Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ben Benita on March 14, 2011 at 11:04am

not what you wan to hear BUT, Astoria is a MONSTER to deal with.

 

They MADE our client pay $400 for the appraisal/BPO, and, it came in higher than the current offer, so, the short sale has been denied.....

 

I ahve been doing these for more than 6 years now and NEVER seen anything like this......of course, I AM int he middle of dealing with their corporate office, so, i will keep you posted.

 

To answer your question, I do not believe they participate in HAFA.....I would just call in and ask.

 

best of luck.....

Permalink Reply by Christy Brock on March 14, 2011 at 11:07am

Thanks.  I have a potential client that may be relocating to another state.  Perhaps they will have some sympathy  (hahaha).

Permalink Reply by Ben Benita on March 14, 2011 at 11:28am

Now that IS FUNNY.......I will grow my hair back right after banks start actually caring about homeowners!!!!

 

;-)

Permalink Reply by Mark Korte on March 15, 2011 at 9:07am

I just came across this situation with one of my clients.  Astoria is demanding $350 for the appraisal.  I tried to throw some logic and reason at them, but that did not work.  I asked, "Would you really let a home go to foreclosure over $350?"

I will keep you posted and if I can get around this $350.  My sellers, are really skeptical and are not willing to put up this money, and I doubt any buyer is going to pay for two appraisals.

Ben Benita said:

not what you wan to hear BUT, Astoria is a MONSTER to deal with.

 

They MADE our client pay $400 for the appraisal/BPO, and, it came in higher than the current offer, so, the short sale has been denied.....

 

I ahve been doing these for more than 6 years now and NEVER seen anything like this......of course, I AM int he middle of dealing with their corporate office, so, i will keep you posted.

 

To answer your question, I do not believe they participate in HAFA.....I would just call in and ask.

 

best of luck.....

Permalink Reply by Ben Benita on March 28, 2011 at 10:45am

Tiffany.......call their corporate office in NY, you can negotiate closing costs and commissions.......do you know if this is a portfolio loan and they are the Investor on this as well?

Permalink Reply by Mark Korte on March 31, 2011 at 6:56am

I called the corporate office at 516-327-3000 and was connected to a Stephanie Murphy after I told them I was calling about a short sale.  I left her a vm, and don't know if she can help.  Let me know if you have any luck.

Permalink Reply by Ben Benita on March 31, 2011 at 7:14am

I have spoken with Stephanie, hard to do, BUT, play nice with her......when I spoke to her she seemd to be having a bad day, though 99% of the persons I spek to in the upper level offices seem to be having bad days when you call them!!!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Mark Korte on March 31, 2011 at 8:29am

I finally spoke to her. I find it hard to believe you got anything done with her.  She is unreal!

Permalink Reply by Ben Benita on March 31, 2011 at 8:54am

Told you she was a "real joy"......e-mail me off here, [email protected], and I will get you some other contacts

 

Permalink Reply by Christy Brock on March 31, 2011 at 9:01am

Hi Ben!  It would help everyone if you posted the other contacts that are more helpful to work with so that we do not have to deal with Stephanie at all.

Permalink Reply by Ben Benita on March 31, 2011 at 9:09am

I used to post them on these and other boards, BUT, found out they were getting flooded with calls.

 

The good contacts I worked hard to find, or, spent hours and hours tracking down, would change their direct numbers and e-mails and I would be back to square one.....I am sure you understand.

 

That is why I ask that persons contact me off here, then, send me a quick message promising not to post any direct contact info. on message boards.....

 

I am here to help, but, need to watch out for my clients as well.

Permalink Reply by Mark Korte on March 31, 2011 at 9:26am

The funny part is Stephanie demanded at least a few times that I tell her who gave me her contact info.  As if she was so sought after for her "friendliness" and "helpfulness"