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About This Agent
$210K - $430K
Top 50% in this area
Henrico, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, Tuckahoe, Richmond
20% Sellers, 80% Buyers
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- Jodi H.Mechanicsville, VA01Jan 18, 2022
I signed on with Michael several months ago after a bad experience with another agent. What struck me about him early on was not only his sincerity and professionalism, but his empathy, too. In the several months we've worked together he has consistently shown those traits. What I appreciate the most, though, is that he has my best interest at heart. On more than one occasion he has dissuaded me from considering a property, knowing that it would impose a financial burden. What a delightful contrast this was to my last agent who was actively trying to sell me a house that would have been a money pit. Additionally, when we learned about a loan program that would be ideal for my needs, he excitedly called to tell me about it. I have recently been pre-approved for this loan and am so grateful to have this opportunity.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Janel H.Richmond, VA0201Jul 2, 2015First to Review
Michael Hottman helped me to buy a home a few years ago. Initially he was a good realtor. Good enough that I referred him to sell a family property. It was during the sale of the family property that I realized our relationship wasn't as strong as I thought it was. Unfortunately, while the property was on the market my family suffered two losses that unfortunately shattered the family dynamic where we no longer communicate about the dealing of the estate. Michael would regularly offer information about the property. A few weeks ago I began calling him to get information about the insurance I purchased for my home, an issue completely separate from the family home. He didn't answer my calls or texts. When he finally responded to my calls via text he sent me a brief message with only the name and number of my home issuance agency. This was not like him at all. I could tell that something was wrong but I had no clue why he was avoiding me. It wasn't until I rode past the family property did I realize that he sold it and only consulted with my oldest sibling. This hurt me to the core. Michael knew my mother and knew that she consulted with the entire family when making big decisions. Although I am not the oldest of my sibling I thought that our relationship was strong enough that he would at least let me know that he was selling such an important part of my family. I didn't get to walk through the house one last time or anything.
The reason why I am telling my story is for two reasons. One, if you like to develop strong personal relationships with your realtors Michael may not be the right choice for you. Sadly after my experiences with him it's clear his only concern is the commission. Which it should be, but he should also be concerned with forming strong relationships where he can be referred for more properties in the future. Two, I was initially calling him for matters that concerned the property he sold to me! I needed to find if something was covered in a fast amount of time and because he assumed I was calling to discuss other issues he put my safety at risk by avoiding me for weeks. He didn't answer any of my calls and we didn't talk on the phone until I called him from another number that he wasn't familiar with. I mean how old are we? I was personally hurt because he was a big part of my life for a period of time when he helped me to buy my dream home. I felt like I lost a friend. By all means if it doesn't mean that much to you then disregard my story. Unfortunately our relationship will never be the same and it sucks because I'm stuck with having to refer to him for details that may come up for my property in the future. My advice would be to avoid but then again every encounter is different.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Business owner information
Michael H.
Feb 12, 2016
Hi Janel,
(Although this is not your real name I will maintain your confidentiality as I do for all my clients).
Thank you for your review and I apologize for the delay in sending this, however there are parts of the story that you are unaware of so I will clarify here. It is my honor to give all my clients the best service possible throughout their transaction and beyond. I worked very hard to sell your family property and support the family all through the losses your family experienced in the transaction you referenced.
When you were calling me you never left messages so I was unaware that you needed assistance with your home warranty, but if I did know I would have responded quickly. My reason for not responding was because I was told by your mother's legal representative (your sister) not to communicate with anyone other than the legal representative regarding the sale of the home your parents owned. I know this was a change in the middle of the transaction, but all communication were handled through them going forward and I'm sorry they did not keep you informed but of course that is beyond my control.
As with every real estate transaction I handle, my duty is to follow the lawful instructions of the principles I'm working for and their instructions changed to exclude all family members except them. Just as you told me to not share details about your transaction, I could no longer share the details with you, regardless of how your deceased mother decided to conduct business.
I believe in building strong, trusting relationships with all the people I represent, but sometimes those relationships come in conflict and I must follow the law and requests of the principles in the transaction, which you were not one with regards to the family transaction.
My focus is never the commission, I worked very hard to get your family the above market price for the family home and spent hours on the phone up until the day of closing to help your family get what they wanted from the transaction. I take my statutory, fiduciary, and ethical duties responsibilities very seriously, even if it means disappointing a client that may want me to violate these duties and responsibilities.
Again, if I had known why you were calling by you leaving a message I would have responded promptly as I do nearly all the time. I am glad I was able to help you and your family with their real estate needs, including helping you through the tough times of losing two family members in the midst of a real estate transaction. I apologize for any disappointment or feelings I may have hurt. That was never my intention and hope that this response helps mend some of that hurt.
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