Newly VA Approved

[0351]

That is good to hear. Yea I served as well so I can relate to them in that aspect.

 

[Don Clark]

Well it's really not so bad. And, its not unexpected. They have lots of correspondence from the lender. They usually have a letter saying here is the name and phone number of the appraiser who will be contacting you or you can contact them directly. and they often want to explain what happened to cause this catastrophe. they are usually not just deadbeats who decided to quit making their house payments. remember they are all veterans or their family members. i've had them say - yes i was expecting you - come on in. and if they do talk to me i also tell them it is their choice - they do not have to grant me access. but i have never had any bad situations in the process.

Lucky you! I have been run off with threats of bodily harm. Have had neighbors chase me down wanting to know what i was doing. Had threats of legal action because I gave a letter to a kid they sent to the door. The letter stated why I was there and a way to call me. Have had guys and gals in tears. Not always a pleasant experience.

 

[CindyR]

Lucky you! I have been run off with threats of bodily harm. Have had neighbors chase me down wanting to know what i was doing. Had threats of legal action because I gave a letter to a kid they sent to the door. The letter stated why I was there and a way to call me. Have had guys and gals in tears. Not always a pleasant experience.

Yikes - sorry to hear that Don. I guess this is another one of those issues where us old lady appraisers have a bit of an advantage. Be careful out there!

 

[GA Benny]

You do need to bear in mind that it is a sensitive subject and some folks can be defensive. Watch out for PTSD. There are also several programs that the VA offers that might help them stay in their homes including loan modifications, forbearances and grants. They also have vocational rehabilitation for Veterans that lost their job and wish to start a new career. You can always give them the number for the VA and see if they can help. Unfortunately, many are too embarrassed to make the call.

 

[Don Clark]

You do need to bear in mind that it is a sensitive subject and some folks can be defensive. Watch out for PTSD. There are also several programs that the VA offers that might help them stay in their homes including loan modifications, forbearances and grants. They also have vocational rehabilitation for Veterans that lost their job and wish to start a new career. You can always give them the number for the VA and see if they can help. Unfortunately, many are too embarrassed to make the call.

Excellent advice. I have done exactly that on several occasions, and know of at least 1 or 2 times that the veteran was able to keep their home. But, be careful not to promise anything. I know of some lenders who absolutely refused to cooperate with the veteran and VA in their attempt to save their home.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I've found most are very cooperative but every now and then there is someone who is a jerk. For that reason, I carry when doing liquidation assignments.

 

[Don Clark]

I've found most are very cooperative but every now and then there is someone who is a jerk. For that reason, I carry when doing liquidation assignments.

I don't carry, but I am very very careful. The only time I ever "carried" was when I was an FMF Corpsman in Vietnam. Carried a .45 that I could filed strip, load a new clip quickly, and was only for my protection and that of any wounded I needed to assist. Guess I look at things differently when it comes to firearms. My Dad was killed by accident when I was 9 years old. Now, that said, I have done plenty of hunting in my earlier years(ducks,geese) but not in my adult years. Just a personal choice. I believe in the 2nd amendment and support all aspects of it. The last thing I want to do is shoot a veteran. That is why I attempt to call first, then post a notice if no one is home, and at least attempt to speak to the person before entering their property. Does not always work but it improves the chances that the encounter will not be confrontational.