Mike
Philadelphia,#2Author of original report
Wed, March 26, 2008
Here's a picture of the refund letter Paul sent. http://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?a3431438d4.jpg
Mike
Philadelphia,#3Author of original report
Tue, March 25, 2008
Dear Long and Foster, I entered into a contract with Long and Foster. The contract said Paul Dougan would act as a buyer's agent for me. In exchange, Long and Foster would receive a broker's fee if I entered into a sales agreement within the time frame of the contract. I entered into a sales agreement, and Paul Dougan earned the broker's fee. I then defaulted on the sales agreement and agreed to pay the fee. Paul Dougan claimed the fee was $7260. At the time, I was ignorant of falsity of Paul Dougan's claim and believed it to be true. I sent Long and Foster a check for $7260 to avoid being sued. I reviewed all relevant contracts and found no mention of Paul Dougan's claimed fee. I discovered the broker's fee as defined by the contract between Long and Foster and myself was $2250. I demand to be refunded the difference of $5010. If you do not send a check for $5010 within seven days of this letter, I will file a claim against Long and Foster. Sincerely, ------------ ------------ After I told Paul I would default on the sale's agreement, he said I would be sued by Long and Foster. He called several days later and demanded $7260. I paid Long and Foster to avoid to the lawsuit. I reviewed all relevant contracts and found no mention of the fee Paul demanded. Long and Foster refunded the money. Paul Dougan apologized for his oversight.
Anon
Anon,#4Consumer Suggestion
Fri, February 29, 2008
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Your real estate agent violated the Standard Codes and Practice of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission. I copied and pasted the relavent section: "GENERAL ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES 35.281. Putting contracts, commitments and agreements in writing. (a) All contracts, commitments and agreements between a broker, or a licensee employed by the broker, and a principal or a consumer who is required to pay a fee, commission or other valuable consideration shall be in writing and contain the information specified in 35.331 (relating to written agreements generally)." You should file a complaint with the PA Department of State. http://www.dos.state.pa.us You mention that you paid Long and Foster to avoid being sued. If your agent made any legal threats in writing, include the correspondence in your complaint.