Archive for November, 2009
Most often these center on the return of, or the failure to return, the buyer’s deposit when the purchase does not go through. Not far behind on the list of buyer complaints are allegations that the broker misrepresented the property in some fashion, either by lying outright about its condition or by withholding vital information. As I noted earlier, there are ways of pursuing complaints against brokers who are less than honest. The best strategy, though, is to protect yourself from the outset. That means understanding that the broker does not represent you, and behaving accordingly. The broker is required to provide honest information about the property, but you should also make an effort to obtain information on your own, Don’t wait for the broker or seller to tell you about problems; ask specifically whether they exist. Have a professional home inspection done (more about that later, in chapter 11). Make your own assessment of market conditions and comparative values — don’t rely on the broker’s judgment alone.
