Refusal to Return Keys by Realtor!!?!?!?!

**nikki1217** · 09-07-2009, 04:10 PM

Hi, I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place, but I need advice!

I needed an appraisal, and a realtor was recommended to me to get an appraisal with consideration of selling based on the appraisal. That was clear when we spoke prior to filling out paperwork, etc. The appraisal was beautiful, thorough, and worth the $350 I paid him, but the value was not enough to make sense to sell.

The apartment in mention is out of state, and I'll be going there in a week and a half to do some cleaning, etc, and called him, as he was fully aware we had fedexed him the only set of keys.

Without a hesitation he said no. He said he was too busy to mail them. If I wanted them, I could come and get them, but he would not mail them, regardless if I was willing to pay, or the fact that I had mailed them to him in the first place.

What do I do? Is that legal? I don't want to go down and "hope" he's around to get them, and find myself locked out, I mean, if he won't do so much as mail them to me how do I know he is reliable to find the time for me to come get them?

I called my lawyer and left a message. I'm pissed and really upset.

Any advice???

**Glennet** · 09-08-2009, 06:07 AM

Hello Nikki-

First - hope you learned a lesson here about operating with only one set of keys.

Second - sounds like your dealing with a bit of a jerk here that is angry you decided not to sell - and consequently didn't get the listing. Don't really think there is too much you can do here that won't cost you time or money. Agree to meet this person at a predetermined time and place to get your keys. Before you go send a certified letter with return receipt to this agent confirming the time, date, and purpose of your meeting. If he refuses to give you the keys upon meeting - have the non emergency number of the local police handy. If he fails to show - have the local number for a local locksmith to get you into the house and change the locks. Your letter, return receipt, and locksmith bill will be of value when you sue this agent in small claims.

Third - whatever way this works out - get youself some spare keys ASAP.

Good Luck-
Glenn

**dognponyshow** · 09-09-2009, 05:30 PM

Good advice from Glenn. The only thing I have to add is that, if you're in the United States, a real estate salesperson who is NOT a state-licensed appraiser is actually making a market analysis and suggesting a market value; a licensed appraiser makes an appraisal. We also don't know that the person you dealt with is a Realtor