This is a review of my experience and will not be removed:
I will have been a member of the Savannah Board of Realtors for 18 years as of August 2022. I have, of course, seen lots of staff changes over the years but as of now 2022 my experience with the Savannah Board is the worst that I have ever experienced at any company.
In June, I decided to open my own brokerage. Finally! But, unfortunately what should have been an exciting, joyous and fulfilling experience quickly turned into a nightmare. Firstly, the Georgia Real Estate Commission processed my firm application and approved my brokerage within 48 hours. I am a member of the GAMLS, Hinesville Area Board of Realtors, and the Savannah Board which meant lots of paperwork to submit and fees to pay. No problem, I was up for the challenge.. time was set aside to handle this.
Upon turning in my applications and required documents, GAMLS and Hinesville replied promptly letting me know that my paperwork was received, processed my application, and called to get payment information all within 24 hours and all with kindness, respect, and courtesy. Less than 1 day and my firm was all set up.
The challenge! Savannah Board. Never replied to my initial email to notify me that they received the application, wouldn’t reply to the next day follow up email inquiring if it was received and if they needed anything further from me, wouldn’t respond to the even following day follow up call because now I’m rightfully nervous, have they even received it? The message from the receptionist at the front desk who reached out to member services on my behalf was a relay of the following response, “she said she received it, she has others and it could take up to 72 hours.” Ok, relief, because now I at least know that she has it. All this time other Realtor friends are checking in constantly out of concern and utter disbelief.
Fast forward to Thursday (I sent my application in on Monday) received an email, “your new office has been set up….Please let me know when MLS new office fees are paid.” That was June 30th. So, for a total of $1,000 as of today July 8th, my office information is still incomplete after several requests to have the information entered correctly. Fees were all paid immediately with new fees already due.
Yesterday, several unprofessional back and forth emails with staff to have simple requests, like having listings/lockboxes transferred took over 2 hours. All were met with completely unnecessary hassle. I have as of now, not been able to have MLS information updated that as a Realtor/Broker/Owner I can’t update myself.
Besides all of this. As a Realtor and Broker, there is no way I could ever get away with that level of indifference and disrespect when dealing with Clients, Customers, Colleagues or anyone for that matter. Nor, would I want to. I understand that Savannah has a ton of Realtor’s and I am one of the most patient people around, but I draw the line at blatant disregard and disrespect. And, will have my concerns handled appropriately. But, If you can avoid joining the Savannah Board, please do so at all costs. Or, at least join as a secondary member to avoid unnecessary stress.
