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Recently, one of our members sent me some hate mail, yes….I get hate mail and, I wanted to share some of it with you so that I can clarify some points, just to make sure we are all on the same page.

Before I do this, just so you know, I won’t be revealing who this person is so, don’t ask.

Point # 1 –

I am here to make money.

Quote, “I truly believe that you are trying to build something big for yourself

Yeah, was anyone under the impression I wasn’t? I am a capitalist……tried and true. I believe a person’s dedication, commitment, desire, ambition and liberty to follow their own dream is the American Dream. Absolutely I am trying to build a huge network of default professionals for myself and anyone else who decides to join me, walk along side me and pursue their dreams with me. If my ambition and dreams aren’t in line with yours, go find another network to join or start your own. The father of modern economics said that competition leads to the greater good so, if you don’t like me, if you don’t like what I am doing, if you think I am living Satan spawn then……..take a number, get in line, be patient and hold your breath.

Quote, “You know, we don’t really have to have you to get screwed out of our money”

Screwed out of your money……..are you serious? I want everyone to know, since May of 2008 I have made less than $1,500.00 off REOPro. Yep, that’s right, no more than $1,500.00! Just to be even more clear, $1,400.00 of that came from sponsors buying advertisement space. I don’t ask for donations, which would be nice, I don’t charge a membership fee, I don’t charge a set up fee, I don’t charge an inactivity fee (which is where I would make the most money)………I DON’T CHARGE MEMBERS A DIME! What money are members getting screwed out of by REOPro?

I have recommended service providers to this network, service providers that I use myself and find a lot of benefit in using. If you took my word to join any service I have recommended, guess what…………I DIDN’T MAKE ANY MONEY FROM YOU JOINING THEM!

Oh, wait a minute, I take that back……I did make about $40.00 off of 2 people who upgraded their alamode account a couple months ago. I do make money if you purchase any upgrades to your alamode account through the REOPro store but, out of almost 150 orders……I have made $40.00. In fact, it’s been such a failure that I have even thought about getting rid of it but, that is a different topic for another day.

Quote, “What are the benefits to ME when I suggest that people join the site? Does it make ME look bigger and more organized? Or you?? I really think you are self-serving and only out for yourself. I think the Alamode website deal was the clincher for me. Do you really think you saved people money?”

Oh dear golly goodness, is this person serious? What are the benefits to you when you suggest that people join the REOPro site? Building this network gives us a greater pool of resources to pull from. More people joining equals more people writing blogs, responding to forums and organically creates an environment for sharing. Sharing is good, it cost you nothing but, it could change your business. In fact, I am aware of several people who have come on-line, wrote a blog of forum, read the responses, created connections and got referrals to join companies that changed their business. The direct benefit to getting people to join REOPro is so that our community develops and in that we find strength, knowledge, power and the ability to have a voice in an industry where we are drowned out by bank policies, government regulation, inactivity of NAR and consumers. If you can’t see this….why are you still a member?

As for Alamode……hell yeah it saved people money! Alamode guarantees my members who order products and services through the REOPro store a better price than they could get direct. Did you know that….of course you didn’t because, it’s none of your business what the details of the deal I worked out with Alamode are. I challenge you to go to Alamode, order a website and then go to the REOPro store, order the same product and compare the prices. See for yourself.

Quote, “A site like this would be great if it kept out the vultures.”

Keep out the vultures….who do you think I am? I am not the Judge and Jury of the Default Real Estate Industry. Maybe, one day, we can get to the point where we can centralize and control some sort of BBB of the Default Real Estate Industry but, the reality is that I don’t make enough money on this site a year to pay 1 months mortgage payment, let alone pour my resources in with no monetary return.

Better yet, our members have stepped up and become REOPro leaders. For instance, Tim Ventura with The BPO Automation Group have sponsored a service you can find on our main page where our members can go and rate the BPO companies they have worked with, anonymously. This has been great because it allows our members to go in and see for themselves what our members think of a particular company and then you can use that information to determine for yourself if it’s worth your time, money and energy.

What about the “Non Paying BPO Company” Group (their name is something like that) where you can go in and see what BPO companies are milking people out of hard earned cash.

Quote, “. I just sense too much of your own purposes being served here.”

I hope you do get the sense that I am serving my own self purpose because I am! My purpose is to create a network of professionals that can change the direction of the wind! Granted, that may be a bit lofty but, you get the idea. My purpose is to help Agents, Asset Managers, Title Agents, Locksmiths, Land Scappers, and everyone else in this cut throat industry to feed their families. I am hell bent on making this happen and guess what, that means I may end up making a lot of money but, have you ever known a poor person being able to provide you with a job or work?

Just to be clear, I am a LIBERTY loving, constitution toting, private property rights supporting, God fearing, profit motivated, big hearted, loyal as a dog man who believes I can change the world one person at a time so that we all benefit through capitalist principles and if this isn’t what you signed up for, good luck and I wish you the best.

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Agent says No Thank You to REOPro Lead.

No joke, I was actually told, “no thank you” by a Agent who I offered a lead to.

So, here is what happened.

As many of you know, I have been looking for some agents to work some leads we got in from our investor.

These leads are as hot as they come. Basically a buyer / seller searching online comes across the investor website and ask to be referred to a local agent who will provide them a FREE CMA on a home they want to buy or sell. REOPro then turns around, and distributes the lead, manages the lead and helps it get to closing. We don’t get paid otherwise.

Well, we had no one in RealtyPilot (the REOPro platform) that worked this zip code so I searched the REOPro.NING sit. I found an agent, called him up, offered him the lead and he actually said that he was tired of paying for things he would never use and declined to take the lead.

Just so you know, the lead wrote in the comments section of her application for assistance, “I want to list and sell my home

Now, here is what chaps my cheeks. To get the lead, all he will be out is the $30.00 a month from RealtyPilot…that’s it. In fact, once he is done working the lead, he can cancel his subscription, it’s not like RealtyPilot has long term contract but, he was so oblivious to who I was, to who REOPro was, to who RealtyPilot was, to the nature of the REOPro / RealtyPilot alliance, he complete lost a great opportunity.

Now, here I am, with a lead….a seller, which is as hot as they come and no one from my network to work the lead. Now I have to go to REORedbook, search through the database and hopefully get myself a agent for a handout!

Honestly, I should have known better to call this guy. He had zero blogs, zero forums, zero comments and his profile didn’t even have his website, phone number or contact information.

Why is it, I have to go and find agents when I have leads to give out? Don’t tell me it’s because you have to pay for the technology platform. If its that much of a cost for you, cancel when you don’t want to use it. This way, you’re only out the $30.00 a month when you actually have a lead to work however, understand…….I am not going to go out looking for you each time I have a lead, I provide those people in RealtyPilot the first opportunity.

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As a REO agent there are multiple tasks to manage. Through the evolution of methods and systems the written daily "To Do" list is a classic never fail task manager that works. Gather your tasks and intergrate them into a written "To Do" list to be monitored and completed every day.

How it works:

1. Invest in paper and ink. You can use a note pad and pencil or a printout from synced up calendar database.

2. Make a list of current tasks and view the prior day's incomplete task.

3. Assign a catagory of importance and a timeframe to complete.

4. Schedule out your day referring to your calendar and tasks.

Through out your day you can monitor, complete a task by checking it off your To Do list and keep yourself accountable for every minute.

A well organized REO agent that masters their daily tasks by using a To Do list will be prepared for growth and opportunity. A basic concept some what lost in modern technology..you can recycle your paper list or store it for future reference.

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In an effort to disclose, let me first tell you that I am not a Bankruptcy Attorney….or any other type of Attorney for that matter. This blog is not to be interpreted as legal advice because, it’s not. For legal advice you need to speak to a law professional. This blog is just my opinion and should be consider as nothing more. In my opinion, the concept that Bankruptcy guarantees homeowners a stop to foreclosure is a myth! Let me explain why I have this opinion. First off a creditor, your bank, can petition the court to remove the stay you received as protection from creditors when you filed for bankruptcy protection. In many cases, the moment the bank learns you filed for protection, they run to the court and ask for the stay to be lifted. So, why would a court ever agree to this course of action suggested by the bank? A simply reply, is because the bank has the right to ask and have their request considered fairly among the evidence provided to the court. It also depends greatly on what type of bankruptcy protection you are under, if it’s Chapter 7…..most likely the bank’s request to lift the stay will be granted and that’s because Chapter 7 bankruptcy isn’t designed to protect you from foreclosure, sad but true. If you want a much better chance at protecting the home from foreclosure, you may want to consider Chapter 13 which puts you on a repayment plan and allows you to pay off your debts over time and therefore, gives homeowners a better chance of protecting the home however, either way….nothing is guaranteed. Now, just because the bank request the stay to be lifted, it doesn’t necessarily always mean it will be. The truth of the matter is, your Attorney will have arguments to the court, on your behalf, to keep the protection in place but, even then, nothing is guaranteed. My point is, just because the bank request the stay to be lifted and just because your Attorney is going to argue against it, nothing and, I do mean nothing ever guarantees you will be able to stop foreclosure. It simply boils down to a variety of conditions such as, hardship, skill of the Attorney and the willingness of the court. Unfortunately, many times the homeowners’ walk away wishing they never started the process from the beginning. Ultimately all bankruptcy protection does is buy you some time. You will ultimately still find yourself across the table negotiating with you lender trying to save your home. Only this time, you are also having to pay Attorney fees. A Short Sale may be a better option.
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Don't come up flat!

The Default Servicing Industry certainly has a lot places that are now giving information out, for a price, on how to build your REO Business. The focus of this post is not on REO alone, but how to build a successful real estate business.Many Realtors jump on the latest bandwagon and try to "get something for nothing". The real estate business is an exciting business where a person can make a lot of money for little start up cost. The expense is time and effort.Too many people think that REO is going to be the panacea for their business, however, this is an incorrect assumption.It is important to not place all of your eggs in one basket! What happens to your business if you focus solely on REO and we eventually get through this mess and there are not many (or No) REO's? You put yourself out of business!Be in front of the curve, not behind it! This business can be likened to riding a bicycle.Riding a bicycle with a broken spoke can weaken the wheel and lead to host of problems that ultimately will leave you stranded. Pay attention to your spokes, keep them strong, add others, but not at the expense of the ones that are working for you! Pay attention to the bumps in the road, if you hit one, get up, brush yourself off and start again.Focus on balancing your business....referrals from other agents, relocation, a company eteam, etc. Let that be one spoke of your business. REO should be one spoke. Short Sales should be one spoke. For Sale By Owners, Expired listings, sphere of influence, buyers, etc., etc,etc. All of these areas of the real estate business should be focused on.
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I just received this in my email...Dear Vendor,As many are aware and have brought to our attention, it has become difficult in several areas to accept orders that have been sent out to numerous agents at once. We have received input from several agents regarding the use of auto-accepting/refreshing software to automatically accept orders and have addressed it accordingly.In an effort to eliminate any unfair advantage produced by utilizing these so called auto-accepting programs we are introducing a new process to accept orders. The acceptance process will be relatively the same as before however the system will now prompt you to enter a validation code prior to accepting an order. This is known as a CAPTCHA.A CAPTCHA is a program that protects websites against automated bots by generating and grading tests that humans can pass but current computer programs cannot. For example, humans can read distorted text as the one shown below, but current computer programs can't:This process will only be performed once per order just prior to accepting. If selecting multiple orders from the Ordered worklist to accept at a single time, the CAPTCHA is only required once for the batch (not for each individual order).In the event that you’re unable to read the words provided in the CAPTCHA you can click the link below the word box (Get another CAPTCHA) to get a different verification phrase.This process is planned to go into effect on Sunday, 1/31/2010.I commend M2M for doing this and hopefully agents will get their fair chance at their BPO. I for one have been a losing agent to acceptance in with this company. I even have my email forwarded as text to my mobile phone and SMS messages but still was too late in accepting any assignments.This time, It's a fair free-for-all game. I'm all for it.
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Do you pay to get listings?

For many Agents, paying to get listings seems the only way to get their foot in the door. I understand why they do it and, admit…..I was one of those agents to. As you read this blog, understand that I am jaded, burned and completely angry about this business model, as described above and, for those of you doing this to agents…..well….just wait and see. (Insert evil, diabolical, angry, bone chilling laugh here) I really can’t remember who said this to me or where I read it but, it has completely stuck and I am more than happy to pass this wisdom on to my fellow REOPro members. “If the company charging you upfront fees for listings isn’t confident in their leads enough to take a payment out of closing, how can you as the agent ever be confident the leads will ever close?”……unknown. In that one statement, you can find a lot of wisdom. Well, I can tell you that many of these firms, “see a leaf fall and believe they now which way the wind blows but, I tell you that a hurricane is coming that will sweep away their pride.” Elizabeth, The Golden Age The death of these firms is that they are all doing the same thing. Everyone is charging Realtors, everyone believe us to be the cash cow, everyone wants an up front fee and the moment someone enters this industry with a new, innovative, completely crazy idea, many of these companies will wash away with the tide. The really sad part, a lot of Agents will be out hard earned cash and will bear direct witness to the folly of this business model. Sorry for all the cryptic writing and vivid imagery but, a Hurricane is coming, I can see it on the horizon, can you?
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I am proud to announce that REOPro’s Google page rank is now up to 2. If you don’t know why that is important, let me explain. A Google page rank is a number that represent just how important your page is on the web. The more important you are, the more likely you will appear at the top of searches using keywords that describe your page. In other words, if someone does a Google search for “REOPro”, the more likely our page will appear at the top of the results that come up with a higher page rank. In fact, right now, we are number 8 out of 84,200 results with a current page rank of 2…that’s great! Now this is true with all our keywords, granted, none of them are as high as REOPro but, the higher our page rank, the more likely all those other keywords will start bubbling to the top. Keep in mind, those of you who blog regularly……the more appearances on the main page, the more likely keywords in your blogs will be ranked as well. For example, if you search “Jesse Gonzalez” you will get 2,800,000.00 results of which, I am in the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th slots, putting me in 4 of the top 10. If we change the keyword just a bit and type “Jesse Gonzalez REO” then I appear in the top 9 spots out of 163,000 results, not bad. The best part is, almost all of those 9 spots are my blogs. Do you get the idea? So, what can you do to help you improve your page rank as well as help out REOPro’s page rank? Linking is one of the most important things you can do to raise your page rank. Google calculates that if your page is important enough to have someone link to it, then that means something. So, if you haven’t put our REOPro badge on your main page of your website, you need to do so. Links and back links to industry related sites are the key to obtaining a high Page Rank. Thanks again all and good luck. I look forward to seeing those link request coming in.
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MARCH MARKETING MADNESS - Investor Marketing Tips A-E

Starting March 1, investors can once again own and finance up to 10 individual properties and get Fannie Mae backed loans. The limit had been previously reduced to 4. This meant that an investor with 5 properties, great credit, and documented income could not finance an investment property without bringing in a partner or resorting to creative financing methods.

Undoubtedly, we will see increased activity from investors who had been halted by the limit.

In lieu of March Marketing Madness (a stimulus plan aimed at connecting agentswith these emerging investors), to help agents grow their business with realestate investors - every day I will post a new tip that can help you with yourinvestor clients and prospects.

Click here for tips A-Z


ADD VALUE to the service you provide.

To retain clients, gain referrals, and increase recurring business - you need to do something special to set yourself apart from your competition. There are many different ways to ADD VALUE to the service you provide for your clients, and providing resources is one of them.

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Owning rental property is tough, and real estate investors have a lot of pain points - like finding a handyman and other good resources. One easy way to ADD VALUE to your services is by helping solve these pain points. You can stand out from other real estate professionals by learning about your clients' wants, identifying their obstacles and pain points - and then pointing them in the direction of resources that can help. ADD VALUE to your services by educating yourself, becoming more knowledgeable for your clients, and by exhibiting a "how can I help" mentality that will keep clients coming back to you.


BE KNOWN in the areas you want to serve.

Make it your priority to BE KNOWN in your area - you won't get very far if no one knows about your business. Get to BE KNOWN amongst all the local business owners and group leaders. Contribute to local organizations and participate in venues where you can volunteer your services. The more people who know about you and the service you provide - and the better off you'll be.

Real estate investors know what they want and don't have trouble looking for it. Very often, they will rely on their network and referrals. When a client is looking for a service in your area, you want to be at the top of the list of known individuals who can provide it. Think of this as SEO (search engine optimization) - but in real life, not on Google. When an investor wants to purchase in your area, they will search through their network first, and use the recommendation that comes their way. You want to BE KNOWN within this network that they are using to search for results.


CREATE TAB to attract Investors

Many real estate agent sites are limited because of their "for buyers" and "for sellers" appearance. CREATE an INVESTOR TAB with resources that aren't focused on an immediate real estate transaction, it will help you connect with clients on a long term.

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On your "investor tab," you should provide resources that will help you connect with investor clients. Advertise services that investors might call you for. Even if you can't help with some of these services directly, you create an opportunity to connect with this client as you point them in the direction of the resource that they need.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS to last a lifetime.

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Your relationship with clients and prospects should go far beyond real estate. When you DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS with your clients to let them know they are more important to you than just a real estate transaction, the business opportunities will last a lifetime.

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On average, real estate investors purchase properties every 2.2 years, and 75% of their purchases are single family homes, condos and town homes. A real estate investor's concerns go far beyond the buying and selling process - and investors have a lot pain points surrounding owning and managing their real estate investments. An easy way to DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS with these clients is by providing them with good resources that can solve these pain points. Develop a long term relationship that benefits your clients, and you will secure substantial recurring business for years to come.

EDUCATE CLIENTS to make good decisions.

EDUCATE CLIENTS, so that they can make good, informed decisions. Turn yourself into an asset by providing valuable information that helps your clients make their decisions. This is a fundamental strategy you must use to keep them coming back to you.

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Clients need your help to make their decisions - they don't want you making decisions for them! A good decision is the result of having the right information and making the correct choice. Investors are long term repeat clients who know what they are looking for, and they need you to provide the right information so they can make the right choice. If you don't provide investors with information that can make them feel confident about the choices you have available, they don't have a reason to be confident in yourservices. So its important to EDUCATE CLIENTS, because providing them with good information lets them know that you are there to help them make the decisions that are right for them.


Click here for tips A-Z

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Best way to do CFK

Working with over 20 properties a month, doing cash for keys is sometimes a challenge getting a hold of the occupant. We've found the following process has helped us in managing our CFK offers.Upon getting a property, we first check MLS to see if there is an occupant's number is disclosed. We try calling the number on there immediately. If we reach a person, we give them our information and let them know there is a possibility for some help in moving costs. Usually they need to get back to us upon talking to a spouse, looking for an alternate location or talk to an attorney. We obtain any alternate phone numbers or occupants information at that time.If there is no number on the MLS, we next call PGE to find out if the utilities are on. PGE will give out the information without question. If it is on, it may mean the occupants are there but not positively. If it is off, it is more than likely they are gone but not 100%. We have had occupants stealing electricity from the neighboring home- AND growing marijuana in the house too!After checking the PGE, we will go to the property the same day usually within the couple hours of getting the listing and knock on the door. We look for signs of occupancy by knocking on the door first and if no answer check the mailboxes overflow, see if there are newspapers piled up, peek through the windows in the front, and look at the gas meter to see if there is any activity. Neighbors are always the best and nosiest so it's always a good way to ask them if they've seen anyone in or out of the house. If you feel it is safe, we go to the backyard, because many times the occupant does not pull the shades of their sliding glass door.If it's vacant great! If it's occupied, we have form letters that we leave at the door with our contact information. We also give our info to the neighbors to contact us if they notice the occupant is there and we can go at that time or the same time the next evening. We tend to try checking the property at diffent times of the day and week so that we may bump into them.The importance of doing CFKs? Many asset managers have a rating system for the number of CFKs completed so it's to your benefit to follow up with checking on occupancy and helps you get the property on the market more quickly!
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As I often do, I was reading over some of my favorite blogs today and a very interesting question came up. I was a bit shocked by some of the responses and I would like to know how our members would see the situation. I am not going to provide this agents name, state or contact information. Just think of this as a hypothetical situation so, here it goes…….. “I just got a contract on a REO I have listed, I learned through the city utility department that the house was fined $400.00 for lack of lawn cutting should I tell the Asset Manager or should I negotiate with the buyer and have them pay it?” Anonymous So, what are your thoughts, would you tell the Asset Manager?
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AB 2678 (Núñez) was passed by the Assembly on a 44-33 vote on Wednesday. The bill needed 41 votes to pass. AB 2678 would require, among other things, that ALL homes and commercial property in California have an energy audit at point-of-sale, and that mandatory energy efficiency investments be made. While C.A.R. appreciates the goal of energy conservation, C.A.R. strongly opposes the point-of-sale requirements in AB 2678 because they are not necessary to achieve the bill’s objectives and such mandates will weaken the housing market. If enacted, AB 2678 could add thousands of dollars to the cost of purchasing a home, including up to $400 just to have the home audited. AB 2678 will next be considered by the state Senate. Stay tuned for a Red Alert on the bill.Here’s how Assembly members voted:Yes Votes: Bass, Beall, Berg, Brownley, Caballero, Calderon, Carter, Coto, Davis, De La Torre, De Leon, DeSaulnier, Dymally, Eng, Evans, Feuer, Fuentes, Furutani, Hancock, Hayashi, Hernandez, Jones, Karnette, Krekorian, Laird, Leno, Levine, Lieber, Lieu, Ma, Mendoza, Mullin, Nava, Núñez, Parra, Portantino, Price, Ruskin, Salas, Saldaña, Solorio, Swanson, Torrico, and Wolk.No Votes: Adams, Aghazarian, Anderson, Arambula, Benoit, Berryhill, Blakeslee, Cook, DeVore, Duvall, Emmerson, Fuller, Gaines, Galgiani, Garcia, Garrick, Horton, Huff, Jeffries, Keene, La Malfa, Maze, Nakanishi, Niello, Plescia, Runner, Silva, Smyth, Spitzer, Strickland, Tran, Villines and Walters.Not Voting: Houston, Huffman and Soto.
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