Thomas's Blog

LOAN MODIFICATION COMPANIES DROPPING LIKE FLIES!!

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:51:35 -0600

About 18 months ago I started hearing the term loan modification. Being a Mortgage Agents, who had suffered due to the sub-prime mortgage debacle. I was looking for a way to utilize my experience, and rebuild my income. I sat on several webinars, where the speaker spoke of the abundance of “Riches” in this new and growing industry. One company wanted me to pay $ 3,000.00 to learn how to be a “Loss Mitigation Specialist”. Another wanted $ 1995.00, and yet another wanted $ 995.00 and nearly $ 400.00 per month for my supposed training and marketing website. I steered clear of those companies and decided to start doing my own research.

My research led to another 20 Loan modification companies that did not charge a fee to get involved. I found one that sounded good and decided to start submitting deals to them. I sent 3 deals in to them, however they had absolutely no customer service. Upon submission I started calling my Account Executive to see if they had been approved. I finally got back in touch with her 2 weeks later, only to be told “oh they look fine now have the client make a check out to your company and then send us in our portion”. That took me a bit off guard…as If anything with the loan mod got messed up, my companies name was on the clients check. Not the kind of liability that I was looking for in this new found venture.

So I continued my search and found a company that had many of the right answers for me. Believe it or not, but a GOOD Loan modification company can be worth their weight in gold to a homeowner facing foreclosure. Problem is that 90% of the companies offering these services were Scams, Unethical or just uneducated in the area of Loan Modification. I became a 1099 contractor with them and even built a team of brokers. We had some very good success early on and had some successful modifications done. I even had some brokers submitting as many as 5 or more modifications per month. That is until the owner of the company got greedy and started brokering out the work to a sub-par company. We started getting lots of complaints from clients who had yet to hear from a litigator after submitting their application and Fees.. Again I resumed my search and to my amazement, I found a company that appears to be doing all the right things. They are one of the Few Loan Modification Companies still in Business in California after the Passage of Senate Bill-94.

California Loan Modification companies are dropping like flies, however some companies are still taking on clients for residential loan modification, but the list is getting shorter each day. Between the fraudulent companies, incorrect stories in the media, and the dishonest borrower looking for hand outs. What I mean by that is borrowers who get a satisfactory modification, and then have the gaul to ask for a refund because the Government states that they could have done the same thing for free. One company I have found is building a business model that will both benefit brokers, clients and protect themselves against frivolous lawsuits and complaints. They have succeeded in complying with every piece of legislation in California to remain in good standing with the DRE, Attorney General and even the Federal Trade Commission. My list has now grown to nearly 295 Loan Modification Companies, representing well over 100 hours of research. The fact is that Loan Modifications can still be a great way to created added income for a displaced mortgage broker or realtor. However it can be a nightmare for both you and your clients if you get associated with a bad loan modification company, just out to line their pockets. Because of the bad press, and regulations concerning residential modifications, I have actually moved into doing commercial modifications. I have aligned myself with one of the top Attorney's in this area of Law in California, and his resume' is impressive. Here are some bulletpoints of why I have moved to Commercial Mods

1. Currently there are at least $ 750 billion dollars in commercial loans initiated between 2005 and 2007 with a 5 year due date

2. Nearly $ 73 million worth of commercial real estate loans are in some level of financial distress

3. Credit Markets Remain Frozen

4. Slashing Rents, Incentive offerings, Demanding Concessions.

5. Delinquency rates and defaults on office and retail buildings and hotels have more than doubled in just six months

6.The losses from commercial real estate loans could hit $ 53 billion, or 8.5 percent of their overall losses over the next two years.

7. Empty Storefronts, Office Buildings and Warehouse Space are great lead sources

8. No advance fee restrictions, unlike residential modifications, in fact way fewer restrictions overall

9. Our company modifies loans on a Nationwide Basis

10. Unique program available to show clients how to recoup the cost of the modification services

11. 5 to 10 times the income potential of Residential Modifications

These are just some of the reasons I am going to Concentrate on Commercial Modifications.. And with our program we can show the owners of these office buildings how they can recoup the cost of the modification thru another program exclusive to our Commercial Mod program.

Please email me and I will be happy to send you a copy of my list and the reason I created it. I am actually looking for serious brokers looking to supplement their income doing Commercial Modifications. I still represent an ethical company for residential modifications, but that is no longer my main focus. If you are a client in need of residential modification or broker wanting to refer clients, you can find out more on the website listed below. www.homerescueprogram.net/thargreaves

If you would like my list of 295 loan mod companies that I researched or some information on Commercial Modifications or Both please call or email me and I will be happy to send it to you

For Brokers Commercial Loan modifications is going to be much larger deal than residential, as the demand will be higher over the next 2 years and there are no rules about up front fees. If you would like information on referring commercial loan modifications, email me and I will send you information on the Law Firm we are using.

Thomas Hargreaves

agentshelper@gmail.com

Phone: 541-844-1830

Best Loan Modification Company In America for Affiliates

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:53:01 -0500

Hello Active Rainer's. For the past 14 Months I have been diligently investigating Loan Modification / Loss Mitigation companies. The reason for my investigation has been due to the large number of Foreclosure and Loan Mod scams that I have found. And I was wanting to add loan modification to my services. My list became a list of 30 companies when I found the company I have been with for the past 5 months. My list has now grown to over 295 companies throughout the United States that Offer loan modification services. I am continuing to add to the list as my hope is to keep consumers from using the many scams, unethical and uneducated loan mod companies in the marketplace. Here is what I looked for during my research.

Type of set up - Were they backed by attorney's etc. More did they have attorney's licensed in various states. For instance an attorney licensed in California can not do loss mitigation for a client living in Maryland. It has to be done by an attorney licensed in Maryland

How long have they been doing Loan Modification? Many companies Real Estate Firms, Debt Settlement Firms, Mortgage companies have just jumped on the bandwagon trying to offer these services. An for the most part they have no clue what they are doing.

How willing they were to answer my questions and return my calls ( I left several messages with many of them and got NO return calls. One even set up a conference call with me on my conference call line and then never showed up. Not all of them have an affiliate program.. in fact many do not. I point out the ones with an affiliate program and ones without.

Did they have an affiliate program and what was the cost? Many are just making money charging brokers $ 50.00 to $ 150.00 per month or large fees to become an affiliate. (Not Necessary, as many will hire you and train you for free) Especially the legit ones.

The cost to the consumer to go thru the Loan Mod Process

If they did short sales along with Loan modification (short sales are a lengthy process and do not help the client stay in the house)

if they had contracts for the clients

if they had written agreements for the affiliates

Contact names and numbers

If they had a training program. and some other items

I put this and other information into a spreadsheet and then listed them Good, Procede with Caution, Avoid, and those that are no longer in business, have disconnected phones, or no longer have websites. Now this is only my opinion and anyone I send the list to is more than free to contact any of them they wish and make their own decisions. I spent 7 Months working for one I felt was very good and ethical, However about 5 months ago their service really started suffering. It forced me to continue my search and led me to over 295 Loan Mod companies. I now feel that I have found one of, if not the Best Loan Modification company in America for both Clients and Affiliates, however personally I am moving into the Commercial Mod Arena. I still think that residential modifications have their need, and I think I found a very good company for both broekrs and clients. They are one of the fastest growing Loan Mod companies in the United States, Have a great success rate among clients. They have a company that will do a full forensic loan audit, package all the paperwork, and underwrite the deal with everything needed for a homeowner to do a modification themselves. Or they can refer the client to another company that will do all the mitigation for $ 500.00 paid at the completion of the modification. They are transitioning and changing their business model to accomodate new legislation in the area of residential loan modification. If you would like information on the company that I have found, send me an email and I will be happy to send you information. Here are some of the other features with this company

1. 4 years of doing Loan Modifications

2. One of first companies in California to have advance fee agreement approved by the DRE

3. An affiliation with a proven Debt Settlement Program

4. Credit Restoration Services

5. Auto Loan Modification Program (one of the first in the industry to offer these services)

6. Complete Online Tracking and submission

7. Replicated Websites available

8. The owner of the Company has met with members of Congress in Washington D.C. on 4 seperate occasions to talk about 3rd party loan modification services

No complaints with the DRE, Attorney General, FTC or the Better Business Bureau

I do residential loan modifications with this company, however my focus has centered towards providing Commercial Loan Modifications thru an Attorney with 25 years of transactional commercial real estate sales, aquisition and legal experience here are just some of the reasons I will be focusing on Commercial Mods

1. Currently there are nearly $ 750 billion dolars in commercial loans inititated between 2005 and 2007 with a 5 year due date.

2. Empty storefronts, Office Buildings and Warehouse space (make for great leads)

3. Slashing commercial rents, incentive offerings, demanding concessions

4. The losses from commercial real estate loans could hit $ 53 billion, or 8.5 percent of their overall losses

over the next 2 years.

5. 5 to 10 times the income potential for brokers than residential loan modifications

6. Overall, some $ 270 billion commercial property loans are expected to come due this year along

7. A program Unique to our company that can show the Commercial property owner how to recoup all the cost of doing the modification.

6. NO ADVANCE FEE RESTRICTIONS Like there are with residential loan modifications

This is just a few of the many reasons.

The whole purpose of loan modification is to help reduce debts and help a client recover from an unexpected financial Hardship. All of the services of the company I work with are geared toward that goal. My goal is not necessarily to get you to work with us, but to get you to avoid working with the unethical scams that are in the marketplace. If you want to earn an income from a pretty good loan mod company then I would be happy to hear from you. If you just want a copy of my spreadsheet listing the 295 loan modification companies that I have researched, feel free to email me or contact me at the email and phone number listed below. Or if you would like information on providing Commercial Modifications please email me and I will send you some information.

www.homerescueprogram.net/thargreaves (residential loan website)

Please let me know if your interest is in residential loan mods, commercial loan mods or both

Thomas Hargreaves is a Financial Planner and Insurance Agent, And understands how education fits in to the practice of building wealth and saving taxes. you can contact at: Phone: 541-844-1830 email: agentshelper@gmail.com

FREE credit repair help

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:29:25 -0500

I have found a website that is absolutely incredible at educating you and your clients on your rights under the "Fair Credit Reporting Act". The site offers a multitude of self help articles and template letters that you can send collection agencies, credit bureaus and creditors. There really are ways for people to repair thier own credit as long as they take the time to do some research and follow up.

Here is the website and again it is FREE!!!!

www.creditinfocenter.com And if you adbsolutely need someone to do the credit repair for you, they have a list of reputable credit repair companies they have researched. You really can do alot for your own credit report on your own if you take time to learn how. This website is a wealth of information.

Don't get conned into spending hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars to have someone do for you what you can do on your own. It really is not as hard to understand how as many of the credit repair companies would like you to believe

Thomas Hargreaves is a Financial Planner and Mortgage Broker, And understands how education fits in to the practice of building wealth and saving taxes. at: 541-844-1830 agentshelper@gmail.com www.dreambizpro.com/tristarteamusa

Mortgage Modification Affiliates Spreadsheet - learn what companies to avoid and what ones to use

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:29:35 -0500

I have been researching Mortgage Modification for the past few weeks, as I want to add the services to my business. I beleive extra income can be produced as well as great service to homeowners who have come on hard times due to the economy, job loss, divorce, Real Estate Market and various other reasons. However I want to make sure that any company that I get involved with is both ethical and has the best interest of both myslef and potential clients. I am compiling a spreadsheet of all of the companies that I have been researching, with the following information.

Name of company

contact name

Phone numbers

email contacts

web addresses

If they offer Affiliate programs Yes or No

Affiliate cost to get started

approximate costs to homeowners

addresses

and some notes after speaking with marketing heads and sales people

I will be happy to send my findings to anyone that is interested. My list has grown to over 295 companies. I have color coded the list. Those companies highlighted in Green are ones I beleive are good companies to work with. Those companies highlighted in yellow are ones that I would use caution in using as I have found red flags about them. And those highlighted in Red I have found either complaints on the internet about them, or to many other redflags to feel comfortable using them. Again it is based only on my opinion after speaking with reps of those companies and researching them on the internet. I will also let you know what company that I chose along with a list of reasons why. I am still adding to the list. Those interested can either call me or e.mail me. I am sure there are many very legitimate companies to represent, as there are also many scams out there looking to make a buck on Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Agents, and Homeowners. I only want to make sure that I am affiliated with a company that has integrity and has experience doing loan modifications and short sales. I am also writing a report on my findings of foreclosure scams and legit foreclosure help options. I will use it in a Free Report marketing campaign. I beleive I found the absolute best company to work for as an affiliate. No fee to get started like Freedom Forclosure wants, and much better training. Send me your request and I will be happy to send the spreadsheet to you. Or you can check out the company I am affiliated with. It is at the top of my list for a reason. www.homerescueprogram.net/thargreaves My list of Loan modification companies is the most extensive on the internet. I have spent over 100 hours compiling it and contacting these companies to find the few that are very good and help people avoid the ones that are inexperienced or just down right scams.

Because of the enormous number of fraudulent loan mod companies, changing legislation, and sheer number of loan mod companies closing their doors, I will be focusing more on Commerical Modifications. I have chosen a company to work with and if you would like information on that company I will be happy to send it to you.. there are no advance fee restrictions for commercial modifications, and the income potential to brokers is 5 to 10 times larger than that of residential modifications.

residential loan modifications www.homerescueprogram.net/thargreaves

Thomas Hargreaves agentshelper@gmail.com Phone: 541-844-1830

Fake Paycheck Stubs Blog (Update)

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:57:34 -0500

A month or so ago I wrote a blog about another blog that I saw about a guy selling a software that creates fake paycheck stubs. Apparently this guy is ALL OVER the internet with this software. Now it is not against the law to make fake paychecks or paycheck stubs, for novelty use. But it is against the law to use them to acquire a loan from a lending institution. I have done some investigation concerning this and found out from a lawyer that if you use fake information such as "fake paycheck stubs" to acquire a loan you are guilty of fraud. This type of fraud can be punishable by huge fines and long term jail time. So if you see one of this guy's website offering to sell you software to make fake paycheck stubs, beware.

As I said selling the software is one thing, advertising the use of it to commit a felony is something else. I even heard comments here on Active Rain by mortgage agents and realtors alike, that they would use this technique to get a client a loan. Shameful of you people. Well if that is what you need to do to write business then go ahead. But BEWARE, if caught you can spend time in prison.

Thomas Hargreaves is an Identity Theft Expert and has attained the CITRMS Designation (Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist TM) as issued by the Institute of Fraud Risk Management, and markets the ADRS (Affirmative Defense Response System) program to Business owners concerned with identity theft as it pertains to the workplace. For more info contact Tom at 541-844-1830 or

Visit www.prepaidlegal.com/idt/thargreaves thargreaves@prepaidlegal.com

I need HTML Help

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:43:55 -0500

I embeded my first you tube video into a blog. I first wrote the text explaining a little about the information in the video. Then I inserted the video, but when I posted the video and went back to the blog, all the paragraphs and structure of my story had been pushed together. Now there are NO paragraphs or indents or periods in any of the text. How do I fix this situation. I want all my blogs to be of some good quality, and this one now looks like a 3rd grader wrote it. Please Help

Best Identity Theft Coverage in America - Video included

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:38:52 -0500

Much is being said today about the problems with Identity Theft. Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the world. It is also one of the most misunderstood crimes among the general public. People I have spoken to tell me "I don't need Identity Theft Coverage" because of several of the listed excuses. I Don't have credit I Don't need credit I have bad credit My identity is not worth stealing I get my credit report once a year from annual credit report.com These and many other excuses have been told to me when either talking about Identity Theft in one of my seminars, or when marketing one of the best Identity Theft Protections to a potential client. The problem is that most people associate identity theft with credit cards. Credit Card I.D. theft only amounts to 23% of all idenity thefts. There are 4 other types of identity theft that people need to be aware of. Medical Records I.D. Theft - someone goes into a hostpital and has your I.D. or insurance information and they have a medical procedure done in your name. When the bill comes it comes to you, and you say " I did not have a hernia opertation". Con artists are actually setting up free clinics in the hope of having people come in for free bogus medical treatment in order to get information on you. Once they get the information they sell it to the highest bidder. Drivers License I.D. theft. This is really big among criminals. People are finding companies off shore who are experts at counterfitting ANY Identitfication out there. Drivers Licenses, social security cards etc. a criminal sends in a digital picture and what info they want on the I.D. and the company sends back a duplicate of your drivers license with the criminals picture on it. Now when the criminal is picked up for committing a crime, they are picked up as you, not themselves. They are bailed out and never seen again for trial. Next thing you know you are being pulled over for a burned out taillight and when your license is ran by the officer, he cuffs you and says "did you know you had a warrent out for auto theft"? Social Security I.D. theft. - This one is HUGE among illegal aliens. Someone takes a job and uses a fake social security number. They earn $ 30,000.00 under your social. Next thing you know the I.R.S. is sending you a bill for taxes on $ 30,000.00. This exact same thing happend to an 82 year old retiree in Florida. Aparently several illegal aliens took work using her social security number. One day she was informed that she owed back taxes on almost $ 1,000,000.00. She had been retired and living on social security for almost 15 years. Attached below is a short video on one of if not THE BEST identity theft coverages in the U.S. I say that not only as an Identity Theft Specialist, but as a user of the services. Thomas Hargreaves is an Identity Theft Expert and has attained the CITRMS Designation (Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist TM) as issued by the Institute of Fraud Risk Management, and markets the ADRS (Affirmative Defense Response System) program to Business owners concerned with identity theft as it pertains to the workplace. For more info contact Tom at 541-844-1830 or Visit www.prepaidlegal.com/idt/thargreaves thargreaves@prepaidlegal.com

Need Help - How do you insert you tube videos into a blog?

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:46:10 -0500

I have found several videos found on youtube that I feel are very good information for Active Rain members. I would like to know how you insert a youtube video into a blog on AR. I have seen that these videos are allowed to be shared, but I am not sure how to insert them. I would appreciate any help I could get from Active Rain Members.

FREE WEBSITE Helps you see benefits of business ownership

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:01:21 -0500

Ever wonder what the best way to recuce your income taxes is? For those of you are still considered employees and not business owners, you need to check out this free website to see why you should own a business instead of be an employee. An author named Rober Kiyosaki explains in his book "The Cashflow Quadrant" that there are 4 income quadrants. Employee, Self Employed, Business, and Investor. The key is to work in the Business and Investor catagory, as that is where the most monies are made. The other reason is due to the enormous tax deductions given to business owners.

A website I found will allow you to determine just how much you will save in taxes, by becoming a business owner. Even setting up a business at home via the internet and your computer can save you literally thousands of dollars in taxes. I know for me that since becoming a business owner, I have never paid less in taxes than I do now. I know of serveral legitimate business opportunities the average person can set up at home. For a list send me an e.mail.

here is the website. www.thetaxgame.com

Free Service allows you to send HUGE files via email

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:50:24 -0500

FREE ONLINE SERVICE

I found a great FREE SERVICE. It is called YOU SEND IT. It is an e.mail service that allows you to send very large files. Many times I have large powerpoints or other files I want to send thru my e.mail provider, but the service usually only allows 10 MB. With you send it you cas send files as large as 100 MB. The service is FREE, All you need to do is go to www.yousendit.com and set up a free account

Prepaid Legal Featured in Documentary on CourtTV

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:33:02 -0500

Over the past several months Pre-Paid Legal Services has been featured in several documentary events shown on Court TV, now known as TruTV. Many of you probably know Pre-Paid Legal as a muti-level company, with agents trying to recruit others to sell the memberships. What I want to focus on is the membership itself and not the opportunity. However there is opportunity to make some serious income marketing the memberships to others. The extra Income that I have brought in from Prepaid Legal has allowed me to stay in the Mortgage Business rather than close my doors like so many other agents. Each month since the first airing of "Justice for All Accessing the Promise", Court TV has aired a documentary type presentation of Prepaid Legal and its memberships. Some of the Guests have been a who's who in the legal world.

Mike Moore: (no not Michael Moore the director) Mike Moore the former Mississippi Attorney General who took on the Tobacco Industry and won the largest lawsuit in our Nations history.

Harold C Alford: President and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce

Bill Paul: Former President of the American Bar Association

Andrew Miller: Former Attorney General of the State Of Virginia

Grant Woods: Former Attorney General of the State of Arizona

Thomas Donohue: President and CEO of the United States Chamber of Commerce

John Gardner and Elizabeth Gardner: John and his wife at one time owned the largest Law Firm in the State of South Carolina. John is also revered by many in the Identity Theft business as the foremost authority in the United States when it comes to Identity Theft.

Paul J. Meyer: Paul J. Meyer is a Billionaire businessman. He is famous as a motivational speaker. Mr. Meyer not only endorses the prepaid legal membership, he carries his personal membership card in his wallet and brags heavily about it. Why would a Billionaire use the prepaid legal membership? Because of its value and, because it works.

Fran Tarkenton: Fran Tarkenton was an NFL football player who was voted into the NFL Hall of Fame, He also gained great fame when he hosted the television show "Thats Increditble", as well as being a host on Monday Night Football. Mr. Tarkenton is the owner of gosmallbiz.com a company dedicated to giving everyone access to business consultants and an inexpensive cost. Gosmallbiz.com and prepaid legal have combined services to offer the business Legal Services Plans.

So the next time you hear the name Pre-Paid Legal, and immediately think " oh that is that illegal pyramid scheme" Think about what you are saying. Are you making that statement because of factual information you have learned, or because of something that a friend of a friend told you in passing. After all where would we all be if people still stated that electricity was not possible, or that a person could not create a way to fly, or that flying to the moon was not possible? Many people listen to others opinions, but it is a rarity for people to go beyond those opinions and seek out the true answers themselves. Listed below is a review of what the documentary shows, if you would like to view a copy of this presentation, feel free to email me and I will be happy to send you a copy. Don't take my word for it; take the word of those listed above me.

This documentary about Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. will find an audience with those interested in a revolutionary solution to the growing problem of limited access to justice. The programs are informational and educational in nature and provide a glimpse into our unique company and the services we provide.

Far from a typical documentary which focuses on something interesting but may have little direct impact on the individuals viewing it, this program will address needs that most people have.

Most people who do not have access to legal counsel will simply accept their circumstances and go on. When the credit card company charges unfair fees, when your cell phone service provider is unreasonable, or when an invoice is higher than quoted, what can we do but pay and go on?

In many cases, and for most people, it's not about whether we will absolutely have to have an attorney. It's more about whether having an attorney could make a difference through empowering us to make better decisions, resolve conflicts, and have peace of mind. This program will address this concept and much more.

As I stated if you would like to view a copy of the presentation on Court TV, I would be happy to email it to you at the contact info listed below

Thomas Hargreaves is a Financial Planner and Independent Associate of Prepaid Legal Services. Reach Thomas at: 541-844-1830 thargreaves@prepaidlegal.com www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/thargreaves

What a great start to College Football Season

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:03:52 -0500

Washington 10, (21) Oregon 44

		1	2	3	4	T
	WASH (0-1)	0	10	0	0	10
#21	ORE (1-0)	14	0	7	23	44

OREGON 44 WASHINGTON 10

What a great way to start the season with a Pac-10 win over our biggest Rival. I think that Oregon and Washington hate each other so much, that it makes for a great rivalry. This is going to be a great week for business as I will start my monday with a huge smile on my face. Why is Oregon-Washington such a great rivalry. Well lets go back to the year 1932. Back in 1932 Oregon and California finished in a 2 way tie for 1st place in the conference. As only one Team could represent the conference in the Rose Bowl, the conference had a vote among the schools of the Conference to decide who would represent the Conference in the Rose Bowl. Washington had the deciding vote, and Oregon felt that Washington would vote for thier Northwest Aly. But alas Washington Voted to send California to Pasadena, Ca for the Rose Bowl. Ever since that time when ever the two teams meet in any sport it is sure hatred. Now you know the rest of the story.

Nearing 30,000 Points oh what a ride

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:48:24 -0500

Nearly 30,000 points in two months here on active rain, and I am still being suprised by the wealth of education that I have recieved from Active Rain members. I have written blogs that have earned me praise, and some that have gotten some blood boiling. All in all I think my first two months experience has bee a good one. I can not beleive the absolute wealth of smart and wonderful people who are here on Active Rain. I only wish that I had been introduced to this mode of communications a few years ago. I recieved around 6 calls today from people who have read some of my blogs and wish to know more about some of the subjects that I have written on. I even think I am going to do some business with some of the callers and maybe even form some strategic partnerships.

On another topic of the day. Boy did Senator McCain pull a Rabbit out of his hat today with his Vice Presidential Pick. A Gun Toting, Hunting, Hockey Mom with some integrity and a hatered for coruption and unnescesary spending and wast of resources. The next couple of months should be pretty exciting. I know I hope that I continue to build friendships and partnerships here on Active Rain, and hope I can continue to bring some insightful and usefull information to those members who appreciate it.

what you don't know about IDENTITY THEFT might hurt you

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:15:43 -0500

Did you Know????

Identity Theft is the TOP CONSUMER COMPLAINT Reported to the Federal Trade Commission? And what's worse, it has held that number one position for the last several years. Identity Theft ISN'T JUST RELATED TO CREDIT CARDS? Actually, identity theives also use the identitys they've stolen to secure loans, bank accounts, drivers licenses (to commist crimes on others names if caught), obtain medical records (to have medical procedures done othe others names), gain employement (social security fraud), set up telephone services, and much more. With identity theft occurences continuing to grow do you have a plan to safeguard your Identity? If you found out tomorrow that you had been a victim, would you know who to turn to for help? Do you know how identity theft and the new privacy laws can impact your business if you lose non-public information? (info on loan applications, info on sales contracts etc.) Are you aware that large fines can be levied in the hundreds of thousands of dollars against a business owner, if an identity theft occurs from info that business or business person was asked to safeguard.

The fact is, many of us don't. The FTC aslo reports that victims of identity theft spend countless hours and more than $ 1200.00 in out of pocket expenses, to try to correct problems caused by identity theives. Most Americans are very busy and many households are living paycheck to paycheck. That kind of time and money would have a significant impact on the household.

There is good news for Those members on ACTIVE RAIN. I am a recent new member of ACTIVE RAIN and hold the title CITRMS. It stands for Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist, awarded by the Institute of Fraud Risk Management. I completed five areas of study and testing.

Understanding Identity Theft

Credit Reports, Specialty Reports and Public Records

Consumer Protection law Summaries

Identity Theft Risk Management and Resolution

Identity Theft Risk and Issues for Businesses

I am also a graduate of the two day Affirmative Defense Response System (ADRS) training. It is a program being instituted by businesses all over america to help businesses do many of the items the FTC is asking of them in the area of Identity Theft Protection For Customers, Clients and Employees. I was one of the first on the West Coast to recieve this special certification. It qualifies me to counsel individuals about identity theft. I also have knowledge of consumer laws that have been developed to help consumers if they happen to become victims as well as the information they need to begin restoring their identity if it is compromised. I am also a proud Director and independent associate of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

As an identity theft specialist I would like the opportunity to speak to members of Active Rain or Members of it members companies regarding identity theft. The presentation will be for informational purposes and no sales presentation will be made. If you like what you see and want more information on how to protect yourself or your business, I will then be glad to get back to viewers of the presentation individually. I will be putting it together via webinars. If you would like to be on the guest list when those webinars start, Please email me your contact information and I will be happy to send you an invitation. In this Webinar you will learn about 5 types of identity theft not just about Credit Card I.D. theft. You will learn about the new laws governing the proper safeguarding of non-public information, and many other areas of Identity Theft. If you would like to schedule an individual viewing I will make myself available for that as well.

Visit www.prepaidlegal.com/idt/thargreaves thargreaves@prepaidlegal.com

Easy Do it yourself Credit Repair

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:03:29 -0500

The Problem with Credit Repair Companies

So many people are offering you a small piece of advice for free and then, WHAM! When you click on a link, you can get the "scoop" for a price. Whether it is $1.00 or $50.00, it's too much. All of this information is readily available on the internet should you choose to find and utilize it. I have taken the liberty of doing the research for you so that you do not get taken in by the ones that charge a fee to give you credit repair information. The truth is that you do not need to pay hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars to get your credit repaired. All you need is a little time to study, persistence, and patience. The credit repair companies can not do it any faster than you can on your own, although they would like you to believe they can. So they can warrant charging you that big fat start-up fee and monthly Billing.

The U.S. Government has written laws known as "The Fair Credit Reporting Act", and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Those two laws are the laws that state what a collection agency or credit bureau can and can not do when it comes to reporting credit issues and trying to collect debts. If you know the rules, you can then use those rules against the collection agencies and credit bureaus. What team wins in a Football or Basketball game? The rules are the same for both teams. The winner is usually the one that has the best athletes and makes the best preparation. What is more important The Athletes or the Preparation?. Why don't you ask that question to the players of 2007's Michigan Football Team. The University of Michigan has probably the most successful football program in all of college football, but last year they were beat by a much smaller and weaker opponent in Appalachian State University. WHY? More preparation and eagerness to win by the players of Appalachian State. That is how you have to deal with credit repair. Prepare and a will to win. And believe it or not, it does not take that much time. Let me ask you a question, would you rather pay $ 20.00 to $ 40.00 for certified letters, or the cost of those letters PLUS $ 1,000.00 for a company to tell you how to write those letters. I can tell you where to get all the letters, written with the right language for FREE. Does that sound good to you?

Well lets start with a step by step process.

Step One - Order your credit reports

Order your credit reports to see what is on them. You can do this for free once per year by going to www.annualcreditreport.com . On that site you can order all 3 of your credit reports online, and print them for free. What ever you do, DO NOT dispute items online. If you dispute them online, your disputes will be handled thru an online technique the bureaus use called "e-oscar". It is a web based validation program that is more in line with just getting your dispute dealt with rather than really investigating weather the dispute is accurate or not. Not to mention if you dispute a debt online, you will not have anything in writing showing that you disputed the item. The bureaus really push this form of disputing because it takes personal touch out of the mix. A large percentage of these items are verified by e-oscar as being valid, when in fact they really are never validated in the way that the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires. The client gets a letter stating that the debt they disputed has now been validated, and the client usually gives up thinking there is nothing more they can do. Nothing could be further from the truth, as long as you know the rules of the game and how to handle the Bureaus.

Here is a website you can go to in order to get all the dispute letters you want for FREE!, yes I said Free. www.creditinfocenter.com Cool Huh?

Credit Bureau Contact Information

Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
1-800-685-1111

www.equifax.com

Experian
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
1 88...

www.experian.com

Trans Union
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022
1-80...

www.transunion.com

To be tell you're the truth, I found all of this information in one website. While the website is very good, there are paid things there too and I did not want you to get lost in the maze of links. I wanted to give you straight forward information that is free.

If you take the time to do this, you will learn how to dispute your credit report on your own and be your own credit repair guide.

Warning !!! - Never pay anyone to repair your credit". Most companies like that are charging you to tell you to file for a new social security number (which is not legal) or something of the sort. While there may be legitimate companies out there, you can do it yourself. Not to mention the process they will use is the same process that I am walking you thru, they just try to make you believe they can get better results.

So now you have a copy of your credit report from www.freeannualcreditreport.com. All credit bureaus are required to give you your credit report free, but only once a year. Your credit score, on the other hand may cost a small fee. The above site will show you the steps to get your free credit report.

You can also get your credit report from the FDIC once a year.

Step Two: Analyze your reports and Send out dispute letters

Analyze your report make a list of items to dispute, and send out dispute letters. You can get template dispute letters from www.creditinfocenter.com If you have collections on your report there is another technique to deal with them. It is called the Debt Validation Letter, you can find a copy of that letter also on the credit info center website. You want to send a validation letter to ANY collection agency who has either reported you to the bureaus or sent you a letter asking you to pay. This is one of the most effective ways to get a collection agency to not only take the debt off your credit, but also get them to quit attempting to collect all together. Many of my clients have a 100% success rate using this technique. When sending the letters out always make sure that you send them via U.S. Postal Service Certified Mail. This way you have a tracking number to record when the letter is delivered to the collection agency or credit bureaus.

Step three Keep track of your results

Now that you have made a list and sent out the dispute letters, you need to make a way to keep track. Make a spreadsheet showing what date you disputed each item with each bureau and collection agency. Why do this? Well it is because the Fair Credit Reporting Act only gives the Bureaus 30 days to either respond by validation or they have to delete the item from your record. You will want a column for the date sent, the date received by the agency, and the date (30 days later) the agency has to get you the info. You can e.mail me a request for the spreadsheet template that I created by emailing me at mynewfico@gmail.com You will also want to keep track of the items you disputed. If you are disputing 12 items with Experian, 8 with trans union and 6 with Equifax, keep track and cross them off once they are deleted.

When sending the letters make sure that they are certified or registered and be sure to keep the original credit report that you received. Document everything that you do, receive, etc. Never use the online dispute forms that are on some credit bureau sites. You need to mail them as stated above to have the proof that you need.

Step Four - Review the responses from the collection agencies or bureaus.

There is a good chance that you may not even get a response from the collection agencies, and if you do the ball is in your court. If they fail to validate the debt, but still report to the bureaus they are in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and you can then choose to sue them if they do not take the item off your report. You can find more information on how to sue a collection agency and win at www.creditinfocenter.com

When you get your results back from the bureaus, most of your disputed items will show as being validated. This is because many of the bureaus just validate using an assembly line technique and rarely even contact the original creditor. Knowing this this is to your advantage. You simply send another dispute letter stating that you still disagree with their findings and you want to see the proof of verification including names and phone numbers of who the debt was verified with. The agencies work on the guideline that 90% of the responses will just be left alone and taken as gospel fact. The only fact is that the bureaus have to follow the law, and by reading this report you can now make them follow the law. You have to understand the Credit Bureaus have a vested interest in keeping scores low due to their associations with the banking industry. Low scores mean more profits to the banks. Keep the banks happy and they keep ordering credit files.

You need to understand that the Banks and the Credit Bureaus are NOT our friends. You have probably heard that collections and charge offs stay on your report for 7 years, and Bankruptcy for 10 years. What if I told you that was not true? Well it is not true, the law states that those items CAN stay on your report for that length of time. If you want to dispute a bad debt that is 2 years old, you can. Most people think that you can only dispute items on your report that are not yours or inaccurate. You can dispute everything on your report, and hold the bureaus to the letter of the law when reporting it. Use the law in your favor instead of the bureaus. Are you aware that many states have a 3 year statute of limitations on collecting on Credit Card Debt? If a collection agency is trying to collect on a credit card that was charged off 4 years ago, you may not even be required to pay them. But they will not let you know that, they will continue to hound you for 10 years, as long as they think they can bully or intimidate you info paying.

I would like to recommend a book that everyone with or without credit issues should read. The book is called DEBT CURES "They don't want you to know about". The book is written by Kevin Trudeau. You can buy it on his website but, I do not recommend it. If you do, you will be slammed an operator asking you to purchase another $ 150.00 worth of items. Just go to amazon.com and you can order a used copy for about $ 12.00. I am not fond of his marketing tactics, but the information In his book is priceless.

Step Five - Repeat the process again.

That's right, Repeat!

Specialized techniques If you spend some time at www.creditinfocenter.com you will learn countless techniques to become a credit repair pro.

These techniques will show how to deal with collections, charge offs, judgments and disputing with original creditors only after disputing with the credit bureau. Never use the original creditor's website to dispute. You need to mail them to have the proof that you need.

What If?

What to do if something that was removed shows back up! Don't worry there are statutes in the Fair Credit Reporting Act that will tell you how to deal with that if and when the time comes. The info can be found at www.creditinfocenter.com Between the book recommended above and this website, you should not need anymore help becoming a credit repair expert.

What if I get stuck and need help?

Call me Thomas Hargreaves at 541-844-1830 or email me with your question at mynewfico@gmail.com and I will try to send you back an answer. Or feel free to e.mail me and I will send you this report in a word document so you can share it with your clients.

You are now on your way to repairing your credit or helping your clients repair their credit, and you have done it for free. The only cost is for the certified mail you or your clients use to send out the dispute letters.

Access to Top Rated Business Consultants for $ 50.00 per month

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:59:34 -0500

Have you ever thought about hiring a business consultant to help your Real Estate business or Mortgage business?

They can be really expensive. I had one company that claimed they were business coaches, who said they would help me with my website, marketing, accounting practices, etc. etc. etc. After I asked them how much it would cost for the service, they told me $ 1,000.00 per month. I asked the main presenter, what do I get for $ 1,000.00 per month? He said we will meet 1 hour a week to go over your plan. 4 hours a month for $ 1,000.00., that is $ 250.00 per Hour. I asked can you guarantee me that your help will add $ 1,000.00 to my bottom line? He said, Well it should but we can not guarantee anything.

I have listed below a price list from a business consulting firm I found online.

Global Business Consulting

CONSULTING FEES

Our staff is composed of persons with advanced degrees and real world experience. Each member of our staff is devoted to assisting our clients and maintaining the highest level of professional expertise. Our company is committed to providing our clients the best service possible. We will deliver real solutions with tangible benefits within as short a time frame as possible.

Consulting:         $150/hr - $250/hr
Travel:                  $100/hr Plus Expenses
Assistant:            $75/hr

No Minimum Fees
Free Initial Consultation
Our Services Are A Tax-Deductible Business Expense

As a Real Estate Professional, weather it be Mortgages, Title, Real Estate Agent, or another commission based career. You could probably make more money if you knew more about business in General. After all how much business training do you receive during your 20 hours of Mortgage training, or your 150 hours of Real Estate Training? Finding clients and selling homes is one thing, but what about proper marketing, Accounting procedures, Business deductions, Advertising, Website Development, Web hosting services, Taxes, Legal Issues, Business Structure (i.e. Sole Prop, LLC, Corp.), Or now with the technology changes of today Web 2.0 , SEO marketing or Video marketing. How about writing a business plan, or trying to find funding to grow your business? How much would you be willing to pay to a company that would help you with all those things I listed? Well I can tell you that the day to day operations dealing with those items would probably be more than 4 hours a month. And that would be $ 1000.00 a month. How many agents can afford that? What about $ 500.00 a month, that might be better however it is still competing with your ad revenue for Real Estate Magazines.

$ 200.00 per month?? It would seem that you could surely ad much more than that in income if you had someone helping you build your business with the above mentioned items. I know of a program that will give you 24 hour access to a business website, and answer any business related questions via e.mail. Imagine having not only a business consultant, but a team of business consultants. An expert in Website development, an expert in tax questions, an expert in marketing, and an expert in Legal issues. That is what you get for $ 49.00 per month with the Legal Plan for the Self Employed thru Prepaid Legal Services.

Here is what is included in the Legal Plan for the Self Employed:

Pre-Paid Legal Plan for the Self Employed

EXPANDED FAMILY PLAN BENFITS

Title 1

Unlimited Phone Consultation with Attorney for Personal or Business issues! With a Top Rated Law Firm

Unlimited Letters written by your attorney for Personal issues!

Unlimited amount of 10 page Personal Contracts Reviewed!

Comprehensive Will Preparation! Annual Updates, both member and spouse! ($800-$1000 Value!)

Title 2

Nationwide representation for traffic tickets ! (Including teenage drivers)

Representation for Motor Vehicle Criminal Charges! (i.e. vehicular homicide)

Assistance with Suspended License issues!

Personal Injury & Property Damage financial recovery assistance!

Title 3

Pre-Paid hours for Civil lawsuit defense!

Pre-Paid hours for Criminal Charges !

Actual Trial time & Pre -Trial time prepaid for!

Coverage begins immediately, 75 Hours immediately - up to 335 hours! After year 5

Title 4

Attorney Representation for IRS Audits!

Begins with current years Tax Return!

Up to 50 hours Prepaid!

Title 5

Discounts For: Divorces, Trusts, Child Support, Adoption, Bankruptcy, DUI, Contract preparation, Contingency Fee lawsuits, & More!

Nationwide! No Exclusions! Includes Pre-Existing Conditions !

Legal Shield

24 hour, 7 days a week Nationwide access to attorney! In Emergencies

800 # and Collect Call # provided for Emergency Situations with Police!

BUSINESS PLAN COVERAGE

Business Letters written by Attorney 36 Per year (3 per month)

Business Contract and Document Review 36 Per Year! (3 per month )

Up to 15 Pages per contract, lease, insurance policy, or other legal document!

Debt Collection Letters 36 Per Year! (3 per month)

Includes letters for pre-existing debts or accounts!

Unlimited Business Consultation! GoSmallBiz.com Membership. ( $ 150.00 Annual Value!)

Small & Home Business Management Course!

Free one hour Tax and Accounting Consultation!

24 Hour access! to business consultants in various catagories Regional Consultants Available

Discounts with Affinity Partners! ( i.e. Amazon.com & Hertz Rental Car )

Marketing Assistance for your Business and More!

Website Creation and Hosting included

Total Cost for full plan listed above $ 49.00 per Month + $ 10.00 set up fee

Available in most states, Call to find out if your state is approved or visit my website

www.prepaidlegal.com/biz/thargreaves

thargreaves@prepaidlegal.com Phone: 541-844-1830

Get Rich Quick Real Estate Seminars

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:56:34 -0500

Surefire Ways to Lose Money through Get Rich Quick Real Estate Seminars

Don't forget to bring your checkbook to Real Estate Seminars

Real estate seminar speakers and their kind prey on the innocent, the greedy and the naive and, quite frankly, many of us, if we looked deeply inside ourselves, might find one or two of those targeted traits, so nobody is really immune from these shysters.

I am sure you have heard their infomercials on late night Television. They proclaim that the Super Secret to Riches Train is coming to your town, for one day only, and one phone call can secure your reservation, but hurry because seats are limited! You get there only to see the hundreds of chairs stacked at the back of the ballroom. You see helpers pulling out chairs and lining them up in rows as the suckers.. I mean future students file in the doors. Then once they are ready to begin you look at all the empty space in the ballroom. Seats are limited I ask to myself as I see 50 people in a room that can hold 150.

Playing in the front is short movie presentation showing testimonies of people who supposedly graduated from the "Super Real Estate Boot camp", or the "Realty Riches School of hard knocks" Telling of how they got their start. Showing these seminars with hundreds of people in the audience bragging about all that they learned about, while holding Thousands of dollars worth of Tapes and Booklets in their hands. These presenters are nothing short of the old west snake oil salesmen peddling tonics to cure all ailments.

I have personally attended dozens of these seminars, with one thought in mind..... Leads, Leads, Leads. I have received numerous loan opportunities from those that I have met in such seminars. After you have been to a few of them, you start seeing the same dilapidated before and after photos of the flips that the presenter has made during his personal Real Estate investing career. I remember going to the seminars of 3 different companies, and all three of them had the exact same presentation, with the same before and after photos of houses they invested in and resold.

These masters of real estate secrets have a secret all right to share with you. It's called: "Buy my books, CDs and tapes." Moreover, what they're not sharing with you is if you follow their advice, you might get sued or land in jail, because more than half of them make up stuff that could get an unsuspecting follower into trouble. Yet even after the seminar winds down, you see the first 20 to 30 people rush to the back of the room to purchase their own "Get Rich tomorrow" Packet and sign up for the $ 2,000.00 seminar that will be coming to a town near them in 3 weeks. I have actually seen MANY Realtors at the front of those lines myself, do realtors really fall for this stuff? I guess we all fall for stuff like this depending on the slick lines of the presenter giving the show.

What I am saying is:

•· Don't trust them

•· If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is

•· Do your homework on the internet before writing out your check

•· Don't do business with them

•· Don't walk, Run to the nearest exit.

The realyy dedicated and brainwashed followers will see my blog as an attack on those gurus they think will make them Rich and, if given the chance, would rip the shirts off their backs to polish the ground in front of their idols. It's pathetic. I can't change those people's opinions, but I hope that my words will prod the rest of you to stay away these scam artists. Many of them can be charismatic, charming and quite believable until you scratch beneath the surface, and find that they have filed bankruptcy multiple times before going to the next scam.

P.T. Barnum is said to have made the statement "there is a sucker born everyday" I am sure that , if Mr. Barnum were alive today, he would be a Real Estate Seminar speaker.

Many Seminar Speakers are Unethical

Some speakers will pre-screen audience members and place colored dots on their name badges. This would identify the financial situation of likely suspects by the seminar speaker's crew, as the various colored dots each represented a specific investment goal. For example, those with red dots might have $100,000 to invest; whereas those with blue dots might have less than $10,000 in the bank. The seminar company didn't want to waste time talking to those with the blue dots.

Seminar Gurus Fabricate and Stretch the Truth

Others will stretch the truth to just so close to an actual lie, and if they are caught in that lie, then lie their way around it. Many just copy the ideas of other Real Estate Guru's and make their own presentation. They may make some changes in it that will sell better, or make the tapes a little bit flashier. I went to a seminar on how to buy stocks and bonds using a software program. The course they were selling for around $ 299.00 not a bad deal, then you went to an all day seminar for free. All throughout that seminar one thing was being told. In order to make the real money you need to invest in our $ 19.000.00 package. I cancelled my purchase, with a lot of reluctance from the presenter. He tried everything but giving me the kitchen sink to keep my $ 299.00 purchase. Afterall they said there was a 30 day guarantee. I think he just gave me the refund due to all the commotion I was causing at the back table.

I actually asked someone who made presentations for one of the big seminar groups a question after he stated in the seminar that he owned tons of property in various states. He told the audience that he even owned property here in Oregon. I asked him after the seminar a few questions as he was trying to guide me to the table to buy books and tapes. I asked him where in Oregon were his properties, and he said "oh I don't own any properties in Oregon" He just blew if off as if I had misunderstood what he said. He said during the presentation that he owned some Duplexes in Oregon.

So before you set your sights on being the next Donald Trump, do it the old fashioned way. Spend some time at the library or online doing some research. I hope this helps save people money that could be better spent paying down a mortgage or credit cards.

The Skinny On Loan Modification

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:47:10 -0500

Loan Modification Scams

I am constantly seeing things on the internet about Loan Modification and Loss Mitigation. Much of it is just too hard to swallow for me. I am not sure how many of you have read my blogs, but I am a true go to the source kind of guy. I do my due diligence in most anything I decide to take part in. I am not one to hear a guy say "my friend is making $ 7500.00 a week on this deal; you need to get in now". Not only do I want to see the check, I also want to get the guys phone number so I can call and ask him a ton of questions. I too in my early years got scammed into the get rich quick deals. Sure people got rich quick, but it was usually the owner of the companies.

I am now being solicited by people wanting to help me set up a loan modification business to add income to my Mortgage business. The fees are as much as $ 1995.00 + 395.00 per month. Others I have seen chage as much as $ 1495.00. I am told that those costs are for training and certification. Still seems a bit steep to me. Many offer to pay the Loan officer submitting the Loan Modification $ 2000.00 and up. To me that does not seem like it is helping the client out of a shabby situation. Is it so bad to get paid maybe $ 500.00 to do a deal like that, and then have a client come back later for a refy. Or refer you more business, that can help others out of the future potential of a forclosure. I understand that there are liabilities when doing loan modifications, so make sure that you work with seasoned companies who know what they are doing. I just do not think those that charge huge fees to warrent the high cost to client are the way to go. So be very leary of the "We will make you RICH! in Loan Mods". You can make some good extra income doing them, you just do not need to buy a business package such as these.

I remember one time I was asked to sell jewelry via network marketing. It was a company called Jewelway. I bought around $ 750.00 worth of jewelry and recruited a few people. Then about 4 months into things the owner of the company fled to some islands in the Caribbean with $ 5,000,000.00 of the companies money.. So I take the " Make tons of money doing nothing" with a grain of salt. Are there legitimate opportunities to make a lot of money out there? Sure there are. I know at least 4 people personally who are making over $ 250,000.00 per year with United 1st Financial. I personally have 3 friends in Pre-Paid legal who earn over $ 500,000.00 per year. Will everyone do that? Probably not. Can they if they do enough research and leg work? SURE. But most people do not want to work.

Now this leads me to my topic of this Blog. Loan Modification Scams. Now that we have the most number of Foreclosures at one time ever in our Nations history, it seems that all the scammers are coming out of the wood work. I would like to give you some insight on what types to get involved with and who to run away from.

Look for a company that is reputable, will train you and will not charge an arm and a leg to use their services. You can google "loan modification opportunities" just research them and ask lots of questions. Those who give moneyback guarantees should be Looked at with Caution. There are reputable companies that will give your fees back if they are unable to do a Loan Modification. However there are an equal number of unethical companies who are using the term "Guarantee" as a hook, to get people to do business with them. There are no guarantees that the lender will accept the offer the Loan Mod specialist offers.

Currently you do not need any kind of license to do modifications, in most states. However California and Florida require you to have a Real Estate or Mortgage License. Other states may be passing new legislation in this area due to the large numbers of fraudulent deals going on in this business. You will also need to find a company that will train you. Many have extensive online or powerpoint training. They will help you understand what documents you must get from the consumer, what questions to ask them about their situation, and overall help in finding people facing forclosure, pre-forclosure or notice of defaults. There are many companies who have been doing Loan Modification for a few years that will hire you either as a 1099 or W-2 Employee. If you would like to know how to contact them, then give me a call and I will be happy to tell you about them. Just don't go overboard on some of the hype out there about ALL the money you can make doing Loan Modification. It is not as easy as some state, you do have to do some work, and don't beleive you can get paid $ 2,000.00 per deal and just sit back and enjoy your new found bank machine. This is just my opinion from my research, and I am still doing research. But just don't go out and follow the cows to the edge of the cliff. Stop to smell some roses along the way and make an educated decision.

Here is my list of do's and don'ts

When looking for a company

I do not believe you need to spend thousands of dollars for a so called Loan Modification business. There are several companies out there that you can work for as a 1099 employee, who have just as good of programs as those charging enormous fees to be a part of.

Work for a company that utilizes Short Sales as part of the process. Many companies will only do Loan Modification, well if the client does not qualify for the Loan Modification, they are out of luck. I want to be able to help my client keep from foreclosure at all costs. If I do they will do business with me again in the future.

If the company is charging double what the clients house payment is, then you should have your client keep looking.

A good Loan Modification company will do the Loan Modification for about 1 Mortgage Payment or a $ 1500.00 minimum. Most reputable companies are charging between $ 2500.00 and $ 3500.00 for deals under $ 500,000.00. I see some that advertise $ 7500.00, that is highway robbery and probably a scam. Or they will charge $ 6,000.00 and guarantee ½ the fee back if they do not do the loan mod. The whole purpose is to just submit a single offer, then tell the client they can not do it and refund the $ 3,000.00. They just profited $ 3,000.00 for doing nothing more than contacting the lender with a throw at the wall modification offer.

Loan Modification is a process that will be around for at least the next couple of years, due to the large number of defaults, and ARM recasts. But make sure you guide your clients to the right person, or they may never come back to you as a client again. A very good friend recently told me of a story of an 82 year old woman in Las Vegas. She answered an ad stating they could save her from forclosure. She sent them $ 3500.00 as requested with NO Contract what so ever. This was over a month ago, and she has yet to hear back from them. And above all DO NOT, DO NOT DO NOT and I will repeat,

DO NOT ever allow anyone to convince you or your client to sign the deed over to them. This is a scam, scam, scam and there is no real benefit of doing it, except for the person you are signing it over to.

You can add Loan modification to your practice and make extra income and help your clients, but make sure you do your homework when it comes to working with a company.

You can make around 25-50% commission on a Loan Modification, depending on the company you work with. On an average deal with a fee of $ 2,500.00 800 - $ 1200 in your pocket. Not a bad addition during these hard times in Real Estate. About those companies offering to pay you $ 2,000.00 to send them a loan mod client? Are you helping your client or actually becoming part of the problem? For more information on loan modification or how to add legitimate additional financial related products to your business give me a call

I have now complied a list of loan modification companies. The list has over 295 companies.. 90 % of them are just scams.. if you would like the list feel free to email me your request.. there are two lists. One that offers affiliate programs to realtors and loan agents, and one that just has info for consumers.. please let me know if you are a consumer with the need for Foreclosure help, or and agent looking to add these services to your business.

Thomas Hargreaves is a Financial Planner and Mortgage Broker, And understands how education fits in to the practice of building wealth and saving taxes.

You can reach Thomas at: Phone: 541-844-1830 email: agentshelper@gmail.com www.NationalCreditWestCoast.com

Another Internet Real Estate Scam

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:51:02 -0500

I am constantly seeing internet theives preying on Active Rain Members. I am sure that just the fact I am a member of a Realty based social networking site is getting me these scam messages. Usually they have been from my long lost relative in the UK that says I have inherited millions from my long lost uncle who only listed me as his beneficiary. Or from the lottery that they just happend to pick out my e.mail address that I never advertise to anyone, and I was one of only 2 winners to recieven $ 500,000.00 and I can get it once I send them my bank information so they can wire it to my account. Well today I got one that was a twist to all of those. It stated that he had $ 20 million and wanted to invest $ 3 million into real estate here in the united states. All I had to do to recieve a 25% commission for my help was to give him my business bank account numbers or an equity line of credit number so he could deposit the funds.

HMMMM an offer of $ 750,000.00 to do businss with someone he has never met, never talked to, or knows nothing about. Well maybe he is the one taking the chances LOL. Anyway a copy of it is listed below. But don't tell anyone as he wanted me to keep this deal between me and him so shhhhhhh.

I told him I would set up an account by opening a brand new account just for him and his dealings and I would open it with $ 20.00. Then he could send me my $ 750,000.00 so he could know that all his money would be used to help him find the real estate he is searching for.. guess what I have not had a response back... silly me..

Dear Friend,

Don't see this message as one of those internet jokes/scam messages, My name is Mr. Joe Douglas, a business man from UK. I have some funds of mine at the tune of $20,000,000 (twenty Million Dollars) and I will want to transfer $3,000,000.00(three Million US Dollars) to your account for investment purposes in the real estate business. 25% of the said funds will be allocated to you for your assistance,You will not spend any single money from your pocket to see to the end of this transaction, since the charges to acquire the covering documents of the said funds will be wired to your Business, Home or Personal Equity Line of Credit Account which you will need to provide to taste your sincerity not to sit on the funds.

This transaction is 100% legal and above board, moreover I had to be very careful about the scams going on all over the world before contacting you since I do not want to be a victim. I sincerely hope you have the said BUSINESS/HOME or PERSONAL EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT ACCOUNT and do keep this transaction confidential within yourself so that we can both achieve our aims. Do reply if interested for me to give more information and how the transfer will be effected.

Now remember don't tell anyone else, or this guy will not send me my money......

Thomas Hargreaves is a Financial Planner and Mortgage Broker, And known expert in the area of Credit Repair for additional info on credit repair you can Reach Thomas at: 541-844-1830 mynewfico@gmail.com www.dreambizpro.com/tristarteamusa

Incorporate and Grow Rich

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:38:10 -0500

This user friendly manual is a complete home study course for establishing and effectly administering your Corporation, Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership.

Compiled by corporate strategists, this manual provides complete details addressing why you should incorporate your business, how to totally maximize corporate advantages, and maintain critical elements of the ongoing corporation.

I found this book very easy to understand, and during the course of the reading found several areas of deductions that I was not currently using for my own business. Incorportation can be one of the best secrets to protecting assets and reducing tax liablity. This information is especially useful for Real Estate Agents, Mortgage Agents, or even Real Estate Investors wanting to increase cash flow. Many of the ideas in this book will allow you to set up a corporation or LLC at a discounted price, and better understand the benefits of having multiple entities. I loved this book

Thomas Hargreaves is a Financial Planner and Mortgage Broker, And understands the benefits of entities for protecting assets for additional info on credit repair you can Reach Thomas at: 541-844-1830 agentshelper@gmail.com www.prepaidleagal.com/biz/thargreaves

Credit Repair advice for your clients

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:58:14 -0500

There are many areas of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that Credit Bureaus and Collection agencies hope that people never learn. Both of those acts were designed to protect the consumer more so than the Bureaus and Collection agencies, however the Collection agencies and Credit Bureaus do not often follow the laws created to protect consumers. Did you know that if a collection agency sends you a collection letter, that they then have to verify the account is yours with in 30 days? But only if you send them a validation request with in 30 days of recieving the collection letter.

But I bet you did not know that most Collection Agencies do not have the documentation required to validate the debt. I have a client who has recieved 14 collection letters over the past 4 months from various collection agencies. Many of the letters were due to the original creditor re selling the debt to multiple collection agencies. My client sent out validation requests each time he recieved a collection letter, and each time he either heard nothing back from the collection agency or recieved a letter stating they were discontinuing collection efforts. Also if a Collection agency fails to validate a debt as requested and then continues collection efforts, they can be sued and you can be awarded $ 1,000.00 in statutory damages. I can not guarantee that it will work for you, but I can tell you that it has worked for several clients who I have had get educated on a FREE Credit Repair website called www.creditinfocenter.com

Listed below are the things that you can bring suit for when it comes to Collection Agencies and Credit Bureaus.

	Suing in small claims court is often called the "poor man's class action lawsuit."
You know the old sayings, "Money talks" and "Vote with your dollars." Well, most companies (the credit bureaus and creditors included), are not going to change their ways unless it is in their best interest to do so. All of these companies have stockholders to report to, so if one of their practices is costing them a better bottom line, you better believe they will act to change their ways. One of these ways is for you the consumer, to take action legally against these companies when your rights have been violated.
Profit while helping others
The best news is that typically, each violation can be a $1,000 fine, so it's money in your pocket. In addition, you are going to help make someone else's life better by suing someone who has broken the law. If everyone took action when their rights were violated, the credit bureaus would lose a fortune in legal disputes. It's time to protect your rights as a consumer as well as protecting the rights of your fellow United States citizens.
Who	Why	Precedent/Law	Fine
Creditors if they report your credit history inaccurately	Defamation, financial injury	US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, No. 00-15946, Nelson vs. Chase Manhattan	Extent of damages incurred by the wronged party as deemed by the courts
Creditors, if you dispute a debt, and they fail to report it as disputed to the credit bureaus	Protection under the FCRA	FCRA	$1,000
	Protection under the FCRA	Section 623.	$1,000
Creditors if they pull your credit file without permissible purpose	Injury to your credit report and credit score	FCRA Section 604 (A)(3)	$1,000
Credit bureaus if they refuse to correct information after being provided proof	Defamation, willful injury	FCRA Section 623	Extent of damages incurred by the wronged party, as deemed by the courts


		FCRA Section 623 CUSHMAN, v. TRANS UNION CORPORATION US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Court Case 115 F.3d 220
		June 9, 1997, Filed (D.C. No. 95-cv-01743).
Credit bureaus if they reinsert a removed item from your credit report without notifying you in writing within 5 business days.	Consumer protection afforded by the FCRA	FCRA Part (A)(5)(B)(ii)	$1,000
Credit bureaus if they fail to respond to your written disputes within 30 days (a 15 day extension may be granted if they receive information from the creditor within the first 30 days)	Consumer protection afforded by the FCRA	FCRA Section 611 Part (A)(1)	$1,000
Collection Agency can NOT be BOTH	Protection under the FDCPA	Gearing v. Check Brokerage Corp	$1,000
purchaser and 'assignee'		233 F.3d 469 (7th Cir. 2000)
it's one or the other
Misrepresentations by the collector about	Protection under the FDCPA	Gearing v. Check Brokerage Corp	$1,000
themselves or the debt		Cacace v. Lucas, 775 F. Supp. 502, 505 (D. Conn. 1990)
are actionable regardless
of intent
Creditors or collection agencies, and credit bureaus if they try and "Re-age" your account by updating the date of last activity on your credit report in the hopes of keeping negative information on your account longer	Consumer protection afforded by the FCRA	FCRA Section 605	$1,000
	Consumer protection afforded by the FCRA	(c) Running of the reporting period	$1,000
If you dispute a debt, the collection agency fails to report it disputed to the credit bureaus	Protection under the FDCPA	FDCPA	$1,000
	Protection under the FDCPA	Section 807(8)	$1,000
Collection agencies if they do not validate your debt yet continue to pursue collection activity (file for judgments, call or write you)	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA	$1,000
		Section 809 (b),

		FTC opinion letter Cass from LeFevre
Collection agencies if you have sent them a cease and desist letter and they still call you	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA	$1,000
	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	Section 805 (c)	$1,000
Collection agencies if they have not validated your debt and they still continue to report to the credit bureaus	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA Section 809 (b),	$1,000


		FTC opinion letter Cass from LeFevre
Collection agencies if they: - Cash a post-dated check before the date on the check	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA 808 Section	$1,000
- Cost you money by making you accept collect calls or COD mail
- Take or threaten to take any personal property without a judgment
If a collector calls you after 9 PM at night or before 8 AM	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA Section 805. (a)(1)	$1,000
Calls you at your place of employment if the debt collector knows or has reason to know that your employer prohibits the consumer from receiving such communication.	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA Section 805. (a)(3)	$1,000
Calls any third part about your debt like friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. However they can contact your attorney, a consumer reporting agency, the creditor, the attorney of the creditor, or the attorney of the debt collector.	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA Section 805. (b)	$1,000
The collection agency can not use any kind of harassment or abuse**	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA Section 806	$1,000
Collector cannot claim to garnish your wages, seize property or have you arrested ***	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA Section 807	$1,000
Collector must you in a county in which you lived when you signed the original contract for the debt or where you live at the time when they file the lawsuit	Consumer protection afforded by the FDCPA	FDCPA Section 811 (a) (2)	$1,000

			Also a good grounds for getting a judgment vacated

So when the Collection Agency or the Credit Bureaus fail to play ball with you then just

SUE THE PANTS OFF THEM

Now I am not an attorney and this does not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney before bringing a lawsuit against anyone. This information and much more information on your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act can be found for FREE where I found it AT

WWW.CREDITINFOCENTER.COM

Let me tell you about a Lead Making Machine

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:28:39 -0500

College Football !!!!!!

Here in Eugene, Oregon my team is the Universtiy of Oregon Ducks. In recent years they have gained National Attention as well as media attention for the large number of Uniform Combinations they have.

But what is really exciting is not just the chance to watch the games in person, but the ability to market to literally hundreds or thousands of people during those games. Here is a great marketing idea for you, when attending your local teams sporting events. The larger the events, the more potential. Think of a great one liner that describes what you do in a unique way that will pose a question to you, from anyone that may read it. For instance I had one for a baseball game that simply read on the back in BIG letters, "who owns the equity in your home, you or the bank?" I had several people ask me what I meant in the statement. It was an immediate invitation to talk to them about Equity Management and being in the right type of mortgages.

As a Realtor I can only imagine the different questions you could pose. The thing is that it works, and I am looking forward to the football games. I want to test out some captions concerning people who may be behind on payments, or facing forclosure where I may be able to help negotiate a loan modification.

I hope this gives you all some great ideas and remember the bigger the letters the more it will be seen.

Thomas Hargreaves is a Financial Planner and Mortgage Broker, who believes in Financial Education at all levels. Reach Thomas at: 541-844-1830 agentshelper@gmail.com www.dreambizpro.com/tristarteamusa

Credit Repair Info - Statute of Limitations on Debts

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:22:46 -0500

Many people when looking at repairing thier credit do not understand many of the rules when it comes to collection of debts. With many debts there are statute of limitations place on the collection of those debts. Some people with a credit card debt 6 years old, may have a collection agency trying to collect on that debt. If the debt is beyond the statute of limitations, the collection agency may not have the right to collect that debt. Some states have a 3 year SOL on credit cards. Listed below are the statute of limitations in years from each of the 50 states. This info may be helpful when trying to get negative info deleted from your clients credit file.

State	Oral Agreements	Written Contracts (Including auto loans and installment type loans)	Promissory Notes	Open Accounts (Includes Credit Cards)
Alabama	6	6	6	3
Alaska	6	6	6	6
Arizona	3	6	5	3
Arkansas	3	5	6	3
California	2	4	4	4
Colorado	6	6	6	6
Connecticut	3	6	6	6
Delaware	3	3	6	3
Washington D.C	3	3	3	3
Florida	4	5	5	4
Georgia	4	6	6	4
Hawaii	6	6	6	6
Idaho	4	5	10	4
Illinois	5	10	6	5
Indiana	6	10	10	6
Iowa	5	10	5	5
Kansas	3	5	5	3
Kentucky	5	15	15	5
Louisiana	10	10	10	3
Maine	6	6	6	6
Maryland	3	3	6	3
Massachusetts	6	6	6	6
Michigan	6	6	6	6
Minnesota	6	6	6	6
Mississippi	3	3	3	3
Missouri	5	10	10	5
Montana	5	8	8	5
Nebraska	4	5	6	4
Nevada	4	6	3	4
New Hampshire	3	3	6	3
New Jersey	6	6	6	6
New Mexico	4	6	6	4
New York	6	6	6	6
North Carolina	3	3	5	3
North Dakota	6	6	6	6
Ohio	6	15	15	?
Oklahoma	3	5	5	3
Oregon	6	6	6	6
Pennsylvania	4	6	4	6
Rhode Island	15	15	10	10
South Carolina	10	10	3	3
South Dakota	6	6	6	6
Tennessee	6	6	6	6
Texas	4	4	4	4
Utah	4	6	6	4
Vermont	6	6	5	6
Virginia	3	5	6	3
Virgin Islands	3	3	3	3
Washington	3	6	6	3
West Virginia	5	10	6	5
Wisconsin	6	6	10	6
Wyoming	8	10	10	8

If you have questions on Credit Repair or Credit Reporting Laws contact me.

Thomas Hargreaves 541-844-1830 mynewfico@gmail.com

UK scammers are hitting Active Rain

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:34:01 -0500

I just got hit with a contact from someone here on Active Rain. They stated I needed to get back to them as soon as possible. Once I opened my e.mail I was actually upset when I started reading it. It was nothing more than a letter stating they had a 56 year old client with 28 million dollars to invest. I know it is nothing more than a scam, and I have posted it complete for your reading. It saddens me that the reason these people are sending so many letters like these is due to the fact that people actually do respond to them. Anyway I hope this helps others keep from being scammed.

Dear Sir

We have our presence in all major citiesin London.

However, we are writing you on the strength of adirective from one of our clients, a 56-year-old widow,who desires toinvest twenty eight million united states dollars (US$28,000,000.00)overseas preferably in asia or america.

She has dircted us to look foa viable investment portfolio (opportunity), partnership or anindividual who can be trusted to invest or oversee the investment of hertwenty eight million united states dollars(US$28,000,000.00) in americaor asia. it is important you note the source of this fund legitimate asour client has provided sufficient evidnce to support thisclaim.

Since our operations are limited to europe and our experiencein the investment portfolios(opportunity) in america and asia isshallow, as we are not conversant with the law in america and asiaconcerning such a huge investment.

In our quest to find a valid andviable investment portfolio in america and asia inlinewith our client'sdirective, we decided to contact you, we got your companies contactinformation from the internet, however you will be expected to provideus with a background information concerning your self and your companiesto enable us make an evaluation and advice our client on which line ofaction to take.

Our client has proposed a commission/percentage ofthe investment(US$28,000,000,00) for your services, however the saidpercentage is negotiable.

We look forward to your immediate response,

Yours Faithfully
For:- Thompson James & Associate
Thompson James
thompson1james@yahoo.com

The email above is nothing more than a phishing scam. The reason for it is to either gain information on you, or con you out of money. I hope all that read this will be better educated on its purpose. The more we educated people on the internet, the less of these scam letters we will see, due to people getting smart about them.

Tom

How do you ad reblog feature to past blogs?

Thomas Hargreaves (TriStar Financial Services) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:22:56 -0500

Hey, I just had a comment on one of my older blogs. She said she really enjoyed the content and wanted to reblog it to some other communities she is a member of. This blog was written by me before the reblog feature was added here at Active Rain. Is there a way to at the reblog feature to older blogs? or would I just have to send it out all over again with the same content as a new blog? Please let me know.. thanks.. Oh and way to go Micheal Phelps.. whoo hoo.