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With more than 1.6 million real estate agents in the United States alone, people looking to buy or rent are bound to come across a few bad apples that provide poor service and sour the whole experience. Whether it’s a lack of expertise, inadequate communication, or pressuring sales tactics, admittedly, not everyone has what it takes to be a realtor.

To further prove this, Bored Panda has curated a list of some of the most bizarre behaviors people have encountered from these ‘professionals.’ Keep scrolling to find them, and don’t forget to share your own realtor horror stories below.

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with a realtor and the founder of Sunshine Real Estate, Tanya Lechner, who kindly agreed to explain a bit more about how real estate agents have developed such a negative image.

#1

Real Estate Agent Facepalm

Real Estate Agent Facepalm

Bigringcycling Report

#2

I'd Like To See A Seller Try To Cut Her Commission In Half During The Closing

I'd Like To See A Seller Try To Cut Her Commission In Half During The Closing

DavidReedImages Report

#3

Vancouver Realtor Steals Owner's Fruit During A Showing

Vancouver Realtor Steals Owner's Fruit During A Showing

drizzzybeats Report

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Marcellus II
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pears are tangible... see also the $15K fine for the realtor that drank milk from the client's jug. This one is also stupid, buyers are as enticed by eating a single pear (and seeing the bunch) as by multiple --- the next people he shows just see a nude tree.

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To learn more about why real estate agents have such a bleak reputation amongst home renters and buyers, we reached out to an experienced realtor and the founder of Sunshine Real Estate, Tanya Lechner. 

With over 97 transactions in her pocket, she guides sellers in the burdensome process of house buying and selling and makes sure they get the most money for their investment. 

#4

Sorry You Died, Do You Still Want To Sell?

Sorry You Died, Do You Still Want To Sell?

I get this text every 6 months. Got tired, said I was dead. Did not discourage the effort.

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#5

Terrible Real Estate Photographs

Terrible Real Estate Photographs

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#6

This Photo Was On A Real Estate Listing

This Photo Was On A Real Estate Listing

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Lechner tells us that the main reason why so many clients have a negative experience with realtors is the low barrier to entry, which allows almost any person to get a license. 

“That means there are a ton of realtors with little experience, which leaves buyers and sellers with a bad experience when they work with the wrong real estate agent. There will always be money-hungry people, and that doesn’t help at all,” she explains.

#7

A Realtor In Philadelphia Has Listed My Phone Number On His Resume Or Website, And I Have Been Receiving Texts And Calls Intended For Him For Over A Decade

A Realtor In Philadelphia Has Listed My Phone Number On His Resume Or Website, And I Have Been Receiving Texts And Calls Intended For Him For Over A Decade

I’ve tried reaching out to him countless times to change it, and after years of no response, I have chosen spite.

scrotumnose Report

#8

The Realtor Left My Front Door Like This After A Showing

The Realtor Left My Front Door Like This After A Showing

DilleyOnMyWilly Report

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ManBlob
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The realtor probably leaves their car door open and key inside to get to work quicker in the morning.

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#9

Realtor Photoshopped Out The Power Lines

Realtor Photoshopped Out The Power Lines

azlfcfan Report

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Marcellus II
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bulk is smarter positioning of camera and slightly different lens length, to avoid the left pole and most overhead cables. But I love the long-term sunny weather, with rain-drenched asphalt.

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According to Investopedia, becoming a real estate agent can take less than six months (with dedication and depending on where a person lives). The first step toward a license is to research the requirements needed to be eligible for this profession.

Next, the person must go through a pre-licensing course from an accredited real estate licensing school. In Florida, for example, it could take as little as 63 hours. After they complete it, they have to take a computerized, multi-choice licensing exam. If they fail, they have the opportunity to retake it. 

#10

Use A Cup, Man

Use A Cup, Man

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Tyranamar Seuss
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an idiot. Couldn't even use a glass. Has to poison the whole family. Gross!

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#11

Real Estate Broker Posts Glowing Review Using His Own Name

Real Estate Broker Posts Glowing Review Using His Own Name

Foxens Report

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Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nathaniel is a fantastic panda, the most well loved and humorous of all the pandas. 5 stars for Nathaniel.

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#12

Estate Agents Have Been Learning About Photoshop, It Seems

Estate Agents Have Been Learning About Photoshop, It Seems

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Once the exam is passed, it’s time to apply for the license. When it’s approved, the person can join a real estate brokerage where they’ll be supervised by a team leader. They may also consider becoming realtors by joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and subscribing to its strict Code of Ethics, which in turn provides them with extra benefits. Indeed, it sounds simple enough.

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#13

Real Estate Agents Need To Work On Their Photography Skills

Real Estate Agents Need To Work On Their Photography Skills

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#15

The Local Real Estate "Investor" Is Mad That I Told Him I Didn’t Have Time To Speak When He Showed Up Unannounced

The Local Real Estate "Investor" Is Mad That I Told Him I Didn’t Have Time To Speak When He Showed Up Unannounced

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Edith
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he was THAT active to buy your property I would start thinking why he wants it so badly?

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Since the barrier of entry is so low, many people come across inexperienced and incompetent real estate agents. The most common complaint they have, according to Lechner, is not putting enough effort into their job. “When I meet with sellers who haven’t been able to sell their home, they tell me the realtor didn’t do anything to get it sold. Some buyers feel like they did all the work looking for the right home, and the realtor just opened doors and got paid for that,” she says.

#16

I Received A Text Message From A Real Estate Agency A Few Months Ago

I Received A Text Message From A Real Estate Agency A Few Months Ago

I was more offended that they never told me where my house was.

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#18

Is It Legal For Real Estate Agents To Put Up Photos Of A Property That Do Not Show The Actual Property?

Is It Legal For Real Estate Agents To Put Up Photos Of A Property That Do Not Show The Actual Property?

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Marcellus II
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Au contraire, this is an honest photo. All items shown are at property: A floor, decrepit walls, better-looking neighbour, dreary yard.

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However, not all things people believe about realtors are true. “There is a perception that realtors get paid too much, but the truth is, we are working for free most of the time. If a seller's home doesn’t sell or a buyer changes their mind about buying a home, realtors don’t get paid. The only time we are paid is at the closing table after all the work has already been done,” Lechner explains.

#20

Real Estate Agent Accidentally Sent This Letter To A Tenant Instead Of Landlord

Real Estate Agent Accidentally Sent This Letter To A Tenant Instead Of Landlord

catalingpc Report

#21

Landlord Buys A Home Away From An 83-Year-Old Man While He’s In The Hospital Unknowingly Behind On Payments And Foreclosed. Realtor Spins It As A "Heartfelt" Story

Landlord Buys A Home Away From An 83-Year-Old Man While He’s In The Hospital Unknowingly Behind On Payments And Foreclosed. Realtor Spins It As A "Heartfelt" Story

Free_Expression_2552 Report

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digitalin
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm curious, though. As far as I can tell, the realtor bought a house at below- market value that the bank had (cold-heartedly) foreclosed on. At that point, the old man COULDN'T have gotten his house back, unless he came up with money he didn't have. If someone else had bought it, they likely would not have rented it to the old man and he would be out of a home. What would be more ethical for the buyer to do? Buy the home and give the deed to the old man? Let him live there rent-free? Not buy the foreclosed property at all? Pay off the man's debt herself? I'm not asking rhetorically. Assuming the bank is in the wrong, what should a person do in this situation to make it better? I think maybe free or reduced rent for life would be more generous? But maybe not feasible? What do you all think?

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She believes that the real estate industry can improve its reputation by “educating their clients on what all goes into the home buying and selling process. When expectations are set up front, then there won’t be animosity towards realtors and how much they get paid.”

#22

A Brutally Honest Real Estate Agent

A Brutally Honest Real Estate Agent

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#23

How In The World Are These Listing Photos Helpful?

How In The World Are These Listing Photos Helpful?

I do not care about the staging furniture. I want to see closets and amenities. Real estate photos are not the place to be artsy.

ehmsoleil Report

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CrunChewy McSandybutt
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this on Zillow. One agent took close-up pictures of the flowers outside like it was an artistic photo shoot. This isn't your opportunity to show off your artistic skills. I just want to see what the bathroom looks like.

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#24

My Realtor Sent Out An Email Yesterday Claiming He’s Retiring, Then Says It Was An April Fools' Joke

My Realtor Sent Out An Email Yesterday Claiming He’s Retiring, Then Says It Was An April Fools' Joke

I was actually excited to hear he was retiring, because he screwed me over. I hate him even more now.

53ND-NUD35 Report

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Auntriarch
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I'm going to have put my phone down, because I'm using far too much bad language, at this rate I'll run out by elevenses

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She further explained, “I think the new rules going into effect on August 17th (no one will be able to tour homes without a representation agreement) will help eliminate the agents who cannot negotiate or explain to buyers why they are getting paid. That will help a lot of consumers if the industry gets thinned out. I would love to revolutionize the industry by teaching other agents how to effectively work with clients and educating them on what they are paying for.”

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#25

When The Realtor Somehow Posts Teeny-Tiny Photos On The Listing Page

When The Realtor Somehow Posts Teeny-Tiny Photos On The Listing Page

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#28

My Friend Went To An Estate Agent. At The Meeting, The Agent Got My Friend's Name Wrong. When He Got Up To Print Something, My Friend Noticed This On The Guy's Desk

My Friend Went To An Estate Agent. At The Meeting, The Agent Got My Friend's Name Wrong. When He Got Up To Print Something, My Friend Noticed This On The Guy's Desk

bentonboomslang Report

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R Dennis
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's hilarious. When people get my name wrong, that pretty much shuts down my desire for doing business. If you can't remember the name of the person you are meeting with, how can you be trusted with anything where details are important? (Almost canceled a surgery because the doctor said my last name as my first name. My wife had to convince me to stay.)

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#29

When You Use ChatGPT To Describe Your Listings

When You Use ChatGPT To Describe Your Listings

jlm8981victorian Report

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Peter Parker
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like you are writing an elaborate and funny comment. I am sorry, but the language you are using goes against my terms and I cannot provide a response.

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#30

Realtor Can’t Take No For An Answer. Reaches Out Once A Month Religiously

Realtor Can’t Take No For An Answer. Reaches Out Once A Month Religiously

carlosnobigdeal Report

#31

How Drunk Was The Real Estate Agent When He Posted This On Zillow? Extra Zeros Much

How Drunk Was The Real Estate Agent When He Posted This On Zillow? Extra Zeros Much

WonderfulPollution64 Report

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TribbleThinking
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

15 million Jamaican Dollars is US 96,000, so try offering that. 🙂

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#32

The "Haha" Is Making Me Furious

The "Haha" Is Making Me Furious

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#33

I’m Currently Apartment-Hunting, And This Real Estate Agent Doesn’t Understand That People Have Jobs, And That Text/Email Is A Good Option For Small Non-Urgent Questions

I’m Currently Apartment-Hunting, And This Real Estate Agent Doesn’t Understand That People Have Jobs, And That Text/Email Is A Good Option For Small Non-Urgent Questions

Fargraven Report

#34

This Real Estate Agent Edited Out The Power Lines In The Background

This Real Estate Agent Edited Out The Power Lines In The Background

Why_Shouldnt_I Report

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ManBlob
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least the photoshopping here is better than the other pics with the photoshopped furniture

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#35

15 Calls From Unknown Numbers In An Hour After Contacting A Realtor Through A Website

15 Calls From Unknown Numbers In An Hour After Contacting A Realtor Through A Website

shotokhan1992- Report

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Marcellus II
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how he found out at 9:01 that his mom is selling their house!

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#36

Real Estate Agent Lies About The Year The House Was Built In To Deceive Buyers

Real Estate Agent Lies About The Year The House Was Built In To Deceive Buyers

swaldrin Report

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Cat
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it just me that's annoyed that the person who wrote the listing couldn't be bothered to use full words? If I came across this listing it would put me off

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#38

Real Estate False Advertising. I Got This In The Mail, I Searched It Up And The Sold Price Didn't Match The Brochure

Real Estate False Advertising. I Got This In The Mail, I Searched It Up And The Sold Price Didn't Match The Brochure

thorzayy Report

#39

What Were These Real Estate Agents Even Thinking? Woman's Husband Passes Away And They Send Her A Condolence Letter And Asks Her To Sell Her Home

What Were These Real Estate Agents Even Thinking? Woman's Husband Passes Away And They Send Her A Condolence Letter And Asks Her To Sell Her Home

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Kira Okah
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Oct 27, 2017. First of all we would like to extend our deepest condolences to your family. It was brought to our attention from one of our dearest friends/clients that you may potentially be looking to sell his beautiful home. Our client may be interested. Please, if there is any interest in selling, give us a call at your convenience and we would be happy to discuss. He has sold his home and has a flexible closing up to the end of June if need be. Again our condolences. Fondly, [blank]."

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#40

This Letter From A Prospective Realtor Does Not Instill Confidence

This Letter From A Prospective Realtor Does Not Instill Confidence

Whitehummingbird21 Report

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GenuineJen
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, it's actually spot on... Mort-GAG this is waaay to much to be paying for a house! 🤢

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#41

When You Put A No Junk Mail Sign But The Real Estate Agents Don't Recognize Their Junk As Junk

When You Put A No Junk Mail Sign But The Real Estate Agents Don't Recognize Their Junk As Junk

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Zenozenobee
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! Same in France. Our neighbourhood became uber attractive post COVID and those people are bombing us with flyers to encourage us to sell. We have a "stop pub" sticker ("stop/no advertisement") on our mailbox. I caught some of them in the act on three different occasions and called them out. "It's not an ad, it's information/an opportunity" seems to be their generic answer.

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#42

Such A Weird Reaction To Me Declining To Do Business With This Real Estate Agent

Such A Weird Reaction To Me Declining To Do Business With This Real Estate Agent

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#43

Real Estate Agents Are Mildly Infuriating

Real Estate Agents Are Mildly Infuriating

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#44

Just What I Need From My Real Estate Agent - Sexiness

Just What I Need From My Real Estate Agent - Sexiness

Aishas_Star Report

#45

Misleading Realtor Listing Got Our Hopes Up

Misleading Realtor Listing Got Our Hopes Up

time2getout Report

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Carl Roberts
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like new construction. The top pic, which appears to be the same model house in another area, is showing what it will look like when it's finished. That, and why is BP regurgitating 10 year old Reddit posts

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#46

Some Homeowner Is Leaving His Dog Chained Up Outside Until His House Sells. Real Estate Agent Has No Problem With This And Is Defending Him In The Comments

Some Homeowner Is Leaving His Dog Chained Up Outside Until His House Sells. Real Estate Agent Has No Problem With This And Is Defending Him In The Comments

Tylo_Ren_69 Report

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Jenn Smith
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh no! Every greedy a*s selfish mf that participated should be held accountable. This sucks

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#47

Our Estate Agent Wants Me To Do Their Job. For Context, We're Moving Out After Buying Our First Home

Our Estate Agent Wants Me To Do Their Job. For Context, We're Moving Out After Buying Our First Home

MikeHuntHole Report

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Amy S
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We did all the viewings on our last house ourself, it's fairly normal here because estate agents work Monday-Friday 9 to 5 and shockingly many people buying houses are at work then.

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#48

Tell Her That's Discrimination And You Won't Stand For It

Tell Her That's Discrimination And You Won't Stand For It

DonnieDoesWorld Report

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Hugh Crawford
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you check the location, it is actually in China. Foreigners are only allowed to live in approved locations. It being China they can fudge the paperwork enough as long as the person won't stand out too much.

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#49

Real Estate Fixes Mold With Photoshop, Badly

Real Estate Fixes Mold With Photoshop, Badly

Michael_Snowy Report

#50

Realtors Now Using ChatGPT For Property Descriptions

Realtors Now Using ChatGPT For Property Descriptions

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#52

This Realtor Needs A V8

This Realtor Needs A V8

Dependent_Top_4425 Report

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Spacey Stacey
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Back in the day, V8 ran a series of television commercials where the actors walked crooked and hunched over to one side and the slogan was "Looks like you could use a V8". It was many moons ago...

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#53

Decided To Buy And Sell Homes With My Girlfriend's Realtor To Get A Better Rate. Received This From My Old Realtor This Morning

Decided To Buy And Sell Homes With My Girlfriend's Realtor To Get A Better Rate. Received This From My Old Realtor This Morning

thebriss22 Report

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Papa
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"It hurts a little." Gee, that's a shame. I was hoping it would sting pretty bad.

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#54

Sonya Has Great Taste

Sonya Has Great Taste

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#55

A Real Estate Agent From Haart Is Saying It Like It Is

A Real Estate Agent From Haart Is Saying It Like It Is

Amazing-Medium8960 Report

#56

The Lack Of Punctuation At The End

The Lack Of Punctuation At The End

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#57

Very Unprofessional

Very Unprofessional

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Passerby
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unprofessional? Maybe. But this seems like an honest mistake. I would let it go if this is followed by apologies. I wouldn't call this excruciating though.

#58

When Your Whole Building Is Working Class Tenants And Some Real Estate Agent Thinks This Is A Good Idea

When Your Whole Building Is Working Class Tenants And Some Real Estate Agent Thinks This Is A Good Idea

Archz714 Report

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#59

Everything About The Design Of This Sign

Everything About The Design Of This Sign

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#60

My Realtor Used Her Pen As A Pointer While Explaining My Welcome Packet

My Realtor Used Her Pen As A Pointer While Explaining My Welcome Packet

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