Things are not going well. Can't get an REO to save my life, was gaining momentum on the BPO side but that has suddenly dried up despite reassurance that my work is just 'great' no problems, they just don't have any work (which has GOT to be crap because I was doing PLENTY of BPOs in October, November, and December for CC who I am still mourning). Either I really suck at what I do (which would be a shame because I love what I do) or I just really suck. What used to be a $700-900 months has now been a $50 month so far. I just don't get it. I've been at this for 6 years, fairly new to the BPO market (1 year in) and have been actively pursuing REO listings for the last year as well. Maybe it's just me. I can never catch a break. It's my life theme apparently. But the point of this thread is NOT to whine because if I even START I will have such a massive pity party I'll never be productive.

SO...instead of being a crybaby I'm going to ask you fine people. I did take 3 years off to stay at home with two babies, so really I've only been active for the last year. But I think I've worked really hard, I've searched this forum, appraiser.com ( I even went so far as to REGISTER people) and a bunch of other sites for so long that sometimes I forget to feed my kids. My brokers are great, they've been very helpful (for the most part)and with the exceptions of a few setbacks I feel that they've had my best interests at heart (hey, we all have to make a living). I never miss deadlines, most of the time have a 24 hour turn around on my BPO's (which frustrates me cuz then they sit in QC two days after they were due) and try like hell to get the most accurate market value. I've signed up with so many freaking companies that I get excited someimes thinking I find a new only to end up disappointed because once I get there I realize I've signed up already. NOTHING is selling unless it's REO owned and my Broker has the crown there and a few other agents in the ocean of REO sharks around here. I just don't understand, I don't know why I can't get anywhere. What am I doing wrong? And no, I don't want your lists, I just want to know if any of you have been through this and how did you overcome it?
Does ANYONE have anything constructive to suggest? And if it helps you at all, I'm NOT in Georgia, I'm Northeast. The "Roswell" has nothing to do with my location.

Really, I don't need your lists, I am POSITIVE that I've signed up with every stinking mill there is....BPO or REO. I'm not allowed to sign up with any of the companies people in my office already work for anyway.

FIND ANOTHER WAY!

Seriously you aren't the only one to have ever gotten down.2 years ago I became sick and went to the emergency room many times trying to figure out what it was.Eventually they found out it was my gall bladder and I had surgery but the whole ordeal set me back for 5 to 6 months not being able to work.I am fine now and doing great.

I believe REO isn't as great as you think it is.1 year from now the REO is going to drop significantly in inventory and many agents that got in will get right back out.

Personally the road to wealth is through commercial real estate investment.I see it time and time again.Could you not be a buyers agent for the major reo listers?These agents make big money working the leads that come in for the REO brokers.You might have been in the business for 6 years but are a newbie in REO.

Just like in Commercial real estate I had to start all over and learn that business to be successful.

good luck

Bpo's are up and down no matter how many you sign up with.

Don't give up!!! I am in the Northeast as well and while things are sometimes slow, they sure do pick up at other times! Giving up will just work to ensure that you never see success on the BPO/REO end. Keep working at it...I know you said that you've signed up with every company under the sun, but every time I think I have, I always seem to find new ones. It doesn't sound like you really want to give up...so don't.

I am sorry to hear that I kind of hit the same snag, my solutions was one that most know about , "Prayer" I prayed and prayed and talked to God, Jesus Christ to send me work, try walking in Gods steps. And boom! bpo's started coming in, well some may be skeptical or what not but inside I feel God has provided. Just keep faith and hope alive. No matter what in the end everything is gonna be alright.

I think the secret is varying streams of income until you hit the one thing that really works, and then investing in that to the max.
I am performing BPO's about 25 a month. I am trying to get in with the companies that will eventually give me a listing. I am also sending correspondence to my sphere of friends and family about helping them buy or sell (I have two sales in the past 3 months, and I just got two residential listings). I also bought and sold a property that needed cosmetic work and made a pretty good profit. I am new at this, about 10 months in. But I am just trying different things to see where I have an aptitude and which will pay the most. If BPO/REO stuff takes off, then it makes sense to invest most time in that. If residential stuff takes off, focus on that.

I am too new to give advice. I am just saying for me, trying as many things as I can has been the key and seeing what works.

I have seen a steady decline in BPO order in the last three months. I don't think what you're experiencing has anything to do with you personally... the whole financial and real estate industry is upside down right now.

Roswell, try to stay positive. I am a praying person as well and I know things will get better. I have two small babies and I have to feed them so I work during the day and tackle BPOs at night. I am sure that is against some sort of realtor code. If I had to depend on just BPO income at 30 orders a week, it would not be pretty. I am a notary signing agent also. The key is diversification and prayer.

Things will turn around.

God bless you.

You are NOT allowed to sign up with any of the companies people in your office already work for? Wow, that is not good. In my office, at least 3 agents are working for IAS, 2 agents for CW. Maybe change your office? Sign up with companies one more time? I picked up some companies after 2nd time.

Prayer huh? I'm a praying gal but I never thought to pray about that. I will definitely add that to my nightly prayer. It's reassuring to know other people have gone through this as well. I was trying really hard not to take it personally but when you go from busy busy busy to bored bored bored, it's hard. The last few weeks have done NOTHING for my poor Realtor ego except kick it. Thanks you guys, I really do appreciate your suggestions, I was seriously considering putting the license in escrow. Everyone around me claims it's really picking up, leaving me thinking.....well it picked up and left without me.
But, I'm nothing if not determined, even if I need reminding every now and then. Thanks.

Realtorca....no, it's our office policy. We cannot compete with the other agents in our office, not with buyers, sellers, or BPO/REO work. Ever. It doesn't bother me though, I'd really hate for someone in my office to steal my list that I worked soooo hard and have taken MANY Advil to compile. I just hope it pays off someday.

Super Realtor...Im glad you're ok! Commercial is where it's at huh? I'm going to look into that. Generally I don't like to do what everyone else is doing anyway. I don't know of anyone doing anything Commercial around here.

i dont know if that works for people who dont believe the way you do. maybe you should have said "pray to whaever God you believe in". and if you arent comfortable with saying that, maybe you should have just given some business advice.

this business isnt easy, and its hard to get going and stay going. i dont know how much time your putting into what you do daily, but im usually up till 1 or 2 in the morning working. if im not doing bpo or reo work, im looking for more. unfortunately, b/c of the cuthroat nature of this business, you cant just depend on staying 1 step ahead of everyone else, you have to get several steps ahead, maybe feet, maybe a mile!

I gave up on even trying to get REO's, and honestly after doing a few I don't think I'm missing much.

As far as signing up with new companies for listings - I've been an active agent for five years, but I too took some time out to sell new homes. Well... I don't care how many you sell, they're not yours in the MLS, so when they ask how many you've sold or listed in the past 12 months, you have nothing to enter and you can't get your foot in the door.

I never liked listing property anyway, so I've concentrated solely on the BPO side. And it drives me nuts more often than not. I've been really lucky with them so far, but I have bad weeks too. Maybe it's just an off time and it'll pick up. Maybe you can concentrate on getting regular clients to work with, while things pick up for you? I know that's easier said than done though.

I don't have anything constructive to offer, but I do want you to know that I've been there and I know how bad it sucks.

Roswell, if you do nothing else in the next week, read pages 28-34 of "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. Even better, read the whole book. It won't cure your ills, but it may put you in a more positive state of mind, which you will have to have to go on!

Don't give up - we are in this together. And once you write your petition, know I signed it. (You have to read the passage to understand.)