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I recently had the pleasure of representing some Sellers on a beautiful Olympic Mountain view home near Hood Canal WA.

We were fortunate to go under contract with some equally wonderful Buyers who truly loved the home.

Most everything during the course of the transaction went fairly smooth. However, just a week before closing, the escrow company discovered a judgment on the title against my Sellers. It should have been picked up by the title company when preliminary title was initially ordered, but unfortunately, such oversights happen. 99% of the time, the escrow company simply contacts the company responsible for collecting the debt and obtains the pay-off amount. The judgment was for just under $7000.

In our instance, it took some time to determine who had managing responsibility for this judgment. It’s fairly typical for these debts to be sold off and to change hands several times. The Sellers finally traced the judgment debt to a company in New Jersey, Palisades Collections, LLC.

This is where the horror story really begins.

The escrow agent promptly contacted Palisades Collections, provided all the pertinent information necessary to obtain the pay-off amount, and was told they would respond back shortly.

The following day, when the pay-off wasn’t received, the escrow agent called again. This time she was treated very abruptly. The representative from Palisades Collections ordered her to call back tomorrow and hung up on her.

This identical rude scenario played out everyday for almost a week, causing us to miss our closing date. Several other people who were party to the transaction (yours truly included) called Palisades Collections, were subjected to the same horrific treatment, and rudely hung up on.

The Buyers had already closed on the sale of their previous residence, so the delays in closing forced them to inconveniently hole up in a nearby hotel room.

The inexplicable delays by Palisades Collections to provide the pay-off amount created tremendous hardship and frustration for both Buyers and Sellers. It turned a relatively smooth transaction into a living nightmare.

Fortunately, principles of the title and escrow offices, working in concert with the Buyer’s lender, were able to draft a holdback agreement that will allow us to close, and allocate a portion of the Seller’s proceeds to be held in an account to settle the judgment debt once the pay-off is received.

Now correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t collection companies usually call and pester you incessantly, demanding payment immediately for some long outstanding debt? Then it only stands to reason that if someone called and basically said “We owe you money, can you tell us how much?” that they would gladly welcome the offer and help expedite the process?

A quick Google search reveals that we aren’t the only ones who’ve had issues with Palisades Collections aka Asta Funding. They are notorious for attempting to defraud people into paying debts they never incurred.

Here’s just a few samples:

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/forums/about6229.html

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/185/RipOff0185373.htm

http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/palisades-collection-agency-460787.html

Palisades Collections, LLC
aka/ Asta Funding, Inc.
210 Sylvan Ave.,
Englewood, NJ 07632

Phone: 800-991-9367

Your Friendly Head Debt Collectors:
Arthur Stern – Chairman Emeritus
Gary Stern – Chairman of the Board, President & CEO
Robert Michel, CPA – CFO

Website: astafunding.com

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood.

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Tags: Asta Funding, debt collectors, palisades collections llc, rip-off

This coming Friday could be Doomsday for the long awaited and much-anticipated Olympic View Marina Project out in Seabeck. How this has remained under my radar, I have no idea. Tonight, while taking a walk with my wife, I ran across fellow RE agent, Nick Blickhan (Nick and I had worked together at the Windermere office here in Silverdale). As a waterfront resident of Seabeck WA, Nick has been keeping close tabs on the progress, or lack thereof, of the Olympic View LLC Marina Project. Four partners purchased the fledging property a few years ago, and put together a very detailed development plan. At considerable expense, they effectively jumped through each and every hoop that the County and State required, and in most instances, went way beyond what was necessary. From every indication, it appeared that things were moving forward, and the much needed marina would become a reality. Unfortunately, due in large part to one lone, dissenting squeaky wheel, the ear of the WA Department of Ecology has been effectively bent, and it appears that the project is headed to a devastating demise. Evidently, the neighborhood squeaky wheel is one of these types who defines/measures ‘Smart’ growth by how far you can bury your head in the sand. Nevermind that the dire needs of the many clearly outweighs the preferences of the few, or, in this case, the one. Nevermind that the partners paid exceptionally close attention to detail in their plans towards maintaining and even enhancing the existing environmental integrity of the areas impacted by the proposed marina development. Nevermind that the marina would have a very positive impact on the financial stability of existing Seabeck merchants/businesses, and long-term residential property values. Nevermind that area boat owners would finally have badly needed basic marina services and mooring space available. The closest marina is Pleasant Harbor, over on the western side of Hood Canal, just south of Brinnon. You can moor your boat there, but it takes nearly an hour by car to get there. The Olympic View Marina Project should make complete sense – ecologically, or otherwise. While it could be argued that some commercial developments are not necessarily environmental-friendly, this project clearly fulfills the demand for highest and best use. Although Kitsap County Commissioner, Josh Brown, has voiced his full support for this project, but his influence may not be enough to affect the outcome. The WA State Department of Ecology is issuing their final verdict on the project this Friday. In my humble opinion, the Dept needs to step up and display some backbone. Rather than buckling under the incessant whining of one solitary voice, the project should be measured and approved on the merits of the significant positive impact it will have on the environment/habitat, and the true value that quality marina services will offer to our community.

Posted in Bite Me Blogs, Bites of Washington, Kitsap County Bites, Seabeck WA Real Estate | 4 Comments »

Tags: Josh Brown, Kitsap County WA, olympic view marina LLC, seabeck marina, WA Dept of Ecology

As an avid blogger, it’s been an interesting ride thus far. Technology has been advancing rather rapidly in the real estate industry, and the early adapters are usually the ones who benefit the most. I’ve always prided myself on embracing the latest and greatest. So when the marketing paradigm shifted to Web 2.0, I jumped in with both feet! Static went dynamic. The need/demand for interactivity made conversational blogging a perfect venue for meaningful exchange with today’s computer-savvy consumer.

But blogging has an established tradition of stimulating somewhat ‘lively’ debate. Access any number of popular political blogs, and you’ll quickly discover what I mean. While viewpoints and opinions are freely shared, so are vicious barbs and slanderous jabs. Personal attack and public humiliation seem commonplace. And unfortunately, many times, it appears that the ones who are the most ’successful,’ or at least generate the greatest amount of traffic/comments, tend to be the ones who are the most caustic, abrasive, and condescending of the bunch.

Things are a bit more sedate in the Realty Blogdom. However, I have noticed here lately, a few similar trends. Some of the blogs that appear to create/attract the most interest, tend to be overly critical and negative. Sensationalist and provocative titles are employed. Targets are chosen and eviscerated before the viewing public, and all for the sake of ranking. Forget about helping to empower and educate the consumer. We’re having way too much fun dragging someone’s character in the mud!

It reminds me of a guy I used to work with in a previous life. I’ll call him ‘Elvis’ because he loved ‘The King,’ even to the point of sporting huge pork chop sideburns. “Elvis’ was God’s gift to the business world. I had the privilege of accompanying him on a week long sales road trip from Hell. As we traveled along, he confided in me that God had blessed him with superior intelligence. But that his penance in life was to put up with everyone else’s ignorance (his exact words!).

There are some blogs/blog authors who are like that. They’re obviously graced with tremendous smarts and a wonderfully endowed vocabulary. But they seem to be lacking somewhat in the humility department.

So I guess my question is this: Can Nice Blogs finish first? Or do I have to be abrasive and demeaning to succeed? Do we pander to the publics obsession with sensational, provocative, and controversial? Do we sacrifice substance for traffic/ranking? Is content still the King, or is it my buddy, Elvis?

Posted in Bite Me Blogs | 7 Comments »

As many of you may know, I am a Community Builder with ActiveRain, a very large real estate network and blogging platform. It’s a start-up based out of Bellevue WA, and has over 80,000 members throughout the US and Canada.

Part of my role is to simply monitor the network, make sure the members are behaving, and to field questions.

Earlier today, I received an e-mail from a fairly new member out on the East coast. She’s in her in late 20’s, is relatively new to the real estate profession (she didn’t pick the best time to enter the fray!), and is working through the challenges of establishing her business in a slow market.

She recently wrote an article about real estate commissions and the portion that actually ends up in the agent’s bank account. It was a well-written article. However, no sooner had she published it, than a swarm of bubble bloggers descended upon her post and unleashed their commenting fury.

The first volley of comments were fairly typical of most bubble bloggers, but as the discussion slowly devolved, they became increasingly base and personally degrading towards the young author.

(For my regular readers, please forgive the following uncensored re-publishing of a few of these comments. I don’t usually allow this kind of language within the confines of SoundBiteBlog, but I felt it necessary to include them here)

One of the Bubble Bloggers made this degrading comment:

After reading the various posts on this subject, I think that everyone involved is failing to see the big picture here which is that —– is one hot mamma jamma MILF and I can tell that she is a jackal in the sack.

In fact, I would like to bone her very much if she is ever open and willing to fulfill my naughty realtor mom who will do anything to close the deal fantasy.

Most of you are so caught up in your evil realtor nonsense that you can not appreciate a fine cougar when you see one.

 —–,  love you long time.  You are the bomb in my book.  You can flip my house any day.

 Call me.

-Dave

 P.S: Post more pictures.

And another example of this senseless filthy attack:

I’ll pay you 6%. You have proven your worth. I just have one question:

Does that 6% get me some “alone time” in the VIP room and a guaranteed happy ending?

Because I think it’s only fair that I can do to you what your commission would be doing to me.

-L. Flynt

We’ve had a few Seattle area Bubble Bloggers frequent SoundBiteBlog. Most of these individuals are extremely sharp. They’re very articulate and can discuss intricate economic indicators on a equal or better footing than most investment professionals. One in particular has become somewhat of a regular around here. Last time he stopped by, he actually gave me a compliment!

Many Bubble Bloggers tend to be rather argumentative and abrasive by nature, but rarely do they descend to this level of vicious attack. I was able to trace one of the perputraitors back to their blogspot site, and left a few choice comments of my own, along with the charge that he and his blog thugs didn’t reflect or represent the majority of Bubble Bloggers I had encountered.

No doubt they’ll hunt me down now and make me their next target….oh goody!

Posted in Bite Me Blogs, Poulsbo Real Estate, Real Estate Bites | 11 Comments »

I figured since we can never seem to get a fair shake or a reasonable review of our shows, that I would offer up my own critique.

Last weekend saw the opening ‘homerun’ performances of C-STOCK’s “Damn Yankees!” a spirited team effort by local kids and adults alike, under the skilled direction of Chris Borer. This was Chris’s 2nd time at the theatre’s helm, having had his directorial debut with “1940’s Radio Hour” in 2005.

As usual, Chris has a really great eye for talent and did a great job of casting people in just the right parts. He is also a great visionary, and sees the BIG picture of a production. But more than anything else, Chris creates a wonderfully fun, creative, and encouraging environment for everyone involved. “1940’s” was my first show with C-STOCK, and so I was thrilled to be re-united with Chris.

If you’re not familiar with the musical comedy “Damn Yankees!” it made its Broadway run back in 1955 with over 1,000 performances. It’s based on a novel by Douglass Wallop entitled, “The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant.” Music & Lyrics were provided by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, the same team that brought us “The Pajama Game.” It’s an updated version of the classic Faust story, set in Washington, D.C., during a time when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball.

A middle-aged real estate agent, Joe Boyd (gee, that sounds familiar!) is an avid Washington Senators fan and wants nothing more than to see his beloved team win the pennant. Unfortunately, the team is full of mis-mananaged misfits, and sits at the bottom the division. Joe privately confesses that he would sell his soul if the team could only capture the title, and naturally, the Devil shows up on cue to fulfill his wish. The rest of the show follows Joe as he propels his team to victory and enjoys all the spoils of celebrity status. Will he truly sell his soul for fame & fortune, or will he realize that his old life wasn’t so bad after all? You’ll have to come and see the show to find out!

My two younger sons, Luke and Elliot, and I auditioned back in July, and have been rehearsing diligently with the rest of the cast & crew since then. The final month was especially difficult. School started for my boys, and Luke made the starting quarterback position at CK Junior High. So, in addition to their daily homework, and football practice for Luke, both boys went to play practices every night from 6:30pm until 10-10:30pm. By time opening weekend arrived, their feet were dragging!

Both of them are involved in nearly all of the musical and dance numbers. I have several smaller walk-on roles and also play the Baseball Commissioner. Being involved in this production has been a great way for the 3 of us to connect and bond together. There are quite a few other families that are involved in the production as well. C-STOCK has a rich history and tradition of presenting quality family entertainment, and creating valued opportunities for kids and adults to develop their talents.

The show was reviewed this week by Michael Moore from the Kitsap Sun. Mr. Moore rarely has anything pleasant or encouraging to say about C-STOCK productions. And if he does, it’s usually just some obligatory remark to help make the more painful comments go down easier. Too many times, his barbs are aimed at things outside the control of the performers. We have a small, cramped theatre and not the best acoustics. The orchestra usually overpowers the vocals. We do the best we can with what we have. With such tight quarters, set changes are always challenging. It’s hard not to make noise during scenes. We simply do our best. And sorry, Mr. Moore, but we didn’t write the musical, so we can’t control the dialogue or the order of songs.

“Damn Yankees!” truly is great family entertainment, performed by families. It’s hard to find fun, enjoyable venues these days where you can take the entire family, without fear of questionable content.

From the opening number, ”Six Months,” and other notable favorites like ”Shoeless Joe,” “The Game,” and “Heart,” this show offers some really solid and endearing performances.

So grab the wife and kids, or make it a date night with your significant other, and run down to the Silverdale Community Center the next three weekends and root for the Senators!

Who: Central Stage Theatre of County Kitsap (CSTOCK)

What: “Damn Yankees!” a musical comedy by Jerry Ross, Richard Adler, George Abbot and Douglass Wallop

Where: CSTOCK playhouse, Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA

When: Through Oct. 7; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays

Tickets: $12 to $10 and available at the door or in advance at the Information Kiosk at Kitsap Mall.

For more information: (360) 692-9940, www.cstock.org

Posted in Bite Me Blogs, Bites of Washington, Kitsap County Bites | 1 Comment »