Coldwell Banker Prime Properties

Address:	1760 Union St, Niskayuna, NY 12309, USA
Phone:	+1 518-370-2100
Site:	coldwellbankerprime.com
Rating:	2
Working:	11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–7PM

Location

Photos 7

Reviews 5

Donald Jenner

I am looking to move house in Schenectady. Coldwell Banker Prime Properties (hereinafter CBPP) has a co-op share listed that is as close to perfect as one could want, and my wife (not readily convinced) concurs. I put out the word and the first respondent was a Ms. Frith of CBPP. I had not registered the fact that CBPP was also the listing agent, possibly a mistake on my part. I arranged to see the apartment that was part of the co-op share, and it was indeed close to ideal. The price was consistent with our means and we found a compatible banker -- not a small matter in rural parts, where co-ops in particular are intellectual mysteries. We are ready to make the offer. Ms. Frith sends along a document for me to sign and return with a check for $1,000. It is a contract to purchase real estate. A contract -- not yet vetted by my lawyer. To purchase real property -- but co-op shares are personal property, a very different kind of deal. Alarms are flashing. I ask a competent attorney; he is puzzled. I tell Ms. Firth this is wrongheaded & mistaken, even sending sample co-op share sales contracts and steps that take place before that stage. Ms. Frith tells me she doesnt know, but that Patsy Whitney (who admits shes never done a co-op deal, also true for the rest of the office, per Ms. Frith) wants it done this way. I am increasingly leary of this full court press and walk away. I have since made further inquiries. This is the second time this property has been listed, and it has been on the market for about three months -- surprising given a very desirable address and some very real plusses. It appears that Patsy Whitney, the listing agent, has put too high a price on this co-op share. The median price per square foot in that area is $85 (range $70-$100); she is asking $110. Moreover, co-op shares are notoriously illiquid; this is particularly true in the Capital District, where most banks will not make a purchase loan on them, and this negatively affects the market price. Finally, market prices, particularly in that part of town, are depressed, likely to stay that way. In short, the real patsy here is the guy trying to move this property. Ms. Whitney has promised him a price hes not likely to see, and Ms. Whitneys associate, Ms. Frith, appears willing to accede to this dubious promise. In aid of this, Ms. Frith -- ostensibly representing my interests -- allowed herself to be suborned by Patsy Whitney and other senior colleagues at CBPP. These two sought to pressure me into a deal -- Ms. Frith in this instance doing so while ostensibly being my agent and supposed to be acting in my interest. Fortunately, even in my dotage, I am not quite so foolish where money is concerned. Two observations: The Coldwell Banker name was once a brand of impeccable real estate brokerage practice. I grew up on stories of deals done back when the firm was a model of how to broker commercial real estate. Clearly, CBs Prime Properties franchise in Niskayuna, fronted by the Whitney and Frith women is destructive to that once proud brand. Wisdom suggests, if CBPP is ones choice as an agent, one should hold them on a short leash, to be sure the firms staff really does act in the patrons interest, not just that of the agent. Having good legal counsel at every step is prudent. The horrible part from my perspective: If the trustee for the owner had an adroit agent, I would gladly find the right price with him -- even perhaps a (modest) premium above market.

Romesh Narain

Recently purchased a home for my brother with Coldwell banker. The agent I worked with was very patience, took my parents to view a few homes help my family in making the right choices and decisions. She was very knowledgeable of what she was doing, conducted herself in a positive manner and had no issues picking my parents up and dropping them back home. We had a smooth closing. If you ever shopping for a home and needs a real estate agent in the Schenectady county or else where I would recommend Renae Herbinger at any given time to my friends and family. Thank you Renae...keep up the good work.....

Anonymous User

My wife and I recently bought our first home and used Justin Mahoney as our agent. It could not have been a better experience. Justin was exceedingly patient, explained things in detail, and never pressured us to make a decision. He also showed us houses as far north as Saratoga and as far south as Duanesburg since my wife and I were not sure where we wanted to live. Justin was very accomodating of my hectic work schedule and made time to show houses when it worked best for us. I look forward to working with Justin again.

John Perixxu

Do not use this company. Had a horrible time with them. They are very sneaky. I dealt with bill lane and another guy. Both are trying to sell you property that they have no idea about. I also was about to list my prior house for sale and after speaking to them they were very sneaky it sounded. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. Beware of being pushed into a house and lied too.

Barry Whiles

Rude and very pushy. They dont disclose all information on a house. Never go with this company