Laffey Fine Homes

I was looking to buy a house and the salesperson negotiated with me (with my broker’s assistance) and we came to a price. We were working with Arpi Candan and her Salesperson, Gracijela (Grace) Duras.
We were waiting for a contract from the seller and were told that they are sending it over. They informed me, my broker and attorney (several times when they did reply) that they are getting us the contract AS THEY WERE SIGNING A CONTRACT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
I was not their customer so they did not legally owe me anything but this is unethical and immoral. If they were SIGNING (not negotiating or discussing) a contract with someone else let me know — DON’T LIE TO ME. Don’t tell me you are sending one to me. Allow me to counteroffer or let me know what is happening so I can look for another house. I did not proceed with another house purchase because we were waiting for them. Now I lost both homes.
Article 1 of the Realtor code of ethics states «When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-​agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly»
How did Laffey and Associates treat me after the fact. The broker involved in the transaction asked if I wanted them to help me find another house. They asked me to use their services so they can make their commissions AFTER LYING TO ME. They did not even offer a discounted rate or something else to make up for the lies (not that I would have used them if they did) As for the broker I was working with, I am not sure what they would be thinking but this was also their time wasted waiting for this and it was their commission that was lost.
What is even worse is that if Laffey and Associates were concerned about this the management (specifically Emmett Laffey) or they would want to address this they would have called me back after the numerous messages I left with their receptionist and on his own voice mail (after being connected to his desk phone and then hearing a message asking me to dial another number)
The response that I received from the broker and salesperson was inappropriate. The management at Laffey refuses to return any of my phone calls.
I would love to know who brought the other buyer to the table. If it was them, then by not getting another broker involved they kept «both sides» of the commission. If this was the case then they were doing everything legally possible to keep both sides whether or not it was moral or ethical.
I will be filing a complaint with the Long Island Board or Realtors as well as the New York State for their dishonest ways.
UPDATE 10÷1÷2012 — I just got off the phone with Mr. Emmett Laffey. Now I see where the brokers and salespeople get their work ethics from along with their arrogant attitudes. He started the call by telling me he is doing me a favor by even taking the call. He informed that he DID receive my numerous calls and emails in the past and CHOSE not to reply. He then went on to say that because I was not his customer he and his brokers owe me nothing (not that I asked for anything) and I should call his attorney and he wanted to send me the contact information for his attorney. When I asked him about the ethical issues with his brokers and salespeople he replied that what they did was not illegal and it was not his job to speak with the brokers and salespeople about their ethics and the way they are doing their jobs. If I had my name on associated with a company I would want to know if any of my employees were doing things to tarnish my name and reputation (whether or not it was legal).
Maybe Mr. Laffey needs a refresher course in the Realtors Code of Ethics.