Florence Oregon Real Estate

BOA Have a Heart!!!

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:54:06 -0700

Unbelievable how many mistakes are made by people who don't care and can't be singled out from a faceless corporation. I am have simlar problems with an insurance company not wanting to pay what is stated in the policy.

Via Gail Robinson, REALTOR, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT (William Raveis Real Estate, Southport, CT):

BOA SENT ME A DECLINE LETTER TODAY AS MY HUSBAND WAS BEING ADMITTED INTO HOSPICE

I made all the trial loan modification payments on time over the phone via my BOA Customer Relationship Manager, yet today I received a FedEx letter stating that my permanent loan modification was DECLINED. At the same time as the letter arrived, the hospice nurse came to sign my husband up for in-home hospice care. Can you believe this????

The letter from BOA states "Thank you for contacting us regarding the Home Affordable Modification Program. While we realize this decision comes at a difficult time in your life, we regret to inform you that we are no longer considering your request for a modification because after being offered a Trial Period Plan, you did not make the required Trial Period Plan payment by the end of the first month of the trial period."

I made the first trial payment on 3/4/13, the second one on 4/2/13, and the third one on 5/2/13. The original letter from my BOA Customer Relationship Manager outlining the terms for the trial period dated 2/25/13 stated, "To participate in the Trial Period Plan, make your first month's trial period mortgage payment as soon as possible, but in no event later than 30 calendar day after 4/1/2013."

Since I made the first payment on 3/4/13 and it was not due until 4/1/13, it seems to me that I am in compliance.

This was so upsetting that I could not focus properly on getting my husband admitted into hospice. My husband is very upset. He has Stage IV, Pancreatic Cancer and was diagnosed 4 years and 4 months ago. He's now in the end stages of the illness.

Can you see where I made an error? Perhaps I'm not thinking straight due to the stress of putting my husband in hospice today. It's an emotional day.

Why wouldn't my BOA Customer Relationship Manager call me to tell me ahead of time that this letter was going out? Why won't she return my calls. I have had to ask for an Appeal, but this is the last thing I need to focus on right now. My attention should be 100% on my husband in his final days.

BOA have a heart!!!!

Links to previous posts where the AR community rallied around us to convince BOA not to foreclose on our home:

Today I Was Told by BOA My Home is Going into Foreclosure

Thank You to My AR Friends and Friends of Friends

BOA Sent Me the Trial Loan Modification Papers Today

7 PM UPDATE: My BOA Customer Relationship Manager called and left a voice message stating that the letter was incorrect. My trial plan has been completed. They are reviewing the situation to see which department sent this out and why. She told me to "have a wonderful day." Yikes! I hope that they put in writing that the letter was sent in error. Thank you all for reblogging, Tweeting, Google Plussing, and FaceBooking this post. BOA needs to know that my AR friends are watching out for me and won't let up until the permanent loan modification is in place. Thank you so much! I love my AR family!

Rob Shepherd - ABR, GRI, REALTORS® for Florence Oregon Real Estate
Expert in helping those buy or sell Florence Oregon property and retire in Oregon. Call me anytime or visit my website for local listings and information on Florence Oregon.
Email: mr.listit@gmail.com 541-991-0607

Client/Customer--- NON Service??

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:36:12 -0700

Is it something in the spring air or what? It would be too long of rant to go into full details of everything that happened.

I had a pickup that went in for mechanical repairs and was scheduled for a time when I would be gone but cell phone reachable for 2 days. When I came to pick it up it wasn't test driven or totally fixed. This is a shop that has done me "right" for over 10 years. I left it again and all is well. While picking it up I inquired about work on another car and all they would say is "we can do it cheaper than the dealer". I was wanting a price.

Fast forward to another blooper. I was informed I had a broken window on a rental, the elderly snow birds will be back soon. I call the glass shop I have an account with and ask for them to measure and call with a price. You guessed it 10 days and 3 calls later I fired them. Their competitor was there in 2 hours and we have a window coming. These are company's that I am on a first name basis and have spent thousands of dollars and never complained about anything. What Gives??

Was it all Internet--or--did poor economy hasten the demise?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Sun, 05 May 2013 06:57:28 -0700

I have noticed that the 2 Oregon Sunday papers have dwindled to less than half what they were. I use to look forward to morning coffee and a Sunday paper as a way to start the day.

We all know the internet played a major role. I even quit the daily paper after realizing I was reading stuff I learned the day before on internet news.

I am still wondering did the poor economy speed up the demise of the news paper? Your thoughts?

Doing This One Simple Thing Can Avoid Closing Delays And Extra Fees

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:22:27 -0700

My Friend Cindy has come up with a "why didn't I think of it blog". I have heard of buyers being charged a $150 reinspect fee because sellers did not do their job in getting ready for the sale. This word needs to get out there.

Via Cindy Westfall ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate Agent! (Premiere Property Group, Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon):

Doing This One Simple Thing Can Avoid Closing Delays And Extra Fees

When selling your home in the Portland Metro area, you can really help avoid any closing delays and extra fees imposed on your buyer by simply making sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed properly and working when you put your home on the market.

No Brainer right? Well, a few months back, I was covering for another agent and opened up a home for the appraiser. The appraiser noted that the batteries were dead in one of the smoke detectors and would thus have to come back and do another re-inspect to make sure it was working. I said I would make a quick run up to the store and get a new battery in there, but she had to go on to another appointment so nixed it.

Currenly, I'm representing the buyers for the purchase of a bank owned property. There were no Carbon Monoxide detectors in the home that are required and the smoke detectors were beeping during the home inspection. I called the listing agent and requested that this be addressed BEFORE the appraiser went out to avoid a re-inspect. Unfortunately, they weren't installed before the appraiser went out so guess what...yep, a re-inspect is needed. Ugh.

Hopefully the closing won't be delayed because of the extra time needed for this. My clients also would have been charged for this which would NOT have made them happy. Yes, I know that technically they need to be installed before conveying title...or closing, BUT unless you have a cash buyer, an appraiser will need them in there.

Sellers , please make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide dectecters are installed and working properly BEFORE your home goes on the market. Doing this one simple thing can avoid closing delays and extra fees.

Oregon Carbon Monoxide Law and Information

Oregon Rules and Regulations On Smoke Detectors

Search All Listings In the Portland Metro Area Here

Cindy Westfall ABR,GRI

Premiere Property Group

5000 Meadows Rd., Ste. 150, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Cell: 503-819-5241

E-Mail: cwestfallportlandrealestate@gmail.com

Disclaimer: All views on my blog are my own and may not reflect that of Premiere Property Group. All pictures and content are my own unless otherwise noted. Please No Copying without my permission.

Cynthia Westfall is licensed in Oregon State

Oregon Realtor Day at the Capitol

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:24:11 -0700

Today is Realtor Day at the capitol. Every 2 years when they are in session we go to visit the State Legislatures to encourage certain bills for the consumers good. We also discourage ones that would be bad for business and bad for our clients.

When they look out the window and see 500+ Realtors from around the state coming in, it makes an impression. They do know we are coming and we are fed lunch then broke into smaller groups for a meeting with the ones in our districts.

The last couple of times I when the end result was what we wanted. If you are an Oregon Realtor I beg you to clear your schedule today and be there. It is more important for your future than whatever you had scheduled today.

Oh they already have my number

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 07:04:17 -0700

I am looking at another direction of Jennifer Fivelsdal's featured blog. She was talking about why agents don't return calls. The reasons were because of garbled voice messages,or speaking too fast. It possible when using a cell phone to get part of it "beeped" out.

How about when the caller calls the front desk and won't give them anything. They usually say "oh they have my number". If I am out of the area I may not have it,especially if we haven't worked together for awhile. Your thoughts on this one?

Pager repairman have gone the way of the Buggy Whip

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 06:43:45 -0700

I was reminiscing how much has changed since I got out of high school in the early 70's.

Beepers were the hot thing. When they went off you took your roll of quarters to a pay phone and called the office to find out what they wanted. Anyone remeber what a pay phone is or where to find one? Then came pagers with about the same idea. Hate to be a beeper/pager repairman looking for work now.

Then came the white "brick" cell phone. It was huge, took 3 different batteries a day and cost 45 cents a minute for air time. Now we have "smart phones" that make us dumber by the day. They can do everything except brush your teeth for you ( There will be an "app" for that soon) I am sure.

Whats next?

Giving some to some

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:26:59 -0700

I really wanted to title this "A little to a lot", A"lot to a little" or some to some. Say what? I use to volunteer to the local food bank.

A local super market has eggs on a give away sale (probably for Easter). I bought 6 dozen and took them to the local food bank as any dairy products are considered a luxury to receive. I started to think to myself I wonder how they dole these out? Would it be a lot to a few people or a few to alot of people or some to some? What do you think?

Are Smart Phones making us Dumber?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:42:33 -0800

There was an article I read recently that talked about multi tasking and the smart phone makes us have short term memory and attention spans

I want to take this further. I can read a map and I can read a phone book. With the GPS turned on "Big Brother" knows where you are, that's why it can tell you about 3 Mexican restaurants within 3 blocks of you. That's why it can tell you where to go. I,m sure I could rant all day about how dumb the Smart phone can make us.

Maybe its just me, but I feel insulted by the phones "trick features" and how "Dumb" it will make us. People can't even cross the street without giving it All their attention. I have had several walk right out in front of me without looking. They are so wrapped up in the phone. Your Thoughts?"

Changing Client Perceptions--Can it be done?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:32:16 -0800

I have been wondering what it will take to change client perceptions? I recently had a phone conversation with a client headed this way. He said he will look me up when he gets here.We expect our Banker or Insurance agent to be at Their desk 40 hours a week. Once the real estate books went the way of the DoDo Bird and we have internet. We don't need to be at our desk all the time. The homes to list and show are not at our desk.

I gave him my cell# and asked him to call ahead. He said he would look me up if he needed me. I,m turning blue holding my breath. Your thoughts? Can we change their perceptions?

Are you a Great Agent---- or just an Order Taker?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 07:00:24 -0800

I have came across a few listings by one agent in particular that quite often have the power and water OFF.

On the Oregon coast you need them on ALL the time to keep Mold from taking over. The heat can be on minimal to still be successful! I have had homes so cold, all the "buyer" wanted to do is head back to the warm car. In many cases it would have been the "right" house. I just couldn't get them to stay long enough. The water needs to be on for inspections.

I have asked the Listing Agent why? "The Sellers wanted to save money". "They just would listen to me". I'm am wondering if a meaningful discussion happened to educate the "sellers" about the importance or did we just weenie out?

Are you just an Order Taker?

Important information enclosed--- WTF

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:37:34 -0800

The envelope from the snail mail said "Important information enclosed". Important to who? It did not have a "regular stamp" or the full postage as we know it. It had a return address on the flap with "no name" just numbers.

It was from a "TV Cable Company" that sends me one every week for the last 5 years. I don't watch TV except for "60 Minutes" on Sunday night.

We all get these types of letters. Usually from credit card companies with " import information about your account". Again junk mail.

Inportant information enclosed--Inportant information about your account. Says who? Your thoughts?

Today I Was Told by BOA My Home is Going into Foreclosure

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:58:31 -0800

We know BOA has taken many homes from folks without a second thought. What ever happened to the Loan Modification Idea? Gail has had more than enough on her plate, of bad things.

Via Gail Robinson, REALTOR, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT (William Raveis Real Estate, Southport, CT):

After three years of filling out loan modification paperwork and sending it in, I was informed via a phone call today from Bank of America that my loan modification was declined on 2/1/13 as I didn't submit all the documents. Bank of America continues to state this as a reason for declining my loan modifications, but I give them everything they ask for and then have my HUD counselor review it for completeness. Anyone who knows me knows how organized and detail-oriented I am. I have a Ph.D. from Columbia University and that required an incredible attention to detail. I know I submitted all the documents required as I carefully reviewed every request and my HUD counselor, Michael Haynes, of the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven reviewed them.

This seems to me to be a bogus excuse. I think they just don't want to do a loan modification. Although why BOA would want one more foreclosure in Bridgeport, Connecticut is beyond me. They aren't going to sell the home for more money than I would pay for it. I bought this home at the peak of the market in 2005 and paid $400,000. It is now worth no more than $250,000. I'm earning a good income now, my income tanked when my husband became ill with pancreatic cancer three years ago and our expenses have been high due to the cost of medications, travel, and treatment. We also lost his income when he became ill. We were both in real estate and the market downturn left us with less money at a time when we needed more.

As you know, my husband has Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer and he is getting hospice care in our home. I haven't told him yet that our home is going into foreclosure. BOA says to consider a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure or a short sale and just leave, but my husband wants to spend his final days in his own home. Is that too much to ask of a big heartless organization? Probably. But don't you wonder where all that Mortgage Settlement money went to? Weren't the lenders supposed to be doing more loan modifications instead of allowing homes to go into foreclosure? What the heck are they doing with that money anyways???

It makes no sense at all to me, but my hope is that if you would reblog this post that BOA will notice it on social media, reconsider their decision to foreclose, so that I don't have to tell my husband that our home is going into foreclosure. He's been going through a tough time over the past few weeks and my fear is this will cause him enough stress to push him over the edge emotionally and physically.

I trust in the power of AR to get the word out and in your love and kindness to support me at this time as I try to be strong for my husband. Thank you.

Postal service cutting Saturdays---- They wearn't listening to me

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:20:41 -0800

A few months back I had the solution for the Post Office shortfalls. Sell 1/2 the trucks and let 1/2 the staff go.

A driver would do a route Monday,Wednesday,Friday. A different route Tuesday and Thursdays. Realtors would do Saturdays as we know the streets and addresses and being part time , No benefits.

I now have a new revised idea! The Drive does Monday and Wednesday one route and another route Tuesday and Thursday. Realtors do Friday and Saturdays and no one gets benefits package. This idea won't win me any friends. Your thoughts?

Are Credit Cards headed the way of the Dodo Bird??

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:06:49 -0800

I have been asking myself this question the past few days. Twice in the last week or so I went to big name grocery stores and loaded my cart big time, spending over an hour in the store first. When checkout time came and it was totaled up, I slid my card thru the machine. It asked for a pin and when I questioned it, I found out Debit only, NO credit cards.

Fortantly I had a check book or THEY would have had a lot of restocking and a loss of a large family that would ever shop there again. There was no sign posted at the entrance to tell us different.

WE recently decided to go checkless and put "all" on a card to track monthly expenses. I was starting to feel" behind the times", writing checks in public. Your Thoughts?

We are them

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:10:58 -0800

That was a statement made yesterday at a Sratigic Planning meeting for the Oregon Association of Realtors.

We were going over the strengths and weaknesses of the association to see how to better it in the years to come. As the thoughts were listed in each column by some of the brightest in the business, we were seeing what needed to be done.

One person said " you always pick the same people to come and I am one of them". I also am one of them. I also am one of the few that is on 1-3 different position's on our local board. It has been that way for years. The same people over and over.

Its usually for lack of NEW VOLLUNTEERS. Next year I will be President of our board for the second time, last time was 7 years ago.

This meeting gave me and idea! While I am President I will hand off being State Director/Local affairs, Local watershed rep. for the Realtors and the Profession Development committee at the state level I am on.

Then after being President for the 2nd time I am stepping off all together. I am tired and its time for new blood!

How will future generations sign anything??

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:06:27 -0800

Yesterday a cashier let me know she was going to be watching to see if my signature matched the back pf my credit card.

I suddenly remembered that they don't teach cursive writing in schools here any more. How will kids growing up be able to sign anything.I know the world is moving to online banking and everything else. It still leave how to sign for car loans,escrow signings ect...??

Do kids even know what REAL TOYS are?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 08:36:33 -0800

I will let you know up front I am 57 because my thoughts will date me anyway.

Yesterday I was watching a commercial for a windows phone. As she was spouting of how it would "RUN" her day she mentioned various things it would "DECIDE for her to do. It finished off mentioning she had set up a "kids corner" so they could play games on it and not delete hers stuff. Play games on it?

Do kids even know what Tinker Toye, Lincoln Logs, Silly Putty ard Wooley Willies are? Your Thoughts?

Do you have a Territorial Bias?--- Isn't a local Agent a better Idea?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 06:18:04 -0800

I imagine the same could be felt every where as it is here. We are a small, 4 stop light town, on the Oregon coast with 55 Realtors. Fortunately about half work or I would starve.

Every so often I come across a sign and a listing, from an out of the area broker. While we are licensed to sell anywhere in the state, you wonder, why did they not list local? Sometimes the listing agent is a relative. When they are not, What is the reason?

The out of area Realtors seldom come to our RMLS meeting to present the listing or hold a Broker Open House. How can they possibly give the service a local agent can provide? The listings seldom sell as they just don't give the service and we arnen't informed on them. Would I sell one? Yes if I know about it! Your Thoughts?

Is Blogging here like a Parade?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 06:07:42 -0800

The thought occured to me this morning that I wake up each morning and bring my coffee to the Active Rain Parade.

I count on Roger Mucci, Shelia Anderson and Peter den Boer to already be here or show up while I am still here.There are others that I subscribe to that may show up the night before (niight owls, like Cindy Westfall) or later in the day Sharon Tara, Don Sabinske, Shar Sitter and Jill Sakler that I will get to.

I was thinking how I blog 2-3 times a week when a thought comes my way and yet I expect these 3 to be there every morning at coffee time for my entertainment. Who do you watch, or are you in the parade by 5:30 a.m. west coast time?

Are you fired up!

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:51:29 -0800

Today is the first work day of the year for most. Its the new start, the clean slate!

Many have new business plans and personal plans, such as hitting the exercise routine. I am one of those fired up and ready. I have some new things to try for business. I also need to hit the gym that got forgotten when the Thanksgiving feast happened. Hard to believe its been that long for a guy that was going 3-5 times a week.

Are you fired up/ What are you going to do different?

Ultimate Pisstivity-- I was hacked

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 09:33:44 -0800

I am experienceing "Ultimate Pisstivity" this morning. I woke up to emails from one I do a lot of business with and 2 agents I about never talk to, asking "what the hey"?

Fortantly one of my college daughters is home for the holidays and has been thru this as well as many she knows. We should have this fixed soon!

The email subject line is LISTINGS if you open it, it goes on about listingst that will give a 75% return. We know thats CRAP. It goes on wanting you to CLICK HERE to see them.

I don't know if anyone has seen this? I would never have fell for this one, so I don't have a clue as to "How it was my turn" to experience "Ultimate Pisstivity".

Mission Not Accomplished--- The Retailers lost.

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:52:38 -0800

Mission Not Accomplished. Yesterday we went to the Eugene/ Springfield Oregon area ( about an hour+) from where we live.We don't have the retailers that I am talking about here.

We were on a mission to spend some "big bucks" for business deductions and year end depreciation. We also had some personal wants.

We started with Staples (a favorite of ours) that I always go overboard from whats on the list. After 20 minutes and told 3 times someone would be right with us, we left. We will get the items somewhere else. I forgot to mention every where we went had NO cars in the lot and evidently NO HELP that wanted to work. Next was Sears. I couldn't find every thing I wanted and took what I got to a cashier, "Sorry I don't ring up things from other departments". Well J.C. Penny's does and everything has a bar code. I go to the pay station and no one to be seen. This time they are saved by my cell that rings and show up as I finish the call.

On to Home Depot another (candy store) for us. We find an Electric Fireplace we want. The beat up display model is the last one. We come to terms for a reuded amount and agree to take it. They get it down and put a plastic bag on it. The box was history. They get it to the cashier and all the loading help disappears. UNBELIEVABLE> We are trying to spend money at stores that are having a slow day and no o0ne wants it. What say you?

Prune Juice doesn't work---well maybe it does.

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 07:33:56 -0800

There is a stigma about what prune juice can do for you.

Today I want to talk about what it doesn't do. About 9 years ago when I was new to the business and it was hot times, I found out what doesn't work. We had twice the agents then and getting a large number to show up at your broker open was tuff.

There were food bribes, money drawings and lunch drawings. I wanted to stand out so I offered Premiun, ice cold, Prune Juice.I fortantly got a large turn out but only 1 can taken.

The next week I apologized that "prune juice did not work" The crowd roared and I turned red, speechless and sat down. I have not offered it since. Your Thoughts?

Should a smokers house be disclosed in MLS comments?

Rob D. Shepherd Principal Broker ABR, GRI (Coldwell Banker Coast) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 06:30:56 -0800

I was thinking of a woman that used to be a client of mine. When she was looking to buy about 6 years ago, I took her to many homes. A new listing came up that looked fantastic. We made an appointment to see. About 3 paces in she turned and ran outside. Her face turned red, her eyes watered and she was an allergic mess to a heavy smoked in house.

Needless to say that was the end of my day and I was fired. She bought something else from another agent. She recently passed away and we went to preview the home as it is new to the market. This caused me to think back and wonder if there should have been a notification of a smoked in house?