RE/MAX Hometown Choice

RE/MAX Hometown Choice, located at 5989 Big Tree Rd in Lakeville, New York, presents a complex picture for potential clients navigating the property buying or selling process. As a franchise of the globally recognized RE/MAX brand, it carries a certain weight of expectation regarding professionalism and expertise. However, a deep dive into client feedback and the company's public profile reveals a significant inconsistency in service quality, making the choice of a specific agent within this office a critical decision for any prospective home buyer or seller. The experience can range from exceptionally positive to deeply frustrating, depending entirely on the individual you work with.

Interestingly, while the business is firmly rooted in the real estate sector, it is sometimes categorized under services like a travel agency. This is likely a data classification error, as all available information and customer reviews point exclusively to its function as a real estate agency. Clients seeking assistance with vacation packages or flight bookings will not find those services here. The focus is squarely on residential properties, from finding a starter home to securing investment properties or a dream vacation home in the Lakeville area. The company operates on a standard weekday schedule, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on weekends, which is a key detail for clients needing flexibility outside of typical business hours.

The Positive Side: Agent-Driven Success Stories

For some clients, the journey with RE/MAX Hometown Choice has been exemplary, largely thanks to the performance of specific real estate agents. The positive testimonials highlight agents who embody the ideal qualities one seeks when making one of the largest financial decisions of their life. For instance, agent Tracy Parke Gibas has received high praise, particularly for her work with first-time homebuyers. According to one detailed account, she demonstrated immense patience, skillfully guiding her clients through their numerous questions and property viewings without ever applying pressure. This client emphasized that Tracy's suggestions were always well-explained and beneficial, fostering a sense of trust and security. Furthermore, her ability to recommend a reliable network of professionals—from mortgage companies to home inspectors and attorneys—proved invaluable in streamlining the closing process, making a potentially stressful experience as smooth as possible.

Similarly, agent Louis Alaimo is another name associated with positive outcomes at this firm. One client described their home buying experience with him as a "breeze," a testament to his professionalism and efficiency. Key attributes mentioned were his honesty and transparency throughout the process. He was reportedly adept at finding a suitable home within the client's specified price range and was consistently communicative and accessible, promptly answering questions whenever they arose. These success stories underscore a significant strength of the agency: it employs agents who are capable of delivering five-star service, characterized by strong communication, integrity, and a deep understanding of the client's needs. These experiences suggest that for those who are paired with the right professional, RE/MAX Hometown Choice can indeed facilitate an excellent real estate transaction.

Areas of Concern: Reports of Unprofessional Conduct

In stark contrast to the glowing reviews, a significant portion of the feedback paints a much darker picture, pointing to serious issues with professionalism and client relations among other agents. These negative experiences are not minor grievances but detailed accounts of behavior that falls well short of industry standards. One of the most concerning themes is agent conduct during negotiations and property showings. A former client, Mary Rosen, recounted an infuriating encounter with agent David Kleine. The situation arose when her own agent had a last-minute emergency and could not attend a showing. Mr. Kleine was allegedly unapologetically rude, making disparaging comments and refusing to show the property unless he received the full commission, reportedly saying he would not proceed "not unless she wants to give me her 3%". This focus on commission over client service, coupled with a disrespectful attitude, left a lasting negative impression and is a major red flag for anyone seeking a collaborative and supportive agent.

Another review highlights issues with agent Lucas DeVelder from the perspective of a home seller. The seller, Sydney Mooney, felt that he allowed his clients (the buyers) to make unreasonable, last-minute demands the night before closing. These demands concerned items that should have been addressed during a formal home inspection, which the buyers had waived. The seller felt that the agent failed to manage his clients' expectations and did not seem to understand that his commission was being paid from the seller's proceeds, creating an adversarial and stressful end to the transaction.

Furthermore, an older complaint from Vladimir Lapchuk details a troubling experience with cold-calling tactics and a subsequent lack of accountability. He reported receiving an unsolicited call from agent Carl J Lore about a property he had no connection with. When questioned, the agent was allegedly rude and unhelpful. More importantly, when the issue was escalated to the office president, Andrew Kachaylo, the promised follow-up never occurred. This incident, though dated, suggests a potential weakness in the firm's internal complaint resolution processes and a disregard for addressing consumer grievances.

What This Means for You as a Client

The collection of experiences at RE/MAX Hometown Choice leads to one clear conclusion: this is an agency of extremes. The overall rating, hovering in the mediocre range, accurately reflects the deep divide between excellent service and poor conduct. For a potential client, this means engaging with this firm requires an extra layer of diligence. It is not enough to simply walk in and accept the first agent assigned to you. The risk of encountering an individual whose approach is unprofessional or detrimental to your interests appears to be significant based on the available feedback.

Therefore, the primary takeaway is the importance of agent selection. If considering this office for your home selling or buying needs, it would be wise to:

• Research specific agents: Look for agents with a consistent track record of positive reviews, such as Tracy Parke Gibas or Louis Alaimo.
• Request an agent: Don't hesitate to specifically request to work with an agent you have researched and feel comfortable with.
• Interview potential agents: Before committing, have a conversation with the agent. Ask about their communication style, their approach to negotiation, and how they handle difficult situations. This can help you gauge their professionalism and whether they are a good fit for you.
• Clarify expectations: Be clear about your expectations regarding communication, showings, and the overall process to ensure you and your agent are aligned from the start.

While the backing of the international RE/MAX brand provides a framework of resources and brand recognition, the service delivered at the local level is what truly matters. At the Lakeville office, that service is highly variable. There are professionals capable of providing the expertise needed for successful relocation services or finding your dream home, but there are also documented cases of behavior that can derail a transaction and cause immense stress. Proceed with informed caution, and let your choice of a specific agent be the most important decision you make.