I think it looks something like this...

1. BOA/Landsafe
2. Wells Fargo / PAS
3. FARVV (HELP HELP HELP!)
4. Old Republic Default (you get a burger in exchange for a bpo)
5. Emortgage Logic.

No, I disagree, there is one missing that would be on my list.

Really... you think PAS for BPO's?

Post your entire list and we will rank them for you.

I think it's hard to rank them based on an individuals view of BPOs. Maybe those people that do a massive volume a year would have a better idea. I disagree with the PAS also. But then it might be local. Also I disagree with EML, but again it's from my local viewpoint and I don't pay attention to blast companies. Plus with the amount of change in the industry lately it's hard to tell. Also if a big player that doesn't have their own bpo company switches bpo mills it changes the dynamics fast. Or if a huge player like BOA outsources some bpos to another mill it changes the dymanics so fast.

But here's my list based on my experience

LS
PT
FV
OR (I rarely accept one though as the pay is so low)

Ok I'm struggling to come up with a 4th that is a major player here. There's a few that do a couple orders a month, but I can't come up with a real one. PAS has grown for me, but I think that's due to my changing my office address.

Funny--only one of my top 5 companies (FARVV) is on either list.

PAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

[quote=REODayton]Post your entire list and we will rank them for you. [/quote]

Funny!

I have three mills that I get 90% of my buiz from. Only one of those compaines is on the list the OP provided. I sometimes worry that I have too many eggs in just three baskets, but it is what it is.......

Yes it does!

I think the "top 5" may vary depending on which companies one has signed up with, and also what part of the country you are in. My top company is not listed above.

The number 5 listed above barely makes a blip on my personal horizon.

I'll add LSI to the list.

I didn't see Evaluation Solutions on either list. Weird?

Oh, OK if you insist, here's my top 5 list:

1. Unity Asset Management
2. Blue View Corp
3. W-M Realty Services
4. Evaluation Solutions
5. Financial Dimensions

I disagree with that list, Evaluaton Solutions IS THE GREATEST BPO COMPANY OF ALL TIME. Not THIS TIME, THAT TIME, PART TIME, but of ALL TIME and they should be at #1. I was keeping them off my list so my are competition wouldn't sign up.

[quote=jbt4re]Oh, OK if you insist, here's my top 5 list:

1. Unity Asset Management
2. Blue View Corp
3. W-M Realty Services
4. Evaluation Solutions
5. Financial Dimensions


LOL. These look like the top 5 non-payers.

What a clever way to ask for a list of companies!

Are we taking about best companies in the country or crappiest companies in the country???Lol

Ooops, I made a slight mistake, Evaluation Solutions should be #1 as they do have a high volume of orders (that they have never paid agents for).

This the best of the best bpo companies ready guys ? herre it is:

Evalution Solutions
evaluate usa
imortgage
brokerpriceopinion.com
m2m

I'm just joking guys if you guys wanna sign up with these companies it can be a good experience i guess. it was for me lol... (they're not volume companies)maybe m2m after you become prefer agent it took me like two years. most agents have a hard time with m2m getting orders.

I'll go down that route just for laughs. In no specific order:

USRES
GOBPO
brokerpriceopinion.com
LRES
EVAL

I'll add RRR as an honorable mention just because of their fees and I feel they can really be a royal PITA.

lol I like your list brad... looks like we been there done that...

I think it really depends on where you are located. I don't see any of my top companies except for RRReview. I just hate they went to blast orders.

yeah, RRR blast is really frustrating. To get an email and see it was sent 5 hours ago almost guarantees someone else took it already.

lol you’re sick

I am no longer signed up with imortgage. Did a few...low fees...60 days to pay. At least I DID get paid. Really irked me to get a QC such as "replace all comps ASAP" and then wait so long to get compensated at their peanuts rates. When they asked me to resend by W-9, new license, etc. I didn't

For those of you with 10 years or more in the biz - how can we not include:

Oakes
Pangea
Cartel
Williams

The point is, these "biggest and best" AMC's are fluid, as alliances change and clients move their business. So this year's flavor of the month may be in next year's bargain bin.

It's been a while for me, but I think National City Mortgage has to be up there on the list. And to be anywhere, you must be with Kondour.

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!! I've been around a longgggggggggg time.....I never did get paid from Cartel/Williams....I still have the orders!!!!!!!!!!!!

I looked back at my list from the early 2000's and my top four were:

- Cartel Asset Mgmt.
- C&S Appraisals
- QuickBPO
- Williams

Ten to fifteen years ago if a company from California requested work, you had better be really careful about it.

They still owe me a few hundred dollars which I have written off as bad debt.

None of my companies is on that list I better read the apply to more companies thread over again!

None of my top companies are here either. I guess I better bust out some more applications to all of these ones before everyone else reading does the same.

Thanks for the the hot list .. I need to set higher goals for 2010....;-)

I think it's funny that on the lists you guys gave that included FARVV - None of the companies FARVV considers it's direct competitors were on that list.... Hmm..

J~

I would like to know J your view point of the top 5 since you are on the other side of the industry from us and maybe see it bigger then the local areas that we see. I probably only do Farvv orders as I'm on autoassign with them. Sadly everytime I get an order from your company I'm somewhere or doing something that I can't do the order in time.

I feel some have left out few that are big hitters and reputations same. My top 5 list no special order:

1. harbor assest mgmt
2. homequity services
3. MGIC valuations
4. safe harbor soluations
5. quickBPO services

NOTICE**** Do not ignore this Impt. announcement...As the special intermin temporary acting pheaux moderator I pose the following insertion to as coded for bypassing all regulations, this amendment notification.
Enter Code password now
!aFttHHw2@48210://http.de21

Hereby inserted into the thread posts of each top 5 list.

1a. MSV

End transmission

please MSV is NO go for us, too detailed, PDF and MLS notes and comments, lowwwwwwwww pay and slow pay too. I feel you need find 10-12 companies and pamper too them and laugh at the others and their BS and forms. I know msv tries to post go info and help but so tired of all her pimping ang bragging of her site and services.

I'm sure my list would look different than an agent list. Mine would be based on volume nationwide as well as those with reliable volume (meaning they have clients that don't place large bulks then disapear for months on end) I would also have to include clients that do their own BPO work.



J~

I think the idea was to not list the real list, so as to not reward a lazy approach to getting business for nuttin'. Oh well.

Your right 'Doin, but since she has nothing to loose, its easy for her to spew out info us agents would prefer to keep to ourselves. Other than that, I am biting my tongue.

I don't think it matters to much as mostly all of those companies are listed usually on the first page of this forum anyways in thread subjects. One on MSVJ's list I didn't think really existed anymore as far as getting bpo orders from. But I could be wrong.

Or you newbies out there can send me $25 with paypal and I'll provide you with that same list as above.

For me, listing high volume companies doesn't give away what areas these companies do business in. One of the companies I had on my list actually does quite a large volume of BPO's in Guam, Puerto Rico, DR, and the VI's. So any agent state side wouldn't see those orders anyway.

Should I also mention that the majority of the companies I listed do not currently accept new agent applications as their vendor pools are quite full... Not much of a chance of current agents loosing volume to a newbie.

J~

And besides, you can type in "BPO list" on any search engine and get the names and sometimes links for the vast majority of companies mentioned in this forum. Heck, there's one site that I can think of that posts the list for free and even rates them on pay frequency and bpo volume.

It's not like they're any big secret; are you kidding me?

A few years ago, I saw a List of BPO Company Contacts on eBay, and the whopping high bid was something like $9.50. It included about 200 names and email addresses. Like about 5˘ per name ! Of course, this is an asset of diminishing value, as things change. After a few years, I'll bet they're only worth about 2˘ or 3˘ per name.

You guys with your "helpful" bpo list tips are ruining my chance of getting some newbie BPO list clients. But actually I think I found a couple of those free internet lists a couple years ago when I started this glorious BPO lifestyle and addiction.

Hi there, Just a quick question do I need a certain amount of bpos completed to get on auto assign with msv? I haven't been able to catch a single one...

I want to say it was 5, but not sure...MSV will straighten us out...lol

I gave up chasin' my tail on this one.....too much like M2M...gone before they hit your mail.....

There's a direct correlation between the top 5 high volume bpo companies and the top 5 worst banks.........or is it the top 5 worst bpo companies and the top 5 high volume banks?!

Yeah ...

CA is a hard area to break into as a vendor for any client. High saturation of BPO agents since the market fell.

If it was me and I was in one of these areas, I would look for orders on Fridays and the day before a holiday as other agents are either out of town or already swamped with orders.

J~

I understand Friday, but, what's a holiday?
.....lol

Big bird is at the top of my list

That is a very true statement for the Friday BPO search.. Good tip:)

sure is.

Nice-- Now all of the newbies in my area that are lurking on the site can share my Friday biz with me....I have been enjoying that one for some time...it toook me awhile to figure that one out.

Oh well.

Not a bad deal, huh? This is a pretty good site. I see that you have not posted here much. Kind of nice to have one of reps from a company tell you how to find biz...

It used to bother me when I'd see somebody give up one of "our little trade secrets".......not anymore.....I mean, most of the information is somewhere within this forum. I was late getting in the race, as stated many months back. Somehow, I managed to crack the safe, as I have a pretty good BPO business. I would hate to be an agent today, trying the same thing. Most of the good companies aren't taking new agents. I still tend to post, rather than PM the answer to a member, when asked a question......tryin' to get better at that......'tis on my "to do list" for 2010......lol

Lol actually many big bpo companies are hiring but you have to know how to play the game. Ppl from the inside informed me theres a high turn over with agents... agents come and go. truth hurts but same agents are not made to do bpos. To be great in this biz you need skills, patience,concentration. Its not as easy as everybody think it is.

Doing BPOs FT can be very tedious. It's definitely a "Groundhog Day" kind of job, whereas you're doing the same thing over and over daily. While this comment does not apply to many on this MB, I think one of the reasons why there is high turn over with BPO agents is most Realtors are lazy. Most did not become Realtors to "work"; they just want to sell homes on a casual basis without having a strong work ethic. Again, this MB is an exception to what I perceive to be factual. My observation is from being licensed since 1996.

Agreed and I have caught wind a few times at the disatisfaction of getting a check for $50. The pay is percieved as too low. They look at it piece meal, rather than on an annualized figure. They want the big commission checks.

I to agree and will throw in a twist. Many agents signed up in desperation as their "normal" business just ended. When they don't start making big bucks out of the chute they give up.

We lose another group of agents every time we have another of our fees (i.e. $880.00 for MLS due Jan 1) come due. The ones who did not pay Board and MLS will be removed from access on Feb 1. Our local MLS went from about 1600 agents to about 550 at the end of 2009. My guess is that will will be under 500 on Feb 2nd. Then with E&O due mid year we will lose some more.

Again, I guess my view is different from an agents on this point. The way I see it is I can tell you all day how to get work. It won't matter if you're not good at it. Every so often you might pick up an order here or there but when you only fill half of it out and send it back. Chances are you'll weed yourself out. Then again, if you are a really good agent at what you do, I want to give you a shot. I'd rather have you verses an agent who gives me shoddy work but has been with the company since the beginning of time.

There are always ways to get into companies that have a lock down on new agents. Whats that old saying... it's not always what you know but who you know....


J~

Here, Here J! I totally agree.

J,
But what drives down ours fees is the slew of agents signing up. That is why many of us were posting the worst companies to work for. Those on your side of the business model, when competing for pools of orders or large accounts tell the providers, we have agents who will work for less. So you can get the work by undercutting another mill. It is likely most of the same agents do the work which ever mill gets the pool. The same slackers who allowed you to lower the fees do not end up doing the work. We are left holding the crappy lower fee.

Sorry to be blunt.

lol... Actually, it's sad to say but you actually will probably get a higher fee for a crappy agent getting a report before you. Because they probably held onto the order for say 72 hours before sending in their shoddy work and then someone like me has to get the order back in 24 hours and knows I have to pay a higher fee to have you do a rush on it...

It's when you have good agents that do the work for lower fees that you would need to worry. America is consumer driven. I can't change that. Take Wal-mart vs mom and pop stores. No one wants to hear how the little guy was forced out or be part of the issue that caused it to happen. But, that doesn't stop the average person from wanting to save $1.72 on batteries.

Please don't take me wrong in saying this but understand it's just blunt honesty. If I walk into a store and they say 'I charge 50.00 for this product and you should buy this product from me at this price because thats the least amount of money I am willing to take for it. But I can go next door and buy the same product (yes I know that it has a 50% of being worse or being better) for 45.00. I'm going to take that chance. And then, I might find that I bought an inferior product and next time, I have an easier time explaining to my boss why I have to pay a little more to get a better product since I've already gone down that road. But if by some chance I get a better product or a similar quality product, then I am going to continue to purchase it at a lower fee and I will increase the amount of business I give to that seller.

*sigh* I hate reality.

J~

You are talking about a different part of the process than I am. If I do 1000 orders this year, 250 might be reassigns from ding dong agents. The other 750 are not. So if I get my 250 negotiated for a better deal great, but I am still losing out because of the lower fees on the lion's share of work.

I am still trying to get the point across that it was not cool to list all those big names. It is not a big deal anymore, but you don't seem to understand things from the agent perspective.

It's like me walking into your coffee room and telling other people in your office how to increase their chances of getting your job. Even if you are secure in your job, you'd still be irked. And then if you made a comment about being displeased over what I did-I would give you a snarky reponse about how you did not understand what just happened.

Agreed whole heartedly. Could not have said better. I am on the topic of giving info to others that some of us worked hard to figure out. MSVJ is on the topic of those that do the job well and those that don't...not certain what that has to with this.
I am done with this topic, it is a waste of my time.

You're right. I don't get it. I guess I was always taught that you can't move on to better places unless you can find someone to replace what you're doing. You don't get to move up to a higher pay scale unless you find someone to mentor and bring up the ranks below you. So me, personally, I wouldn't be irked if you told someone how to get my job.

The companies I named, are on the first page (for the most part) of this forum on almost a daily basis. I didn't provide phone numbers, references, contacts ect that would probably be necessary to get into those companies as most will not take just applications. I removed the list part of that post due to a very polite PM request I recieved.

If you have a problem with companies price shopping agents, talk to the agents in your community and establish that you will all work for the same fee. After all, it's very unlikely any mill will say 'You'll work for 45.00 well thats too low. I can only pay you 50.00.' If you have an agent in the community that undercuts your fee, then they may get your work. An united front will get you a better result I'm sure.

J~

My only thought in regards to fees is when the market "corrects" itself and more agents turn back to sales, will fees rise? Granted the number of BPOs will be less, but I think the amount of agents doing BPOs will be MUCH less. I think the agent mindset will be, "Why chase a $50 BPO when I can go for a $6,000 commission check?"

Everyone on this MB knows how I feel about fees, and J is right in the sense that it’s the schmuck agent that gladly accepts the $45 order is part of the problem. However I am not in their shoes, so that $45 order (multiplied several times) does put food on the table and helps pay the mortgage. Who am I to question their motives? I will say that my personal "Big 3" companies that I work for have not lowered their fees since I started doing BPOs FT in 2006. I respect them for that, as they account for 90-95% of all my business.

Listing companies blatantly as done earlier in this tread irks me, but I'm not going there. I'm in a "live and let live" mood today, and I'm wish to enjoy that while it lasts.

It irks me too. As it does when people post the day of week, time of day, "dropping" notices, methodology in general of getting orders. I used to fume about it when I would see those types of posts on here now I just chalk it up to "they know not what they do." I am NOT fighting this battle, I'm just chiming in with my opinion. But all of you who provide all of your justifications such as (1) we're all here to help each other out, (2) I'm in this market and your in that market, how could it hurt you?, or, my favorite (3) go violate the Sherman Antitrust Act and price fix in your market....well, you just don't get it. You're ultimately creating your own competition in your own market or just don't care because you aren't competing as an agent but as a bpo company, or it benefits you to have more agents find you because those that know you are quickly moving on to greener pastures.

Some of you are just naive at best. But the reality most likely falls somewhere beneath that statement.

This is EMPLOYEE mentality. We are NOT employees.

I guess I see it as a leadership quality. You want to be your own boss and grow your company and your profit margin, you have to be willing to train someone to follow in your foot steps.

And that would not entail training my competition. That wouldn't show very much intelligence. It would begin with a selection process....

Seemed fitting:


"Of all human powers operating on the affairs of mankind, none is greater than that of competition. "

Henry Clay


J~

So, when somebody from my area is lurking here and you advise them to look for work on certain days, or you tell them which the biggest companies are. You view that as me training somebody to follow in my footsteps? I am not training, I am not selecting, I am not choosing any of the above. How can that even remotely resemble what you are talking about?

J, can't you just acknowledge that you work from the comfort of j.o.b. with a pretty predictable income (steady paychecks on scheduled paydays, no?) and you just stuck your foot in it by making point blank obvious statements that puts what we have all SCRAMBLED to build at risk.

Those participants on here that make their living on BPOs (and freak out when the check isn't in the mailbox when they need it) now have to SCRAMBLE harder, work faster and cheaper and deal with more uncertainty because of the free share of information that, in my opinion, should be doled out a little more cautiously than you (and others!) dole it out. Just my two cents.

I've gotta go cash a commission check. Y'all have fun.

Maybe what she is saying SMG is that competition will solidify a person's standing with a mill, since you are a proven commodity. I don't buy it, especially from mills that blast and where it is first come first serve. Again not to sound like a broken record, but posting the "good" compaines to work for (or days to look for orders) so freely is taboo especially from someone who doesn't even complete BPOs in the first place.

Just my $0.02

I sometimes wonder if most of these BPO mills really care about their agent base or retaining them. While they may have mission statements that say something like "treating all of our business partners in a fair and equal manner" or some such gobblygook, when the s**t hits then fan and some low to mid level manager is told that they must cut costs or increase productivity, they make these cuts at the agent level, by cutting fees paid or shortening turn time. They know there are over 2 million people with real estate licenses, so there's an almost inifinite number of people they could enlist in the BPO gulag

And from someone that works for a BPO company that stands to gain by having a larger pool of agents, thereby being the beneficiary of said competition through reduced fees, increased requirements (any of this sounding familiar yet?). Dang, she could be well positioned for a promotion just by participating here...and we invited it!

unfortunately, your post reminds me of what we've done in government and banks and the implosion in our economy. If you follow this trend, mills reduce fees and banks step in and match the small fees in the form of hourly wages and agents become employees for the banks.

This comment was early on in this thread and I think it captures the essence of the OP. I am disappointed that a mod didn't step in here early on with a "knock it off & read, read, read the board" sort of comment & just lock this thread. That coulda, shoulda, woulda saved all this wrangling.

J, you are way off base. We represent thousands of small businesses, each with it's own needs. What leadership means to each of us is going to have a thousand faces. What business of yours is it what our goals for ourselves are? And why would you care as it relates to this board and this thread?

Once you do this for a while you don't go after bpo companies, bpo companies come after you. All it takes is Discipline concentration and the williness to be the best at what you do....I bet anything some realtors that do bpos since they don't have a boss telling them what to do they take it easy and sometimes forget they have an order to complete or they complete it 5 minutes before deadline and turnaround looks like crap...In this biz you need to be self motivated,creative, and be able to adjust to the everyday problems because almost everyday its a new problem or a new rule. To be successful you gotta be willing to learn something new every single day....

I agree. All of the REO companies that we work with have invited us to join.
One AM asks another. Another AM changes companies and wants you to join.
I do NOT have BPOs (as most here know) as part of our business plan. So, my opinion
may not be germain.

I can't believe I just recieved a call from RRR asking me to do an exterior that is due on Friday. I used to do 20 a day with them until they went to blast. I called them on Monday very upset with their new blast system. I just wonder if they are going to change back to assigning orders?

I'm starting to feel sorry for alot of you on here. It seems you've lost tract on why you became Realtors. I don't think it was for the 50 dollar bpo.

Maybe it's time evaluate your business cause I see alot of starving agents out there if the Bpo business slows down.

To be honest, I've only been doing Bpos for a year and its because of this Mb that I got involved. I assume I took some work away from someone else, but so what, I do a good job and it's easy money. But I like selling houses better because of the big commission checks. I'm sure some works been taking away from me also, because thats just the way it is. I can only do what I can do. Worrying about others does't feed my family.

Just my 2 cents.

No need to feel sorry for me. I haven't lost 'tract" of why I got in the business. Why I got in has nothing at all to do with where I am currently getting the lions share of my revenue every year. I still list and work with buyers. But, I like doing 35-40 orders every week. At the end of the year that is a decent check. Did I get in the biz to do that? No, but that is currently my business plan and no need to feel sorry for one when they have plans modified or changed. I also am not "worrying about others"..look, my issue was that a lot of people lurk here and info that I worked hard to get is just handed to them. It is not that big of deal, but it is a bit annoying because ultimately it just makes it that much easier for somebody lurking to cut into our business....So, no I am not worring about them...quite the contrary.

At the end of the day we all got bills to pay and we do wut we gotta do to bring food to the table.... Today most realtors that do this as a full time job is because most of us know what we're doing.... It can be selling homes, bpos, reo, ect... Even if you hate what you do but you're good at it and you make money why not... I lot ppl don't like their job and but they like the money.... We're not living in a fairtale guys it is what it is.....

Wow! All this controversy and I missed J's list!
I'm sure we have applied or been denied with all of them. I think the posts reflect how volatile we all know this business is.
We all know with all the acquistions and assignment changes the real volume players can change an any time. This creates sensitivity, especially when someone from outside ourselves chimes in (who we really dont particularly like from her previous posts-see short sale price v bpo value for further info)
I for one choose to believe in the end that good companies recognize a good product and will continue to reward them with future business for a fair price. It's worked for me so far in life, so I have no reason to question the logic.

lol I think it was more fun when we were posting the top five crappiest bpos companies we worked for... I already post my list whos next???

Well heck. The next time I won't post company names that anyone would see on this message board before they even got to this thread. Next time I'll post names, address, panel mangement emails and direct phone numbers.

The companies I posted were based on volume of bpos. Which 1/3rd of the volume isn't even stateside. So unless the majority of agents on this board are in guam or the virgin islands.........you're probably safe. As for the other 2/3rd of the volume. A new agent for these companies would require someone either dying or retiring. I did not, out of respect for agents that I do value, list any company that is currently accepting agent applications.

J~

There is an old stock market saying that "Those who are not willing to change their mind soon will have no change to mind."

We all alter our business plans as the market changes. For us it was REO but, we still do conventional sales, short sales, and a few buyers (but we do refer out 95+% of our buyer leads).

However, we are keen to stay in regular resale so that when the market changes again (and it will someday) we are still on the pulse. We do tell our conventional sellers that we "Only work with the willing" we won't take a conventional listing if we do not believe it will sell. Let others waste their time. I modify our business plan every quarter and it is a 1, 3, 5, 10, and 25 year plan. I know that sounds funny but I try to look at the big picture in the long term.

I have posted the companies that we do REO for before (nobody needs the secret decoder ring). However, we still have 100% of the listings in our market area for all of our REO companies and are gaining market area as others go by the wayside. IMHO it is about service. Why are we gaining market share while others are being canned. Service. Nothing more, nothing less. We NEVER turn down an assignment no matter what a piece of C**P it may be. Others have and now we have their business. We try to do more than is asked of us. We have had paid staff correct permit issues including being at a permit inspections.

We have one person that we call when we need a pool started up. Why? Because they do what we need in a timly manner for a price that our customer is happy with. We have one plumbing company and one electical company for the same reason. We have 2 roofers only because we have to have 2 quotes for the cost that is associated with a reroof.

We accept that the REO companies that we work for use us for the same reasons.

The fact that most here are top notch I do not think that posting the name of a company that one works for will really have that much impact as the new agents will not perform in the long run and those that do will always be on top. Just like cream. That and if you can use Google you can find them all anyway. Another thread had many Veteran members who posted that if you want business be available through the holiday. Trade Secret? Or just good advice. Who knows. All of this is just IMHO. But, the people who I have followed posts of here have nothing to worry about if a name gets posted (all of them have on one thread or another). You are the cream. You will always be on top.
Best wishes.

I started as a Realtor due to it being a hobby of looking at houses (on lunch break, after work, on Saturday's and after churc on Sunday). No life right.

But once I became a Realtor just like any business I don't think you should put all of your eggs in one basket. I work with Realtors that has been in the business for over 20 years and didn't have a clue what a BPO was. Like a lot of Realtors doing BPO pay for other things but we don't lose focus that at the end of the day we are Realtors.

As you mention you like commission check so do all of us but why not have a little bonus on the side. My BPO business as I say pay for my daughter college tution, trips and other extra expenses.

Not only that doing BPO's has given me experience that I couldn't get from season agents in my office.

Wow- Grampa!!!!! Wow! What a beautiful post. Are you available for mid east negotiations on the weekend? Seriously, a great post.

I've been doing real estate for 25 years - I've been the big dog and I've been the mutt that had no business breaking into a high end market..Gone to more seminars, had more coaches, listened to uncountable CD's, etc. hoping to hear the "secret" that unlocked the RE treasure box..Your post above was the perfect example - no secrets.

Of course when you're NOT on the top of the board, nobody cares but when I have been and an agent asks me what I"m doing or for help, I ALWAYS tell them and I don't hold back. The truth is, it's not a secret and most aren't willing to do it anyway. For those that do, I'll probably appreciate knowing that successful agent when I'm the one feeling snakebit and needing a reminder

Thank you for the kind words. I believe it is about Karma. The entire universe is based on round things and what goes around comes around. Be generous and it will come back. (Cast your bread upon the water and it will return ten fold).

I also believe that you should never take away someone elses hope as it may be all they have left.

I have spent my time as a mutt in many areas not just Real Estate, and probably will again. I have been the the benificiary of others kindnesses in my life and believe that I owe that in return.

I have seen what can happen when the "top dog" gets dethroned and it is not pretty. Just pettyness and ill will in the entire office. Not where I want to be (and why I work out of our home office instead of going into our company office).

Best wishes.

Sorry, I can't let that slide......

It's my humble opinion that when someone gets their RE license they have little clue if any what they are getting themselves into. They see fields of grander making fat commission checks and having a country club lifestyle. The reality sets in for many, and that becomes a fantasy.

Do you feel that most property managers, auctioneers, business brokers (w/o RE involved) and those like me that solely do BPO originally intended what we do? Adaptation is a big part of success. Finding a "nitch" that you are good at is equally if not more so important. I am a firm believer that to be successful you cannot be everything to everyone. Therefore I specialize in doing BPOs only because despite the occasional headache, I really enjoy what I do. I have made a six digit figure in 2008 and 2009 following my business plan, and I do not need your sympathy. Quite frankly, I find it condescending.

My income level I admit will not be sustainable, as the volume of BPOs will decrease despite what I see being less agents performing BPOs in the future. However I would rather make $40,000 to $60,000 a year in the future doing BPOs than putting up with buyer are liars and sellers are thieves, and having a "potential" to make more.

Again, back to your thought of not getting a license to do BPOs. There is a wonderful Yiddish saying that I hold dear to me. "Man plans and G-d laughs." We can plan for whatever we choose. What actually will happen to us in life's journey we never truly know.

I agreed with grampa everything must go down.... and when your down only the strong are able to get up and survive.... thats why we're seen so many huge companies going out of business... they can't handle being the small fish when they used to be the big shark....

Grampa, it is a very nice post. As little as you know about me, you STILL know more about my business than most anyone on this board. I've done my time in corporate America, was successful, and I've been in real estate for a relatively short period of time, long enough to know I'll make it in any market and what it will take to do so. That doesn't mean I haven't seen my share of hard times because I have and I was able to use BPO income to get out of it.

I am not starving now (well, if I am it's self imposed) nor am I waiting at the mailbox for my FARVV check (which has still not arrived for all the inquiring minds). I didn't even care when the initial post was made, as I've long since arrived at acceptance that people on here will do that. You see it really did irk me in the beginning because, being analytical by nature, I analyzed the patterns behind the time of day, day of week, day of month that the orders went out and at which companies. I got on board with every company I could. I knew when and where to get the orders because (1) I was hungry, (2) I did the research, (3) I put forth the effort, (4) I was rewarded with a lot of work, (5) I did the best job possible and continued to improve with every order. You're right, that drive will keep me on top. But it irked me when someone gave out the information I worked hard for. Nevertheless, I solved my cash flow problems, my husband and I opened two brokerages and we have REO and retail listings, a solid group of investors and retail buyers, and...BPOs. Yes, they are still an active part of my business plan because they provide somewhat steady, predictable income to meet the many cash flow demands of our businesses. By the way, we've done all of this in three years with no debt, just BPO and commission income.

What I mind is the flippant attitude by MSVJ for those that genuinely felt harmed by the statement. Her continuing snarky comments reflect that she has no respect for their situations. While your post offers encouragement to those who see it, her's simply say tough poop, you had no real shot at any of their work anyway! Easy position for someone who gets to report to work at the same time tomorrow, same place, same work, same paycheck, same pay schedule.

Again, I'm not fighting this battle, I just wanted to give her a differing point of view that, based on the platitudes returned, really isn't getting through...and I respect you and wanted you to know where I was coming from.

So, by all means, proceed with the "names, address (sic), panel mangement (sic) emails and direct phone numbers." I'll be sure to use the information if there are any I'm not already on board with and credit you by name Jennifer, I understand they love it when you give out that information.

Grampa- Again, so well said and I totally agree.
I took an extended time off from biz for family/health issues and came back to this market..<<< deer in the headlights look >>>
humbling? yes...over? no...closer to God and praying a little more and with the utmost sincerity? ohhhhh,...you bet!

I Know it is a well worn saying but "Innovate or evaporate".

It could be that MSVJs comments could help all of us to reevaluate where we are and where we are going.

Perhaps it is time for all of us to look at what we believe will happen in the next year (IMHO BPOs and REO will not be less than in 2009 for 2010 but I could be wrong) and base our business plans on what we believe will happen.

Gee, sounds like the American way. Provide a better mouse trap.

However, some STUPID things that I did in 2000 in the stock market took us out of retirement and back into the workforce so I do not profess to have all the answers.

As a matter of fact I am still amazed that my wife has not suffocated me in my sleep with my pillow (especially since I am well insured). Guess she sees something that I don't.

We are just all humans being.
Best wishes for a great 2010 to all.

Yea Grampa; finally someone with a voice of reason!!!

I couldn't believe the number of folks spending so much time on this idea of some imaginary fraternity of BPOers and their secret code for maximizing bpo assignments. I actually started to feel sorry for those folks that think those ideas were really a secret to begin with. Give me a break. Even if you did spend tons of man-hours analyzing trends and recording data, you're not the only one. That data is out there and available for the masses, neatly packaged and available for all and sundry at no cost.

And to MSVJ, I'm soooo sorry that you had to endure so much backlash over your contribution to what you thought was a legitimate thread. I for one appreciate the feedback that you provide in general and about MSV which I use to improve my service to my clients.

I hope that you don't let all of the negative feedback in this particular thread impact your contributions elsewhere. It is very rare indeed that we get to interact with the bpo companies, mill or not, so casually. And I'm sure a lot of folks here appreciate your insight and perspective.

H&B,
I can understand your position. I do also believe that you too are the cream.

I do not have the frame of reference of those who depend upon BPOs for their basic income and could easily see where, if I were in the same situation, that I could feel the same way.

As I posted before the fact that my frame of reference is REO my opinion may not be germain.

Best wishes for your continued success. Always happy to see that someone's hard work is paying off as it gives hope to us all that hard work can still pay off.

Come on Dab. Did you read the thread? From the 4th post it had turned into a joke thread where most posters were tossing rotten eggs up in the air to be silly, but to make a bit of a point.

My points since then have been to remake that point, thinking it was pretty obvious.

By the way this is a killer line-----some imaginary fraternity of BPOers. Good one.

Maybe we oughta form one.

What do you say? Beta Pi Omega.

Beta Pi Omega.
Love It.
Please give us one for REO as I do not have that level of mental accuity at this time of night.

Rho Epsilon Omega?

Beta Pi Omega? lol where do I sign up... wait I don't have to do dirty to join right?? hahahah

I was unaware of your circumstance and will keep you in our thoughts. I too had a health issue that put me out of commission for a while. It is interesting how something like that will change your outlook.

A British Prime Minister once said "Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps".

I hope this finds you well.

H&B,

Your Good. So be it. Beta Pi Omega and Rho Epsilon Omega.

Which is the sorority and which is the frat?

major earth quake hits haiti 7.0... My prayers for all those people..

Puts a lot of this into perspective doesn't it.

Blessing to us all and prayers to those less fortunate.

My cousin was supposed to leave this week for a church mission there.

Grandpa- Thank you and the Prime Minister..isn't it amazing how so few words say so much! That one hit home for sure, BIG time.

Those poor souls in the earthquake. They already had so little to work with. YES on the prayers to those less fortunate.

First off, No need to be condescending. Nobody sid anything about fraternities, decoder rings, secrets, etc. Not certain why you went there, but it did strike a chord. Secondly, MSVJ does just fine here. Her and I are good, communicate offline and I do quite a bit of work for MSV. We just agreed to disagree on this one. I am sure she appreciates you apologizing on our behalf. She has been through much worse here. If you have been around much you have noticed that I have probably been one of her biggest supporters. Please undertand that we do disagree in some of these threads...it happens at every online forum I have been to. It is good discussion and even better without the condescending crap.
have a good day.

ok...if there is no fraternity here- I want my money back for the tee shirt

With thanks to Doin' and H&B.
Beta Pi Omega and Rho Epsilon Omega

I am sooo glad that finally someone(several) have sounded off and told the truth about msvj. I have felt this since her first posts and pimping her company. After all what else would she do and BS she feeds us. I too have felt the same from everyones favorite Val with AVM.....another BS poster and pimping her company. Man its funny to read the verbage and concern they use in posting, the care and love they have for us. Please give me a break.....I am glad we dont hear from Val no more....maybe because thier volume is down 35-45% last 4-5 months and have lost accounts with the big hitters and volume services. You see the truth is they need a data base filled for every zip code and city.....once they have this then the posts for hang in their, work is coming, low pay/too many agents, updated your profile, zip codes, W9 and other BS they pass on&tell us. Just look at the number "agentsonline" here grown from 40-50 daily now 70-80 some days.

wow that was quite the attack for a 6th post.

Feel better now? Ahhh, you never fail to amuse me - all righteous indignation. LOL.

First of all, I didn't apologize on everyone's behalf. I said that I was sorry she had to endure on this particular post. The whole idea of having to defend yourself through written post is tedious at best and I felt bad for her. I still stand by what I said because I meant it. I really was sorry; I have feelings; deal with it.

As for my comments about secret fraternities, I'm well aware that noone said anything about that. I shouldn't have to explain this but here goes...It was a figure of speech, an analogy if it were; again, based on my opinion.

Finally, I never directly addressed any comments that you made as I did not find them particularly remarkable. I could of sworn I was agreeing with Grampa in the sense that everyone should just take a chill pill and do your best at the work you're able to secure.

But I guess it is as the old saying goes...a hit dog will holler. I guess you did.

Maybe my 6th post but 12 years this side buisness and go way back to LSI early days ane faxing and fedex photos for CMA hand written/typed. So I say I have much to say and traveled the road much longer and harder then the virgins and 2 year old rookies bitching about slow days/weeks and NO orders, slow pay, wheres my check and what does........ mean???

This is getting to be more fun than a bathtub full of otters and, you must admit, that is dam*ed fine entertianment at any price.

Pass the popcorn please.

Let the flames begin!!!!

Anybody have any cheese?

In RE cheese comes with wheels and a turbocharged V-8. It moves very quickly. (this is a "who moved my cheese" reference)

I love this site and should have join a year ago. I get a lot of feedback for not being in the office every day all day. But I can't learn there. No one what to share information and there's no computers on your desk unless you are a MM maker. But here in between showings and listings appt, bpo's and cma, I can come here to read and learn.

Unless you are doing floor time you should not be in the office. If you are you are not producing.

smg: "First off, No need to be condescending. Nobody sid anything about fraternities, decoder rings, secrets, etc. Not certain why you went there, but it did strike a chord. "

How do I get that secret decoder ring???????????????

I quit doing floor time over 30 months ago. I was never much of an order taker to start with. The deal breaker was 95% of my calls were for the broker....total waste of time. My home office has the same toys as my private office. I'm still #1 in sales and listings....and, I have a lot more time to complete projects without interruption...just my two cents.

I will trade you my decoder ring for two box tops, a basket of snozberries and a shrubbery.

lets ask evaluations online to be our fraternity sponsors! lool

Don't get me started Gramps. There's an otter on the loose that owes me a nipple. The producers said it would be easy money. Not true.

Anybody know where I can get a Rho Epsilon Omega Tee shirt?

Dollar Store?

Grampa, Have you considered initiation requirements for REO? Me and some of the members of BPO are postualating what it takes to BPO material.

I agree merchandising is impt., but we can't let just anyone in, can we?

[quote=skorpion]This the best of the best bpo companies ready guys ? herre it is:

Evalution Solutions
evaluate usa
imortgage
brokerpriceopinion.com
m2m

I'm just joking guys if you guys wanna sign up with these companies it can be a good experience i guess. it was for me lol... (they're not volume companies)maybe m2m after you become prefer agent it took me like two years. most agents have a hard time with m2m getting orders. [/quote]

UGH! BrokerPriceOpinion.com : Yeah, take em, and ask them for all of the money they owe me over the past year, mother f'ers!

Ryan,
OK you got me. I thought about it and ignored it for a while but can't any longer. How did you lose a nipple to an otter? PM if it is too graphic. I've just gotta know.

Doin,
How about you can't get in unless you have at least 1 functioning brain cell left? That puts me on the edge of being kicked out.

Oh Gramps ~

Sorry Pine,
I ignored it as long as I could. Just inquisitive by nature. And it also must be one heck of a story.

Sounds like it involves a 'Joe Rogan' wannabe - at best - LOL

I hope discretion is used and we don't end up with an XXX rating - or banned in many Southern States notice

That is why I told them to PM if it was too graphic. No word yet.

Grampa,

I wanna know, too!

I think we need some sort of frater-sor-ity initiation into the BPO and REO groups. Oh, never mind! I know what the initiation is: doing work that you never get paid for. That's it. Having been duly initiated, I'm an official member of both societies.

Copies of the event are available on DVD for $20. I'll even throw in a list of the Top 5 BPO Companies by Volume for free.

My curiosity has its limits.

Now if you will just throw in t-shirts for REO and BPO frater-sor-ities, you might have some takers!

Evaluaiton Solutions is definitely EL NUMERO UNO
http://www.ripoffreport.com/realtors/evaluation-solutions/evaluation-solutions-or-evalon-453e2.htm

go there to vent.....I recently gave them a truckload of manure

Speaking of curiosity - Not knowing what Rho Epsilon Omega was/is (looks Greek to me), I googled it - all I see are sorority chapters - Grampa - if you're a member there - you dog you

You GO, Gramps! Now how do I get into a fraternity? Just kidding, I actually did belong to a professional fraternity in college and for several years after graduation. The group no longer calls itself a fraternity, of course. Now, it is known as a "Society."

You bet Liz - I remember rushing a couple of sororities myself - but I was always caught before I made past the lobby

that's my story, and I'm sticking to it

I won't speak for Grampa, but if I may..REO nor the cousin organization, Beta Pi Omega, cannot be found on any googly search. As new organizations formed recently among the threads, we welcome all. Keep your dues money. We are working on mercandising efforts to raise revenue. The only requirements we have been able to come up with are harrssment of a Bangledeshian, preferably over the phone in relation to a BPO order, tweak an AM on the threads (sorry J), complete 50 BPOs a year.

I think we need emblazoned tee-shirts, announcing our pride to belong to this fine organization. I nominate King to design them.

I hope I'm in the society too, but let's google the official name and drill down the results so we are maligned by others

I also think a nice golf shirt with 4 buttons and a pocket (if possible) - maybe assorted colors as well.

How about a blank area on the design so we can incorporate our business name or logos on the golf shirt too. Not too big of a design either, smaller shows more class, large looks more like you're wearing 'colors'

"And I sez to myself, What a Wonderfullll woild, Ohhhhhhhh, Yeaaaahhhhhh.