Trying to buy...listing agent MIA, what to do?

Question

We're under contract for a SFH which we want to put into our rental portfolio.

The listing agent/property management company appears to be completely incompetent and has brought the entire process to a grinding halt through their inaction and disorganization.  They are also totally unresponsive, and we have tried to reach everyone there.

What can I do to close this deal?

Jonathan Greene · Answer

@Katherine S. - definitely track down the owner, this is crazy. If you PM me, I am happy to track down some info for you if you know the owner's address on tax records. I have a few sources that usually come up with something.

Hugo Alves · Answer

@Katherine S.

The public records within the county should have the IRA data along with the owners information. I would try that route to see if it pulls more specific info.

Susan K. · Answer

Legal hot line - just advising on possible recourse, because this does happen more than most may think.  Have you physically gone to their office?  I would show up and pound on the table.  It is too easy to ignore phone calls.  I'm sorry you are in this frustrating situation.

Katherine S. · Answer

@Susan K.

I will check on that asap.  What would the legal hotline be able to do in this situation?

Katherine S. · Answer

@Hugo Alves  @Susan K.

This company is both the property manager and the listing broker.  We get no response from the listing agent, the broker, the property manager  or the broker's wife.  I think even the receptionist would like to ignore answering the phone.  Believe me, I have gone up the food chain as far as I can.  No of them is ever "in the office", answers his phone or returns his messages.  I guess it's not just us...there are dozens of 1-star ratings on them, citing the same kinds of concerns.

The seller holds this property in his IRA, and although I know his name, I don't know where he lives and Google tells me that there are several people by the same name.  I do have the name and address of the Trust company that holds his IRA, although I don't know what good that information would do me.

Susan K. · Answer

If you have your own agent I would have them call their legal hotline.  Here in Florida all agents have access to an attorney for free to discuss situations.  Not sure how Michigan works.

Susan K. · Answer

Is the listing agent the broker as well?  If not, try to find the broker.   The seller has not been able too make contact either?  These situations give real estate agents a bad name.  Sorry to hear.  Maybe you can file a complaint with the State against this agency.

Katherine S. · Answer

The broker is not responding either.  We've tried several times.  He has never returned our calls.