Zip Realty (Ziprealty.com) Sucks

"When a wise man and a fool begin to argue, it's not long before you cann't tell which is which."

Hello Moh? Are you there ? Are you with us? Posting in the wrong thread or something?

It almost sounds like some inspirational quote, except the quote contains too many grammar errors and doesn't make sense.

TJ- bless your sweet heart! I worked at Ziprealty for 6 years. I can assure you that I speak for every REALTOR in America...PLEASE, don't use an agent on your next purchase. We have better things to do with our time than deal with idiots like yourself!

RE: Funnyexzipster

Yeah you're real funny!!! Instead of trying to be offensive why didn't you list some reasons to use a realtor? Is it because there are none? Why are so many people EX-"Zipsters"? Usually a company which has high turnover means there is something wrong with the company. Maybe if you can answer these questions your comments would actually be helpful instead of pointless. I'm giving realtor's (and/or Zip Realty) a chance to tell us (me and the other thousands who read this post already) why we should use a Realtor for our next PURCHASE. I haven't been convinced as of yet.

TJ, I guess the bottom line is, it is your choice to use a realtor in your next real estate transaction. If you are not convinced of the value of a realtor, don't use one. There are good realtors and there are bad realtors - that has been established. If an organization or a representative of an organization treated you unfairly or unprofessionally, you would simply find another organization or individual for future use. The same approach may be appropriate in this case. Don’t label all realtors because you and others have had bad experiences. Learn from your experiences with your previous realtor and move on.

RE: Kidd04

I haven't labeled all realtors, hence the title of this post is "Zip Realty Sucks" and not "All Realtors Suck". I learned from my experience though and will not use any realtor during my next purchase unless there is any reasons too. Instead of just saying "There are good realtors and there are bad realtors" like everybody else could someone give me examples of what I should expect from a good Realtor? Is there anything???

Actually you bring up a lot of valid points in these posts.First it is very unfortunate your experience. As stated previously there are good and bad in all professions.I have run into good and bad agents in all brokerages. Working in the medical field for many years prior to going into real estate I can tell you first hand just because an M.D. is behind someones name does not make them a competent doctor. There have been a lot of coverups. Another blog. In re: to Realtors value.......a realtor working out of integrity would do everything they could to assist you getting the best terms for your home. A realtor working out of integrity would ensure you had the best in inspections......I provide a list as a courtesy....It is the buyers choice as to whom they use and they can use recommendations from friends or family if they feel there is a conflict of interest......I do not receive any kickbacks or favors from inspectors.....Our liability is high and shabby inspections is NOT what an ethical realtor would suggest or encourage. In particular for a seller to provide shabby inspections would leave seller wide open to lawsuit and/or damages. To a buyer to encourage such would be equally disastrous. A seasoned Realtor would provide up to date market data not only on value but trends in the particular neighborhood you are purchasing for the Buyer(Consumer to make an educated decision on purchase offer) I personally never tell my Buyers what to offer....I will advise them of the current market conditions, competition as well as the strength of their loan and how they might want to write up the offer ....I play devils advocate with my buyers.....I make sure their final decision is one they can live comfortably with whether or not their offer is accepted. A competent Realtor would never suggest to write up an offer without protection clauses or contingencies (UNLESS that buyer is a seasoned investor or contractor who KNOWS exactly what they are getting into) A seasoned Realtor will then navigate the buyer thru the various disclosures, assist in setting up appts, ensure the proper documentation is received at the title company, coordinate with the listing agent, stay on top of the loan officer if loan involved to ensure appraisal has been ordered ,performed, in review and to ensure there are no snags within the contingency period allowed in the contract in the event I have to pull my client out of escrow and out of contractand/or extend the contingency period in order to complete inspections etc. A seasoned Realtor is with their client throughout the entire process , communicating on a consistent basis. A seasoned agent will review the final HUD 1 statement and make sure their client is comfortable with the figures and there are no mistakes(sometimes happens you are dealing with humans)A seasoned Realtor knows their future business is by referrals. Those agents in any brokerage that offers you less is in real estate for the short term , hoping they can make some fast money.....FYI, the average realtor commission across the country is between $25000 and $65000 a year.....Yes there are those top producers who make much more but comprise about 10 % of the pot... Out of the commission comes the brokerage split, E & O Insurance, office fees, fed and state taxes, self employment tax, gas, car fees & expenses(One must have a well maintained vehicle)Adequate car insurance, MLS fees, (YES it costs anywhere from $1000-$2000 a yr to maintain MLS board and access fees) fees to maintain internet websites, advertising costs, (open house ads, fliers etc). What I found is a misconception of how much money a Realtor actually brings home. A Realtor is an independent contractor, never knowing from one month to the next of how much money will come in to pay their bills so a competent, ethical Realtor will provide the upmost support and service to their clients as a seasoned and competent Realtor knows that future business does come from past and current clients. It is about service. You know what, there are consumers who are competent, have a lot of free time who may not need the full service of a Realtor I respect that. I seek as well as other seasoned Realtors to seek for and serve those clients who have a need for the services we provide. I am sure if your boss came up to you today and said you know what " I don't think you are worth paying a full 8 hr day today, but you still need to be here for 8 hrs and in fact, I need you to work for free the next week." you would take great exception.
As in any industry, service comes with a price.....Seeking the lowest price for services may not bode well in terms of return on your value. Neither seeking the higher. Seek the experience of a Realtor are they full time, part time? Speak up front exactly what you expect from their services and see if it matches your demand. A Realtor who offers to list your home higher than the market to get your listing is not working in your best interest. As stated earlier on market value does determine the price one will get for a home.
You cannot compare apples with oranges......There is a distinct difference in painting a kitchen vs UPGRADING a kitchen and those values have to be considered. Having stated the above I hear your frustration. Those questionable realtors or agents are a thorn in my side. I will say that this past year the agents on the other side of transaction I have done for the most part have been the greatest to work with in re: to Professionalism, Knowledge and accountability. It is not about the brokerage involved it is about the Realtor...IT IS A CLUE to Brokerages to hone up their hiring practices though..You could use the same brokerage again and get fantastic service....Again I use the word SERVICE......that is the key to success in sales transaction , real estate or not...

No one mentioned anything about market value...Several people a certain percentage off the asking price. Um, if the asking price is below market value, one should expect the property to receive multiple offers and the final price being driven up above market value. Even in a down market like here, Las Vegas. It is currently very common on REOs for the bank to list a property significantly below market value and receive 20+ offers in less than a week. Anyone not taking the advice of his/her agent (since any real estate agent should know what's going on in his/her local market)in that situation will always somehow feel wronged and how his/her agent somehow lost all these houses and didn't get the best deal, etc. TJ, this is what you stated you may have done from your very first post.

You complain that the rebate wasn't between 2.5-3%, when everything on their website has always stated that the 20% rebate is 20% of whatever the brokerage is paid from the listing brokerage. This is obviously something you chose not to read while doing your research into choosing an agent/brokerage to work with. The agent you worked with should have explained that to you, which if the agent didn't then shame on him, but the fact is you still chose not read or comprehend the information on the website. A big eye opener should have been the part that says "estimate."

Regarding inspectors, lenders, etc. that's always up to you no matter what state you are in. Your agent gave you a list of 3 inspectors and recommended one above the other two. You hired one of the others. It is very normal for inspectors, lenders, title, and escrow companies to all go to real estate offices. Typically during sales meetings, where they provide industry information. In most states it is illegal for a kickback of any sort to be provided to a real estate agent/broker for using or referring business to companies/individuals in those industries.

You stated you received a "faulty inspection," yet never state how your inspection was faulty. What occured during or after your transaction that made you feel the home inspector you hired did not do his job? Did you file for litigation or seek recuperation of damages from the inspector?

More than once through your thread you have made comments about individual's grammar, when comparatively your grammar is just as bad or worse. Also, you have said you couldn't understand what someone's point was or stating that what they typed was irrelevant to the topic. Many times, things were explained very simply and straight forward and very relevant to various points that you brought up (however, many of those various topics you brought up, YOU were very vague and chose not to elaborate, just like the initial post, there is little information and fact in it).
Please do not use a Realtor on your next purchase, but then also please do not think that the listing agent is going to handle your paperwork, your escrow, your loan process for you and make sure that you don't miss any of the deadlines that could potentially cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars.

However, I do not personally like ziprealty, but that's more because of how they treat their agents...I mean um..employees. In the Las Vegas office at least, it is not uncommon for agents to be working 80+ hours per week. And not one agent, when I worked there, made more than $85,000 a year, most made $35,000-$40,000.

Not all real estate agents and REALTORS(R) are as uneducated as you make them out to be, which is true of all professionals. Many have bachelors degrees in various business specializations, some have four year degrees in real estate, a few even have both. It's also not uncommon for a true real estate professional to also have an MBA.
And there is a difference between a REALTOR(R) and a real estate agent. A member of the Association of REALTORS(R) is held to a higher level of ethics and professionalism than a real estate agent. At least that is how it use to be, and appears the National Association of REALTORS(R) is attempting to bring themselves back to (although I believe they still have a long way to go).

None of these complaints towards Zip "hold water". Facts: Zip trains more than any other brokerage. Negotiating is subjective, sensitive, and specific to each agent. Zip doesn't have preferred inspectors, your agent used his/her referral.

RE: BO

It would have been nice if you actually addressed the complaints specifically, instead you posted the usual pointless rambling by an ignorant real estate agent.
Who cares that they train more than any other? Quantity does not equal quality.

What does your last sentence even mean? It almost implies you are admitting Zip get's referral fees from an inspector .. which is a very bad thing.

Zip Suck: You cant even spell....LOL

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Please stay on subject. If you think I'm wrong tell me why.

I agree! My husband and I contacted not one but two separate agents off of ZIPrealty.com Chicago. Not only did they not return calls, but made promises to show us homes...only later not call back to confirm. Our first attempt, the agent promised to show us homes on a weekend. When we called to confirm on Friday where we were to meet up with him, he did proceeded to ask us if we wanted to look with him, even though he is no longer with ZIPRealty, but now with another big name real estate company. So all week long he knew he was going to switch to the other company but didnt tell us?! So thats week one gone.

We then contacted the area's top ZIPrealty seller. But that too was a let down.We had already rearranged our whole weekend to look at these homes, and thats really hard with kids! Later that week, he said that he could not get us into the homes, so that is why he did not call back! Really? Ever heard of courtesy call??

ZIPRealty has very poor customer service oriented agents, and don't follow up. We dropped them fast, but not after wasting two good weekends to look, and the lost of a house we REALLY wanted to look at, another seller had placed in a offer by the time we got together with a REAL agent.

DO NOT USE ZIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The boston group is top notch
had a great experience with my guy and home was over 1mill
he got it down 75k and fought intelligently for me on the purchase

This is not a forum for intelligent or thoughtful posts.....they will quickly get removed by TJ.
Zip hands down has the best and most user friendly site. TJ is obviously one of those clueless people who has no idea of how things actually work. How about doing all Realtors/agents a favor by representing yourself in the future. Let the professionals work with clients instead of people from crazy town.

How about you tell us how things work?

I don't remove post unless they contain offensive language or profanity as noted below.

People need to chill! Who else out there gives you money back? Zip Reality Rocks! As for sellers and buyers, you are your own person so list/offer what YOU see fit. No one is going to twist your arm to make a higher/lower listing or offer. We need to take responsibility and be responsible for our own decisions especially when we are talking about our money as sellers/buyers. Just a thought!

RE: Meli

Um, That was actually one of the main points of this post to begin with. I talked about not even using a realtor because then you would have more control of the process. You can't really trust a Realtor for a lot of the home buying process, you really have to on top of your game because their is a lot ways you can get screwed in the process. The Zip rebate is fine and everything but when you're dealing with such a large transaction you shouldn't necessarily go with the cheapest agent either should you? You may get what you pay for. Just my thought!

I just gave Zip my letter of resignation. This company will slave you 7 days a week with leads that are not confirmed, ground you to ten miles in your area and encourage you to submit very high offers. Do not buy, sell or work as an agent for this company. You will never get an accepted offer. Poor training and rude managers.

If you want insider knowledge on tricks agents use, check out my blog. www.justhanbai.com. Agents are useless. I am an agent and for many deals I lead people toward flat fee listing services. I've gotten more referrals for larger deals because of this. Let me say this another way. For 90%, of the residential deals you don't need an agent.