Finding the perfect real estate agent can be a struggle, but since your real estate agent will dictate the experience you have when buying a property, it makes sense that you'd want to invest some time into finding the right one.
Upnest seems like a good option in this regard. Not only do they commit to simplifying the process of finding the right agent by having their AI connect you to an agent, but they also offer a buyer rebate. What's not to love about this kind of service? Perhaps the hundreds of negative Upnest reviews reveal the company's inconsistency.
If you've done a cursory search of Upnest reviews online, you're probably amazed at how positive the reviews are and will most likely want to give the company a chance. But, before you do, a deeper dive into the company reveals they may fall short in three aspects: realtors, rebates, and rewards.
According to some of Upnest's most recent reviews, there are two primary concerns about realtors using Upnest.
After buyers insert their information to get proposals, they may get unsolicited calls instead. Even if they no longer express interest in the service, reviewers reveal that they can be inundated with calls and emails.
But, possibly worse than receiving unsolicited marketing calls is choosing a real estate agent who -- midway through the process -- becomes unresponsive.
According to some Upnest reviews, this is a common occurrence. These reviews also suggest that your buyer agent could be unwilling to negotiate with the seller's agent to increase the amount they'll walk away with after closing.
The rebates are possibly Upnest's greatest calling card. They entice buyers with the promise of a zero-fee transaction and the bonus of getting some of their buyer's agent commission back as a rebate. However, according to some Upnest reviews, this isn't always the case.
According to some clients, Upnest -- or the real estate agents they refer you to -- sometimes pass on their fees to the buyer. This means that instead of walking away with zero fees, the 30% referral fee your broker has to pay Upnest may be deducted from your rebate, essentially leaving you with nothing.
You can still walk away without a buyer rebate even if the referral fee isn't deducted from it. Why? Well, some Upnest reviews reveal that after closing, some buyer agents don't honor this commitment and essentially refuse to give the Upnest rebate. If that's the case, why not contact the support team for some assistance? Buyers reveal that after closing, the support team can be virtually unhelpful and that getting a response from them could be a challenge.
Typically, the rebate is why most buyers even consider Upnest. If that's the case with you, you may want to search for Upnest alternatives.
As part of the company's efforts to get new clients, they may offer rewards. A recent campaign targeting buyers in North Carolina promised buyers an Amazon gift card after a successful closing. That wasn't the case for Mark H. of Durham, NC, according to his Upnest review.
Despite contacting the company and making every effort to get the gift card, Upnest never sent it.
Of course, these aren't the only reviews of Upnest; there are also thousands of positive reviews from buyers dealing with the service. That said, contrasting those reviews to some of the more critical reviews will give you perspective on what to expect when using the service.
Buyers using Upnest only have a handful of alternatives. If you want a rebate and an easy buying process, you really only have two options: Houzeo and Redfin.
If you're on the search for a buyer rebate, look no further than Houzeo. You'll receive 100% of the amount promised without having to field calls from pushy realtors. According to Houzeo reviews, using the service is virtually hassle-free. Houzeo reviews also reveal that since you're dealing directly with the seller, negotiations are far easier, and so is closing.
Redfin offers some buyers rebates, but before you'll gain access to your rebate, the real estate agent commission will be paid, and whatever remains will be given to you as a rebate.
When you're making a decision that could cost you thousands, it's a decision you shouldn't take lightly. Therefore you should analyze any company before you use them and check their positive and negative reviews, whether that's Upnest reviews, Houzeo reviews, or Redfin reviews. Before you select a company base on what they promise, contrast it with what the reviews say you'll receive.
