First Step Equity

SCAM! SCAM! Called regarding a property and once I started asking questions, he put me on a 10 min hold and then hung up. I called back, he just hung up. I googled their phone # and found all these complaints on Unilocal.Looks like they are trying to sell a service for $ 40-​$ 50, lol. SCAM!!! Stay away!!!

SCAM. SCAM. SCAM.
BBB and Law Enforcement should be looking into this company and their deceptive tactics.

This number, along with 805−770−5098, are both known SCAM operations on Craigslist and other home rental/​sales apps (Zillow, etc.). Don’t waste your time, a little bit of googling of the number will reveal the shady «rent to own» scams this company has been doing for over a year now.

ZERO STARS!!! NEGATIVE STARS! In my entire life, I have never been treated more rudely by an agent than by TWO of this company’s «finest.» On my first call, I was told that in order to learn more about the property, I had to furnish them with the ID number off the ad. I replied that I wasn’t aware of that and politely asked him to hold on a moment while I did a quick online search. He hung up on me. The second agent got to the point of robotically reading an explanation of how the company works. When one or two items he mentioned intrigued me and I had a question, HE COMPLETELY IGNORED ME and kept reading. When he got to the point of asking for the $ 40 «registration fee,» I told him that unless he was willing to answer a few questions for me, I would be reluctant to proceed with the transaction. «Well, when you’re ready, let us know,» he said in a particularly surly manner, and SLAM! he hung up.
This company should be put out of business for cruel and unusual punishment of potential customers.

I wish I could give it NEGATIVE STARS! READ the other comments, they are TRUE. I called 805−770−5043 in regards to a Craigslist posting for a home. I gave him the ID# and he gave me very basic details on the property, bedrooms/​bath/​square footage and monthly amount. Then he explained for $ 40 he’d do a Title search and give me a list of other properties in the area. Which in theory sounds logical, right? Well since my husband was at work and I was only looking to get more info on the property other than what was already listed, I told him I would call back but first I wanted to contact my husband FIRST. WHY? Because that’s what you do in a committed relationship. Even though we BOTH work, it’s OUR money, not mine to blow freely. I just wanted to relay the info I got (which wasn’t much) and make sure we made a decision TOGETHER to commit to the $ 40 for the process… to which the guy chewed me out and then hung up on me while saying I was wasting his time.
Look man, I WASN’T wasting your time. I might have actually paid you the $ 40, NOT for the listing, but for the Title look up and the home owner’s contact information. I thought it had value, but when you turned into a shitty asshole, you can go FUCK YOURSELF. That just reinforces this unprofessional shit company that should probably be forced to close.

If I could give this place no stars, I would! this place is a SCAM SCAM SCAM!!! DO NOT use this «realtor». I was not even sure I was speaking with a human over the phone, the guy tried to rush/​trick me into paying $ 40 for a RTO property I was interested in. When I told him I was only interested in more info and would not give him an of my personal info, HE HUNG UP. SO unprofessional. If there is one lesson I have learned the hard way it’s never believe what you see on craigslist. It’s always to good to be true.

Has to be the worst company ever! Terrible customer service!!!

SCAM! I was checking for rental comparisons in my area in Novato and guess what? They had MY house listed for rent (as a rent to own). I called and they would not disclose the actual address until I paid $ 40. membership fee. That’s when I told them that they were advertising MY house that I just purchased in April. Freddie, their agent, was very coy and said he would remove the listing. I asked how they got the information and he said any properties that go into default they list as a favor to the bank to get interested buyers. Baloney! They do not have access to the properties. The home I bought never went into default but the buyer did say she had not made her past 3 months payments. So that gives them the right to advertise MY house for rent and they don’t even have access to it. They should be shut down! I will contact consumer affairs and 7 on our Side (an investigative team for San Francisco news station) and advise anyone else to PLEASE contact local authorities as to this unethical business practice and rip off to the public!

Well contrary to. the other reviews the lady I spoke with, Lucy, was very nice respectful and answered all my questions. She explained that these are houses in default and you will be paying the
and the deed will be in your name, before the house is put up for short sale. Then once the house is current you will have the mortgage transfered in your name. Good deal if the person is over half done paying off the house… What she said makes sense but I’m going to dig a little more and make sure its legal before I pay the $ 40 and move forward. If you have questions speak with Lucy she’s not rude like these other guys.

Beware of the scam! So, I am looking at Craigslist today for my brother who wants a lease to own property. I told him that these things are all scams but I figured I give it a shot. I called 805.770−5040 A male robotic voice came in reading a script and told me that this property is available and he needs $ 40.00 so he can email the actual address and what other homes that is avail to lease to own. I told him that I need to check your First Step Equity and asked for the website. He got upset and told me that I am not ready and if I am ready to call back… I told him I want to make sure that this is not a SCAM and before I hand him over my $ 40.00 I want to check out the company… he hanged up!!! Beware Unilocal readers. Check the internet first before you give out your wallet! I knew it was too good to be true.

Scam… bait and switch put ads of homes that are not available to try and get you to pay a $ 40 monthly fee. Its a fraud, scam… not sure how they are in business! Rude, crazy person that runs it…

I’m glad I checked out this company. I knew it was «bait and switch» when I saw Canon Drive home listed at 2300 per month. That home would rent for about $ 8000, easy. I called and got the same pitch to give them $ 49 per month. Luckily I was on my computer and found these other reviews, so I saved myself grief.

They mislead you, misinform you and out right lie. in my opinion its a complete scam! no customer service no return calls.

SCAM! BEWARE!
These guys are sooo RUDE and UNPROFESSIONAL!!. Found an add on Craigslist and called to inquire about it. They were rude the whole time. They hung up on me after I asked them questions about their business. They talked down to me and questioned MY questions. Really? Glad I used my common sense to not sign up for anything. DO NOT TRUST THEM!

Let me add to Marty L’s review. Very poor customer service; the guy on the phone was rude and abrupt. I called to inquire about a home I found on
. When I asked one too many questions regarding membership and member limitations, he hung up! Go somewhere else for your housing needs; this guy is not serious enough about his business to treat potential customers with any consideration.

Rude. Scam. ’nuff said.
All the jerk was interested in was getting my monthly $ 40 payment. When I told the jerk-​off that I wanted to see the property first to see how this may be beneficial to me he says «then call me when you’re ready,» and proceeds to hang up the phone on me!
No one. I mean NO ONE hangs up the phone on me!!!

This company has outrageous customer service and grossly misleads the consumer. I feel completely scammed.
I contacted the company when I became interested in a home they advertised on
. They informed me that the only way to view the home (and similar homes in my area) was to join their membership based website which would provide me with the contact information of the sellers of many more homes in my area that fit my needs. I stupidly believe them. Once I paid the $ 40 membership fee, I was presented with a list of viable homes in my area. The only contact information available for these homes was to the banks which owned the property. After contacting the bank of over 10 properties, I learned that, not only was I unable to contact the sellers (as advertised) but the properties were not even available for sale or rent.
When I contacted the company about the discrepancy, they person who sold me the membership (Isaac) became rude and indignant. I was told that the only way to receive a refund would be to submit a written request via mail, and that they probably would not refund my payment. I am stunned by the actions of this company and feel much less trusting of the real estate industry because of them.