Response from Mark Gentry on 10/15/2025

I’d like to provide a clear summary of the recent transaction involving buyer Tyler Paget and his associate, Pedro Lopez, to document the sequence of events and clarify the situation. An individual named Pedro Lopez contacted my agent to view a $40,000 lot, representing himself as a regular buyer. After viewing the property, Mr. Lopez contacted Mr. Paget to confirm approval to proceed with an offer. My agent then prepared the purchase contract, which included a Buyer Agency Agreement. This agreement was signed by Mr. Paget — not Mr. Lopez. Throughout the transaction, my agent managed all aspects of the process, including the contract negotiations, paperwork, and coordination leading up to closing. The day before closing, Mr. Paget disclosed for the first time that he is a licensed Realtor, claiming that he had been representing himself and therefore was entitled to receive the buyer-side commission. This was the first instance in which his license status was mentioned. Up to that point, all communication had been conducted solely through Mr. Lopez, who is not a licensed agent, and no disclosure or documentation had been provided indicating that Mr. Paget was acting as his own representative. Mr. Paget later stated that he did not understand the documents he had signed — despite being a licensed agent. As a reminder, when an agent represents themselves in a transaction, they are required to: Disclose their license status at the outset of the transaction. Provide verification of licensure if requested. Complete all standard agent responsibilities for the buyer side. In this case, none of those steps occurred. Additionally, any request for a referral fee must be submitted in writing and signed by the receiving agent — no such documentation was ever provided. Neither my agent nor I have been able to speak with Mr. Paget directly by phone; all communication was routed through Mr. Lopez. Following closing, Mr. Paget filed a complaint with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, yet once again failed to disclose his status as a licensed Realtor in that filing. Our firm has proudly served Moore County for over 30 years, maintaining a strong reputation for professionalism, integrity, and excellence within the community — including extensive service to military families. This incident raises serious concerns about Mr. Paget’s adherence to disclosure obligations, professional conduct, and compliance with the Realtor Code of Ethics. I have also spoken with Mr. Paget’s broker-in-charge in Alabama to ensure transparency and provide all relevant information. The facts outlined above accurately reflect the events as they occurred and demonstrate that our team acted appropriately, professionally, and in good faith throughout this transaction.