I’m a buyer having a problem with Battiata Real Estate. I’m buying a short sale which Countrywide accepted with the exact terms of my offer. However, Countrywide offered to pay real estate commission of 4%. Battiata told me I had to pay an extra 2% through escrow and sent me an addendum to sign. Battiata said they had an agreement with the seller that they’d receive 6% commision and the seller can’t pay it. I refused at first, spoke with someone at a higher level in their office and was told he didn’t care if I didn’t want to pay it and he would go to a higher bidder. I ended up agreeing to an amount less than 1% because I really want the property. I think this was unethical and extortion. It disgusts me that they added this additional amount after the bank already accepted my offer and threatened to kill the transaction. I’ve heard from a couple agents that said I shouldn’t have paid it but I do think they would sabatoge the deal.
Now, the escrow instructions show a “Transaction Complaince Fee” for both the buyer and seller of $495 paid to Battiata. I think this is wrong. I’ve read that this is not typical.
I worked with an agent last summer who was outstanding and did not suggest or charge any of these additional charges. I’d be interested if others have had a bad experience with Battiata or they’ve tried to do this to you. I’m supposed to close in Mid February and I’m afraid of other surprises. Battiata does not care about customers, and obviously referrals.
