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managers (14)

Good Asset Managers Fail due to Policy Adherence.

Posted by Jesus (Jesse) Gonzalez on September 1, 2011 at 2:51am

 

Here lately, I have noticed a lot of AMP binding the hands of their AM's with policies that come down from upon high. One policy in particular just absolutely amazes me and that is, always counter first with the list price.

Believe it or not, I have been told, witnessed and experienced some AMPs that are telling their AM that their first counter must be at list price. I know....you are taken back because, as experienced agents, we know that this policy is in many instances an immediate reject by the buyer. There in is the problem.

You see, I have had several AMs tell me, we can and will negotiate but, we can't do that till we have satisfied the policy that we must first counter with list price. Ok...so, does that mean I can tell the buyer's agent to ignore the first counter?

People expect to haggle and when you counter at list....on the first counter....or any counter for that matter, it appears you aren't going to haggle so, instead of staying in the fight, the buyer walks. The reality is, competition for homes isn't happening and if it is, the property is well priced or highly desirable and with as much inventory on the market...I would say it's likely well priced. None the less, the days of a seller playing hard ball for the sake of playing are over.

For the AMP policy makers, let me give you some good advice..........STOP RESTRICTING YOUR AMs. If your AM team isn't good enough to haggle on their own without you making some silly policy, then fire them and get you some new ones.

Yeah...yeah, I am sure the hate mail is going to flow on this post but, the reality is, between the experienced Realtor and the experienced AM, you should be able to get FMV (FAIR MARKET VALUE) and if you are not.....stop and ask yourself why. If you think the answer is that you need to add policies to tell direct your AMs reaction or to show them how they should be doing their job, then I have to ask....are you sure you got the right AM? Are you sure you got the right Realtor? Better yet, are you sure you got the right BPO / Appraisal?

Let's start having an honest discussion on why you can't get an offer at your list price before you start thinking you need to tie the hands of your liquidation team.

Just a thought.

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DO YOU HAVE YOUR REO SYSTEMS IN PLACE TO SUCCEED

Posted by Roxanne Tidmore on March 23, 2010 at 12:27pm

DO YOU HAVE YOUR REO SYSTEMS IN PLACE TO SUCCEED?


If you are a busy REO agent, you know that you don’t have much time between the occupancy check and the initial bpo deadline; and then contacting the vendors, setting up appointments, and organizing the turning on of utilities takes time and energy.


Do you have a customized REO system in place to run a successful REO business to where you are not juggling too many activities unsuccessfully?


In this short blog, I will address WHAT and WHY you need an REO system.


Systems are just the way in which you process your REO Assets. It is an organized and clear, step by step process. You should have your systems documented so clearly that whoever you entrust it to could run your business smoothly in case of an emergency.


Do you have a backup system in place if you were in an emergency? I found out how important this is in the Fall of 2008. We had a terrible wind storm that took out the electricity of over three-fourths of the city. It occurred on a Sunday, but our power was not restored until Wednesday.

I had to inform my clients via cell phone that I had no computer. So I could not work. But because I had a documented system in place, I was able to contact my coworker who used my documented system to meet some crucial deadlines for my clients.


I speak to many agents who state they have all of their tasks in their head. Since you are running a business, your processes should be documented, in for any reason you are not around.

Listed below are three of the items could be included.

  • Task Lists –
    • This would include all of the tasks that are done when you receive the asset.
    • The listing tasks
    • The contract to close tasks
    • And after closing tasks
  • Contacts
    • Important vendors for your trash outs, lawn care, pool care, etc.
    • Repair Vendors
    • Utility companies
    • Asset managers
  • Logins/technology information
    • User names and logins for your MLS
    • User names and logins for all of the asset companies you work with
    • What systems are in place for backing up your critical data?
    • How often do you backup?

It does take time to document the process but I found that it helps to make my thoughts clearer. Also I can always change the process since the REO industry is changing so much. But I feel comfortable having a system in place.


Also with a clear system in place you can easily handle 10-12 REO listings a month without being stressed out!


To your business success!

Roxanne Tidmore

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REO – Asset Managers – Networking Successfully (Part II)

Posted by Roxanne Tidmore on February 28, 2010 at 11:18am

The previous post discussed how a REO Transaction Coordinator can help REO agents apply to asset companies and help agents connect to asset managers.


After this article, a lot of agents contacted me thinking that I had instant access to a network of Asset Managers. And that I could just instantly connect the agent to the AM and they would receive assets.

So I want to clarify what I am able to help the agent with. As written before in the previous post, I offer the service of signing up the agent with many asset companies. That involves uploading or faxing the necessary paperwork to the company. Since it is advantageous to apply to about 50 – 100 asset companies, some agents prefer to outsource this task. That is where I come in. This does not guarantee that you will receive BPOs or REO Listings. That of course is based on the need of the company and the criteria they have for accepting more REO agents.


I also help the agent connect with asset managers. As written previously asset managers are busy and they do appreciate building successful networking relationships. They do not appreciate being continually contacted for BPOs or REO Listings. So I do help agents develop a social networking program that helps them connect successfully with asset managers. This is a way to build a good networking relationship with asset managers. And in this business, it does help to have a solid network of asset managers. I have been able to successfully connect some agents with asset managers which resulted in the agent receiving REO work.


So in summary:

  1. I help the agent apply to the asset companies
  2. I also help the agent develop a social networking program. This program is designed to connect and build an asset manager network for the REO agent.

My next topic will cover things you can do to make the asset manager’s job easier – which in turn will grant you more listings!


To your business success!

Roxanne Tidmore

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REO – Asset Managers – Networking Successfully

Posted by Roxanne Tidmore on February 19, 2010 at 11:13am

Lately I have been contacted by a many REO agents who want to know how I can help them get connected to Asset Managers. The agent’s goal is to get more business.


First of all I let the agent know that I am an REO Transaction Coordinator. Even though I interact with many asset managers because of the nature of my work, I do not usually refer random agents to asset managers.


Asset managers are very busy and they prefer that agents follow the procedures to apply. That tells the asset manager that you follow directions. Also by putting in your application, your contact information will be in the system. When an opening comes up that fits your criteria, you will be contacted.


As an REO Transaction Coordinator, I do assist agents in applying for the hundreds of asset management companies. The more asset management companies you apply to, the more apt you are to receive business. It takes time and effort and continuous follow up to asset management companies to receive responses.


But there are several ways of networking successfully with asset managers. Networking is about building relationships. Asset managers are busy so they do not appreciate it when random agents continue to contact them for listings. But they do appreciate the networking opportunities. This is a good way to build a business relationship with an asset manager. A REO Transaction Coordinator can help you begin this type of networking.


And once you have a good foundation you can continue to build your own network of asset managers.


My next topic will cover things you can do to make the asset manager’s job easier – which in turn will grant you more listings!


To your business success!

Roxanne Tidmore

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REO Transaction Task Lists

Posted by Roxanne Tidmore on February 1, 2010 at 3:39am
One of the keys to a successful REO Transaction is having an organized task list. I have talked to many agents who have the task list in their head. This may be good for some, but if you have the task list in a documented format – that is just one less thing you have to remember – one less thing that is a to do item!With so many things to do, it is possible that you can forget a task that is very important. Maybe you forgot to follow up with the lender for the appraisal because there was a family emergency that happened. Or you forgot to check with the co-agent on the inspection. And since there are deadlines to be met, there is no leeway for being late. Especially if your client has to pay a per diem fee for a missed deadline.That is why it is crucial to have a task list and that task list has to be organized.What are the steps that you take when you first receive an asset from the bank?Are you on the phone for a long time with the utility company trying to find out the status?Are you trying to juggle your time to inspect the property to find out the vacancy status?Are you working into the night to complete the initial bpo that is due?Do you have a systemized way of tracking your expenses to turn in your reimbursements on time to the bank?If you have all of your tasks documented – GREAT! But if you do not, it is time to begin doing it.The immediate benefits will be:Being confident that your assets will be handled in an organized manner.Your Asset Manager will be more likely to give you more listings and you will develop a better rapport with your Asset Manager.Your business will be continuously growing with more reo listings.To your business success!
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Your fraud is costing me time and money!!!!

Posted by Jim Godwin, NRBA, RDCPro on January 14, 2010 at 4:50pm
I completely understand you wanting to “get a little extra,” especially now that some of these AMC’s are taking such a big cut, but when it comes at the expense of my time and energy it really pisses me off.I am working with a company right now (which will remain nameless) that has completely revamped their property preservation guidelines.Here is a small example of what I’m talking about. This is direct from the preservation team:*ALL BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT OR THEY WILL BE REJECTED IMMEDIATELY:*NO HANDWRITTEN BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.*ALL BIDS MUST BE TYPED ON THE CONTRACTOR’S OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD WITH THE CONTRACTOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION (NAME, ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, AND PHONE NUMBER), LICENSE NUMBER AND SIGNATURE.Seems simple enough, right? Keep reading…….**Vendors must send me proof of Workman's Comp or Liability Insurance and their Business License & ALL bids must be signed by Vendor****There can be no conflict of interest with vendors supplying bids for the listing broker/agent. Vendors who are owned by, or related in any way to broker/agent or cannot be used****PLEASE NOTE: All bids must be itemized by job description and price.Copy of workman’s comp? Copy of a business license? Must be signed? I don’t know about you guys but this is new to me........or was new. But honestly can you blame them? There is so much fraud, strong arming, agent kickbacking and good ‘ol boy crap going on out there that these banks had to do something!So now I have to find contractors that are willing to send in all their personal information, go do a free bid and send it in perfectly every time……and after all that, still only have a 1 in 3 shot of getting the work! All because a select few agents out there wanted to make a few extra bucks.Yes I’m complaining! Isn’t that what blogging is for???? But it’s a damn good complaint when what once took me a few hours is now taking me a day or two. And that costs me money!!!
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Can't Can the Can!!

Posted by Jim Godwin, NRBA, RDCPro on December 16, 2009 at 4:00pm
So what do you do if you pull up to your next property and see this……………

If you said have it towed or call a junk yard/dump you’d be dead wrong. Apparently no one wants this heaping pile of junk. In fact all of the junk yards within a 30 mile radius of the property wanted to charge me between $900-$1400 just to take it in……plus the tow. Try explaining that to your AM. You’ll probably get as far as I did which was “let’s try and figure something else out” which is AM code for “take care of it or we’ll find someone that will.”So after some crafty detective work I found out that the reason for the high cost was the labor involved with breaking the thing down. I guess because the way these campers are built, stripping the metal is a daunting task worthy of charging a fortune. Long story short I had one of my contractors unbolt the cab from the frame on site and strip it down into 3 sections: chasse, scrap metal and wood. They hauled away the now well sorted out piles of junk and a tow truck came and took the chasse which would now be accepted by the junk yards for free.The end result………..$200 for the tow and $240 for my guys to break down and haul away the scrap and saving my client $755 in the process. Yes...I do feel like a hero thank you very much.I’m sure some of you have had this same pleasurable experience but this was a first for me. Gotta say though, this is why I love what I do. Sometimes we get so far outside of the box I’m not sure what profession I’m in. Good stuff, right! Of course the easy ones are nice too!
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Are You Working Your Linked In Contacts? You'd be surprised at whom you're connected with!

Posted by MeLisa Minter on December 15, 2009 at 2:16pm
Ok Gang,I listened to the Blog Radio on 12/18 and even punched in to ask Jesse a question about signing up with all the Asset Management Companies. After listening to the show, I took Jesse's advice about utilizing Linked In and Facebook to our advantage.I was already doing something similar, which is how I found this group. Anyway, I typed in the name of a Mortgage Servicing Company that I've done Short Sales through. I proceeded to pull up their Linked In Employees and low and behold, I see two employees,(one an Asset Manager the other an REO Attorney), that I am connected to by the second degree. It seems that one of my good friends is the first connection with one person and the other person is connected to me by a group that I joined on Linked In.So naturally, I email these two contacts by using the "Request and Introduction" Method. I included an attention grabbing subject line, and introduced myself and informed them how we were connected. I proceeded to let them know that I am a member of Realty Pilot, the most innovative BPO/REO Traffic Controller, and that it is free to Mortgage Companies/Mortgage Servicing Companies Asset Managers.I then explain to them how they can be of assistance in helping me connect with some of the Asset Managers in their organization and introduce them to Realty Pilot and my REO Services.After I completed the mesage, I clicked on the "Notify Friend Button, so I could send "1st connected firend" a courtesy notice stating that I contacted one of her linked in connections.I know what they say about the Six degrees of Separation, and it seems that it can definitely be beneficial if you work it right.It's going to be interesting to see the type of results that we will get from this.
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I have an REO Listing, Now What?

Posted by Beth Ross on October 1, 2009 at 12:17pm
Having done a number of REO listings over the years, it is still a relatively new field for many of us. I am not an expert, I learn something new every day. Please keep in mind this is meant to be humorous!1 - Got an email today from my asset manager letting me know that I was selected to market and list their property. First though I have 24 hours to obtain an occupancy verification, gain interior access to get pictures, find out the HOA company information and any past due amounts, gain access to all the county records to do a quick search to see if any liens on the property, do a BPO on following that particular companies requirements, find out if there are any utilities on or other pertinent information that I need to pass on to my client. Oh, I best find out what the fees are for getting it switched over into my name along with the deposit required so I can make sure I have enough in my bank account to accept this listing and service it properly for by having all the utilities in my name and which I pay for (of course I get reimbursed as long as I turn in my bills and proof of payment in a timely manner and agree to wait for the payment - most of the companies I have chosen to work with pay very promptly - those that don't go on to find out agents).2 - Whew, got that all done, wait a minute, what are all these other tasks now? They weren't there a minute ago?? Oh, now I have to do a personal property evaluation form and they want pictures of each item (good thing I thought ahead and took pictures while I was doing the interior BPO pictures.) And what's this? Because I marked that the property was occupied, I have to now offer Cash For Keys? What are all these forms? I have another 24 hours to get this done? No problem, I will go back to the house, knock on the door and since I know the family is out I will leave the letter and my card in a envelope taped to their front door (don't forget the picture of that) and if they do answer, I will explain what I am offering and give them the number to the Loss Mitigation department if I have received that. I will set up a time within 2 weeks to a month to allow the occupant to find a new place to live and then I will meet him and get the keys if the property is left in clean condition.3 - Now that the home is vacant (trashed out if it was not an occupied property when I took it over), rekeyed the lock, made sure I had the right combination for the private contractor lock box and have placed a proper MLS lock box on the property, now I can notify my Asset Manager we are ready to rock and roll. Oops, I haven't gotten the listing agreement with the amount they are allowing me to market it at, so I have to remove the sign from the yard cause I can only put it up when I have a signed listing agreement. BUT I can keep the sign in the yard that says the home is in the process of pre-marketing and in case of emergency to contact me at a specific number. I don't accept any offers at this time, but I do keep a running tally of the names that call so that I can call them after I have gotten the listing in the MLS.• Are you wondering why I placed the MLS lock box on the house if there is a private lockbox? Well, I am blessed to have an association whose lockboxes keep track of who entered the property so I don't have to keep a running log of whose has called in to get the lock box code, my log is printed out weekly and placed in the file so when I do my monthly marketing report on that property I can give my AM the correct number of showings and in the meantime I've been able to call back for feedback to since the buyer's agents sometimes forget to call and give that. It's a team effort and I don't mind as I would expect it if I forgot to call and give feed back.4 - Well, now we have the listing agreement all taken care of and I am ready to MARKET AND SELL! First, I am going to go back to the property, make sure all the utilities are on, light bulbs are not burnt out, place a fragrance pot in a couple of rooms, set the air conditioning at about 80 in Summer at 65 in Winter so that when the home is shown, clients are not uncomfortable, I want them to think they are truly home so it will sell better. I am also going to place brochures on the counter, information about special financing and contacts for them to be able to call to see if they can help with the loan. I also leave my agency disclosure brochure, my cards, and if there is an HOA then I try to leave copies of at least the rules and regulations and contact information in case the client and other agent want to gather more information. I also want to make sure the yard looks good and if not I get the landscaper to mow it,5 - OK, the house is set up. I can go back to the office, or home since it is probably about 8 PM and put in MLS and call the people that have been calling about it since the in case of emergency sign went up.6 – Been a month, had 5 offers and they've all been turned down. When will people realize that the pricing is normally set within a realistic range and these 40% and 50% offers are not going to cut it, but I present all offers! I got a task from my asset manager that my Monthly Marketing Report (similar to a BPO) is due in 2 days. Oh I forgot to take pictures yesterday when I was over for my weekly checkup on the property, now I have to go get updated pictures and get them sent in with the new solds and listings that have happened in the last 30 days. Maybe they will lower the price, maybe they won't. My job is to get them the best price possible for the property, not price it at a give away amount! It takes a little maneuvering sometimes to get that right price. But they have lowered the price a little now, and so I go in and redo the MLS, redo the brochures, upload the new MLS to my asset manager, replenish the brochures at the property and call the people that have shown it to alert them to price drop.7 - Just got word after month two and another MMR (Monthly Marketing Report) that the price is down again. Wow, my phone is ringing off the hook from that ad I put in the paper. This price is really a great price and seems to be attracting a lot of attention. Listen to my efax tell me I have three faxes waiting, TERRIFIC, multiple offers on this property. But 2 of the agents didn't call to let me know they were submitting offers.8 - I start filling out the forms for the new offers, oh no, those two agents that didn't call me and just faxed over the offers did not include their contact information, no letter of preapproval on one, no proof of funds on the other, and I have no way to easily find their phone numbers. So I put everything off to the side, go into my MLS system to the agent roster and hope that the name that is scribbled on the last page where they signed it is legible and now I start calling the numbers to verify their contact information. I hope that since it is after hours, they have updated their cell number in the agent roster so I can contact them tonight and get this submitted. Great, it's 11 PM and I've got all these offers submitted in the system and I am closing up shop!9 - 1 PM the next day, I get an email from my AM, notify all parties involved we are in a multiple offer situation and to submit their highest and best offers by 5 PM the next day. Back on the phone, contact all agents and make the notifications and wait for the new paperwork. In the meantime made a notation in the MLS so that other agents will know what is going on and that they have to submit their highest and best by 5 PM the next day.10 - New offers are in - 1 at the same price and two updated ones and look there, three more new ones. And who said there were no multiple offers anymore. Way to go to all you agents out there with buyers!! Ok, all offers are submitted again, now I am off to bed and hey it's only 11:30 PM.11 - Start the next day off, excited cause I know that one of those offers is going to be accepted. Wow, locked up the office tonight and no emails, calls or information from my Asset Manager.12 - Day two - still no word13 - Day Three - I've gotten calls from agents wanting to know if I have heard anything yet. No, nothing yet,14 - Day Four - Yeah, an email! Offers 1,2,3,5 and 6 are rejected. Offer 4 is accepted with the counter proposal paperwork and all addendum's attached. I notify all the rejected agents that their offers have been rejected, I call agent with offer 4 and let them know that I am forwarding the paperwork for review and signatures and I have 24 hours to get it back to my asset manager. Mind you, offer was an all cash offer, but had a couple of contingencies on it and offer 4 was the same price, all cash but no contingencies. The bank accepted the easiest one with a quicker close date as the only counter proposal. Mind you offer 2 was higher than all of them, but was a conventional loan with 10% down.15 - Day Five = Got a call back from the agent with offer 4, his buyer has decided that he is not willing to meet the contingency with the new closing date and has chosen not to sign anything. He had given his highest and best offer! Back to the drawing board. To cut a long story short, we were able to get Offer 5 resurrected and put on the agenda to close. Got everything to lawyers, agents, etc. set up closing date in 2 weeks. I am all smiles!!16 - Day before closing, I get a call from the sellers attorney that the deed had not been recorded yet and we are not able to get the closing done in time because the deed is still in transit and it will be a few more days. Ok, no problem!! I call the buyer's agent and alert them and suggest we get an extension signed for 10 - 15 days or earlier, make sure the buyer's attorney has been notified and wait this out.17 - My asset manager calls me, they never call me they only email me this is scary, and ask if I can help the process along by going to the courthouse and seeing if there is anything I can do to walk the deed through for signatures. Ok, sure I will be happy to. I've learned, don't upset the people at the Recorder's office and don't upset the people at the Master In Equity office. I do my due diligence, find that the deed is actually at the recorder's office, they are recording it as I stand there, I go back to the office, call my asset manager and I am a hero!!16 - Ok, closing is just a couple of days late, but that's ok. Now I have to get all the lock boxes off the property, remove all the information from inside, pick up my sign and call and have all the utilities removed out of my name. I then have to get the utilities to send me an expedited bill as I only have 10 days after closing to get ALL bills submitted for payment.17 - Closing is done!!! Check is in my hand!!! Whew, that was good!18 - 30 days have gone by, I still haven't received my check for my utility payments, collection call made.19 - Oh look, three new listings just came across the email - and I wanted to be an REO agent WHY???The above is purely HUMOROUS only! I love what I do and it is an exciting business. I meet great people and have wonderful experiences to share. Please though, if you are thinking of becoming an REO agent, do your due diligence and research. Understand that your asset manager and banks have guidelines they must follow and you have guidelines you must follow. It is your responsibility that you are legal and ethical in everything that you do. If you are a member of a local, state and National Association of REALTORS you have a Code of Ethics that you must follow and you need to make sure that you keep yourself AND your asset manager out of trouble. Your biggest job outside of marketing and selling that property is to make your asset manager's job easier so they can get the other 200 files on their desk completed a little faster, and they will remember you and the extra efforts you did to help get the property sold AND closed.Remember, when the closing is done, send your thank you cards to everyone and include that Asset Manager also. They may have missed their bonus because of the delayed closing and they may need a little smile to cheer them up to help remember you on the next go round of properties in your area.Under Promise, over supply and as always - Have A Better Than Great Day!!
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REOMAC 2008 Loved it!!

Posted by Diana R. Lopez de Castro on October 21, 2008 at 10:30am
I am not very good at this, but here it goes anyways. Went to the REOMAC conference in Hollywood last week. What a great experience. It was everything I expected and much more. Met lots of nice people and learned a lot from the pros. I am not a member and unfortunately they are not accepting new members at this time, but I would love to become one whenever is possible, its a great organization. I went with another agent friend who is also an REO agent. Since we are in Miami, we just drove there everyday, only about 45 minutes. They had an exhibition hall and we had the chance to personally meet reps from some of the companies that we deal with, from preservation companies to asset managers. The last day we had a brokers only session where we met with some of the most experienced and successful REO agents nationwide and they answered questions and gave advice. Also the last day we attended lender roundtables and were able to interact with them. There was a friendly atmosfere, the food was good, it was just a great experience overall, can't wait for the next one.
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