Response from Ben Guglielmi on 4/2/2025

Micaela, firstly I'm very sorry you felt 'rushed' and that you had a less than ideal experience. I should respectfully point out that there was no transaction here. Rather, we identified a house that you liked enough to offer on, a $20,000 less than asking offer was accepted, and you then changed your mind. Further, there are deadlines - standard in real estate - that were clearly explained and included in the contract you signed. An earnest deposit for example *is in fact required, the expectation is typically 5% (not the 1% offered here) and the delivery deadline was very clear. That deposit was never delivered, yet days after the deadline and failing to deliver deposit, the request was made to get back into the house with your mother. That request is absolutely a favor from the seller, as they'd have no obligation to accommodate such a request in the absence of a deposit. That said, the request was not 'denied'. Rather, multiple parties gave the reminder to deliver the promised and overdue deposit. This is not only not 'unusual', but absolutely standard and professional. Lastly, a seller's decision to accept an offer is not based on a buyer's agent advocating for their client, of course. Offers are evaluated based on strength, and it's a seller's prerogative to select an offer that is highest and best. We are in the practice of providing the highest level of guidance based on expertise and experience. We do not however 'make the rules'. When a buyer pushes against standard practices and / or guidance from their agent, coordinator and lender, it inevitably results in an experience that I imagine might feel frustrating for a client. That said, I do wish you the best of luck in the future!