Sagebrush Real Estate

Company uses high pressure sales tactics to get prospective renters to pay deposit upfront, sight unseen as I was not in local area. Statements such as "a lot of people are looking at this property, if you are interested to even see it, you'd better put down deposit". the pictures on website were obviously not current, most likely taken prior to the most recent renter. Property was held for me to see upon my arrival into town, approx. 1 week later. Text sent to me to confirm my apt that morning, I confirmed. An 18 y/o young man showed up to open the house for me to view, was not able to answer most of my questions. The gate of the back fence was low and drug on the sidewalk, when we attempted to pull to open, the whole fence along the whole side of yard leaned inward. Other minor things in the house were noted, I was told the renters had JUST moved out so they were coming in to clean. when I arrived at the office, the relator started the conversation by saying their office had been really busy and people had been on vacation, she was concerned that someone had promised me the house but there had been a mix up. then she asked my name, I told her and she said "oh, well, you're the one who paid the deposit, we're good." She knew from our conversation I was less than impressed with the property, but she stated I had paid the deposit. they did print off a list of things that were being "looked at" to be cleaned mostly and a minor fence repair. I stated that fence was a security risk in my opinion. I left the office, calling back approx. 1 hour later stating I was not taking the house. they informed I would not get the deposit of $900 back. I offered to split the difference, was told since the owner missed the first weekend (of June) that they missed other renter opportunities. I checked the site every day and the house remained on the listing daily during the time my deposit was down. and they supposedly had others interested in the property.