Fax machines in 2022... wild. I’ve noticed some lenders just drag their feet no matter what you do. Has anyone tried escalating to a supervisor or even mentioning CFPB complaints when things get stuck? Sometimes a little pressure works wonders, but I’m curious how far folks have pushed it before things backfire.
Getting a lender to budge on underwater home sales—tips?
Fax machines are the bane of my existence. I swear, every time I think I’m done with paperwork, someone asks for a “wet signature” and a fax. It’s like being stuck in a time warp.
About pushing lenders—here’s my two cents, based on a recent refi that felt like pulling teeth. I get the urge to go nuclear and mention the CFPB or start climbing the supervisor ladder, but I’ve found it’s better to escalate in stages. Here’s what worked for me (and what I’d avoid):
1. **Document everything**. Every call, every email, every “we’ll get back to you.” If things go sideways, you’ll want a paper trail. I kept a spreadsheet, which sounds nerdy, but it saved me when they claimed they’d never received my docs (which I’d sent... twice).
2. **Polite persistence**. I called every 2-3 days, always friendly but firm. Sometimes I’d ask, “Is there anything else you need from me to move this along?” It’s amazing how often they suddenly “find” your file.
3. **Escalate gently**. If you’re getting nowhere, ask for a supervisor—but don’t threaten right away. Just say you’re concerned about delays and want to make sure nothing’s fallen through the cracks. People get defensive if you come in hot.
4. **CFPB as a last resort**. Mentioning complaints can light a fire, but it can also make them dig in their heels or get weirdly formal. I only brought it up once, after weeks of stonewalling, and even then I phrased it as, “I’m just trying to avoid having to file a complaint.” It worked, but I wouldn’t lead with it.
5. **Know when to wait**. Sometimes there really is nothing you can do but wait for their process to grind along. It sucks, but pushing too hard can backfire—one friend of mine got his file “randomly” flagged for extra review after he got too aggressive.
Long story short: escalate in steps, keep your cool, and save the big guns for when you’re truly stuck. And if anyone figures out how to get rid of fax machines for good, please share the secret...
4.
Fax machines really do feel like a relic, don’t they? I completely agree with your point about documenting everything—having a detailed record has saved more than one of my clients from headaches down the line. One thing I’d add: sometimes it helps to ask for written confirmation of next steps or timelines. It’s not foolproof, but it can nudge them to be a bit more accountable. I’m curious if anyone’s had luck getting lenders to accept scanned signatures instead of faxes lately... seems like some are finally moving into the 21st century, but progress is slow.
I’m curious if anyone’s had luck getting lenders to accept scanned signatures instead of faxes lately...
Tried that route last year—got a hard “no” from one lender, but another was fine with a PDF. It’s a toss-up. My tip: always double-check their “official” policy, then ask nicely anyway. Sometimes the right person just shrugs and says yes.
Honestly, I’ve found it’s less about the format and more about who you get on the other end. Some lenders just won’t budge, no matter how nicely you ask or what their policy says. I’ve had docs kicked back for being “too blurry” even when they were crystal clear PDFs. At this point, I just ask up front if they’ll take e-signatures—saves a lot of back and forth. If they say no, I don’t waste time trying to convince them. Not worth the headache.