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Cold calling real estate agentsis usually a smart idea between the hours of 04PM and 2PM, Monday through Friday, as this is when they are most likely to be available. Homeowners are more likely to be available and interested in discussing their real estate needs with an agent during these peak hours as they are more likely to be available to do so. As a result of this time frame, there is also less chance that you will be able to reach a homeowner who is already in contact with another agent. In addition, this period allows agents to focus on providing each client with personalized attention and customized solutions that are tailored to meet each individual client's unique needs during this period. There's no question that when calling during this prime time, it's imperative to remain professional and to have a plan in place that includes an introduction, key points about your services, and a call-to-action. Doing so helps ensure that the conversation remains focused on providing value to the homeowner, which can lead to increased success when it comes to closing deals.

I can't help but need to vent after all these years.

I have been doing BPO and REO work since 2003.  The fees are the same pittance they were back then but our expenses are out of this world (gas in particular).  The companies have been raising the fees to the "average Joe--consumer" to have and "appraisal" (And I remind them I am not an appraiser).  I hear the consumer tell me time and time again that they are being charged in the hundreds of dollars for interior orders.  All the while, I get far less than that (I know, don't discuss what you make).  It seems that new agents take these for extra spending money and don't care that they are hindering the bottom line for all of us.  They take a few and are gone.  Is there any way to get these companies to start paying the workers a higher price?  We ARE doing all the leg work. In addition, I know of a few agents who let their spouse do these under their name. I have been holding my tongue for a long time.  Any advice?

After 17 years being active and passionately serving in the BPO and REO industry and with much thought and consideration, I have decided to retire and sell both BPO Automation Group and BPO University to my long-time software developer Claro Briones and his wife Celene. They will be taking over and continuing my legacy.

Today marks an eventful and emotional day for me, my family and my companies, BPO Automation Group and BPO University as well as for the new owners.

It all started with me writing a ‘how to manual’ on BPO’s back in 2005 called “All You Ever Wanted to Know About Broker Price Opinions.” This opportunity lead to coaching and training and then inventing BPO software through BPO Automation Group.

Since starting BPOA in 2009, I have tried my hardest and taken A LOT of pride to keep the businesses going smoothly, to keep improving and helping as many people as possible. I am extremely proud of everyone who has been a part of business and my team. We have accomplished so much!

There have been countless highlights, fun experiences and massive growth that I am really honored, proud and grateful to have seen come together and how everything has evolved over the years.

I took a tremendous amount of pride and worked so hard in my businesses because I believe in my products 110% and I believe that the BPO industry is ready to explode this year again.

It’s been a beautiful experience seeing how my ideas turned into useful and valued products, training and coaching have really helped thousands of real estate professionals all over this beautiful country. It’s been my absolute pleasure serving and always humbling when hearing stories from customers where they tell me how my products changed their lives and the way they do business drastically too!

I know without a doubt that there will be more achievements and improvements in the future because of the new business owner’s efforts.

Since taking over the businesses completely last summer (2021) and running everything myself, it has had too great of an impact to my health and well-being. I also have been burnt out for a long time (I know some of you can relate with that feeling) but I tried to keep going. In the past, I have been able to lean on talented staff as needed and they have helped keep things going in my place and sometimes in my absence over the years.

When I look back at where we started and where we are today and who was involved in my companies, all I can tell you is that I feel super blessed to have been able to work with so many amazing, hardworking and caring people. I’ve learned so much from each one of them as well and am truly grateful for my time with them.

I would like to reassure you that I plan to be a consultant to the new owners for the next 3 months to help them transition. You can expect that things should only improve and I have full faith in their abilities.

One of the new owners, Claro Briones has been working with me as our software application developer since 2017. He is the person responsible for helping upgrade the AutoFill software, adding new add-ons, fixing issues, doing updates and so much more. He’s a true genius, a phenomenally talented, genuine, honest and reliable person. I believe that you will enjoy working with him as I have tremendously.

If you have any questions or concerns, please send an email request to: support@bpo-automation.com

Otherwise, I want to thank you from the VERY bottom of my heart for this amazing ride and life-changing opportunity! I hope that you will continue working with the new owners and helping them just as you’ve done for me all these years.

Starting these companies drastically changed many areas of my life, from the quality of my life to having true stability as a single parent to a now 22 year old beautiful young man (my son Nick). I started this all when he was just 5 years old! We have come a long ways!

I am a better person because of everything that has happened and from my time in being able to work with and help so many remarkable people, like you! It’s been a great honor and pleasure. Thank you!

I wish you well in all of your future endeavors as BPO’s are here to stay for many years to come and I hope that you will continue to look to and use BPO Automation and BPO University products and service.

Warmly,

Nicole Ocean

“Life’s at Ease with a Warm Ocean Breeze.”

Does anyone know which companies are still using RESNET for REO?? Doesn't seem like they have as much inventory as the other REO platforms 

Received a note this week from Radian on the RedBell Platform BPOs - they affirmed not to use auto accept software and NO outsourcing of the BPO work.  For most of us here this is the standard and has been for many years. I see many agents through crowing about having BPO data mills to do the work. My clients expect that I do my own work which I have done for all these years. It was good to see them on this issue. 

January is good. In late December I received a condo in an upscale development in downtown Tampa. It fell apart. Seems it should not have been sent to me in the first place. But as we all know this happens on occasion. No big deal. Now in January, I have two REO's. One a SFD in a lower-priced community. That one was posted and the posting expired January 2, so that is moving forward in Pre Marketing. Next a Manufactured Home in Pasco County, we had some work done. That was put in MLS last night after 5 pm. By 11 pm had two agents asking about it. Here we are in very low inventory, under one month on MLS. The average DOM is under 10 days. Seller did as I suggested, priced high. A great way to start the New Year. 

Hello All and Happy Holidays!

Has anyone else recently been contacted by Brandi with Home Trust Nation wanting you to prove to her (e-mails, phone calls, dates and times and who) that you were treated poorly or not been paid?? I've been paid by them, but it was a horrible to try to collect and it was after 4 to 5 months. 

AND to top it off, this was two years ago............ Even though it was two years ago, you never forget how people treat you, especially someone that you do work for, right?

****BTW, someone has been cutting and pasting the blogs in this forum and sending them to her via e-mail.****

I just got a note yesterday that Keystone Asset Management will merge with LRES. It also appears they will begin to use the ResNet platform as well. I have had many good years with both companies. Longer with Keystone first in BPO's hen REO. Great people on both sides, for sure. You cannot have better AM's to be working with.

Good afternoon,

Please be advised that Old Republic Servicing Solutions is winding down our valuations line of business and, effective immediately, we are no longer taking new valuation product orders. Old Republic will continue conducting our other business including title insurance, closing and settlement services. Please discontinue updating your profile information, license, E&O insurance and/or additional documents.

Thank you for your years of providing services to Old Republic Servicing Solutions.

Just got this in my E-Mail.

Important Notice from Old Republic

Good afternoon,

Please be advised that Old Republic Servicing Solutions is winding down our valuations line of business and, effective immediately, we are no longer taking new valuation product orders. Old Republic will continue conducting our other business including title insurance, closing and settlement services. Please discontinue updating your profile information, license, E&O insurance and/or additional documents.

Thank you for your years of providing services to Old Republic Servicing Solutions.

I received a request from these folks yesterday to sign up on their vendor list for BPO work. I have not heard of them? Has anyone had any interaction with these folks?  Thanks for the input. 

I have been doing BPO REO work for 34+ years and I do not find it a blessing that I am not getting BPO orders due to auto accept and companies who care only about thier own pockets and not us agents in the field who are losing money as doing BPO's add to our income. But I am not a national speaker and have not talked to thousands of agents and companies across the nation and getting paid for being a speaker by the companies to speak on the companies behalf instated of the agents. I understand 15+ years is something and to figure out how to make a buck while taking a buck away from the agents in the fields is prerry impressive.

TOP BPO COMPANIES FOR 2021

Each year, I like to take a few minutes to share some free info and insights into my “Top 15 BPO Companies for 2021.”

After being in this hidden, niche market within real estate called, Broker Price Opinions and also with having been in the BPO industry myself for 15+ years, I’ve seen so much change, clean up and improvements.

Overall, it’s been exciting to see how much this niche industry within real estate has come and I know that it will continue to evolve. I’m just blessed to be able to still be a part of it!

So, without further ado, here is my list of the only 15 BPO Companies that a BPO/REO Pro should worry about working with to do strictly fee-based BPO orders. Please note, these companies are listed and ranked by my favorite companies from top to bottom.

1. Clear Capital
2. ServiceLink – EXOS
3. Pro Teck Valuation Intelligence
4. Residential Real Estate Review (RRR)
5. Solidifi (fka: Mark to Market)
6. BPO Fulfillment
7. Single Source Property Solutions (SSPS)
8. SWBC Lending Solutions (SWBC)
9. Consolidated Analytics (Acuity)
10. Asset Valuation and Marketing (AVM)
11. Altisource Vendorly
12. Assurant (Xome)
13. Computershare (Acuity)
14. Old Republic (Acuity)
15. Xome Valuations

We also offer an up-to-date, totally free BPO, REO and Asset Mgmt Companies Directory that will help you sign up for the above companies if you are not already, simply go to: http://www.bpo-companies.com/