these kinds of tactics. Lots of violations and probably worth the time to report her. One wonders how she can look herself in the mirror - serious denial, I think.

Jeff

01/10/2008 10:27 PM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

I agree, if your buyers were to get an offer from this agent they would reject it immediately. I would also report her to her broker, your Board of realtors and you state licensing board. She needs to go away fast!

April Ferrao

www.aprilbringsuhome.com

Re/Max Boone Realty

Columbia, MO

01/10/2008 10:44 PM by April Ferrao Delete Report as Spam

Laurie - She must have slept through Ethics and Law classes. This is why I believe state licensing agencies should monitor real estate more closely. Too much of this goes on out there. How these kind of agents stay in business is beyond me.

01/10/2008 10:47 PM by Shelby Morris Delete Report as Spam

Yep. She needs to be turned in. She can bring her highest and best offer if she likes, but I'm sure the sellers are done trusting her.

01/10/2008 11:18 PM by Burien, WA Real Estate - Lisa Bosques, Assoc. Broker/Mktg Specialist Delete Report as Spam

This is a sad story. Unfortunately parts of it are more common that we all want to think. There are unethical things happening and the agents doing them seem not to care. It this just a sign of the times?

01/10/2008 11:25 PM by Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Valley Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

Hi Everybody,

I want to thank you all for your incredible responses. This post is going to be turned over to the young couple complete with all of your comments. It is my intention that they see the response by outraged professionals from across the nation. Tonight I spoke to the husband who is currently out of town on business, he will not be in front of a computer again until Sunday.

My recommendation to them will be to seek legal counsel and if possible to go after the agent. I am going to further request that they file a complaint with the DRE.

It seems pointless for me to file the complaint. So few complaints here are even looked at. Complaints from consumers have to be processed and addressed. It is my opinion (I could be wrong) that this is the best way to handle this situation.

I am especially fond of the comment about taking her out back for a good old fashioned whooping TYVM, lol.

Thank you all very much for your comments and by all means keep them coming. Tell this young couple what you really think.



Thank you,

Laurie



To the young couple involved in this calamity. You may leave your responses here anonymously if you like.

01/11/2008 12:36 AM by Downtown Long Beach Condos Long Beach Real Estate, Laurie Manny Edit Delete

The rough market seems to be bringing out the sleaze in some of these agents.

01/11/2008 12:08 PM by Gregory D. Maley - Metropolitan Washington, DC REALTOR Delete Report as Spam

I can't believe she would call the couple, I am in shock over the behavior of this "Realtor" Report her!!!

01/11/2008 03:27 PM by Mohamed Mekhimar - Richmond Virginia Real Estate Delete Report as Spam

Classic "Manny" at its best. Gee, the only problem is that the client sat there and listened to the BS spewing from the old agent....there has got to be some issues with the sellers too?

01/11/2008 08:17 PM by Kirk Mulhearn Delete Report as Spam

Exactly what Neal said...great to see you posting Laurie!

I seriously am trying to stay away from short sales and foreclosures here in Florida...They are taking forever for an answer...I have one going on 3 months now...my customer is not an investor and is getting very upset...I mean we offered what they were asking...

Kidding: In dream land, I would have got out my oozie (I don't own one, just being funny) and kaboom...she would have been covered in multicolored paint balls...LOLOL!

01/11/2008 10:09 PM by Karen Monsour, Realtor® in Fort Lauderdale & All of Broward County, FL. Delete Report as Spam

Laurie, I can feel you seething between the lines. Grr!!! I can't stand unethical agents either. I just did this short sale transaction and thought everything was going well until escrow refused to do the transaction. They do not do arms length transactions in the same escrow. Needless to say I was very surprised. I was never disclosed. The agent says to me, " I thought you knew. After all, this is a short sale and that's how short sale transactions are done!" Again, the failure to disclose and the act of assuming...

Great post, by the way. It really catches one's attention!

01/14/2008 02:52 PM by Marie Kletke - Broker Long Beach Real Estate Delete Report as Spam