Paul Dunton -

It started when I received a letter in the mail - asking me if I'd be interested in selling my two-family home to this Real Estate Agents client - a private investor who buys multifamily homes in North Billerica. I called him (Paul Dunton) and he was enthusiastic and said he did Not send this letter out to many housholds. He personally drove down my street and choose my house as one he knew his investor would be interested in. I told him I was only interested in showing it - if we First had a predetermined price. Paul got back to me - with a figure. I reviewed it - and found it to just be an average value of what I could sell it for to anyone. I explained that I would have to find a new place to live and had much to move. He said time was not an issue and his client is a cash customer. I told Paul - the only way I'd sell now - was at 10% above his offer. He drove his client by my property and later called to say that the outside was suitable. They agreed to this fixed/set price - conditional only on a satisfactory walk-through inspection by this buyer. We set a day and time. Paul was about 10 minutes ahead of his client (I had thought they'd arrive together). Right away - Paul asked to reconfirm my 'Asking' price. I reminded him - it was NOT an 'asking price' - we agreed on the selling price (verbally) on the phone - when we set the appointment - and as I was told - taking tour of my property was more of a formality (as I had understood - he had been clear about that). Then he asked how "I" was going to pay him 'HIS' commission. I said, "Well you approached 'Me' - I understood you are working for 'Your' client. He then told me - he expected 'ME' to subtract from my selling price - His commission. - I told him - he'd just have to add it to the sale price - and tell his client. His reaction was one of - 'Oh now what am I going to do?!'. I would presume a professional Real Estate Agent - would be right up front about his commision and what he expects (as was I). His client (identity withheld here) arrived - and for the most part - silently toured my home (both apartments). Paul had asked when he arrived about the stove in my rental apartment. I told him - IF I were to keep the house - eventually I'd replace it. - He translated this to tell this 'buyer' - that I would replace it FOR the buyer. I had to correct this. Need I say - this 'Buyer' did NOT buy - and Paul NEVER EVER got back to me one way or the other. NOT very professional!! This was all a big fuss - and big to do about NOTHING! A waste of time!! - Mine! He painted a picture of a straight forward deal - which tuned out for me - to just be 'smoke & mirrors' I am left with an impression that this agent - throws a lot of 'prospective deals' out there - to see which ones 'stick'. NOT my way of doing business!!