HELVETICA | CORPORATE BLOG

Strapped Borrowers Sue Servicers to Force Modification

 clipped from online.wsj.com

Some struggling homeowners are turning to the courts in a bid to force mortgage servicers to consider them for the Obama administration's foreclosure-rescue program, arguing they are eligible for help but haven't received it.

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The suits are the latest sign of difficulties some borrowers are having with the program, which has helped more than 500,000 people begin trial loan modifications since it was announced in February.

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The program requires mortgage servicers to screen borrowers for eligibility for modifications before completing a foreclosure. But a growing number of borrowers say this isn't happening, or that their requests for help are improperly rejected by the servicers, which collect loan payments and work with delinquent borrowers.

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Helvetica Day at the Races 2009 - Del Mar, CA

A fantastic time was had by all at the 3rd annual Helvetica Day at the Races. The evening was hosted at the famous Del Mar Race Track in the Durante Celebrity suite. The event gave the hard working Helvetica team an opportunity to take some time away from the office and socialize with their friends and investors while enjoying some friendly wagers on the races.

Check out the complete slide show at:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=g7e5wk1.80yj3zsd&x=0&y=u3ej0x&localeid=en_US

Cleaning an REO - things to consider

The Dirt on Cleaning House By Jennifer Harmonn From walls to floors and cabinets to countertops, asset managers have to cover a lot of ground in order to make sure an REO property is clean and ready to sell. It is a wise move for asset managers to give their real estate agents, brokers and service providers a guide to use when getting real estate-owned assets spic-and-span, according to CJ Gehlke, president and founder of REO Nationwide in Newport Beach, Calif. Let's get down to specifics. Inside the home, Ms. Gehlke recommends to take a close look at the kitchen. Remove the refrigerator if it is inoperable and not repairable. If it is in working condition, remove the kick plate at the bottom front of the refrigerator and remove and clean the defrost pan. Defrost the fridge, remove and clean all shelves, racks and drawers. After cleaning, reassemble the refrigerator, and turn it on, setting the control at the warmest setting. For drawers in the kitchen, empty and clean all stains and food particles by washing them with mild soap and warm water. Remove any worn paper lining. Wipe out drawers. It is important to clean the interior of the dishwasher and remove any food particles. Clean the soap holder, racks and trays. Clean the exterior by wiping with mild soap and warm water. Next, move down the hallway of home to the washer and dryer. REO Nationwide says it's important to clean the interior thoroughly and include any filters. Remove all mineral and dried soap deposits from the top of the washer. "For the furnace, remove and thoroughly clean or replace filter in the bottom of furnace. Clean all windows inside and out. Don't forget the screens. Vacuum Venetian blinds to remove dust and spots," says Ms. Gehlke. "Wipe the window sills to remove dust, spots or stains. The walls and ceilings take up a great deal of time. Brush out all corners to remove any dust. Clean the ceiling surrounding all vents." There's more work to be done. Inside the bathroom, make sure to sanitize all tile and shower doors to remove lime deposits and mildew. Scrub the tub as well as the shower and sinks. "It is important to clean thoroughly any woodwork, including doors, door frames and baseboards." Also, sweep and mop hardwood floors, title and linoleum. Don't forget to take care of the carpet. Remove stains and shampoo when this is requested. Empty and tidy up shelves, drawers and closets thoroughly. Remove, dust and replace the light fixtures. All fixtures should have an operable 60-watt bulb in each socket, says Ms. Gehlke. "If the house has a fireplace, go over it thoroughly to include the ash compartment. Sweep, clean and remove all trash and debris from the back porch." Don't forget the garages and carports. Get rid of all trash and debris, and sweep clean these areas of the property. Remove the oil and grease from floor of carport/garage and driveways. Vacuum any vents in the property and haul off items from the storage sheds and make sure to sweep this area clean. And of course, remove all items of personal property. If the amount of personal property exceeds a certain threshold (industry standards are $500), the personal property goes through an eviction process in accordance to state and local requirements. When it comes with dealing with the outside of the home, Cheryl Lang, president of the Houston-based Integrated Mortgage Solutions, says in the summer, contractors mow the lawn every two weeks and trim the bushes during April to October. She says part of property preservation means ensuring that all hazardous materials have been removed from the property. This may include removing swing sets, tires, paint, boarding up in-ground pools or removing aboveground pools and draining ponds. "The process of preserving property has been greatly improved by the use of digital imaging," describes Ms. Lang. "Because contractors may miss something or deem a property vacant when it is occupied, most vendors today require pictures to verify contractor's work. It is estimated that roughly 20% of contractor mistakes are caught using digital photos." Some vendors today even provide phones with camera capabilities to contractors, so they may collect and share real-time photos in order to expedite the property preservation process. As more and more REO homes need to be monitored and preserved, technology ultimately allows more details to be presented on every property. Photoinspection.com, a Buffalo, New York based company, provides property inspection services for the insurance and mortgage industries. The company, which was established in 1999, has focused on developing a robust and functional technology platform from the very beginning. The company has built a national network of inspectors, which was not an easy thing to do for a small company that was surviving on a bootstrap financing, says Ted Onyeji, president. A network that includes several thousand appraisers located across the country has become the backbone of the company, he describes. Inspectors are monitored on their first 10 jobs to make sure they comply with industry standards. "We've noticed a lot of inspection companies are beginning to add inspectors across the country, especially in the areas of Florida and Michigan because of the glut of houses out there." The biggest goal is to make sure the vacant property is not an eyesore. Safeguard Properties, a privately held field services company located in Valley View, Ohio, makes sure the grass is cut, that there are no broken windows and if there is a gas or water leak inside the home, the company addresses those types of problems immediately. Safeguard also offers maid services. Contractors are to follow the maid services checklist included in the work order and leave it at the property signed by the person who completed the services. This is a requirement when completing the initial services order. "You have no idea what we find in some of these properties. We will wash the counters down, clean the fridge, put in air fresheners so it doesn't smell like an REO," says Mr. Klein. Bleach and household cleaners are used to rid a property of a smell, along with a powder scent put down on the carpet before vacuuming. Contractors bring a hot water supply with them to perform the cleaning. If carpet is in deplorable condition, the contractor will notify Safeguard to have it removed. "The lender wants to sell the REO as soon as possible to a homeowner who will live in the property. You want to make it as attractive as possible. You have to make it look and smell good. We try to do the best we can. We do as much as we can so the neighbors don't have a rundown home with 50 tires in the front yard," he adds. Properties are becoming more seriously damaged as well. Some homeowners in foreclosure are so frustrated they will do serious damage to the property. They take out appliances, put holes in the walls and holes in the floor, he says. "There is no rhyme or reason. They are taking their frustration out on the system or the process. We are seeing that more and more." By the time the mortgage company gets a hold of one of these properties, it is sometimes problematic. Safeguard hire various contractors they have built relationships with to do repairs such as re-roof a home. In today's market the industry is seeing an increase in the amount of repairs being done to vacant REOs. "The goal of the mortgage company is to sell this property as quickly as possible. Every day they hold on to it is costing them money, in addition to the foreclosure process. It's a bigger financial loss. We want to make the house inviting and attractive to the possible homeowner."

How do you turn that "no" into a "yes"?

Some breakthrough tips to get you there Some sales are like driving on a highway--you drive straight ahead and get off at your destination. You offer a product, the customer likes what he sees and the sale is made. Most sales, however, are more like driving on back-country roads--they're full of twists, turns, detours, stop signs and potholes. The customer says "maybe," then "not right now," then just plain "no." Is that the end of the road for the sale? Not necessarily. If you want your journey with that customer to end in a sale, you've got to find ways to get around that "no." It doesn't matter if you're dealing with a one-time sale or a two-year sales cycle; the philosophy remains the same. Here are four qualities you need to nourish: 1. Belief in yourself and your product or service: You must believe you have the ability to turn that "no" into a "yes." There should be no doubt in your mind that eventually the customer will say "yes" because of who you are, what you have, and what you can do to solve his or her problem. Passion and enthusiasm are contagious-and they'll give you positive direction and momentum. 2. The value you bring to the customer: Make sure you understand your product or service, the customer's environment and challenges, as well as your customer's customer. This depth of knowledge allows you to truly understand the value of this opportunity for the customer. That value is then communicated through your physical energy, your voice, and the way you tie your idea back to the customer's goals and needs. The confidence you bring to the table will help the customer feel comfortable, get past his doubts, and go straight for the "yes." 3. Unique factors that make you different: Why would a customer do business with you over somebody else? You have to differentiate yourself to the customer in at least three key ways. But it's not enough to be different; you must also let the customer know why your solutions are so unique and how they align with his business goals. If you know what makes the customer tick, or what his key needs are, the customer will better understand the value of your uniqueness and how it will help his company. "No" is a comfortable answer for the customer. To get past that "no," find a new approach. 4. Persistence: When you believe in yourself, when you focus on the value you bring to customers, and when you have a strong differentiating factor, then persistence and tenacity come naturally. Next time a customer says "Thanks, but we're all set," or "Sorry, it's not in our budget right now," you can reply with "Share 10 minutes with me. If I don't show you something of tremendous value in that time, I'll never call you again." Getting past "no" really comes down to the qualities listed here, with belief in yourself. Remember rule number 5. Two prime ministers are sitting in a room discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts in shouting and stamping and banging his fist on the desk. The resident prime minister admonishes him. "Peter," he says, "kindly remember rule number 5," whereupon Peter is instantly restored to complete calm, apologizes, and withdraws. The politicians return to their conversation, only to be interrupted yet again twenty minutes later by a hysterical woman gesticulating wildly, her hair flying. Again the intruder is greeted with the words: "Marie, please remember rule number 5." Complete calm descends once more, and she too withdraws with a bow and an apology. When the scene is repeated a third time, the visiting prime minister addresses his colleague: "My dear friend, I've seen many things in my life, but never anything as remarkable as this. Would you be willing to share with me the secret of rule number 5?" "Very simple," replies the resident prime minister. "Rule number 5 is 'Don't take yourself so seriously.'" "Ah," says his visitor, "that is a fine rule." After a moment of pondering, he inquires, "And what, may I ask, are the other rules?" "There aren't any." Rule number 5 is a good rule for everyone who's looking for a daily dose of laughter. If you're like most people, you can take life and yourself a little too seriously, and that always stops the joy. So lighten up. Relax. Remember what really matters. And remember rule number 5.

16 Money Saving Tips for the Office

Quick Takeaways

• Sign up for discounted accounts with shipping services.
• Save on office supplies and equipment.
• Cut down on uniform costs by negotiating.
• Whether you have a small home office or a huge corporate firm, the expense of running an office can be huge. Here are sixteen ways to trim your costs.

 

Office Supplies

• Instead of heading straight to the office supply store when you need supplies, try mainstream stores like Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, and Costco. There may be less of a selection, but the price is usually much less.
• Whenever you decide you need a supply, really analyze it. This may seem silly, small, or petty to you, but oftentimes needing an item is simply a way to stall on a project. Double check your supply closet; you probably have something that would do already.
• Pens and pencils tend to wander off. Keep them in a desk drawer instead of on top of the desk, and fewer will disappear.
• On this same note, buy the ten for a dollar variety of pens and the even cheaper pencils. While it is always nice to write with a fine writing implement, if you have to buy a new one each week, it is not worth the cost.
• Computer paper gets to be very expensive. Use as little paper as possible by reading any necessary internet reading material directly off of the computer screen, using the backs of discarded paper for rough drafts or personal printing, and not printing every email.
• If you live in a logging area, there are probably a lot of paper mills around. Check with your local mill to see about getting 'damaged' boxes for free or cheap.
• Use color print jobs sparingly. Color prints are up to 9 cents a page. This adds up quickly.

 

Office Equipment

• The easiest way to save money on office equipment is not to buy it. Try to utilize what you already own. If you do not own any, then purchase the minimum amount necessary.
• Try faxing from your computer. This saves paper while giving you an easily accessible record of faxes. Initially you may have to invest in a scanner
• All-in-one machines are great for small offices. A unit that combines a scanner, copier, and printer are great for cost and space savings. Comparison shopping is key here, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Office furniture is a large expense that can easily be cut down. Do not purchase those beautiful collections found in office stores. See what you already have and shop at second hand stores.

 

Services

• Sign up for accounts with shipping services. Always ask for a lower price. For example, DHL offers a significant cost savings for prepaid shipping envelopes versus using their standard supplies. Find a knowledgeable rep, explain what you will be doing, and ask them for the most cost effective means to get it done. This is one area where dealing with a live body is definitely a good idea.
• Uniform services can be a huge drain on your operating budget. Price various companies for equivalent services. Avoid buying all the extra stuff that will pad your bill (like $17 dollars per roll paper towels, and twenty dollar a week doormats). Go through each invoice that comes in. Constantly ask your representative for better rates and cost savings. This is a very competitive industry, so there are lots of savings to be had. Be persistent. Even if you are already locked into a contract, shop around and show your findings to your current vendor.
• Mailing services seem straightforward enough until you get into issues like equipment rentals and service charges. In a small office, keep stamps on hand and invest in a simple postal scale. Try online mailing services that allow you to print your own postage and envelopes on your current equipment for the cost of postage and a small service fee.

 

Creature Comforts

• Creating a homey (while incredibly efficient and profitable) office is oftentimes a goal of office folks. However, it is important to keep strict tabs on what is spent in areas such as coffee, lunches, and other perks. Create a budget for discretionary items and stick to it.
• Many large offices employ a coffee service that stocks coffee items on a weekly basis. While this is nice, the convenience costs a pretty penny. Purchase your own supplies and make your own coffee for quick savings.
• Buy bulk from wholesale suppliers. Your business license serves as a great way to get discounts. Search your area for wholesale suppliers that cater to businesses.
• Running an office within budget can be a daunting task. These simple changes will have a surprisingly significant effect on the bottom line.

 

10 Things Successful People Have in Common

Every day we meet, read or hear about successful people. From great artists, top sportsmen, inspiring speakers, to colleagues that everybody like, cherish and follow. What do those people have in common? Are there any particular characteristics they all share and which are the basis of their success?If you look into biographies of successful people, you can notice that they have some things in common:

1. Hard work. Successful people work very hard and they are keen on practising or rehearsing things until they come out perfect. Their outcome is only the tip of the iceberg; it is only that 10% that people see. The rest of 90% is preparation and hard work.

2. Focus. When they do something, the rest of the world disappears until they stop. All their attention and all their resources work together for a common goal, to complete the current task they are on. Many times, they forget even to eat or sleep, so much they are absorbed into their action. They just don’t let themselves overwhelmed by “urgent-not important” issues that crowd their agenda. They are keen on prioritizing.

3. Passion. They like what they do or they do what they like. Either way you put it, they enjoy their work, they are so passionate about it, that hard work is a pleasure and a must for them. Do you think that Beethoven could have written any of his works without passion? Or Van Gogh would have been able to paint so astonishing if passion was not there? Of course not!

4. Curiosity. Successful people want to know. They want to learn. The questions they most frequently ask are not “What? When? Who?” but rather “Why? Or How?” The best way to repeat a successful action is to know why was it successful, what was that little trigger that generated attraction and recognition.

5. Empathy. Have you noticed how many people like successful guys out there? It’s because their way of coming into resonance with others, their way of establishing rapport. Highly successful people are empathic and often it happens that despite their solitude, many people like them and feel good around them. That is because of their high level of emotional intelligence, because of their abilities to listen and learn from the world.

6. Responsibility. They are fully responsible of their acts. When something happens, they don’t waste time to search for who’s to blame, they rather move on to finding what needs to be done next. They don’t complain and they don’t look for pity.

7. Self-improvement. Successful people work on themselves, they change with the times, they learn from the past. Look at the famous singer Madonna: how many times did she completely change her style? Too many times. Each time when she felt the need to shift to something new. The result: she was appreciated every time by her fans and she’s still in tops after so many years.

8. Humor. They appreciate humor, they live in this spirit, they do serious things with relaxation and joy, they don’t rush or get hurried just to see things done.

9. Creativity. Successful people think out of the box. They search for new ways of doing things, when they don’t find something very comfortable, they try to adjust it to serve them better. Going with the flock is definitely their way of life.

10. Flexibility. There is a saying that in an organization, the most flexible element always wins. It is true. Think no further than your workplace. Which are the colleagues you value most? Aren’t they the ones who are flexible, who can adjust themselves so much that they can understand your point of view? Yes, success comes with a large dose of flexibility, and this does not mean that such people do not have their own opinions. Not at all! It just means that they know how to listen and how to act to see things and actions going their way. They know how to spot opportunities and change them into more joy, satisfaction and success for themselves.

Now give it a thought and see what are your characteristics. Do you have something in common with highly successful people? If not, maybe it is time for a change, isn’t it?

Helvetica Christmas 2007 @ The Camarenas