Buyowner.com Bait and Switch Houston Texas
We signed with Buyowner.com approximately one month ago. The salesman presented up with packages priced at $3500 and $3900. He wanted to sell a more expensive package to us, but after seeing my reaction, he didn't try for more than $3500. The salesman assured us we would get a very quick sale, and was going to show to a couple he knows. Since it is in such pristine condition, he said he is telling everyone he knows about it. He also assured me Buyowner gets buyers from out of state who will send large down payments and purchase the house unseen!
Our home is beautifully updated and is attractively priced. It's $15K below what a realtor gave as a fair market appraisal. This realtor is a former neighbor who is very familiar with our area/subdivision. All of the homes we have sold in the past (6 in all) have sold in less than one week.
With that said, we have not had one call from a prospective buyer. The only calls we have received, other than those from realtors trying to get our listing, are 3 calls we received within a week from Buyowner's sister company, MLS Realty. They were trying to get us to "switch" to the Best of Both Worlds Plan
which would put us in MLS for a 3% commission. The question I raised to them is, "If Buyowner is so successful, why should I switch?". The caller had no real answer for me. I think that says it all.
Lisa
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Skip
West Palm Beach,Florida,
U.S.A.
Be Very Careful
#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, September 20, 2006
I don't know how they work in Texas, but in Florida MLS Realty has you sign a six month listing agreement that states they collect the 3% if you sell through the MLS. They then place a notice against you title at the courthouse which pops up if you do sell in the period. This becomes a "cloud" on the title and you cannot sell unless you pay them off.