Predatory Realtors From Out Of Town Are Targeting Short Sale Properties In Pleasanton

On Saturday, I received a 5-X-8 card in my mailbox, and the card was addressed to Michael Austin, my wife or current resident.

The card is from Leslie Drury, a realtor in Castro Valley and Jeri Anderson, a realtor in Dublin. On the card in bold print is "We specialize in short sales, and foreclosures, and relevant matters in today's ever dynamic industry."

Also, on the back side of the card near the top in rather large red print was, "You get TWO REALTORS for the price of one."

The card goes on to state, "Our buyer is still interested in your neighborhood. Please call us today if you are thinking of selling your home. Need to do a short sale? No problem! We are experienced with short sales and can help you to sell your home quietly and discreetly with no yard sign. We now have a buyer who is approved."

The card has a return address of P.O. Box 1474, Pleasanton, California, and in the lower-left corner is Prudential California Realty.

I sent an email to both Leslie Drury and Jeri Anderson stating the following:

"I received your insulting and disgusting mailing today. My property is not in foreclosure. My property is not a short sale. My property is not for sale. My property has never been for sale."

You Leslie Drury and you Jeri Anderson are "predatory realtors stalking on the down and out. You both are from out of town and are attempting to come into this community to take advantage of people."

Pleasanton has Realtors who live in this community. Pleasanton Realtors use signs and Pleasanton Realtors network with each other and with residents all across this community.

There is nothing quiet with Pleasanton Realtors. Pleasanton Realtors have sound business ethics; there is no need for Pleasanton Realtors to be discreet regarding the real state industry in Pleasanton. If you do not live in Pleasanton, by every definition of the term, you are from out of town.

When out of town Realtors brag about being quiet and discreet and do not use yard signs, it causes me to think that out of town Realtors such as Leslie Drury and Jeri Anderson are shadowy characters and are stalking in Pleasanton, hoping to make a quick and easy buck off the few through no fault of their own, were laid off from their employment and continue to be unemployed and struggling.

When out of town Realtors in San Francisco and on the Peninsula have a client that expresses an interest in purchasing a home in this area, that out of town Realtor will contact a local Realtor after having researched local listings. Everything is above board. All disclosures are discussed and documented. There is no effort to hide and be discreet.

I made several phone calls to Pleasanton Realtors this morning between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday morning I left messages, explained that I was doing research on the Pleasanton real state market for an article I hoped to post soon. Not one single Realtor returned my phone call.

I visited open homes Sunday afternoon and talked with the Realtors showing the homes. Every Realtor I spoke with lived in Pleasanton. Also each of the Realtors had transacted short sales. They all are in agreement that short sales are not their first choice of transaction.

Every Realtor gave the same reasons regarding short sales transactions. Banks drag their feet in getting the transaction moving along, up to a year for a short sale. Plus short sales are draining emotionally for the owner of the property, the potential buyer of the property, and the Realtor carrying the load to get the short sales transaction completed.

Another factor in negotiating short sales with a bank is the Realtor does not necessarily know the strength and stability of the bank. The FDIC could be in the process of taking over the bank they are negotiating with.

There are currently 27 homes in Pleasanton that are short sales. That is not very many homes on short sales, the Realtors tell me. I heard stories of the elderly, the unemployed that have lost their homes in short sales.

Caution for all elderly people that are being approached to enter into a short sale on their home. Go through local Realtors, and seek advice from a daughter or son or other family member, or close friend. If you feel you are being abused financially, report it to the police department. it is a crime.

For the unemployed struggling to keep their home, there is help out there. Contact a local Realtor because they will provide advice, help and will steer you in the right direction.