Mark Swanson

Please beware of this realtor, particularly if you're a seller. He lets self-motivated interests get in the way of obtaining the best price for his client. We were actively pursuing a property listed by Mr. Swanson for over six months. He was well aware of how motivated we were to purchase the property. We submitted two formal offers, contacted Mr. Swanson directly on multiple occasions and even had a sit down meeting with him and our realtor. Despite all of this, he did not notify us that another buyer was in the picture, or give us a chance to give our "highest and best" offer. When we contacted him to let him know we wanted to have one last walk through before submitting a THIRD formal offer, we found out he had sold it for a price that was LOWER than what we would have been willing to pay.... which was not only a disservice to us, but to his client as well. I question whether he ever actually submitted our offers to his client. We repeatedly asked for written responses, and proof that our offers were submitted, and were told by him that he preferred to keep it verbal. His office manager also informed me that no "paper trail" was available, and thus we had no proof that the seller ever actually saw our offers. Because we were represented by our own realtor, Mr. Swanson didn't have to split commission when he chose not to entertain our offer, and go with someone who did not have their own representation. Isn't a realtor morally obligated to obtain the best price for their client, regardless of how it personally affects them financially? Mr. Swanson obviously doesn't think so.....