Considering Hollister resident Ken Johnson has never had any late payments on his Hemlock Court home’s mortgage, he was more than surprised to get a letter a week ago telling him a notice of default had been filed on his property.
The letter to Johnson from Intero Real Estate Services in Hollister told him it was legal action and the “first step in the foreclosure process.” It went on to say he still has options but it is important to get in contact with the real-estate business as soon as possible.
Johnson, who is married with two children – he and his wife both work and have no credit problems – initially thought there may have been identity theft involved. He has lived in the home for the past 15 years and never experienced similar problems.
“I’m thinking, ‘Geez, someone took out a loan or something happened I was unaware of,’” Johnson recalled.
He called his mortgage lender the following morning – it is not Intero – and was assured he is an “outstanding client” with taxes all paid in full. So he then called one of two Realtors listed on the letter, Valerie Smith, who told him it “was a mistake in mailing – that they had a couple stacks of papers they were going to mail out.”
“Her words were, ‘I got the wrong one.’”
While Smith and Vice President/Managing Officer Renee Kunz from Intero did not return phone calls seeking comment, Johnson said he knows of at least four other neighbors on his block that received similar, faulty letters.
Johnson said Smith from the local office apologized for the mishap. Johnson still believes it was “sloppy” on the part of Intero.
With such a sensitive matter for property owners, Johnson said, “You better make darn sure it’s the right person.”
