Laurie Finklestein Reader – Keller Williams Realty

Let me start off by saying in defense of my former Agent, Melissa, she caught me at a bad time. I was frustrated and over the home buying experience and ultra sensitive at this point. I expressed this to Melissa who pursued me anyway and was pretty aggressive at poaching me from my agent/​broker at the time. I stressed to her I was no longer interested in buying a home, and that I needed some time regroup. She pressed on, so I went in and met with her. All was good, I left feeling confident and renewed my interest in home ownership.
Melissa told me about a home and because the listing agent was out of the same office, she was comfortable submitting an offer a little above my price point and less than list price. Initially thru the process, Melissa was responsive, then gradually she begin to be less available. I could reach her by text or email only. I do not need my hands held, but as a first time home buyer, that is already frustrated with the process, I expected a more personable, professional relationship. Who sends a text stating an offer was accepted, cancelled, countered, etc?
After I placed an offer on the home, I begin, along with my inspector to do some due diligence. Turns out, the roof was not in the condition as stated in the listing, nor by the listing agent that I met at the open house. I brought my concerns up to Melissa who became annoyed, and gave me the feeling she had an alliance with her colleague/​listing agent and that’s where her loyalty was. That coupled with the fact that she primarily communicated via text irked the mess out of me. Additionally, after placing my offer, I felt as though I was passed off to the support group of the agency. I received calls from team members that I didn’t expect. Don’t get me wrong, it made sense that the title company and the other person (not sure what Cynthia’s role is) reached out, but the process was not explained to me by Melissa. I guess the steps were too much to type via text. Didn’t hear from her again until I raised concerns about the condition of the roof. Once my offer was accepted by the seller I had one live call with her… ONE. And that was about the roof.
I called to express my concerns about the roof, spoke to her verbally and expected a call back. nah, she responded via text, followed up with a forwarded email from the seller. Go figure. As a result of the condition of the roof coupled with the lack of communication and support from Melissa, I decided to move on from the home and the agency. I swear, Its been over a week and I still did not receive the signed cancelled contract as I requested. The home has been relisted with a price reduction so I assume I’m in the clear from a contractual position.
I called to confirm I had no contractual obligation with the agency and spoke with Laurie. Very nice person. However, I must say, people in sales, especially those that have had lots of success, do not know how to turn the sales pitch off. She repeatedly cut me off, and was simply playing nice to get a feel for where I was in my home search to determine whether I was still a viable client worth pursuing. I could be wrong and apologize if so… I did my own selling and stated I will keep them in mind when I resume my quest and had no harsh feelings towards Melissa. *shrugs*
The hardest part about buying a home is finding a trusted, dependable agent/​broker to see you thru the process. I don’t need a friend, just an experienced competent guide.

Saria Finklestein was our great real estate agent for buying our house. I’m really not sure how she stayed so sunshiny throughout the whole arduous process of buying a home in South Florida. She was very accessible — very important for a busy professional. She patiently went from one end of town to the other looking at so many homes. I also am extremely appreciative of her being respectful of our stated price range and not being a snaky realtor in trying to up our price without us wanting to make a change. Jennifer Maldonado helped to make the closing process less stressful. And lastly, they all still paid attention to us in the midst of the office winning the lotto and making international news with kindly including a non participating coworker in the winnings.
Thanks Saria for putting up with us!