Berkshire Hathaway Homestates Company

*READ THIS REVIEW BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY OR ANY OF THEIR AGENTS*

I just wanted to share my negative personal experience with Berkshire Hathaway and their agent, Tammy Lynn Dean/Tamara Lynn Dean (DRE#02078221). I can't say for certain if all of the agents working under Berkshire Hathaway do this but it's helpful to know what you're getting yourself into. At least that's what I'd personally like to know before working with someone who's supposed to have my best interest.

Anyways, Tammy tried to get me to sign an exclusive Buyer-Broker Representation Agreement where I, as a buyer, would be on the hook for the 3% commission. It's standard that the seller is the one who pays the commission from the proceeds of the sale of the house. Yet, why include the language in the Agreement that the Buyer is responsible for payment of the commission? That to me was extremely suspicious and as a Paralegal who works with agreements/contracts every day, I always carefully read everything before I sign. So I asked Tammy why that language is there and if we could revise the language so it's clear that THE SELLER is responsible for the commission but she responded that "it was illegal to edit a legal document." LMAO that is most absurd thing I've ever heard of in my life!

It wasn't even a fully executed agreement yet so there's absolutely no such law or statute saying you can't edit the agreement before all parties sign it. There's amendments and addendums to legal agreements/contracts ALL THE TIME. For example, when you go to the DMV and you made a mistake on a legal document, they tell you to cross out the incorrect info and print your initials next to it. So if the DMV is able to revise legal documents then this preposterous lie/excuse is beyond infuriating.

She simply just had to revise the language so that it's clear that the commission is coming from the seller and not the buyer and then I would have signed the agreement. I don't have anything against the Buyer-Broker Representation Agreement but it was written in a way that 100% benefited the agent/broker and made it where the Buyer was reliable for everything. She also said that the language was pulled from the California Association of Realtors Buyer Representation Agreement so if you ever come across one, I highly recommend you read everything thoroughly and ask questions before you sign anything.

It's so unfortunate that there are agents/brokers out there who try to take advantage of people, especially FTHB who can be easy targets because they don't know any better. ALWAYS get second opinions and talk to a real estate attorney (not the ones that are recommended to you by the agents). She kept saying that we could talk to her broker who is a real estate attorney and that they "gave clear directions to not edit legal real estate documents." I work in an a law office with 8 attorneys and that was the most ludicrous statement we've ever heard. If the agreement was fully executed then that would be a completely different scenario but we're talking about an agreement that they're asking me to sign, which can be edited/revised as many times as necessary BEFORE it is signed.

Honestly, I'm not even sure if she whole-heartedly believes her broker/"real estate attorney" or intentionally lying/providing false information because he's providing false information/advice and that's actually illegal but either way, I'm just glad that we dodged a bullet. I just wanted to share my story/experience so please proceed with caution.

This company has some terrible employees, what a joke! I won't list names, tho she is new in the realtor world. Just complete lack of communication, misrepresentation of the home and company.

I could go on about my experience with this company and the ladies I dealt with but I will just warn you to take caution when dealing with sleazy people!


Update : we just found out the listing agent was also the OWNER but kept that information hidden! Not sure if Martha is allowed to do that but I guess we will find out.

I would like better care with my workers comp case. I am continually getting the run around. I was injured in September 2015. I still have not seen a neurologist for my neck and headache pain. I have to track them down for everything. I should hire a slip and fall lawyer for speedy replies or at least a compassionate ear would be helpful. This I sad coming from such a prestigious and wealthy company.

I met Rosie Zuno at an open house, she was very personable and was interested in what type of home I was looking for. After trying another agency that was very pushy, I decided to give Rosie a try. She was good about booking viewings and never pressured me. HOWEVER, once we made an offer and started the buying process, I would have been better off representing myself. She did not keep me informed, she did not left me know what my options were when we hit problems along the way. I was so frustrated I finally reached out to her broker Brent, he looked at where we were and what options I had which at this point were really none. After I spoke with him i realized how little Rosie had supported and advocated for me. Her whole goal was to save the sale and not upset the seller. Just 2 examples (there are many), termite repair. She did not include in the contact that the seller would be responsible for termite damage repair! This was always a part of my previous experience so I thought it was a given, but the rules have changed. So up to the end it was a question as to whether the seller would repair termite damage. Luckily the sellers agent convinced him to do the repair. But legally Rosie left me hanging in the wind. On the day of closing she told me that she had one key and would leave it in the lock box. I said there is never just one key. The seller had given the other key to a neighbor to take in the trash can. Rosie was perfectly content leaving town and letting me knock on doors to find my other key. I obviously did not let her leave town without giving me the keys to my home. Unlike a previous reviewer, I believe that as a consumer we need to protect each other from any incompetent, unprofessional, unethical, agents with no business acumen.

A word to Berkshire Hathaway, is this really the type of agent you want representing your company? I would not recommend your company to anyone after this experience.

I was connected with Carole Waldchen of Berkshire Hathaway through the SDCCU first time home buyer program last April. My husband & I finally found someone who would work hard for us, but also listen to what we really wanted. After finding the perfect property, Carole stuck with us for next 5 months of a short sale nightmare, doing everything possible to ensure the sale went through. She is professional, diligent and really works hard to communicate the crazy process to newcomers like myself. I never want to go through the short sale process again, but due to Carole's efforts, our family now owns our first home! Strong recommend Berkshire Hathahaway & especially Carole.