Washington Mutual - WaMu - Chase WAMU, Chase WAMU approved my short sale 3 times - and then CHASE took over. 4 months later, they TOLD ME that I filed for bankruptcy and had a file number to prove it. Never mind that it wasn't me filing. Jacksonville, Florida

After relocating from California to another state, we listed our home for sale as a Short Sale in November, 2008.  We instantly had offers and the Real Estate Agent representing us worked well with Washington Mutual to get the short sale approved.  Then the buyers backed out and we had to start over.  This happened 3 times and each time, under WAMU, the short sale was approved in relatively short periods of time. 

Then the CHASE process kicked in and it's been months now with no action.  Well, not really.  Just as we thought we were going to get an approval, someone filed bankruptcy and Chase, in its infinate wisdom decided that this someone was ME.  But it wasn't.  And I even told them personally that I didn't file bankruptcy.  Increduously, they didn't believe me - they said they had a case number assigned and that's all the proof they needed that I filed for bankruptcy - and they canceled my short sale request. 

Then I was passed off to the Bankruptcy department - but I was never able to get anyone from the bankruptcy department to talk with me - all I ever get is that "Customer Care" department where we have the automotons who don't have any authority to be of assistance. 

Eventually, my Real Estate Agent (God bless him) did a records search of bankruptcy filings and documented proof that I was not the person that filed bankruptcy.  He delivered this proof to Chase.  Even after that, it still took weeks for them to remove the bankruptcy status from my account.

As soon as the bankruptcy error was corrected, they scheduled the trustee sale.  As unbelievable as it sounds, they picked right up on the foreclosure process, but didn't reopen my short sale file. 

We still want to complete a short sale -- and we had to start the process all over again, from the beginning by getting a new Negotiator assigned.  The buyer is still hanging in through this horrible, horrible situation - but it's been months now and the trustees sale is set for September 17.  Just 3 weeks away.  How in heavens name do we get them to move on this - I don't want a foreclosure - and even offered to a deed in lieu agreement.  They're just not interested.

I believe that I have been as fair and forthright with Chase as I can possibly be.  Unfortunately, I lost my job more than a year ago and don't have the ability to pay them the mortgage.  It wasn't my fault, and I realize that my financial difficulties aren't their fault either.  It just seems to me that if this company is touting it's "Help for Homeowners" then they ought to really try helping those of us who need it.