Business ProfileforBender Realty, LLC

October 3, 2021

On September 9th, 2021, I found a home I was interested in buying through the realtor.com website. The listing price was $159,900. I made an appointment with Kelli P*** with Bender Realty. The next day I hired Kelli P*** to represent me as the buyer. On the way to see the home I point blank asked Kelli, "what percentage commission do you charge?" I stated that I was willing to pay her a 3% commission fee. Her response was she would check with the sellers realtor, ************** with *****************. I know that the average percent fee is between 3-5%. I spoke to her to be very clear about what I was willing to pay and to keep everything out in the open concerning me possibly purchasing the house. We got to the home and the seller was outside in the yard. Kelli spoke to him for a moment and then we both looked at the home and property. She told me that he had received some offers for $165,000. As we were leaving I put in an offer for $167,000 and seller pay closing costs. I told Kelli I need a written appraisal of the property and that I needed information of the property lines of the yard. A couple days later, Kelli called and said that the seller accepted my offer of $167,000 and he pay closing costs.

On September 17th, I asked that certain repairs be completed. Kelli asked if I would be open to a $500.00 repair allowance deduction in lieu of making repairs. I agreed. I told Kelli that I need a expected amount that I would need to have at closing. She stated that she would have the title company supply me with the preliminary closing document to review before the closing. Again, I was being open and honest about what I requested from her in order for this purchase to take place correctly. I told her I don't want any surprises at closing. She never got the documents to me.

On the morning of October 19th, I was told to wire $175,000 to the title company. I knew this amount was wrong, but I had a 3 hour drive to make to attend the closing so I sent the money and figured I could rectify this at the closing. As soon as I read the closing document, I figured out what happened. I was shocked. I was in a panic. Without my knowledge or consent, Kelli increased the purchasing price of the home by $10,000 to cover commission costs. I sat there in shock and disbelief and stated, "y'all are about to give me a heart attack." She charged me $6,177.50 to pay the sellers commission fee to his realtor. It was right there in black and white. I couldn't believe it because my verbal contract was to only pay a 3% commission fee to Kelli. It is not my responsibility to pay any fees for the seller.

Buyer beware! Do not hire or trust Kelli P*** with Bender Realty to represent you. She broke verbal contracts with me. She did not provide me with vital closing documents that I requested. She changed the purchasing price of the home. She did not provide me with a written appraisal of the property. And, she did not provide me with property line information.

At the closing, I was shocked and panicky. Out of desperation of being homeless, I signed the papers. I had sold my home and had to be out within 5 days. I wish I could go back in time and not sign or close on the house. This whole process has caused so much stress that it has made me literally sick. To add insult to injury, Kelli has no remorse for her actions. Meanwhile, both my bathrooms have no electricity and I am out over $6000 so I have to live without electricity.

In response to this complaint. The file has been reviewed and the client, ************* signed an Exclusive Buyers Representation Agreement for Kelli P*** to help her buy a house. The sales contract was written for $177,000.00 with the buyer signing. and the offer was accepted. after the buyer home inspection the buyer agreed that instead of repairs the swales price would be reduced to $176, 500.00. The property was closed and the buyer did not pay any of the sales commission and the settlement statement was reviewed and signed by all parties using title company. All of this can by supported by documentation we have on file and everything was signed and executed by Ms. ******. If we need to provide and further information please let us know.