Recently I contacted American Real Estate and Insurance in Cheltenham, PA. Their advertisement states that they pay cash for homes, that they will list a house for 4% commission along with free MLS services and free home staging. I intially inquired about the cash for homes advertisement and no one would answer my questions. An agent came out to my house with a contract. When I asked why he listed his commission as 4% he stated that he was unaware that his agency advertises 4%. I again spoke up about this and he said we could change the commission to 5%.
The agent tried to get me to sign for 6% and I said I would not until this number was changed. The agent played dumb and then crossed out 6% and handwrote in 5%. He clearly stated that there is no free home staging and that I needed to sign paperwork because all agencies charge and extra fee of $495 for the MLS and this is considered to be a conveyance fee. Other people have told me that this is not correct. The agent did not give me a cellular phone number or e-mail address. Each time I phoned the American Real Estate Office and asked to leave a message with the agent, Victor Flores, the owner, Anthony Hughes would argue with me. He was obnoxious, arguementative and condescending.
When I asked about why he was using advertising which was not correct he stated that this only applies if you use the owner as your own agent and not for any of his employees. Each and every time I have tried to have a reasonable conversation with this man he has made it impossible to do so. I finally became so frustrated that I told him I would carry through on a contract which was unfair and that his advertising was misleading and false.
He said that if I emailed him something with my signature that this would void that contract. I have never heard of doing this with any legal contract in my entire life. I clearly stated that I did not want Victor Flores to contact me and tell me all about how I am locked into a contract. I feel misled and I that I have a right to end this. I clearly stated that I work during the day and cannot take calls during work hours. Twice Victor left messages on my voice mail stating that he did not understand why there were so many problems. He has been playing dumb.
I have attempted 5 times now to clear this matter up with both the agent and with the owner. They do not get back to me.
I am absolutely disgusted with how this office has handled this matter. The only reason I contacted this office in the first place was because I cannot afford the typical 6% commission other realtors charge. I would assume that in order to have good business practices they would agree to make this as easy as possible for me.
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