|
|
Review 8/29/2009
|
Well, when you work with a realtor/property manager, there are some quite definite benchmarks. For example: completing contracts and forms correctly; taking steps to maintain timelines (important when one is moving); making honest representations; doing what was promised; fiduciary responsibility; not putting ill at ease the buyer (who is spending tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars and who will live for a long time at the property); solving problems (dare I say, with a smile) without causing more problems or creating ill will between the parties, as well as some others. Using these benchmarks, my experience is that Joan Russell / Russell Properties was a complete failure on all counts.
During the course of the process, I was put upon numerous times to run errands for Russell as if I didn't have a job. Promises and representations of items to be completed were diminished down to, "those weren't promises, I was doing you a favor". Having written a few checks with the intended contract date (to facilitate matters being the friendly and workable guy I am), Russell cashed checks early and before the contracts were signed. Rather than an apology, I received lectures on her company policies and how I should learn to work with her bookkeeper (daughter) to maintain her company policies...never an apology. No apologies but yelling at me on the phone was every conversation. If she interrupted and yelled long enough, I guess she thought I would go away.
You see, but I couldn't go away. Not only did she have over $2000 of my money but I had to get out of my place to accommodate the person moving in. I was able to contact the other party directly who was kind enough to listen to my horror story. Quickly, he switched realtors and was able to make that work out. Finally, I had a realtor who was understanding and who appreciated that I had one foot out the door of my old home and no place to set the other foot. As we worked it out, boy were we in for yet another surprise.
You see, come moving weekend, had all this not happened, I would not have realized that the contracts were wrong. Essentially, MY CONTRACTS WERE SO WRONG, THEY WERE INVALID. I'm not a realtor. I'm not a lawyer. She completed the contracts completely in error and the condo forms were old and outdated and also filled out incorrectly. I have a two week delay as does the person moving in to my old place. The other party has to have all of the forms reviewed and ratified again. What a boob! Stay away from Joan Russell and Russell Properties. Thank you for letting me share this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|