I have two interesting short sales in process with Countrywide. One is in Destin, Florida, the other, Navarre, Florida. In both of these cases, Countrywide is asking for the buyer's date of birth and home address. In one of the cases, they want the buyer's social security number.
Why does Countrywide want this new information? Apparently, in Short Sales where their loss is greater than $250,000, Countrywide told me they do a "background check" on the buyer to seemingly ensure he is not related to the seller. In one of these situations above, the buyer is refusing to provide his social security number. He feels that his privacy, identity and more would be at risk by divulging it. And it would be. I don't blame him. I have been trying to resolve this issue for three weeks. Finally, today, the negotiator called me and said the deal would be "off" if he didn't provide the information. I told her I needed more substantial explanation for the buyer, as I didn't want to waste the four months of time we already invested in the transaction. She put her team leader on the phone. He said "We do not need the social security number, just the date of birth." He also said that Countrywide wanted to ensure there was "No benefit to the seller through the buyer's purchase." When the negotiator got back on the phone, she seemed flustered. I told her I provided that information to her three weeks ago, and repeated it again. She said she "would call me right back". That was two hours ago.
In any event, if Countrywide is performing background checks, they ought to disclose that to the buyer. Anything less is a bit underhanded.
It's Wendy!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, CRP, CRS, GRI, ABR Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Search Destin Florida real estate and vicinity.
Short Sale Pre Foreclosure Help.
Read my Blog.
Specializing in real estate sales on Emerald Coast of Florida: Destin Florida real estate, Santa Rosa Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Freeport, Rosemary Beach, Mary Esther, Shalimar, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field. Call toll-free 1-877-ITS-WNDY (1-877-487-9639) or local 850-650-7883 ext 204
Copyright © 2008 By Wendy Rulnick. All Rights Reserved. *Countrywide Wants Short Sale Buyers' Social Security Numbers* Contact Wendy Rulnick regarding Navarre Florida real estate and vicinity.
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to It's Wendy's Blog by Email
;)
;)
;)
Countrywide wants to do a "soft hit" on the buyer's credit. Having the social alone will not tell if they are related to the seller ... at all. It's more about capturing and controlling the finance. Don't be surprised if Countrywide contacts the client directly. How do I know? Because you posted on something I actually do for a living! (And I do have friends in high places at CW.) Keep up the great work!