RE/MAX

We listed our house with Ryan Lowe of REMAX and I would NOT recommend him. We were very disappointed with Ryan Lowe as our realtor. Which surprised us bc of the reviews we read prior to listing with him. In the beginning, we thought he would have our best interest; but we soon learned we did not choose the right realtor. His arrogance and condescending attitude made it difficult to work with him. Basically he put the for sale sign in the yard and listed our house. Our house was not a difficult home to sell bc it was well maintained, priced to sell, and in a desirable neighbor. When it came closer to closing our home, we questioned his "settlement fee" (which we thought was a litigate and necessary charge for the new deed and notary) which was a $450 charge in addition to his 5% broker's fee. But after doing some research only $100 of the $450 actually goes to the deed/notary! This was a "junk" fee and was in addition to his 5% broker compensation. Most people selling a home don't even question this fee bc, like us, they assume it is a standard charge. This charge was not clearly broken down and not understood to be for the new deed and notary AND additional compensation to REMAX. After making a price change to our house, we refused to resign the seller agreement form bc of we didn't agree with the settlement fee; however, he said if we were going to be like that then he would raise his compensation from 5% to 6%. I told him that wouldn't be fair because that was why we chose him (5% comm He said this along with another inappropriate comment. We repeatedly asked him to remove the charge but he refused to do so. $450 may sound like a little bit of money in the grand scheme but it's the principal of the matter which reflects poorly on Ryan & Remax. I was more disappointed in Ryan and his unwillingness to compromise than in losing $350. So just BEWARE! Handling the paperwork or transaction is the agent's responsibility for which they are compensated in their commission. Adding fees on top of that to increase a bottom line is unethical. He said he disclosed it but we said he didn't...regardless, it is an excessive fee that we reluctantly HAD to pay so it would not impede the closing. Hopefully this helps educate other sellers to look closely at all the fees and know you are not required to pay a settlement fee or transaction fee in addition to a realtor's commission.