Moving Forward
Sometimes the f-word isn’t enough.
The fact that Monica’s sale date was scheduled in two days didn’t scare me. Over the past decade, I’ve worked so many ‘critical status’ files that it seemed more like routine… which is why the ending came as a total surprise!
Monica came to us via a referral and was noticibly panicked given the status of the loan. Because of the lateness of the hour, I suggested Monica consider filing bankruptcy or at least have an attorney on standby in the event our efforts weren’t sucessful.
Monica had strong feelings about bankruptcy…to her it [bankruptcy]was evil, irresponsible, negligent, and used by misguided sloths. I gently demurred, expressing the value in some instances of bankruptcy protection. Monica wasn’t hearing it. Person’s who filed bankruptcy to her represented Satan.
Talk about other worldly.
Ok…it was time to decide. Was I going to spend my time debating the virtures of bankruptcy?…
not! After all, I’m a lot older and wiser and have learned to pick my battles when debating the forces [good/evil].
So I say to Monica, “well, if mediation is really the only route you see yourself taking, then I’m your man…woman [smile].
Monica is thrilled. “Let me go to the bank,” she says, “and wire to you the money.”
“Great.” I say. We agree to speak in 2 hours.
Here’s where I choose to fast-forwad through the fact that I do not hear from Monica again until the next morning. Did I mention there is also a 3-hour time difference?
Monica goes into reasons for the delay in getting back. “I’ve got your lender on standby,” I say “so let’s stop chatting and get to work.”
Here’s where I start the clock.
It is now:9:00 am my time; noon lender time. 4 hours left in the work day. Four hours left to make something good happen.
Client emails the docs. Good.
Review of docs show modifications are in order.
Contact client. Phone has gone dead. Disconnected.
Client calls as I am pounding out an email.
New number dispatched - Cell. Great.
Submit file directly to lender rep. Ocassionally, I get lucky and don’t have to jump through all the hoops.
Lender reviews quickly. Downpayment contribution requested: 50% of reinstatement figure. Within one hour money must be received. Call client.
Voice mail won’t allow passage.
Call repeatedly without success.
Lender phones me repeatedly to check status. I can tell the negotiator is pissed. She’s devoted an entire day to a file she wasn’t assigned to work.
45 minutes later, client phones. Lender work day almost over. 15 minutes left.
“Where have you been?” I ask. “Your lender wanted the downpayment and Agreement returned almost an hour ago.
“I decided to file bankruptcy”, came the response.
Oh yeah…and this: “Can I have my money back since you guys didn’t do anything?”
N-O-T!!!!!