TRANSAMERICA FLOOD FILES SUIT AGAINST A LA MODE INTERFLOOD

[dbiggers]

Pat, I already said that I wouldn't tip my hand to Transamerica's attorneys with respect to our legal response by getting into an evidentiary debate with you in public. I'll have to take the high road for now and simply assure you that, no, we're not stupid, and we have ample data to prove it.

When we file our response with the court, we'll be sure to announce it and you can get a copy of it then and decide if our attorneys are as adept at wordsmithing as Transamerica's. (They are.)

The simple facts are that our InterFlood maps are better and less expensive (even Transamerica didn't dispute that), our InterFlood ads are factual and accurate, and Transamerica is not immune to free market realities: They will have to come out with a more competitive product, not more attorneys, if they intend to remain viable in the appraiser flood map business.

Dave Biggers
CEO
a la mode, inc.

 

[jtrotta]

It is my opinion this subject is cute and all that, but if I recall Banks are required to have a "Flood Certification" in their file with every appraisal, which keeps the "Flood Certification" people in business.

Me, myself and I (all three) have decided to let the dust lie where it may, I do not see any reason to have this mapping product. We provide a panel number and let the certification company provide what they are suppose to.

Example: did a Condo., provide everything, copy of map etc.; certification company stated; the owner must provide "Flood Insurance" 8O Lender called wanted to know if they were correct and I said, did you give them my data :?: they said what for :?: we need a "Certification" - I said ok, how does one intend to madate the owner hold this insurance :?: They actually do not own the building, only from the paint in :?: This would call at best for a "Tenants Policy" and the Condominium Master Policy would take precedent over the Tenants Policy don't you think :?:
I'm not providing the answer, you'll have to figure it out :!:

Sooooooo, as you can see there is no reason for me to buy a product which serves no pratical purpose for me, it's a waste of time & money.

Good Luck to ya'll 8)

 

[Bemis Pownall]

used my maps from out of their respective shoe boxes for years, i will continue to do so. takes perhaps 2 minutes to find those really tough ones. gives my eyes a break from that darn monitor anyhow..
the way I see it this one click maps are putting the appraiser that much closer to extinction(sp :evil:

 

[Anonymous]

Now, If Dave could just make his software add and subtract.

 

[Don Clark]

8)

A very savvy, successful Real Estate Sales Manager once told me that when you are on top, everyone will try to bring you down for no other reason than the fact that they will never know what it feels like to be on top and # 1.

As a long time user of Alamode/Total software(May, 1992) I have cussed, fussed, and otherwise protested with each change or update in software. Not because it wasn't better but because it forced me to learn something new. Almost all the problems I have had with software have been of my own making, stupidity, or failing to read directions. Alamode has always been there with support, assistance, and in many cases one on one personal help. Last year when VA forced all of us old codgers to finally get with the program and use digital cameras, mapping, and e-mail our reports, I had the personal help of a technician who walked me through the program.

Thank you Dave for all the years of support, knowledgeable technicians, and for personal support.

I have no used the Interflood program yet. I told you, I am slow to make changes, But I will, at some point.

As to the idea that flood certifications are ordered by a lender and they will save the day. Think again. I bought a beach house(actually a townhouse) for weekend getaways a bout 3 years ago. Prior to closing a "Flood Certification" was provided that told the lender we were in a flood zone. Now my townhouse is 2 blocks from the ocean in Kitty Hawk, NC, sits high on top of a dune(actually called "The Dune Tops Townhouses"), and is not even close to being in a flood zone. City records show it is not in a flood zone. FEMA Maps show it is not in a flood zone. The only reason I am not paying flood insurance today is because the appraiser stuck to his guns and would not change the zone to a flood zone, provided the lender with a copy of the flood map. So much for flood certifications. Also, i have personally experienced several times when the flood certifications were wrong. One was very recent. The propert was 1/3 in the state of Virginia and 2/3's in North Carolina. Both FEMA Flood maps, in both states showed Zone A4. The lender obtained a flood certification that showed Zone X. I would not change my appraisal. I provided the lender with maps from both states showing Zone A4. So much for the reliability of flood certifications.

Fight the good fight Dave. Most appraisers will be rooting for you. For those that don't, get a life :twisted:

Don Clark

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Yeah, what Don said!

 

[Pat Butler]

In order to get a correct determination you need to look at any LOMR's (letters of map revision) that have been issued in addition to a few other types of change notices that are not reflected on the maps themselves until they eventually get reprinted.

The flood determination companies keep track of all of these interim notices. I've found it to be much less expensive to pay a few hundred bucks each year to a determination company rather than pay for multiple subscriptions to FEMA.

In any event, if the subject's improvements appear to be even near an adverse flood zone then it's basically a guess to make a proper determination without a topographical survey.

 

[Rick Neighbors]

I'm just a short time user of AlaMode, but I agree with Don and Tim.
Hang in there Dave! I'm having steak tonight because you software allows me to be more efficient and keeps my customers happy. ( Might even have a little Jack Daniels with that steak! ) I continue to be amazed at how easy to use and how efficient your software is. Thanks for what you do!

 

[Doug in NC]

Just don't let this battle cause your prices to go up anymore.

 

[Caterina Platt]

Dave,

Although I probably won't spring for the cyber flood maps myself, best of luck to you in this corporate fist to cuff. Love your software and really appreciate your company's customer service. (on the heels of dealing with HP this week, believe me I reaaaly appreciate a company who does actually stand behind what they sell) When the problem is the brain dead appraiser on the calling end, your people are very patient and skilled. Something the tech industry seems to be lacking in at the moment. You guys are a breath of fresh air. Even answer the phone with live bodies the majority of the time. No complaints here.

On the subject of Flood Certification companies, I too have found them to be less than accurate. I have copied area maps and referenced them to the proper flood maps with arrows and pictures, yada yada and argued till I'm blue in the face at times. One particular case, the certification company was a full 5 miles off and wouldn't budge from thier error. I said zone AE, they said X and had the wrong panel to boot. If a small portion of a large parcel is considered a flood hazard, they automatically call for insurance. Doesn't matter if the dwelling is completely in the clear, and even elevated. They force the homeowner to shell out $500 to sometimes $1500 per year for needless insurance.

2 weeks ago, a Realtor asks me to verify the flood zone for her son's property which the Flood Cert Co. had in AE. Looked like X to me, but was a close call. I called another Flood Cert. Co. and asked if I could order a second opinion. The guy was more interested in making sure my credit card info was accurate than the property address which I clearly and slowly spoke to him and asked 'did you get that?'. 30 minutes later, I get the certification faxed to me. He completely blew the name of the street, (the name he used doesn't even exist) and somehow had it on the wrong community panel which is located a full 3.5 miles east of the property in question. I call back, ask what happened and he says he has 3 maps that stated the property was on that panel. (???? No road name exists in my county the way this kid typed it and he didn't want the legal description when I offered) I let him know of the street faux pas and tell him to cancel the order. Guess what? He got the credit card info right and still charged me. Took him 3 reminder calls and a week and a half to refund. How can a sloppy type in Houston accurately place a property on a little private lane in Los Lunas, NM? Scary. The homeowner never sees the flood cert document. Makes me wonder how many others are handled so flippantly. Yes folks, our flood data is important. No Flood Cert. Company knows your area like you do.

The company I called was not either of those in question here in Dave's case. My point is, when someone is sitting half a continent away with internet maps, census data, GPS info, there are bound to be errors. Your knowledge of the area and expertise are important.