Litigious Realtors

[Robert Steele]

Two Realtors representing other parties that I have worked deals with over the past 12 months have started threatening legal action when they don't get what they want even though they don't know the law or what the hell the are talking about. What's up with that?

The last one was trying to accuse me of discrimination. I had to point out that I do not discriminate against non-married couples and in any case that is not a protected class in Texas. I told her that I do however discriminate against litigious Realtors so take your offer and beat it.

The previous one earlier this year started threatening to sue when I wouldn't renegotiate the sale price after their inspection. She said it was because I didn't disclose work done that required permits. The problem was that according to the City the work did not require permits.

I guess these scare tactics have worked for them in the past. Sheesh ...

[Brian P.]

There are those idiots out there, the sad part is they think they know the law and are convinced they are right. I had one agent having a tizzy over a rental where I had turned down the tenant. I just said it you want them to have it so badly, they can have it under one condition, you and your broker co-sign and guarantee the lease, it shouldn't be any problem because you have so much faith in them, you do have faith in them don't you? well you can guess the answer to that one.

In another case, a pending sale, the agent and buyer were getting outrageous. She is quoting her version of the law and what she was advising her clients. I said I'm sorry you said that, you did hear the beeps when we were talking didn't you, you know that means the call is being recorded which I'm allowed under state law, I think I will need to send a copy of it to the state bar because it is clear to me you have over stepped your real estate license and are now practicing law without a license. Is your broker aware of what you are doing, you better talk to him first, and then call me back. Broker calls me back. I know him well and know that this agents actions really upset him. We arrange a sit down with the buyer,seller, and us less his agent and worked everything out. Even offered the buyers the chance to cancel the deal if they wanted. Later noticed in the board newsletter she had transferred her license to another broker.