ComplaintsforComey & Shepherd, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  08/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Where do I even begin with this disastrous excuse for a house? I recently made the unfortunate decision to buy this property on May 26, 2023, and it's been nothing short of a living nightmare from day one. I can't believe I fell for the charm of the pictures and the reseller’s (Comey & Shepherd Realors) empty promises. Let's start with the plumbing, I've never encountered a more dysfunctional system. The pipes seem to have a mind of their own, deciding when and where to leak or burst at their leisure. It's like living in a constant game of Russian roulette, wondering which room will be flooded next. The bathrooms have become danger zones, and I've had to become an impromptu plumber just to keep the place from turning into a swamp. Unbelievable. After enduring a week of plumbing horrors , I finally called in a professional plumber, and their verdict left me speechless and out of pocket $1345.00. As it turns out, this house should have never been put on the market in the first place. I can't help but feel like an unsuspecting victim of a real estate scam As if the plumbing fiasco and the icy grip of an ineffective furnace weren't enough, attempting to replace the filter in the furnace became a life-threatening ordeal. Imagine my horror when the filter, which should have been secured properly, came crashing down nearly on top of me, held in place by a flimsy piece of tape. It's as if the previous owners played a dangerous game of "Furnace Jenga," and I was the unwitting player about to get crushed. Prepare for a jaw-dropping tale of deceit and collusion that has left me questioning the integrity of the entire home buying process. After encountering a multitude of issues, culminating in a dangerous furnace situation, I was forced to replace a simple filter – an endeavor that unearthed a shocking web of negligence, manipulation, and potential collusion. What's even more infuriating is that all these issues were not only present but listed in the inspection report by MVP inspectors . It's a chilling realization that the seller and the inspector – the very people who should have safeguarded the integrity of this transaction – either negligently overlooked or conveniently ignored glaring problems that were right under their noses. I can't help but wonder if there was some sort of underhanded alliance at play. The idea that the seller had someone perform a slapdash job to merely placate the inspector while the inspector turned a blind eye to substantial issues is a stomach-churning possibility. Was this an orchestrated effort to unload a problematic property that had languished on the market for too long? It certainly feels that way. My trust in the entire home buying process has been shattered. The basic principles of honesty and accountability have been tossed aside, leaving me to contend with the aftermath of a disastrous decision that was seemingly facilitated by negligence and, quite possibly, a dubious alliance. For anyone considering buying this house or dealing with the individuals involved, proceed with extreme caution. If my experience is any indication, you're stepping into a realm of deception and potentially fraudulent dealings. This house has become a cautionary tale that serves as a harsh reminder that vigilance and thoroughness are paramount when navigating the treacherous waters of real estate transactions. It's been a mere three months since I made the mistake of purchasing this house, and the list of woes has grown longer than I could have ever anticipated. As if the plumbing woes and the frozen abyss of a furnace weren't enough, now I've uncovered a troubling thread of neglect and potential collusion that has tainted my perception of the entire home buying process. Replacing a simple furnace filter should have been a straightforward task, but instead it, turned into a near-disaster when the filter came crashing down due to being held in place by what appeared to be a flimsy strip of tape. It's alarming to think that such a critical component of the heating system was treated with such disregard, and it's even more alarming to consider the potential danger this posed to my safety.

  Business response

  09/01/2023

  The Buyer's (***** *******) complaint is completely unfounded.  She was represented by her own agent in the transaction, inspected the property in person multiple times, obtained a professional inspection, negotiated repairs which were completed by the seller and reinspected, did a final walk through before the closing and then closed on the property.  If she experienced problems after closing, those problems are certainly not the responsibility of anyone but the homeowner.

  See attached a record of the interactions our agent (who represented the seller) had with the buyer's representative and a copy of the purchase contract which clearly states that they buyer has certain responsibilities/opportunities under the contract (see lines200-203, 236-241 and 471-475) and made clear that after closing, the buyer was responsible for the property.

  We work hard to make every transaction a successful outcome for all involved, so we are very sorry that *** ******* is not happy, but to speak ill of our company or our agent is completely unacceptable. 

• Initial Complaint

  07/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  The real estate agent , Richard D****, did not have my best interest in mind during a sale. He claimed the seller would not lower the sale price due to repairs needed without asking the seller. He also downplayed issues with the house and said the repairs are not urgent and can be fixed over time, which was not the case. Multiple contractors told me the repairs need fixed soon. The first day in the house, there were several severe plumbing problems such as clogs and leaks that needed addressed immediately. Also there are urgent and safety issues with the electricity that need attention as soon as possible. There are also other repairs needed. I have thousands of dollars worth of urgent repairs. I was told by several experts that the agent took advantage of us and should have gotten the repairs fixed prior to closing or ask the seller to take money off the purchase price to help pay for the repairs. Experts told me the agent did not handle the situation properly. The home warranty is useless because they will not cover it. It is considered a pre existing condition and I did not know it would not cover pre existing conditions. The inspector the realitor recommended missed items that need fixed in the house and also downplayed repairs. I would like the real estate company to pay for these expensive repairs. The agent did my family and I wrong. Now I have several thousands of dollars worth of expensive repairs. The agent said my elderly veteran father can use his veteran rebate money he got at closing to fix the repairs. This was very unprofessional for the agent to say and the money did not even cover the costs of the repairs. The agent handled this whole situation unprofessionally. I feel along with other experts that Richard D**** broke realtor code of conduct.

  Business response

  07/25/2022

  *** ******* had every opportunity to inspect the property personally and accompanied the professional inspector during the inspection contingency period.  Most times she was accompanied by her father who advised and supported the financial arrangements.  She conducted a final walk-through prior to closing and while it is unfortunate that she feels that repairs have been required after closing, but none of her complaints can legitimately be directed toward me/Rich D**** or my brokerage.

  Customer response

  07/25/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.    
  I voiced concerns about repairs that were needed.   I have proof via text messages that were sent.  Richard D****, a the real estate agent, assured me the repairs were not urgent repairs and can be fix over time. I did not realize the repairs were not urgent and instead need immediate attention as I am not an expert in repairs.     Multiple licensed plumbers and electricians told me the pre existing repairs were a hazard and need fixed immediately.   For example, on the first day in the house, the toilet stopped working and there were clogs and leaks.  There are also hazard issues with the electrical which needs a complete replacement and not only “recommend” for repairs.   Therefore, there are immediate and urgent issues we noticed right after moving in.   There are also other repairs that are needed.   

  
  

  Just because my elderly father and I were in the house does not mean we know about repairs as we are not licensed or professional in repairing homes.   

  
  

  
  

  These are pre existing issues before I bought the house that turned into major and urgent issues.   I know for a fact that real estate companies will pay for repair after closing if problems/issues  arise for buyers that had similar situations as mine.  There is no reason this agency can not pay me for the repairs.   Instead you want to play the denial game and go back and forth.    Someone at Comey and Shepherd needs to show some compassion, good customer service, sympathy and empathy and pay us for the repairs.  You should own up and  pay for the repairs.   

  
  

  If Richard D**** and his broker still want to deny fault and not pay us for the repairs   then forward all my complaints made to BBB to D****** and his broker’s manger.   

   I spoke with several experts including repair workers who work with real estate agents and real estate agents who told me we were taken advantage of by D**** as I previously stated the reasons why how the sale should have been handled in my originally complaint.   A concern is D**** told me the repairs can be fixed over time and not immediately,  Which obviously was not the case.  The agency is spending all this wasted time and effort denying wrong doings when they could pay for the repairs.  

  
  

  
  
  
  ****** *******
  

  Business response

  07/26/2022

  While *** ******* has expressed her desire for compensation, she had never indicated what it is that she expects.  She made decisions throughout the buying process (and the other offers that she made previously) that were her decisions alone.  She hired an inspector and was given the report for her interpretation with her father’s help.  Real estate agents do not make decisions but offer counsel for what it is worth, being neither a plumber or electrician.  Real estate brokerages do not routinely pay for repairs to all the homes they sell in Ohio which is a caveat emptor state.  I believe that *** ******* has received bad/hindsight advice from unqualified people when she should have relied on her own inspection report.
  *** ******* supplied bills totaling $4,650 (electrical and plumbing) with her complaint.  Surely she does not expect the brokerage to fund beyond what she accepted about the property condition at closing.

  Customer response

  07/27/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.  
  

  
  I did receive bad advice from Richard D****  regarding the repairs, he was my agent and the seller’s agent.   I have D****** messages on the repairs for proof.  D**** stated the repairs were not urgent and can be fixed over time.  This was bad advice from D**** and obviously his statements on the repairs were not accurate or true.    I want compensated for the pre existing urgent and hazardous repairs that the house needed.   I can discuss the amount I would settle with if Comey and Shepherd decides to show compassion, good customer service and give me money for the repairs.    
  
  
  ****** *******
  

  Business response

  08/01/2022

  As a gesture of good faith, Rich D**** has offered to settle for $2,000 provided *** ******* signs a complete release (see attached).

  Customer response

  08/02/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** *******
  

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