A few years ago...I was assisting a young, Hispanic couple with the purchase of their first home. They wanted a home in a very specific area of Raleigh, North Carolina...a popular neighborhood where homes sold fairly quickly. We had been looking for a few weeks when my client called one afternoon to tell me that she had driven past a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) in the neighborhood...that it seemed to be the perfect home.
Immediately, I checked the MLS and found that the home was also listed for sale through a local real estate broker...with a limited service listing agreement...allowing both the owners and the REALTOR® to market the home. Knowing that my client was anxious to see the home, I called CSS (Centralized Showing Services) to make an appointment for later that same afternoon. The appointment was confirmed for 4:30pm.
Around 3:30pm, I received a call from CSS...stating that the sellers wished to reschedule the appointment for the following day...no reason was given. Since my clients had already made their plans around this appointment and were already en route, I called the listing agent directly to try to work it out. I explained to her that my clients were ready, willing and able to purchase the home. She agreed to call the owners and ask for an exception.
Within minutes, she called me back and told me that the appointment was back on...that the sellers just wanted me to be aware that the baby MIGHT be napping...that we MAY NOT be able to go into the nursery. ::NO PROBLEMO:: I jumped in my car and headed to Raleigh...hoping to arrive a few minutes early.
As I turned into the neighborhood, my clients pulled in directy behind me. Rounding the corner, I saw the home for the first time...a large brick home...on a lovely, corner lot...up on a hill. ::THINKING TO SELF:: "YES...this is PERFECT!" I also noticed that the family was sitting outside...waiting for our arrival.
While my clients were exiting their vehicle and getting their children out of their car seats, I made my way up the hill to introduce myself to the owners. With a big smile and extended hand, I said "Hi...I'm Elizabeth Nieves...thanks for allowing us to take a look at your home this afternoon." I was STILL smiling, and my hand was STILL extended...but they were just staring blankly at me. Thinking that maybe I was at the wrong home, I glanced down the hill and saw the 'FOR SALE' sign in the front yard.
::OKAY...TRYING AGAIN::
"When I spoke to the listing agent this afternoon, she mentioned that your baby might be sleeping. That is no problem. We'll just take a minute to walk through the home, and we'll be really quiet."
At this point, the wife spoke up nervously and stammered..."Ummm, this is just NOT a good time. I've been at a doctor's appointment all day, and I'd really rather you not show the home today. You can call our agent back and make an appointment for another day."
::COMPOSING MYSELF:: "Oh...I see. Well...I DID ACTUALLY CONFIRM THIS appointment just an hour ago with your agent...AND...my clients and I drove from Durham. Since we are already here...please...can't we just take a quick look? My clients are extremely interested in this home, and they are absolutely ready to make a decision today."
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the husband's face turning brighter and brighter shades of red. I chose NOT to look at him, but I was pretty sure I could feel rays of heat radiating from his firey stare. Behind me...halfway down the driveway...my clients were standing silently...aware that there was some kind of conflict. ::WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO SAY NOW?::
Just as the wife opened her mouth and began saying "Oh...I guess it will be okay...", the husband raised his right arm (in which he held a big hammer) into the air and lunged toward me...screaming "I don't care who told you what. This is my &^%*($%# house! You don't hear good, do ya? Git yurself and yur &^%*$%#@ outta my &^%*($% yard right now before I lose control!" ::THINKING AND RUNNING AT THE SAME TIME:: "BEFORE YOU LOSE CONTROL???!!!"
As I reached the bottom of the driveway, I looked back up at the owners. He was still standing there with the hammer raised into the air...shouting racial profanities. ::LIGHTBULB GOES ON:: "Mr. Seller is NOT just INSANE...he is INSANE AND RACIST!"
Shaken but safe in our cars, I signaled for my clients to follow me. A few streets away, I pulled to the side of the road to call the listing agent. Our conversation went something like this:
"Hello 'Christine'...this is Elizabeth Nieves. I just TRIED to show your listing on Brentwood Road."
"Oh yes, Elizabeth. How did that showing go?"
"Well...I suppose it did not go sooooo badly considering that I escaped BEFORE your insane seller cracked my head open with the hammer!!!" ::EXPECTING 'CHRISTINE' TO BE SHOCKED::
After a long moment of silence, 'Christine' replied "Elizabeth, I'm really sorry about that. He is LIKE THAT sometimes...especially when it comes to 'certain races'. When I talked to his wife earlier, she told me that she could keep him under control."
"You are telling me that you KNEW that he was capable of behaving like that, and YOU DID NOT WARN ME? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"
Interrupting me..."Elizabeth, this is the first time that a Hispanic family has looked at the home. I knew that he is prejudice, but I never expected him to be violent. What I need to do is get this home sold so that I don't have to deal with him anymore."
::STUNNED:: "NO...what you need to do is get a huge sign that says 'BIG, UGLY, INSANE RACIST LIVES HERE...ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!' and stake it in the front yard. Furthermore, I cannot tell you how to run your real estate business, but IF you are SO desperate that you need to take a listing from someone like this...perhaps you should consider a different profession."
Ironically, a month later I learned that 'Christine' had left the real esta
te business.
Moral of the story:
IF...in the interest of full disclosure...you need
THIS SIGN-------------->
You might just want to consider passing on
THAT LISTING!!!
(BTW...names have been changed to protect the guilty!)
Rule #1 (of Elizabeth's R.E. Rule Book) ***NO NAKED PEOPLE ALLOWED TO 'POP OUT' DURING SHOWING***
Written and Posted by:
Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)
Elizabeth, in real estate you have to fire clients sometimes. This was the perfect example. What a case of craziness for you. I feel sorry for this incident for you and your clients. That house will NEVER sell.
Oh my word... that was absolutely beyond insane, but the moral of the incident is priceless. I am so glad no one was physically injured and can not imagine what Christine was thinking... I guess Christine assumed what the wife had to say was an exaggeration... who knows? Elizabeth, thank you so much for sharing this. I'm still sitting here stunned. Wow...
Elizabeth, I'm with Gary this is the seller that needs fired. Somehow it does not surprise me to learn that the real estate agent got out of the business a month later. Life is too short to deal with people like this.
Oh my gosh Elizabeth! You may need to wear a helmut! I can't believe that someone in this day and age would act like that and say those things! Don't you WANT to sell your house Mr`Seller???? It's sad that someone can be that bitter and miserable. Glad you are ok! sheesh....;
I love the sign in the yard! I am sorry, I had to laugh! Some people. But honestly....I am so glad he did not hit your or hurt you in anyway! Truly a crazy person and crazy sellers agent for that matter. I feel sorry for the people who ended up buying that house...bad karma!! Yikes!!
Have a great weekend.
There are some real crazy people out there, and some crazy dogs too.
As for this sign, I am sorry to say I have one in my window and a permit to carry concealed. Why? Because I live very close the The Strip in Las Vegas and there are some real losers around hear.
I Love the post young lady!
wow...all I can say is wow. Sorry you had to experience that, and its a real shame that there are idiots out there like that who hate so much
You showed admirable restraint, sis! LOL I'm not quite sure how my yankee temper would have dealt with him! Quite possibly one of us would have met that hammer - but it just might have been him! I don't take kindly to being threatened.
And if you add my disdain for bigots to the peril of being threatened .... well, it could have been a show for the neighbors to talk about for quite some time.
By the way ... did I ever tell you how my neck got broken? ;)
GARY: I have a policy...IF a prospect even hints that they are prejudice...I'm OUTTA THERE!! GBU!
CGIRL: I KNOW! Just writing it reminded me of how stunned I was driving away furiously. As far as Christine...I honestly think she was a newer agent who did not think she could turn away business. The problem is that she opened the door for ALL kinds of problems in her life...because of a racist. GBU!
MARCHEL: I think this was the last straw. I hope she is doing well. GBU!
SHARON: Unfortunately...being bilingual and working with the Hispanic market...I see examples of prejudice every, single day. I'm not immune to it...just not shocked by it anymore. It still makes me furious, though. GBU!
TERRIE: ME TOO!! I did not waste time waiting to see just how crazy he was gonna get. I saw enough to know to get my butt out of Dodge. You have a great weekend also! GBU!
Elizabeth, I had one client who was a racist when I first got my license and I didn't know I could fire him. I did all but plaster my daughters photo in front of the dolt, I will NEVER deal with another person like that again. Glad you were able to escape unharmed. Shame on that agent for not warning you.
Elizabeth, were you in heels while running from the insane racist with the hammer?
I just have that mental picture ... from your photo... that you would be in heels and a dress running down the driveway.
Let me know if I need to come "get" this man.
Elizabeth,
If it was not so sad, it would be a funny story. Yes, that agent should have warned you that you were going to a lunatic's house.
Not a good way to get the maximum offer now is it? Be glad in knowing that the idiot is probably still sitting on that porch waiting for "his kind of buyer!"
Elizabeth, I honestly don't know if I am more shocked at the owner or the realtor. I somehow can't BELIEVE this still exists and I know it does. I'm glad the realtor (and I use the word lightly) left the business, it's unbelievable she would allow someont to go there without full warning.
Elizabeth... Oh my! How AWFUL. This is a seller that nobody should have ever accepted as a client or if they did, they should have made it perfectly clear to the other agents that showings chould only take place when the sellers were not at home. Having that knowledge and not disclosing it to you before you showed up was TOTALLY irresponsible!
I can't believe Christine was willingly keeping that listing. Aren't we all supposed to NOT work with people if we know they will discriminate against any of the protected classes?
Elizabeth ... quite entertaining!
WOW!!! That is truly insane. I am sorry to hear, Elizabeth, that you work with the Hispanic market and see examples of racism every day. I am married to a Hispanic man and I don't know if I am just blinded by it...but I don't see racism. I have an owner that lives in Japan who says I am one of the most open minded people she knows. I guess it comes from having moved all over our great country. I have lived by people from all walks of life and I find differences in all of us exciting.
Elizabeth,
I realise the story isn't funny, but good grief, I laughed thru the whole thing! You have an entertaining and enjoyable way of making a REALLY good point. I can't say I have ever had a similar experience, and make a strong point when going over a listing agreement with a seller that I will not tolerate any form of discrimination. I hope I never have to run into someone like that!
Oh my.. this is crazy for sure..... Glad you were ok..
I do like your beware of owner sign... Can I borrow it ?
I can't believe she didn't at least say something! Glad to hear you make it through without a scratch. Such a shame that in this day and age there are still some people out there that are prejudice.
WOW Elizabeth! That was a very disturbing story. Some people are just plain idiots, huh? I hope you never run into another CRAZY seller like that one again!
Hard to believe the other agent didn't warn you, let alone took the listing, but then again, not too much is surprising these days. Your sign is great, and the fact that no one was hurt is terrific.
Elizabeth, you may have a claim for damages, and grounds for the owner's arrest because of attempted assault with a deadly weapon. The utterance of racial slurs, and the threat to harm, physically assault or kill may be a crime in your state under your state code annotateds. Your clients are witnesses. I would prosecute him mercilessly, remorselessly, and without any pity.
The listing agent's failure to disclose the potential for harm from this dangerous individual may also be a source of concern for your local realtor board and the ethics committee. The property occupied by a violent and mentally ill man, to say the least. I believe that this is an adverse fact. (check with the Board or an attorney) I believe that the duty of disclosure may have been violated by the listing agent if she knew that harm to you was possible or imminent, depending upon the way you approached the seller.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission states:
66-5-206. Duties of real estate licensees. -
A real estate licensee representing an owner of residential real property as the listing broker has aduty to inform each such owner represented by that licensee of the owner's rights and obligations under this part. A real estate licensee representing a purchaser of residential real property or, if the purchaser is not represented by a licensee, the real estate licensee representing an owner of residential real estate and dealing with the purchaser has a duty to inform each such purchaser of the purchaser's rights and obligations under this part. If a real estate licensee performs those duties, the licensee shall have no further duties to the parties to a residential real estate transaction under this part, and shall not be liable to any party to a residential real estate transaction for a violation of this part or for any failure to disclose any information regarding any real property subject to this part. However, a cause of action for damages or equitable remedies may be brought against a real estate licensee for intentionally misrepresenting or defrauding a purchaser. A real estate licensee will further be subject to a cause of action for damages or equitable relief for failing to disclose adverse facts of which the licensee has actual knowledge or notice."Adverse facts" means conditions or occurrences generally recognized by competent licensees that significantly reduce the structural integrity of improvements to real property, or present a significant health risk to occupants of the property. [Acts 1994, ch. 828, § 6.]
Well, this is one of the stories that if I heard it from anyone but you, I would find it hard to believe. Not only was you life in danger but the prejudice. What was the Realtor thinking taking this listings, didn't she over Fair Housing Laws?
If she did and picked up this seller she is dead wrong. Now I know your post said it happened a few years ago, Realtor out of the business, so not much can be done now, but if it could I would call the Fair Housing Authority.
For the life of me I can't understand this. Honey, you should have picked up your cell phone and called the police. A hammer?
The blatant racism is incredible, from the seller as well as the agents inaction.
Elizabeth did I miss the part about FAIR HOUSING? She took a listing KNOWING that the seller had a problem with CERTAIN RACES? and then apologize for him talk about insane!!
ROBERT: I don't blame you! I love the sign. I think it is hilarious. Stay safe. I've never been to Vegas, but I imagine that it can be a little interesting. GBU!
TEAM CARROLL: It is just amazing to me that after thousands of years of living together...we still can't get this whole prejudice thingy under control. Go figure! GBU!
CAROL: I dare say that he would have remembered his encounter with you for a LONG time...if you allowed him to live. NOPERS...you never told me. Inquiring minds want to know. :-) GBU, sis!!
DEBBIE: I am constantly shocked by the racism I encounter in THIS business...from other agents even. I think that I see it more than many because a large percentage of my clients are Hispanic. I have been fighting this evil since I began working in this profession. It is still alive and well...but we kill it a little bit every time we take a stand against it. GBU!!
TAMMY: I WAS in heels and a dress. LOL Funny you should have that image. Believe me when I say that it did not stop me from running. GBU!!
CYNTHIA: EXACTLY! Like I said...she was probably new...did not know better. GBU!
MARK: YEAH...good luck with THAT! GBU!
CAROLE: I think she wanted that sale so badly that she just closed her eyes to the danger. (and RE laws apparently!) She was probably hoping that he was all talk. NOT! GBU!
Good morning Elizabeth, I'm so glad that you are back! While this is a very entertaining story, that is horrible that are people that are that racist. If those were my seller's, I would have fired them at the first hint of that type of behavior. May God bless you in all that you do today.
I agree with David's comments above Elizabeth - call the police next time to file charges and then file a complaint with fair housing - the monetary fines are very severe - probably more than some peoples equity in their homes!
Take care
Sincerely,
Grace
Oh my word, reading that was like watching some Realtor Horror Flick.......What an experience........what did you clients say?.......Great graphics.........p.s. next time carry your own hammer...:-)
Elizabeth, OMG this story would be hysterical if it wasn't so sad. I have fired racist buyers and never looked back.
Elizabeth - It is so unfortunate to hear about the racism, prejudices and bigotry that continue to exist in our society today and know that you had to experience it in such a frightening way.
Elizabeth,
This story is amazing, however, you have written specifically about sellers and individuals in a way that a person could easily track down those individuals. This could open you up to legal action in a variety of different ways so please be careful.
As real estate agents, we must maintain a code of confidentiality and utilize discretion in dealing with clients and other real estate related professionals to protect the profession. Active Rain is one of the leading resources for consumer information when it comes to choosing an agent. If a client sees this post, there could be a variety of negative reactions that would jeopardize not only the integrity of the people involved, but the entire Active Rain community.
I believe that this incident could have been used as a teaching moment. For example, you could have made the point that, sellers who are For Sale By Owners (FSBO) that use limited service providers to list their home in the MLS will get Buyer Agents contacting them to show their property. This is how the process works. Properties are listed in the MLS; Realtors find the best properties for that match their clients; and we show these properties to them as quickly as possible.
If a FSBO does not want Realtors showing their home and only wants to have their property listed in the MLS to attract buyers, this is actually a misuse of the MLS. I would have stressed to all of the wanna be FSBOs to be fair to Buyer Agents, after all we are in the marketplace working hard to find the perfect properties for our clients and we are helping the seller to get their property sold.
Or, perhaps if you really believe that the seller was/is racist, you could have made the point that Realtors work with clients of all colors and races. When you list the property in the MLS, this is just how the process works. Next time, Mr. Seller, perhaps you should not be at the house during the showing.
Just some thoughts for the future.
JODI B: Thank you, and I truly hope you will have a chance to read this comment.
For the record...I did not use real names. I never use real names when I write. The story is true. The incident really happened, but no one could track this agent or sellers down. The incident also happened more than two years ago. I have NOT placed myself or ActiveRain in jeopardy. I would not do that.
As far as the teaching moment...ABSOLUTELY AGREE! I am, however, limited by space in a given post. The purpose of this particular post was to relay a specific incident and stress the impact the agent's choice NOT to disclose that her client was disturbed and racist had on me and my clients. I have addressed many of these other issues is other posts...and may refer back to this post in the future...in addressing these related topics.
Furthermore, this agent's decision to NOT disclose that her seller was prejudice and violent (something she admitted to me in our conversation) placed me and my clients at risk of harm. I do believe that there is something in this story for both professionals and the general public, but my primary purpose is to make a listing agent think twice before signing a listing agreement with a seller who expresses violence or hatred (in any degree) toward a protected class.
As far as my 'belief' that the seller was racist...he left little to the imagination. I could still hear him screaming his opinions when I was driving away.
Again...thank you for your comment. IF you have any further questions or thoughts, please do not hesitate to share. I love that AR allows the free exchange of thoughts and opinions. GBU!!
Hi Elizabeth, I can not begin to understand this one! I had a seller once specify the races he wouldn't sell too. That didn't last long when I explained he could go to jail and I wouldn't take the listing!
But to not share this type of information with you upfront is inexplicable. We still have what we affectionately call "rednecks" but they are either going to follow the rules or we don't take the listing. Thanks for sharing...I had this image of you running down the hill in high heels...I couldn't figure out how you didn't fall. Great post Elizabeth.
JODI B: After giving it some thought...in addition to my previous response to you...I wish to add:
Your comment strikes me as an attempt to avert the attention from the real issue of my post: RACISM. Perhaps, that subject is uncomfortable for you...as it is for many people. Unfortunately, the issue of RACISM is alive and well in our industry...despite the stringent laws and repercussions for the abuse of thereof. I see it EVERY SINGLE DAY!
I intentionally focused on the issue of RACISM in my post, because I am not uncomfortable talking about it. Until we begin to talk about it and stand against it...it will continue to thrive in the shadows...like the fungus it is.
IF you look around ActiveRain...you will see post after post about 'why not to FSBO' or 'why you need a REALTOR working for you'. How many posts do you see about taking a stand against RACISM? That subject is not pleasant to read...not pleasant to think about. I felt that...by packaging a truly difficult subject within a little humor...I may more effectively drive my message home. I believe I achieved my goal.
Finally...I intentionally made this post public...so that sellers who are tempted to violate the Fair Housing Laws will think twice. Non-professionals often believe that they are not subject to the laws. WRONG!!!
Again...thank you for your input. GBU!
OMG... RUN. I'm sorry life is too short to deal with people that don't treat everyone with respect.
Sorry you and your clients had to deal with that! It amazes me how stupid and closed minded some people can be!
Excellent posts Elizabeth! I even took a minute to go back and read Rules 1-3. Your depiction of a day in the life a Realtor is great and oh so very true! I look forward to reading more…
Raleigh Realtor – Pamela St. Peter
It's amazing how stupid some people area. The sellers, I mean. And the agent certainly should have warned you to exercise caution.
I have heard of insane situations, but this is a new one for me!!! You would think that the family would be interested in selling the house and not jeopardizing what could have been a done deal!
DEBBIE: OH...believe me...I RAN! GBU!
LARA: I wish it were rare. Unfortunately...it happens way too often. Good thing that most racists don't actually attack REALTORS! GBU!
PAMELA: Thanks so much for reading! GREAT to see you here. I'm gonna mosey on over to your blog and say 'HI'!! GBU!
ERICA: That is the part that still blows my mind...that she would send me into that crazy situation unaware. GBU!
NYLES: EXACTLY! As my previous BIC used to say..."The only color that matters is GREEN!" GBU!
My goodness, what a story! I've never run into anything like that - thank goodness!
Elizabeth,
I just love the rule book. You are too much. I have so many stories to tell in this business. I'm always afraid that someone will know that I'm talking about them.
Sis - This is truly terrible. I'm glad you escaped with your life/health intact. I am strangely happy to hear that the agent left the business. I wrote a post awhile back about our racist (tenant) neighbors. I have little tolerance for open racism, which is still alive and well, unfortunately.
Elizabeth,
You should have called the police right after you got in your car.
The only way we can stop this is to keep addressing it every time it happends.
It is not OK for that seller to keep doing what he is doing and be able get away with it.
That is truly awful!
Did you find the couple a house? I would have lost my mind after an encounter like that. Glad you were all safe!
Kathy
Geeez...I guess ignorant, racist rednecks are alive and well everywhere. I am sorry that happened. That's just awful!