Complaint Review: Salima Nazir & Abdellah Majd Realtor - Hamilton ontario

Title: "Avoiding the Pitfalls: How I Was Misled in My Home Purchase Journey – And How You Can Protect Yourself" Introduction: A Home is More Than a House

Buying a home is one of the most significant and emotional investments you'll ever make. It’s not just a financial commitment; it’s about creating a safe space for you and your family. However, as I found out during my own home-buying journey, trusting the wrong people can lead to unexpected stress, financial loss, and lasting frustration.

This is my story—one I’m sharing to help you avoid the mistakes I made, ensure your rights are protected, and prevent you from falling into the wrong hands.

The Beginning of My Journey: Excitement and Trust

Like many first-time buyers, I was eager to find the perfect home for my family. I put my faith in two realtors, Salima Nazir and Abdellah Majd, believing they had my best interests in mind. From the start, I trusted them to guide me through this complex process. However, what followed was a series of red flags that I overlooked—red flags that others should not.

Red Flags That I Missed Misleading Property Size

One of the first issues was related to the size of the property. When I asked about the interior space, I was told it was significantly larger than it actually was. After signing the fulfillment letter, I discovered the actual interior area was noticeably smaller. By then, it was too late to reconsider the purchase, and I felt misled by the false information provided.

Inspection Advised Against

Despite my concerns about potential issues with the house, my realtor advised that a home inspection wasn’t necessary because the house was relatively new. In hindsight, skipping the inspection was a huge mistake. Regardless of how new a house may be, an inspection is vital to uncover potential structural or maintenance issues.

Emotional Pressure and Manipulation

During the process, my realtor applied emotional pressure, making me feel rushed and manipulated. She claimed to be dealing with health issues and emphasized how many properties she had shown me, pushing me to believe this was the perfect home. This created a sense of urgency that clouded my judgment.

At one point, she even met me at the bank after a visit to push for the transaction, quickly securing a cheque and sending the fulfillment letter, leaving out important clauses that would have protected me as a first-time buyer.

Price Increase Justified by "Fake Offers"

Another major red flag was when I was told the price had to increase significantly due to "multiple offers" from other buyers. At the time, I felt pressured to accept this reasoning, but now I question whether these offers even existed. This sudden price increase felt like a tactic designed to manipulate me into overpaying.

The Hidden Problems Revealed After the Purchase

Once the deal was closed, the hidden problems in the house began to surface. Issues I would have spotted if I had insisted on a thorough inspection came to light, and the promises my realtor made were quickly broken.

Structural Issues

Shortly after signing the fulfillment letter, I discovered large cracks in two corners of the house. These cracks were a major concern, yet neither my realtor nor the seller had mentioned them before I signed the agreement.

Furnace Leak, Rusted Fridge, and Broken Promises

In addition to the cracks, I found a leak in the furnace and rusted, leaking parts of the fridge. During our visits, the seller promised to fix the garage doors and the hot tub, but my realtor failed to include these promises in the fulfillment letter. As a result, none of these repairs were completed, leaving me to deal with the costs myself.

Smoke Smell and Misrepresentation

One of the most unpleasant surprises was the overwhelming smoke smell in the house upon moving in. Before signing the agreement, there was no noticeable odor, and the seller claimed they never smoked inside. After taking possession, however, the stench was unbearable. We had to undergo months of treatments to remove the smell—a huge financial and emotional burden.

Promises Broken: Lies and Deception

Throughout the process, I was given false assurances by my realtor. She promised to give me a rebate from her commission as part of the negotiation, which was never delivered. Additionally, when I pointed out the cracks in the house, she offered to pay for part of the repairs but never followed through.

Even smaller promises, like providing controllers for the garage doors, were left unfulfilled. Eventually, she stopped answering my calls altogether, leaving me with unresolved problems and a sense of betrayal.

What I Learned: Key Takeaways for Future Homebuyers

If you're in the process of buying a home, learn from my experience. Here are some key takeaways to protect yourself:

1. Always Do Your Own Research

   • Verify all property details yourself, including the size, condition, and any verbal promises.

2. Never Skip a Home Inspection

   • Regardless of how new the house is, a thorough inspection can save you from expensive surprises later.

3. Don’t Fall for Emotional Pressure

   • Real estate agents may use tactics to create urgency, but it’s important to take your time and trust your instincts.

4. Question Everything – Including Price Hikes

   • If the price suddenly increases due to “multiple offers,” ask for proof. Don’t let yourself be manipulated into paying more than the property is worth.

5. Get Everything in Writing

   • Ensure that all promises made by the seller or your realtor are included in the purchase agreement. Verbal agreements mean nothing if they’re not on paper.

6. Investigate Your Realtor's Reputation

   • Check reviews, ask for references, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

7. Speak Up and Seek Compensation

   • If you’ve been misled, there are regulatory bodies and legal avenues that can help you seek compensation and hold real estate professionals accountable.

Conclusion: Your Home, Your Future – Protect It

Buying a home is a monumental decision, and it’s crucial to protect yourself every step of the way. While my experience was full of setbacks, it’s taught me valuable lessons that I hope can help others. Always do your due diligence, don’t rush the process, and remember that your future home is worth the time and effort it takes to get it right.

Call to Action:

If you've had a similar experience or are concerned about the home-buying process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the appropriate authorities, like RECO, to ensure your rights are protected. Share this article with anyone in your circle who might be buying a home—it’s always better to be prepared.