PH Real Estate - What a Disgruntled House Buyer Did to Make a Broker Honor His Promises

Some brokers make promises just to close a sale. They don’t bother to consult the owner of the property first before promising the moon and the stars to their potential buyers. This can be a significant problem with buyers, who believe all the promises that an agent dishes out.So, what did the disgruntled house buyer do to make the broker honor his promises?

Here’s the story.

Emma was a working mom of two lovable kids. Her husband, Allan, was a dedicated taxi driver, who plaid the routes even in the late hours of dawn to put food on the table.

After years of scrimping and saving, they were able to save enough money for a modest house, with 3 bedrooms, in the outskirts of the city. The house was not a mansion but they were ecstatic that they can finally have a house that they can call their own.

However, there was a little problem; the mini-playground in the backyard was dysfunctional. Emma had always dreamt of watching her kids play outdoors, while doing her household chores. It reminded her of her own happy family, back in the province.

The broker had witnessed how the couple had come to like the house. There was just one problem – the backyard playground. The chains of the swings were rusty; the seesaw’s fulcrum was not centered, and there were potholes in the ground.

The broker didn’t hesitate to promise Emma that he would see to it that the playground would be functional before the summer vacation.

“I promise that your kids would be able to use the playground before the summer vacation,” he declared confidently.

Emma and Allan quickly closed the deal with the broker, not wanting to miss the chance. They have put in every cent they have to purchase their dream house.

Fast forward:

2 months later, the playground has remained as it was when the couple had purchased it. The broker no longer called or dropped by, after 2 hurried visits the previous month.
Emma and Allan were downhearted. They consulted a lawyer and the lawyer said:

“It’s not included in the contract, so you have no way of making him fulfill his promises.”

But Emma believed firmly that the broker’s promises must be fulfilled because it was done in good faith, and she and her husband had received the goodwill that was extended. So, Emma went in search of the broker. She found him after a wearisome hunt, with no one willing to help. The broker was white in the face when he saw her. He was speechless and appeared remorseful.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t fulfill my promises. The owner of the house refused to comply, because it’s not an agreement made with him,” he tremulously stated.

“But you promised us. You should have talked to the owner before doing so,” Emma shot back at him.

“I’m really sorry. If I could, I would do it. But I’m in a financial bind now. My youngest child was hospitalized for two weeks,” he apologized.

“We have trusted you. How can you do this to us?” Emma was in tears. “My kids wanted the house because of that playground.”

The broker was visibly moved by Emma’s emotions.

“The least that I can do is to accompany you to the owner, so you can plead your case,” he replied reluctantly.

“You should be doing that, not me,” Emma countered back. “You were the one who had promised.”

“I tried many times, believe me. But he wouldn’t give in.”

They were silent for a few minutes.

Then Emma said, “Okay, let’s do it! Take me to the owner’s house.”

Apparently, the owner was filthy rich; he resided in one of the posh subdivisions in the city. They were received well and the maids were polite and respectful. The owner was an old, bespectacled man in his late sixties, with a short, curly hair and bushy eyebrows.
“Yes, anything I can do for you?” His voice was gentle and comforting.

The broker introduced Emma to the old man. He explained the situation to the owner.

“Oh, I see. Haven’t I refused that request before? The old man asked the broker sotto voce. “You were the one who made the promises and not me.”

“But, sir, I bought that house because of the playground,” Emma interjected plaintively. “My kids are looking forward to play in it this summer.” The old man looked at her, startled by the intense emotion in her voice.

“I don’t break my promises to my kids because they trust me, and I don’t want to betray that trust. If I had the money, I wouldn’t bother you,” Emma continued, her voice cracking.

She was on the verge of tears. “I know you keep your promises too because you value your reputation. We have bought the house because of the broker’s promises. Didn’t he act as your representative? Can’t you fulfill his promise for the kids’ sake?” Emma was almost begging.

The old man simply stared at her, his mouth agape. Emma felt bad going to such lengths for a broken promise. She stood up and leveled her eyes on the old man.

“I came here to give you the chance to recover your reputation. If you don’t want to, then it’s up to you,” Emma walked to the door and left without another word.

Emma felt the heaviness in her chest disappear. I have done all I could. Now, it’s up to the ‘guy’ up there to make his move, she thought inwardly.

And heaven answered her prayers. Three days after, the broker visited her house with a handyman ready to start the repair of the structures in the playground. The owner had agreed to restore it, all expenses paid by him. There were shouts of glee from the children, when they saw what was happening in their backyard. Emma and Allan linked their arms together and watched their children contentedly. Emma had been able to make the broker fulfill his promises. She knew it was because she had appealed to the owner’s humanity.

In the end, a promise is a promise. People who keep their promises are well respected. To Emma, she learned the hard way. But she was lucky that there’s still humanity left in the old man. That means there’s still hope for the world.

Tags:    Story of a Disgruntled House Buyer