Short Summary Review We worked with Natalia Velasco of Choice RE LLC / Charles Rutenberg Realty to sell our Tampa home, and the experience was extremely disappointing. She listed our property with the wrong sales price, left us with almost no updates for months, and failed to hold open houses. When she finally brought a buyer, it was another agent from her own office, which left us feeling she was not representing our best interests. To make matters worse, the inspection process was handled poorly, with misleading or fabricated claims and even a "fake" report sent before the real one. Most "issues" noted were either inaccurate or easily fixed for under $400. We have bought and sold many properties over the years, and this was by far the most unprofessional experience. Proceed with caution if you plan to work with Natalia Velasco or inspector Gregg Forscher (License #HI12660). read more

Had a terrible experience with this realtor. There are serious clear ethical violations that are being reported to the state and ethics board that Charles Rutenberg has only seemed to ignore. I started to do some background searches on their realtor Ginger Gillum and discovered quite an extensive history of public court records along with a very serious traffic arrest allegation. The information I discovered would certainly call into question the character of someone for employment eligibility and particularly in real estate dealing with financial transactions. You only need to do a simple internet search on arrests, mug shots, and public court records to gather quite a lot of information. Because I trusted Ginger Gillum as being a long-time friend of my mother's and knowing the family. I did not do this extensive research. It is important to investigate her background extensively should you chose to enter a real estate transaction with her. Charles Rutenberg has not said much of anything with my entire situation. It is important to report serious broken ethical standards with any realtor and my experienced has proven no different. Buyer beware Ginger Gillum and Charles Rutenberg do not have the best histories and it would seem they do not have their client interests at the front before their own. If you are selling or buying your home, look for another realty and realtor. If you don't, you only have yourself to blame when something happens. Do your research on Charles Rutenberg and Ginger Gillum. read more

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Public Records - Real Estate Agents Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

On Thursday August 27,2020 Audrey Kooistra reached out to my listing agent to schedule a viewing of my property for August 29,2020, called back to move to a different time. We accommodated both times to show the home. We left our home at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday for the 4:00 p.m. showing, we have cameras in our home interior and exterior. We knew that no one showed at the house. At around 4:45 I recached out to my agent to see if we could return home, as we had seen no one show. After 15 minutes Audrey responded to my realtor that they drove through and decided to not stop. There was no cancellation or notification, just a no show. This type of behavior is a total lack of business courtesy from Realtor to Realtor, but equally total lack of professional etiquette on her part. As as seller we are doing what we need to sell our home, to allow this showing we had to cancel our dinner reservation that took me two weeks to get, as well as drive my dogs around in this August heat. A courtesy call would have been appreciated or at least go to the appointment app and cancel the showing, that would be the professional thing to do. read more

I worked with Shawna King on two different occasions and both times she was very professional and accessible. She genuinely cares about what type of home you are looking for and goes out of her way to make sure you find it. I highly recommend her for all of your real estate needs, especially if you want to work with someone that values your satisfaction and overall happiness with the transaction Over anything else. read more

Realtor ENZO ROMANO is a LIAR. Here's how we were treated by Enzo Romano, who helped us sell our house and buy a townhouse: 1. Enzo LIED by telling our Buyer that we had a full price offer from a military family when we did not. 2. Enzo LIED by telling our Buyer the outside furniture we sold to Buyer (on the side) was worth $15,000 (they bought it for $500) and used it as leverage to refuse to lower the selling price when the appraisal came back under existing Contract price. 3. Enzo LIED by telling our Buyer that HE was paying for repairs for the townhouse we were buying because we didn't have the money (we paid). 4. Enzo LIED by telling our Buyer that HE was paying for the repairs on our house (we paid). 5. Enzo LIED by telling our Buyer that WE wouldn't budge on the Selling price after the appraisal came back lower. (We were willing and did lower the price.) 6. Enzo LIED to us by saying he gave the Buyer our cell number, but in reality he told the Buyer that she could only communicate with us through him. (eventually we got it and this is how we found out the truth) 7. Enzo Listed our house with the worst cell phone-taken pictures of our house EVER seen online WITHOUT even showing us first. 8. Enzo listed our house with 13 mistakes and untruths in the Listing WITHOUT showing us first. 9. Enzo guaranteed our sale price would meet the appraisal price. The appraisal was $6,500 under Sale price. He gave the appraiser properties not even in the same town and expected them to be used. 10. Enzo LIED by telling our Buyer the house down the street had sold. It had not even gone under contract. 11. Enzo's Realtor's contract said not to sell the washer and dryer. Enzo listed them on our Seller's Agreement and would not compensate us at all. 3 read more

Do not work with Chris Kuhlman from the Charles Rutenberg Clearwater, FL office. He full out lied to us on multiple occasions via phone then had the audacity to lie to our faces. Unethical is the only word that properly describes him. I initially chose not to post the pics we took of the home in Allen's Ridge subdivision we rented. Then the other reviewer chose to question my review and say negative things about me. I contacted Mike V, and told him to remove the negative comments about me or I would post the pics and he has chosen not to. So here's the full story with pics. We rented the house unseen based on Kuhlman's repeated assurances that the entire inside had not only been painted but also cleaned. We arrived in FL on Sept 13 and met with Kuhlman on the 14th for the keys. We wired the $2500 deposit weeks earlier. It was not painted or cleaned. The house was disgusting. The kitchen cabinets had been painted but we're so warped they couldn't close. The pool area was gross and the you couldn't walk in the back yard as it was knee high over grown. There was no way we could move in therefore we had to have our furniture put in storage and also pay another company to move it to our current location. read more

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David Dec is BY FAR THE BEST realtor I've ever worked with. His knowledge, expertise, commitment and personality are what make him stand out above the rest. This man worked harder for us than anyone ever has combined! Dave didn't know us. We walked into a house to see it and that's where it all happened. Dave got us an excellent deal on our dream home and even got our house we owned sold! ALL IN 44 DAYS! This man has the dedication you need! Not 1 phone call went unanswered. EVEN LATE AT NIGHT! I can't thank Dave enough for his hard work and dedication. This man IS THE REALTOR YOU NEED! Call Dave Dec!!! 303-883-8000! read more

UPDATE::... I must admit I have never been emailed through Yelp much less have had a threat made to me through the site. It is actually quite sad that Collene "bram" M. would literally make a threat if I didn't change my post... I am an entrepreneur who has started a few businesses and take client service and ethics in the highest regard (there is nothing more sacred). I have a hard time when someone who I know, like and have done business with who is one of the most ethical folks I know in town is completely slammed on social media. With all sincerity if anyone has the slightest of questions about Chris feel free to email me and I will give you my phone number right away to call and fully discuss. I will post a picture of the email I received from Bram making a threat to change my initial post. I stand by my words, rating with everything positive regarding Chris. This was my initial review uncensored: I honestly couldn't believe that there was a negative review posted on Charles Rutenberg Realty and Chris Kuhlman. I then saw that half of the posters reviews were negative so it made some sense as many people are never satisfied. I will say that I have worked with Chris for almost 3 years on numerous occasions including renting a property in Palm Harbor and then buying a property in Oldsmar. Chris is EXTREMELY ethical, helpful and knowledgeable about the local market etc. We actually had an issue with our mortgage approval and Chris literally went above and beyond to help with anything and everything asked of him. After putting him out a bunch and having him show us all kinds of properties we are homeowners again and enjoying Oldsmar. I have zero reservations on recommending Chris and would be open to discussing with anyone who has any type of questions or concerns. Our area is very lucky to have such a solid realtor and a genuine good person as well. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Mike read more

Charles Rutenberg Realty - This is "Bram"'s emails to me that I just saw earlier today - Real Estate Agents Near Me - Clearwater, Florida

I have emailed Justin Smith at this company repeatedly attempting to see a home for sale. I have not once received a call back. I will be looking at another home today with another local realtor. Very poor professionalism. read more

Patrick Bartlett helped us find a rental property in Largo, and his help was much-needed because we are moving from California and couldn't be present to see any properties until our move date. Patrick was professional, quick to respond by phone and email, and personally invested in helping us find a good home. read more

I worked with a fabulous realtor from Charles Rutenberg Realty, his name is Joe McClendon Sales Associate. I have sold houses before but Joe went above and beyond of what was a complex sale from my viewpoint. Joe had a vision to help ready the property and he even helped me physically with the job and the logistics. Never had a relator do that for you huh? I highly recommend Joe McClendon if you are thinking of selling a home in the area of Pinellas, Florida. read more

I would NEVER do business with this company, after reading other reviews, I realize that I am not alone either! Voula Markos had nothing to do with my rental property, yet she was assigned to my move out process, she had no clue how horrid the house was when I moved in, and how disgusting the back yard was, I have pictures of when I moved in, receipts for painting the whole house before I moved in, trash hauling receipts from cleaning out the disgusting yard, and repairs to appliances including a garbage disposal that I paid for, I never had windows because they were all screwed shut from the last tenants, when moving out we also repainted, and cleaned, and I have pictures and receipts for that as well, and trash hauling again to make sure I didn't leave anything for them to take care of, we cut the grass, and had her inspect it, she didn't say anything, just that she would mail us a check. Well the check came 3 weeks later, for $750, and she stated per my lease, well my original lease, that I have in hand, says 825, I paid first last and security, and I paid rent the month I moved out also, so instead of getting my rent back, and my deposit, I got $750 and a letter, with misspelled words and bad English, saying, because the house was "horrific" with no detailed list of what she was charging us $550 for, so I requested that list and her pictures, she just kept ignoring me, when we finally got through to her, she said she kept the money because 2 pantries, the stove, and fridge were dirty, and the garage floor where the washer dryer was, was dirty, so I told her to let me in and I would clean it, she ignored me again for days, then today she answers, and said she would leave the door open for me, to call when I was done cleaning and she would bring me my money, I also have screen shots of these messages, so we went, we cleaned, and pressure washed the garage floor, which we do as a business, and call to let her know we're done, she tells me she's at another house, and thought I was someone else, even though the door was unlocked for us! She then hangs up on me and starts sending me to voicemail and not answering me, so now I have done a job there, paid to clean and paint, paid trash hauling, and now she's gonna try and keep all my money! Thieves and liars! Bad realtors will ruin a business, and with realtors like her, I feel sorry for your business! You should be investigating these realtors, and removing them! I have already contacted my lawyer, and I'm filing today! I have never even been late on a rent payment, and I kept a clean house, and maintained everything per my lease, it's sad that I had that much respect, and your realtor had none! I would never refer anyone to this broker's office until they clean up their realty staff!!!! And now, icing on the cake, my mail was left on the counter, and 3 things were opened! Including a credit card statement! read more

They obviously hire low class realtor's, I bought my house from Romeo Nasellari & he has got to big the biggest scum around. Stay far away!!!! I had to give a star but it should be 0. read more

This realty firm is bad news. Pam Watkins lied during the showings, and pretended not to know me after our closing! Ted seems aloof, and did not want to help me. Joel is better as he is trying to help, but he easily gets distracted. As they say, you get what you pay for. read more

So we decided to go with Charles Rutenberg and Tammy Keller / Dolores Garcia because they assisted us with the purchase of the same home. This was our first selling experience. So a little new to all of it. We called them towards the end of January 2018. Tammy called and said our house was a perfect candidate and we could make some money. She said that Dolores would be calling us to go ahead and set everything up. Dolores called and said she would come by with in the next few days to take a look. I explained that I worked banker hours and would not be available but that my wife would. So she came by and said our house would show like a model home because of the way we decorated. She recommended to do few minor things and that it could be on the market with in a week. Our neighbor across the street also listed their house at the same time as ours with a different company. So a few weeks go by after its on the market and we had no showings. They claimed our house was on Zillow , Realtor , Trulia and Charles Rutenberg's page. We never could find our home on Charles Rutenberg's page. As our neighbor across the street was blowing up with showings everyday. After a month we counted Our neighbor had 30+ showings to our 4-5. We are really wondering what was going on. We called Dolores and she recommended lowering our price instantly. Which after 1 month we were not ready to do. So a few more weeks pass and we actually had 8 showings in 5 days. It was Spring break thats why we figured it was busy that week. Still no offers though. As our neighbor was scheduling a closing and getting ready to move out. They had over 50 showings in 6 weeks. We finally agreed to lower the price 5k and have an open house. Since "Dolores" said price was the issue. Well our open house was on a Saturday . Dolores didnt even host it. They had some helper from the office come. When we got back to the house later that day we were told that only Nosey neighbors stopped by and that it was not productive at all. After the end of that weekend we decided to call the Duncan Duo. In the mean time we had to call Tammy and Dolores to let them go. So After Duncan Duo came by Monday I made the call Monday night to Dolores. Told her how unhappy with the results we have gotten especially with our neighbor already closing in a few more weeks. Her boss Tammy called me with in a few minutes of hanging up with Dolores. Here are some of things that were said to me over the phone by Tammy, " I was Lucky she was letting us out of our contract " I dont believe in Facebook for marketing houses " I wont lose any sleep over this " " No one will sell your house for cheaper than us " " I have no clue what SEO marketing is " . I also complained that in 8 weeks I never met Dolores face to face. Due to the fact I worked 7A-6p Mon-Fri. Just to reiterate that the Real Estate agent selling my house never took the time to come meet me face to face. The Duncan Duo had our house back on the market with in 10 days and we had several showings with in the first few days and an offer with in 3 weeks. Closed 45 days later. My wife and I feel personally feel that Dolores and Tammy cost us 5k in profit. read more

Christina Paillilo was involved with my new home purchase this week and because of her, I had a terrible experience. She was the selling agent. I had my own agent as the buyer. She went as far as to call my lender and ask them how high we could bid for on the house. She is a shark and only interested in her pockets; she yells and curses when she doesn't get her way. She almost made me and my family homeless for a week just because an appraisal was completed late. I can see why the home was on the market for 180 days. Maybe she should look into becoming a butcher or some other sadistic occupation. read more

This company and their agent, Darius Carter, made for an absolute horrible experience for me as a seller. Their agent was nearly completely unresponsive to contact attempts from my agent from the beginning and for the title company and even his own client towards the end. My closing was extended because he was unable to do his job without being constantly reminded by my agents. He filled out forms wrong, signed in the wrong places, and was unresponsive for long periods of time when it was brought to his attention that he needed to fix his multiple and repeated mistakes. His client was even unaware until the last minute that we would not be closing on the contract date because he did not inform anyone about anything. He showed up to the showing 30 minutes late and to the inspection an hour late. His complete lack of punctuality and professionalism made me and other involved wonder if he was actually an agent at all. I would highly recommend against using this person for your sale or purchase. I am sick at the thought that this man was paid anything from the sale of my home since he was unable to do his job. Every person I spoke with made it clear that the problems lied with Darius. read more