Re/Max Hinet Realtors-Bruce Hines ripoff/defraud the buyer Richardson Texas
During the month of May, 2004, I was searching for property for my home builder to complete a one-time close on land/home loan. After several conversations with Dawn the office manager at Re/Max Hinet Realtor regarding the dimensions of my home, builders, and finally I emailed a copy of my home plans to their office, she notified me that she had spoken to Bruce Hines and they both agreed my home would fit on the property. This particular property had been on the market for over a year with no buyers because of its unusual shape. I entered into contract with Re/Max Hinet-Bruce Hines on 5/13/04 while discussing the selling of my home in Mississippi and the tenant proposing to buy the Mississippi home, with him and his staff.
The original contract they sent me required $1000 as down payment. But after allowing an attorney read over the contract, it was determined $500 was suitable. I also paid a $50 termination option. It was written within 10 days I would be furnished the existing survay and tital company affidavit. The survay and affidavit arrived 12 days later. After paying for my apprasial and contacting my lender, the loan began processing. I was denied several times by various lenders due to some incorrect issues on my credit report. However my lender assured me she would get it done and to be patient. I had email Bruce to let him know my lender said it would be no problem. On July 15 I got a denial letter from Summit Bank. I contacted Bruce and told him. He told me he thought I had been approved as per my email.
I stated it was a premature email on my part. He then stated the owner John Guajrdo III, had been bitten by a brown recluse spider and wanted to keep my $500 for hospital bills. He suggested I fax him a copy of the denial letter. I did so on the 20th of July. I also got my lender to fax him a copy of a different denial letter. Re/max did not contact me on the 21st so on 7/22 I faxed to his office written statements regarding the seller Bruce had made on the 21st and contaced Bruce Hines office to call me.
Bruce called me to tell me he was sitting with the seller and the two of them had determined they would not refund my deposit. He stated the owner has lost opportunities to sell the land over the past 30 days. I requested proof of the opportunities since Re/max Hinet was the only listing agent and Bruce denied my request. Bruce then stated my denial letters were 'strange looking' and began to quote the confidential reasons listed on the denial letter making light of the situation.
I did not think discussing what was on my credit report was any of his concern, he got the denial letter(s) he requested, what was the problem with the refund. We argued, Bruce claimed he did not know I was building a home and that my contract was simply for the land at which point, I suggested if they wanted to steal my money just say so, I got angry said a few choice words and hung up. I contacted Re/Max corporate office and was referred to Re/Max General Counsel Charles El-Moussa.
After we discussed the matter, he stated the amount was not worth the Re/Max office NOT refunding, and he would call the Hinet office regarding the matter. I then contacted the NAACP of Dallas for assistance and the BBB. I then contacted Dawn and asked her if she recalled speaking to me about my builder and home dimensions and she stated she did. I asked did she have that information and she stated it was kept in on file. On 7/23/04 emailed Dawn stating at 1030am I would provide a number to my attorneys office and I requested my file be faxed there. I faxed my written statement of events to Charles El-moussa, I also faxed my intentions to contact the NAACP, BBB and my attorney as well as 48 hours to clear this matter up. I spoke with Dawn and Sarah another employee at Bruce Hines office at 1030 that morning to verify the fax and email was received with the fax number to my attorneys office and a request my file be faxed to the office.
At 430 pm I contacted my attorney to see it he had received any such documents. He stated he had not. I contacted Bruce Hines office and spoke with Sarah, who stated she had been instructed not to speak to me and that I would need to speak directly to Bruce Hines but he was on the phone. It was suggested I have my attorney call Bruce at his office. I contacted my attorney, who agreed to call. I contacted Dawn the office manager, and stated that my attorney would call in 5 min. 10 min passed and my attorney called me back stating he had called the Re/Max Hinet office, asked for Bruce Hines and was told Bruce was not in the office. He added he left his number for Bruce to contact the attorney office on Monday. He also added he doubt that the Re/Max office would cooperate based upon the series of events.
Thomas
Lewisville, Texas
U.S.A.
12 Updates & Rebuttals
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
8/21/04 Email sent to Remax Hinet regarding mediation with seller
#13Author of original report
Sat, August 21, 2004
I have requested mediation on several times to no avail with the Realtor. This is a copy of my attempt by email.
"I have made only (2) attempts to contact Mr. Johh Guajardo (469)-682-1920 at 902 Greenbriar Lane, Richardson TX 75080 AND I have passed his information onto a mediator in Dallas for resolution. However, it complicates matters when the phone number is no longer in service. Further implicating matters of resolution and information with your office as unreliable. Please cc this information to Randy and Skip"
8/21/04
Thomas Owens
I do not believe they will respond even as it is required by the contract.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
8/21/04 Email sent to Remax Hinet regarding mediation with seller
#13Author of original report
Sat, August 21, 2004
I have requested mediation on several times to no avail with the Realtor. This is a copy of my attempt by email.
"I have made only (2) attempts to contact Mr. Johh Guajardo (469)-682-1920 at 902 Greenbriar Lane, Richardson TX 75080 AND I have passed his information onto a mediator in Dallas for resolution. However, it complicates matters when the phone number is no longer in service. Further implicating matters of resolution and information with your office as unreliable. Please cc this information to Randy and Skip"
8/21/04
Thomas Owens
I do not believe they will respond even as it is required by the contract.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
8/21/04 Email sent to Remax Hinet regarding mediation with seller
#13Author of original report
Sat, August 21, 2004
I have requested mediation on several times to no avail with the Realtor. This is a copy of my attempt by email.
"I have made only (2) attempts to contact Mr. Johh Guajardo (469)-682-1920 at 902 Greenbriar Lane, Richardson TX 75080 AND I have passed his information onto a mediator in Dallas for resolution. However, it complicates matters when the phone number is no longer in service. Further implicating matters of resolution and information with your office as unreliable. Please cc this information to Randy and Skip"
8/21/04
Thomas Owens
I do not believe they will respond even as it is required by the contract.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Let's Get it On!
#13Author of original report
Fri, August 20, 2004
called the Richardson police to advise them of my intent to picket. Called Randy Newhouse, asked if he had kept his word and contacted the seller. He said He did not, but he had Bruce to contact the seller. He then added, frankly he was tired of the threats to his office fax....I asked "what threats?' and he referred to my faxes of the Rip Off reports.
He then added if I had any intention of ruining his reputation, he didn't care - "lets get it on!". I said okay. I spent 2 hours picketing and will return Monday as well. It puzzles me how such a large company such as Remax,
1) proof positive within each email to Bruce, and Dawn starting back in June,
2)the letter from my real estate attorney stating they had no legal right to hold my money or suggest to the seller I was doing anything improper, and
3) the opportunity to resolve this issue with the TRUTH, Randy Newhouse and Bruce Hines continue to play this game. I met a lot of people during my picket, and I feel it was very successful.
I will continue picketing and for every hour I will charge them an extra $200 per hour. I am confident that I will be vendicated.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Let's Get it On!
#13Author of original report
Fri, August 20, 2004
called the Richardson police to advise them of my intent to picket. Called Randy Newhouse, asked if he had kept his word and contacted the seller. He said He did not, but he had Bruce to contact the seller. He then added, frankly he was tired of the threats to his office fax....I asked "what threats?' and he referred to my faxes of the Rip Off reports.
He then added if I had any intention of ruining his reputation, he didn't care - "lets get it on!". I said okay. I spent 2 hours picketing and will return Monday as well. It puzzles me how such a large company such as Remax, 1) proof positive within each email to Bruce, and Dawn starting back in June, 2)the letter from my real estate attorney stating they had no legal right to hold my money or suggest to the seller I was doing anything improper, and 3) the opportunity to resolve this issue with the TRUTH, Randy Newhouse and Bruce Hines continue to play this game.
I met a lot of people during my picket, and I feel it was very successful. I will continue picketing and for every hour I will charge them an extra $200 per hour. I am confident that I will be vendicated. 8/20/04
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
The Newhouse effect
#13Author of original report
Wed, August 18, 2004
8/16/04 approximately 12:48 pm Mr. Randy Newhouse, the 'officer Manager' called me. he was very persistant in making his point that under no circumstances could he or Mr. Bruce Hines retrieve my money from Escrow. He repeated over and over to me that the only way would be to go before a judge or the seller agree to sign a release.
After a lenghty conversation, he finally asked the right question: 'what could he do to get my earnest money back?'. I replied, first to investigate the statements his agent Mr. Hines made to me, my attorney and to the seller. I assured him the statements were false and misleading to convience the seller to keep the earnest money, of which his agent would keep 50 percent. At first he resisted.
I stated the complaints I filed with the Texas Real Estate Commission and TDI, would reveal the lies, why should he ignore a simple fix and resolution. After a little conviencing, he stated he would call the seller and find out just what was his motivation to keep the earnest money. He then added he would call me back with the statements made by the seller.
That was yesterday. Today is 8/18/04 and the end of business. 24 hours later, no call. The fix is simple, enough people in his Agents office know the truth, why they are not seeking it is obvious...Remax Hinet does not care. I will continue forward to seek justice. I have faxed the Richardson Police department of my intent to picket, and I have passed out the copies of my Rip-Off Report..I will update on 8/19/04.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Home buyer-beware of Remax Hinet
#13Author of original report
Fri, August 13, 2004
On August 3, Bruce Hines called me by to state he and the seller would lower their cost of the land by $500. The exact amount of my earnest money they are trying to keep. I was so insulted I couldn't respond. Most recently, my I asked my real estate attorney to write a Demand of Payment letter to Remax. Of course Mr. Bruce Hines responded by saying
1. he never assisted me measuring my home to fit the realestate.
2. he stated I emailed him a personal approval letter.
3. he accused my wife of working with the lender.
4. he stated the denial letter was fake.
5. he stated I had not acted in good faith before signing the contract.
My response was to fax him the original pre-approval from my lender. I then spoke to the office manager Randy Newhouse who hung up on me. I contacted the Texas Real Estate Commission and it seems this is a common problem in the area and I am not sure but with this office.
On Aug. 11, I faxed complaints to the Real Estated Commission and the Texas Department of Insurance.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Home buyer-beware of Remax Hinet
#13Author of original report
Fri, August 13, 2004
On August 3, Bruce Hines called me by to state he and the seller would lower their cost of the land by $500. The exact amount of my earnest money they are trying to keep. I was so insulted I couldn't respond. Most recently, my I asked my real estate attorney to write a Demand of Payment letter to Remax. Of course Mr. Bruce Hines responded by saying
1. he never assisted me measuring my home to fit the realestate.
2. he stated I emailed him a personal approval letter.
3. he accused my wife of working with the lender.
4. he stated the denial letter was fake.
5. he stated I had not acted in good faith before signing the contract.
My response was to fax him the original pre-approval from my lender. I then spoke to the office manager Randy Newhouse who hung up on me. I contacted the Texas Real Estate Commission and it seems this is a common problem in the area and I am not sure but with this office.
On Aug. 11, I faxed complaints to the Real Estated Commission and the Texas Department of Insurance.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Home buyer-beware of Remax Hinet
#13Author of original report
Fri, August 13, 2004
On August 3, Bruce Hines called me by to state he and the seller would lower their cost of the land by $500. The exact amount of my earnest money they are trying to keep. I was so insulted I couldn't respond. Most recently, my I asked my real estate attorney to write a Demand of Payment letter to Remax. Of course Mr. Bruce Hines responded by saying
1. he never assisted me measuring my home to fit the realestate.
2. he stated I emailed him a personal approval letter.
3. he accused my wife of working with the lender.
4. he stated the denial letter was fake.
5. he stated I had not acted in good faith before signing the contract.
My response was to fax him the original pre-approval from my lender. I then spoke to the office manager Randy Newhouse who hung up on me. I contacted the Texas Real Estate Commission and it seems this is a common problem in the area and I am not sure but with this office.
On Aug. 11, I faxed complaints to the Real Estated Commission and the Texas Department of Insurance.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Home buyer-beware of Remax Hinet
#13Author of original report
Fri, August 13, 2004
On August 3, Bruce Hines called me by to state he and the seller would lower their cost of the land by $500. The exact amount of my earnest money they are trying to keep. I was so insulted I couldn't respond. Most recently, my I asked my real estate attorney to write a Demand of Payment letter to Remax. Of course Mr. Bruce Hines responded by saying
1. he never assisted me measuring my home to fit the realestate.
2. he stated I emailed him a personal approval letter.
3. he accused my wife of working with the lender.
4. he stated the denial letter was fake.
5. he stated I had not acted in good faith before signing the contract.
My response was to fax him the original pre-approval from my lender. I then spoke to the office manager Randy Newhouse who hung up on me. I contacted the Texas Real Estate Commission and it seems this is a common problem in the area and I am not sure but with this office.
On Aug. 11, I faxed complaints to the Real Estated Commission and the Texas Department of Insurance.
Thomas
Lewisville,Texas,
U.S.A.
Have your Attorney Contact their Attorney/Bruce Hines
#13Author of original report
Sun, July 25, 2004
Dealing with honest Attorneys doesn't cost a thing. If you have a beef with someone, they don't cooperate, then the next step is an Attorney. Specifically on 7/22/04 before things got heated, I request paperwork pertaining to this matter. I was told by the Agent Bruce Hines, he wouldn't send it to me. So I asked my real estate attorney who read over the original faxed document to request the final Draft of which I do not have in my possession but the agent does, it only seems logical and expeditious that the Agent cooperate. But the Agent Bruce Hines didn't. In fact the paperwork he did spend time mailing was a Release of Earnest Money notification that he requested I sign. And a small note to 'please sign'. My response, I will sign when I get the copy of the document I requested. Simple exchange to either prove my point or prove him right without the use of Attorneys. Besides, this attorney is not here to sue anyone, just mediate if both parties truely want to solve this matter. Got it-Cory
Cory
San Antonio,Texas,
U.S.A.
Have Your Attorney Contact Their Attorney
#13Consumer Comment
Sat, July 24, 2004
As I've posted before, whenever anyone tells me "about their attorney" or words to that effect, I hand them my attorney's business card and say"have your attorney contact my attorney" cause I'm not talking to you anymore. If a dispute can't be worked out without bringing lawyers into it then you have to proceed to the next step. Cussing them out and threating them wasn't a smart way to go. Now, if your attorney gets involved it is probably going to cost you and maybe them alot more money. After your actions, I wouldn't talk to you or cooperate either.