[Golfer in Sanibel]

Sorry for your problem but you already know your mistake. Verbal is verbal. You should have had it in writing that the junipers would be removed prior to closing. The garage door openers should have been included but are seldom written into the contract. Fortunately, they are easily replaced. Caveat Emptor.

BTW, it was the seller who shorted you, not the real estate company. Maybe they should have been more attentive to your problem but it's not their obligation to assure the sellers comply with the contract. It's yours. If you had your own representation in the transaction via a good RE atty. or a buyers's agent you would or should have been advised not to accept a verbal agreement. So your second mistake was to not have representation.

The RE agent cannot and should not give you legal advise and non-compliance with the contract is a legal issue. And it is not their responsibility to comply with the contract if the seller does not.

You can forget small claims court. I tried that once about 30 years ago and the magistrate threw my complaint out because "a verbal agreement was not enforceable".

People, ALWAYS get a Buyer's agent when buying RE. It costs you nothing. There is no reason not to get one unless you like to take risks. If you go to an open house always tell the selling agent you are represented. You can find one later. Be sure you do your do diligence and get a good, certified Buyer's agent as well.