In Aug 2009, a Seattle Windemere agent, John Goodman, showed our Eastlake condo to clients when it was on the market.
He accidentally left the door to our unit unlocked. This made me uncomfortable. So I called the agency, and also the agent (he left his card).
He admitted the mistake. I completely understand the mistake, things happen, we're all human, I get it. That is not really the direct problem.
But what upset me at the time was that he used a quite harsh tone of voice with me, and said some rather unprofessional things to me when I told him what had happened over the phone when I called him about it.
For instance, when I told him I was out of town for that weekend (thus the door was left open for at least 2 days), he simply replied that I had left the windows open a crack, so why should I be so upset
about an unlocked unit door, when there were open windows. I didn't think that was an appropriate judgement to make. (I shouldn't have to defend myself, and he made me feel that way. Besides, we'd had
other recent break-ins in the building, but never through windows, as we are not on the ground level).
He also kept saying it was the first time in so many years he'd done that, and there were 3 things going on at once at the time, etc. I believe him, but the point was that it happened to *our* home. In
other words, his first instinct was to make excuses, instead of simply "I'm really sorry, I completely understand how that must feel, and I will definately pay closer attention, thanks for letting me
know, I'm glad nothing was taken, etc."
When he then asked me what I wanted him to do about it, I told him I thought a short and sincere apology note would have sufficed, just to take that extra step of sincerity, and to step up to the
personal responsibility. I think that would have been professional, and appropriate.
WHen I suggested that, he just laughed and asked me if I wanted "flowers and chocolates" too, and "how about I buy you dinner?" I told him I thought his sarcasm was rather inappropriate and not
appreciated.
He also stated that he wasn't sure what my "ulterior motives" were in asking for a short note, and that I probably had some lawywer telling me to do that, to get ready to sue. I assured him that I was
simply looking for good old-fashioned honesty and consideration, that nothing was stolen, and even sent an email to him about it so he'd have it in writing.
Needless to say, we received no further acknowledgement from him whatsoever.
I did concact his Windemere office about it, and they gave a generic apology, but I can't be sure anything else was said to this agent by his employers, which is what I think should have happened, with
some sort of consequence for his unprofessionalism.
Perhaps they get plenty of business and don't need people like me, but I'd imagine if agents continue to represent Windemere the way Mr. Goodman has, that people will tend to catch on quickly and agree with me. I know I will never think about using Windemere. read more