"As a Senior Move Management company here in Scottsdale, we've worked alongside The Scott Gaertner Group on several transitions for older adults downsizing or relocating. Their team is sharp, responsive, and understands the added care that senior clients need during a home sale — from timing around a move-out date to coordinating with family members involved in the decision. Highly recommend them for anyone navigating a real estate transaction, especially during a major life transition."
We submitted an offer based on comparable sales in the area and our timeline as interested and serious buyers. Instead of a counter or a simple rejection, Scott responded:
“There will be no counter. We do not encourage this type of behavior. I suggest you move on to another home.”
When we questioned the tone, the response was that he took it as a “personal offense” and had no interest in working with us.
In our opinion, this was an unnecessarily dismissive response to a standard real estate offer. Buyers and sellers may not always agree on price or terms, but negotiation is a normal part of the process.
We will be bringing this to the state boards attention.
Update:
Thank you for posting the exchange. It actually confirms the basis of our review.
We submitted an offer based on comparable sales through our agent and expected the seller to either accept, reject, or counter. Instead, our offer was described as “this type of behavior,” we were told to move on to another home, and later you stated that you took the offer as a “personal offense.”
What remains unclear is why a routine real estate offer generated such a personal reaction in the first place. We were simply prospective buyers attempting to negotiate a transaction in the normal course of business.
The seller was absolutely free to reject our offer. That was never the issue. The issue was the tone, the hostility, the bullying and the fact that a standard negotiation appeared to become very personal for reasons that are potentially becoming a bit more clear.
Readers can review your own quoted messages and decide for themselves whether that reflects the professionalism they would expect from a real estate agent.
I respect that not every real estate negotiation results in an agreement, and buyers are certainly entitled to make any offer they choose.
However, this review contains characterizations of the conversation that are not supported by the actual communication.
Unfortunately, Google does not allow me to attach screenshots of the text message exchange. If it did, I would gladly post them. Instead, I am posting the relevant text conversation verbatim below. Anyone who would like to review the actual screenshots of the exchange is welcome to contact me directly, and I will be happy to provide them.
Buyer's Agent:
"I'm so sorry Scott as I know the offer wasn't what we expected but it's all numbers with this client. His wife used to be one of my real estate agents, so he relies on her knowledge to help formulate an offer. They are expecting a counter, so I hope we will get one. Thank you!"
My Response:
"There will be no counter. We do not encourage this type of behavior."
My Response:
"I suggest you move on to another home."
Buyer's Agent:
"Scott,
Interesting response.
Making an offer based on comps and allowing the seller to accept, reject, or counter is not 'this type of behavior' — it's called real estate. Buyers have different timelines and needs, just as sellers do.
We reviewed the comps and submitted an offer accordingly. If the seller doesn't want to negotiate, that's perfectly fine. The tone, however, is unnecessary and unprofessional.
Best of luck."
Buyer's Agent:
"Will you please present his offer and let them reject or counter?"
My Response:
"I take it as a personal offense that he's asking for it, but I also want him to know that they have absolutely no interest in working with him."
My Response:
"My admin sent it to them. Whether or when they sign, it is up to my sellers."
My Response:
"Your client wrote an inaccurate representation of the conversation on Google. Will you back me up by saying that it is inaccurate?"
The review above contains characterizations of the conversation that readers can evaluate for themselves based on the actual text exchange.
The sellers chose not to counter the offer. I communicated their position, presented the offer to my sellers, and continued to represent their interests throughout the process.
After more than four decades in real estate, I understand that not every negotiation ends in agreement and not every participant will leave happy. My responsibility is to advocate for my clients, communicate honestly, and present the facts accurately.
The text messages above are reproduced exactly as written. Nothing has been added, removed, or edited. For anyone interested in reviewing the actual screenshots rather than a typed transcript, please feel free to contact me directly and I will gladly provide them.
Julie Cates2026.05.31
Totally professional team! We have dealt with a lot of realtors. Scott's group is the best - bar none! They were 5 steps ahead of us on all of our needs. Friendly, helpful, transparent and it was a joy to work with them. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Thank you so much for the kind words. Reading your review means a great deal to all of us.
Moving across the country is a major life event, and one of our primary goals is to make the process feel as smooth and manageable as possible. There are always countless details happening behind the scenes, so hearing that you felt informed, supported, and cared for throughout the process is especially meaningful.
Nicole and I truly enjoyed working with you and Ken. From the beginning, it felt less like a transaction and more like helping wonderful people start an exciting new chapter.
Thank you for placing your trust in us. We are thrilled that you found not only a home you love, but a community where I believe you'll create many great memories in the years ahead.
Welcome home, Julie. We're grateful to have played a small part in your journey.
— Scott
Ken Cates2026.05.30
Scott and Nicole were excellent partners in helping us find the right location (Country Club) in Scottsdale and then the ideal home within the Community. Our move was a significant change as we relocated nearly 2300 miles cross-country. Scott's knowledge and experience within the entire Scottsdale area was invaluable. Nicole's communication skill set and follow up with all the details was outstanding. It made our transition smooth and enjoyable. This team exceeded our expectations!
Thank you for the kind words. Your call from Florida is one I won't soon forget. From our very first conversation, you had a clear vision of the lifestyle you were looking for, and helping you and Julie explore the possibilities until the right fit became obvious was incredibly rewarding.
One of my favorite parts of this business is helping people discover not just the right home, but the right place for the next chapter of their lives. After 30 + years in Scottsdale's lifestyle communities, I still enjoy those conversations as much as ever.
Nicole and I are grateful for the trust you placed in us during such a major move. Relocating 2,300 miles is no small undertaking, and we're thrilled that the transition has gone so smoothly.
Most of all, we're excited for what's ahead for you and Julie. I have a feeling you're going to love being part of this community, and I know Terravita will be better because you're here.
Thank you again for your friendship, your trust, and your wonderful review.
— Scott
Steve and Judy Winter2026.03.24
Coming from a 43 year career in real estate, we truly appreciate the service Scott and his team provided for our home sale. From before the listing period until after closing, Scott kept us informed on each detail. He advised us on how to wait for the right market window to post our listing, and how to price our home to attract the most attention. A personal YouTube video was more than we expected. Scott brought two very strong offers well above our asking price, one of which met all of our timeline needs, within one day of our open house! His experience in the Terravita real estate market cannot be surpassed. We could not be happier with the outcome! We highly recommend The Scott Gaertner Team for your next north Scottsdale real estate transaction!
Your kind words mean a great deal to me, especially coming from people with your experience in real estate.
One thing I appreciated throughout the process was the trust you placed in me and my team. We talked through the options, looked carefully at the timing, and made the decision to be patient rather than force the issue. When the spring market arrived, everything came together exactly the way we had hoped, with multiple strong offers and terms that allowed you to remain in your home until your new one was completed.
I also have to say that your home was a pleasure to represent. It was a beautiful property, and I felt it deserved a marketing plan that would showcase it properly and help buyers understand everything that made it special.
What I remember most, though, is that this move was never really about selling a house. You loved your home, your neighbors, and the community you had built around yourselves. The decision to move was about being closer to family and addressing more important priorities. I know that was not an easy decision.
That is why I am especially grateful that we were able to help make the process as smooth as possible and achieve a result that honored both the home and the years you spent there.
Thank you again for your trust, your support, and your friendship. Working with both of you was truly a pleasure, and I wish you all the best in your new home and the years ahead.
— Scott
Jon Faris2025.11.23
Thanks to Scott and his Terrific Team, who provide a thorough, professional experience from beginning to end. Understanding North Scottsdale and Terravita as well as they do offers tremendous comfort throughout the process. We have bought and sold over a dozen homes, and based on our experience The Scott Gaertner Group offers a concierge type service and involve you on the important decisions that enable the buying and selling experience to be an enjoyable, successful process. Scott and his team work closely with you on every step of the process and it makes a big difference!
Jon, thank you so much for taking the time to write this. Helping you and Shirine with both the purchase of your new home and the sale of your current one was a real privilege. Handling both sides of a move takes a lot of trust, and we truly appreciate that you put that trust in us.
You two were fantastic to work with the entire way through — kind, straightforward, and always on top of things. It makes a huge difference.
Hearing this kind of feedback, especially from people who have bought and sold as many homes as you have, means a lot to all of us. Thank you again for everything.
Dan C2025.09.17
Scott is a tremendous realtor, with talents far beyond the average, or even perceived above-average realtor. His reputation precedes him, as we had discussed real estate agent selection with friends in our neighborhood. One of his strengths lies in marketing your home, which is vital in a market where supply and demand have equaled out to some extent. You want someone who effectively demonstrates the advantages of your home, especially for the reasons you bought it to begin with. Scott was our realtor for our sale in Terravita, which leads to another strength of his: namely, maintaining a keen and effective sense and knowledge of the markets where he sells. His market studies are largely unmatched, giving him an edge in overall sales. Another strength of his is in negotiation. When you arrive at that point in time in the sales process, where you have a potential buyer that is very interested in your home, you want someone like Scott who establishes rapport with other realtors, and about their clientele, and effectively does his best to represent you through twists and turns in offers and counter-offers, never losing sight of why he is there – to close the deal. Having sold some seven homes in my lifetime, across the country, I’ve never encountered a time when a buyer didn’t get a fair deal from me. Grabbing everything you can get is not the point, but making sure our interests are well-covered and we “don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater” is always prevalent. Scott was perfect for our sale, and especially in a time where the market had declined from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, then levelled out somewhat, significantly helping to steady out our “roller coaster ride” and see through the changes with ease. Thanks, Scott!
Dan, I can’t thank you enough for this thoughtful review. From the very beginning, I valued the time we spent working together—you were always kind, considerate, and steady, even when the sale took longer than any of us would have wished. That patience and understanding made all the difference, and it meant a lot to me personally.
Reading the words you shared here reminds me of the trust and partnership we built through the ups and downs. The fact that you took the time to write such detailed and generous feedback, after all that process, is truly humbling. I’m grateful we had the chance to work together, and I’ll always appreciate the way you handled everything with such grace.
Thank you Dan!
Frank Boudreaux2025.04.30
When we moved back to Scottsdale from the Midwest we were referred to Scott and and were most duly impressed by his personalized attention, knowledge of Scottsdale/Phoenix real estate, and reputation among peers. We were looking to buy an investment property to temporarily live in before moving back into our house that was currently occupied by renters. Scott’s vast knowledge of the market and area was extremely valuable to us and his and his team’s customer service was outstanding and second to none. We found a place we liked, closed remotely (we were overseas) - with ease. His team gave personalized service with top tier competency that we are so grateful to have experienced! We enjoyed the process, would use again, and highly recommend for those looking to buy in the Valley.
Frank and Kathy, you were an absolute pleasure to work with — two of the kindest and most interesting people I’ve had the chance to help. I’m so glad we could find the right property and keep things smooth, even with you out of the country for part of the escrow. Your trust and thoughtful communication made it all work seamlessly. I truly appreciate your kind words and would be honored to help again anytime.
Best, Scott
Mick McCormick2025.04.19
We were very fortunate to have Scott Gaertner and his Team represent us. Our sale, like many others had some challenges that came up during the process. It was only a great Team that allowed us to have a really good outcome. Scott's leadership of the process and Nicole's amazing networking and organizational skills were the key elements that allowed for a successful outcome. When you hire Scott you get and amazing Team of professionals that help along the journey. We can not say enough about the entire Team!!
Thanks for taking the time out to say such kind things about me and the team. You and Krista were such a pleasure to work with and we know this next chapter for you will be your best! Thank you for letting us help. Scott & Team
Lee Gentile2025.04.09
Scott and his team made the seemingly insurmountable task of selling my late mother's house as easy as possible during a particularly difficult time. They were kind, easy to work with, and professional all while streamlining the entire process. I couldn't be more satisfied with the amount of attention and care they lent to my situation and how helpful and efficient they were every step of the way. Scott is also very knowledgable about the market and was able to secure a great closing price for the property. I can't recommend Scott and his team enough, you're definitely in good hands.
Lee, thank you for trusting us to help you sell the home your mom loved so much. We know how important it was to honor her and present the home in a way she would’ve been proud of. That was always top of mind for us, and we hope it showed.
We know that you were walking through a staggeringly tough time, and yet you were always so kind and helpful throughout the process. That meant a lot to us.
Your review is incredibly generous, and it will help other families know they’re not alone when they’re going through something similar. Thank you again for allowing us to be a part of this chapter. We’re very grateful. Scott
Best,
B. Steven Springrose2025.03.12
We’ve followed Scott Gaertner for a long time through his informative newsletters about the Terravita real estate market. But our experience after we hired Scott as our agent was a true joy. We found him knowledgeable and compassionate, a true resource to guide in the sale of our Terravita home. Scott is genuinely interested in you as a person, and he is ready to help you achieve your goals. He carefully considered the attributes of our home, suggested a marketing plan to meet our needs and with attention to Arizona real estate seasonality. He was able to promote our home in a way to achieve the best and fairest valuation, and we quickly had multiple quality offers above the listing price. Both before listing and after the purchase agreement, Scott and his team of professionals supported us with their proven expertise in real estate transactions. The result: a smooth, prompt, and successful closing. If you are looking for professional real estate representation in North Scottsdale, whether buying or selling, we believe Scott Gaertner and his team are the very best.
Steve,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! It was truly an honor and a privilege to work with you. From the start, your trust, kindness, and meticulous care for your home made the entire process a joy. Your willingness to follow our recommendations with such confidence allowed us to showcase your home in the best possible way—and your amazing maintenance of the property made that even easier!
I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to help you achieve your goals, and I truly appreciate your trust in both me and my team. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, and please know you always have a friend and resource in me here in Scottsdale.
With gratitude,
Scott
AZDesert2025.03.07
For 28 years we have watched Scott assist Terravita buyers and sellers navigate the process. Each month I would look forward to his Terravita Market Update and there is no doubt he has been the leader in what goes on in the community when it comes to home sales. Not to mention his contributions to the surrounding area.
When we decided it was time to sell our choice of realtor and staff was a no brainer. The Gaertner Group has represented the buyer, seller or both in well over 700 Terravita transactions. We met Scott with a specific set of requirements and asked if he would represent us. He agreed and we could not be more satisfied. Scott, Nicole, Stephanie and Andy took charge needing little input from us after that first meeting. Within 48 hours of the first open house we accepted an offer that met our requirements exactly.
The Group's performance was so outstanding that we have asked Scott and Nicole to assist us in purchasing a home nearby that better fits our current needs. When you have the all-star team on your side why switch to a JV squad? Thank you, Gaertner Group.
Dave and Linda, thank you so much—not just for this generous testimonial, but for the years of support you've shown our team even before you hired us. That kind of loyalty means the world to us.
We were all so proud to represent you and your absolutely beautiful home. People kept complimenting us on how great the listing looked, but the truth is, it was easy to shine a spotlight on something so well cared for. You created and maintained a truly special place.
Helping you both through the sale and now the next chapter is a real honor. We're grateful to be your team and even more grateful for your trust.
Best, Scott
Susan Tilton2025.02.17
While living out of state, the thought of purchasing a home in Scottsdale was a little daunting to us. We are so thankful we found Scott! Scott’s expertise of the market and the neighborhood saved the day. His advice and contacts for inspections and other necessary steps were invaluable. His team scheduled and managed all the necessary steps the get the deal done, all while we were out of town. We completely relied on Scott and his team to find and close on our beautiful new home!
Thank you so much, Susan! Working with you was truly a joy, and your kindness to my team meant the world to us. Clients like you remind me why I love what I do every day. I know how busy you are, so I truly appreciate you taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. Wishing you all the best as you settle into your beautiful new home—welcome to Scottsdale!
VA Gal2024.10.01
Look no further than Scott and his team to handle your home sale in North Scottsdale. My husband and I put our home on the market with Scott a year ago and they had it sold shortly after our Open House on 10/8.
Scott and his team have integrity and expertise that is hard to find these days. From prep for sale to closing, they can be counted on to keep you informed and ready for the next step. Do yourself a favor, if you are even thinking of selling, and let Scott know. You won't be disappointed in the results!
Thank you so much, Deb, for your wonderful review. We are truly touched that you took the time to share such kind words about your experience with our team. It was an absolute pleasure to help you and Billy through the sale of your home, and we’re thrilled that we could be a part of such an important moment in your lives. Knowing that this next chapter is off to such a great start means the world to us. We wish you nothing but happiness and success in the future, and if there's ever anything we can do, we're always here for you.
Steve, thank you for taking the time to do this. All the best in your new life!!
Karen Budan2024.08.18
When the decision was made that we needed to move into a senior community there was never a question of who we would work with to sell our home in Terravita. We had worked with Scott to sell our previous house and it was a very positive experience....quick sale, wonderful communication and a great price. We went into this sale knowing it was not the best timing. We knew the selling season was October through the spring.....not the beginning of summer. But Scott came through again and we sold the house after two weeks on the market and at a great price. This despite other homes on the market sitting with no action or dropping their prices substantially. We consider Scott a friend as well as a very skilled realtor. He is always accessible and checking in personally. In addition his staff member Nicole was wonderful to work with. There is no question we consider Scott Gaertner Realty our go to realty and highly recommend him.
Karen, thank you so much for your kind words. I can’t express how much your and Bob's friendship and trust mean to me—truly more than you know. Your kindness, immaculate care of the home, and incredible attention to detail made our job not just easier, but an absolute pleasure. You two are definitely up for the "Client of the Decade" award in our book! I’m so grateful we’ve had the chance to work together again, and I’m here for you whenever you need anything. Thank you again for everything!
Bonnie Greenawalt2024.08.15
We began the process with Scott long before we intended to put the house on the market since we knew he was the best and would have valuable information to share. That proved to be true and then, when the time came to move forward, we re-engaged. We had been in the house for 28 years and significant downsizing had to take place. Scott and Co. found us an extremely helpful business with experience helping seniors downsize.. Scott, his team and Reavanti (downsizing team) treated us with care, patience, and empathy. Durning the 6 month process which had many ups and downs including 3 closing dates that had to be extended at the buyer’s request, Scott’s team showed patience and persistence and communicated with us with each step of the way.. The team understood our needs throughout the journey. It took Scott’s knowledge and strategic skill to get this done. We are very grateful.. We strongly recommend Scott and his team.
Thank you so much, Bonnie, for your kind words and thoughtful review. It was truly a privilege to work with you throughout this challenging process. We understand how difficult it can be to move forward after 28 years in a home, and we're grateful that you trusted us to guide you through it. Your patience and understanding during the ups and downs, especially with the multiple closing date extensions, were remarkable. We're thrilled that you felt cared for and supported by our team and Reavanti. Your recommendation means the world to us. Wishing you all the best in your new chapter!
Ray Klocke2024.06.21
we cannot express enough how grateful we are for Scott and his incredible team. from October 2023 to May 2024, the were our rock, managing every issue that arose. They initially sold our home quickly and for more than we ever dreamed possible, but we lost the sale due to a sudden, catastrophic house problem. Despite this setback, Scott's team took charge of the entire repair project while we were out of state and remarkably sold the home again for even more than we imagined. They were always just a phone call away. Their friendship and professionalism meant the world to us. We will forever sing their praises just ask! Ray and Donna Klocke
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. We are truly grateful for the trust and confidence you placed in our team during such a challenging period. Your resilience and positivity in the face of unexpected difficulties were nothing short of inspiring.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with you both, and your grace and kindness throughout the process made our job that much easier. We are thrilled that we could help you achieve a successful outcome despite the setbacks, and your appreciation means the world to us.
You both hold a special place in our hearts, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to help you move on to this new chapter in your lives. Your friendship and support are deeply valued, and we will always be here for you. Thank you for sharing your experience and for singing our praises. Scott
Vic Ob2024.05.13
We retained Scott and his team to help us sell our house on fairly short notice so that we could downsize to another house in the same neighborhood.
Scott and his dedicated team (Kate, Stephanie and Nicole) wasted no time in getting the listing prepared along with comprehensive pictures, holding multiple open houses and handling all the paperwork.
Scott’s experience and no nonsense approach really showed when we had protracted negotiations. His counsel and patience were critical in advising us how to approach multiple offers and counteroffers. He even kept the negotiations going while he was out of town on vacation. If you want a realtor who is savvy, always accessible and 100% in your corner, Scott is the one to choose.
Jack and Lisa, thank you sincerely for your kind words. Trust is at the heart of what we do, and your repeated trust in our team has been deeply meaningful to us. From your first purchase of one of our properties with a different agent to choosing us for your subsequent move, and finally entrusting us with the sale of your original home, your journey speaks to an amazing faith in our expertise. Especially in the rapidly changing Scottsdale North market we were experiencing! We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in such significant moments of your lives. Thank you for being such an integral part of our community. Warm regards, Scott and the team.
Sherry Volkmar2024.03.08
Stephanie was our realtor for 5 months while we pursued our dream home. She was always on time, patient, and knowledgeable. When we were ready to put in an offer, she dropped everything and got it done! Kate and Nicole at the office were great too.
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