Reporting an agent (broker)?

[Greg D.]

I hope this is the correct sub forum. Forgive me if it is not. I am looking for advice on how to best go about formally complaining about a terrible experience with a principal broker on a listing she was representing and I was under contract on. Because they own the company, I cannot file a complaint with her boss since she doesn't have one. Are there any agencies out there that would see to it that the broker be reprimanded for the following? I apologize in advance for the short novel, but I wanted to provide a recap of the experience in its entirety. I was under contract on a home in WA state. After the inspection showed there were much more costly repairs then were known or disclosed ($50k above and beyond the initial $125k that was known), I requested the repairs ether be completed or the equivalent of the total cost of repairs be reduced from the purchase price. After taking the full 3 days to respond, then verbally asking if $10k would be satisfactory to which we politely declined, they requested an extension of 2 days to respond formally. At the end of the 2 days they finally counter with a $5k reduction. Yes, seriously. We rejected the counter and began the termination process, so I could recoup my deposit. After submitting the termination paperwork, the LA then comes back to us and says, "Ok, the most we will go is $25k in price reduction." We told her that wasn't enough and that we just want our deposit returned. She never responded to any further communication from us. Has not replied to texts, calls, emails or even the title agency of their choosing's emails and 20 day demand letter. Long story short, I want to file a formal complaint that will actually have an impact on her aside. Are there any governing bodies or agencies I should reach out to? Other than yelp, are there any social channels I should look to? Thank you for your help.

[Colt Callison]

Unfortunately that probably won't get you anywhere since your complaint is with the wrong person. If WA State is anything like it is in Kansas, only Buyer and Seller can decide what happens with deposits or earnest money. If BOTH do not decide on the same outcome, nothing can be done by the Agent or Broker. It is strictly a contract between buyer and seller. The only two ways a company (such as a title company) can release those deposits is with the consent of both parties in writing or by court order. 

If you have an agent, I would tell them to send message that if the money is not released by a certain time then you'll have to seek legal means and you'll also go after any court costs and fees for attorneys, time and trouble. That usually gets their attention and has helped some of my clients in the past. 

Hope that helps. 

[Steve Milford]

Just curious... If you are buying properties listed, are you not using a Realtor/broker to help you in that process? I ask because I was wondering where your Realtor/broker is as I read this? I have met other investors that end up in messes and helped straighten them out, but situations like this still make me wonder how/why when it happens? Based on what is presented here it seems like the other Realtor used the contract to their advantage, but I may be wrong. I am sure I don't have all the facts but am curious to gain insight so that I can be a better Realtor for my clients.