Cash For Keys investor program horribly unethical.

One of the latest trends in the investor world has investors cashing in at the sellers expense. Cash for keys is a phrase used in the foreclosure world for when a property has been sold at auction but the former owner or tenant still remains in the property. In order to avoid a lengthy and costly eviction, banks will often offer the homeowner ‘cash for keys’. Often its something like $500-$1000 to be out by a certain time.

Recently I was sent an email promoting a ‘new idea’ so amazing we all should kick ourselves for not thinking of it first. In fact the direct quote from Larry Goins is “Have you ever come across something so brilliant, yet so simple, that you ended up wanting to kick yourself saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Ill tell ya why I didn’t think of that…cause I have a heart and I actually care about doing the right thing by the people I help.

-So whats the idea you ask?

Why if you cant get the bank to agree to a short sale, simply negotiate the cash for keys play with the bank and keep the money for yourself.

Now I am a Libertarian at heart. I support free markets and innovation. I support self preservation, and there is even a part of me deep down that agrees with Gordon Gekko’s little speech on greed. However, I also believe in not causing harm. I also believe in serving the greatest good, and trying to help people facing foreclosure get into a stable situation. I’m perfectly ok with most aspects of foreclosure investing, as I see investors providing a very valuable service as long as the homeowner was presented with all options. But this I feel is slimy. It just feels gross.

This is the second such solicitation I have received for “Coach Pats” brilliant investing system. The first was from Tim Mai, who I really had enjoyed listening to and hearing his ideas. Obviously I don’t know any of these guys from Adam, and perhaps they would never use such a tactic in their own investing, but it sure seems like they are enthusiastic about the idea.

You see, my issue is this. An investor approaches a homeowner in foreclosure. If its like 99.9% of all investor meetings, they discuss doing a short sale. They rarely discuss all the options available either because they dont know them, or dont care to share them; Its the old ‘when you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail’ scenario. But I digress, thats a topic for another day, so you have the homeowner working with you to do a short sale, and you are their only option as rarely do investors want others bidding on their short sales. They always put in their own offer at a very low amount, in an attempt to buy the for a substantial discount. Nothing wrong yet…but what if you cant get the bank low enough? What if you cant find an end buyer? Well, if you listen to Coach pat, Larry Goins and Tim Mai you sell your client up the river and keep the $500 for yourself. There really is no difference between this and equity skimming rent while a property goes under leaving the homeowner with a foreclosure that could have been prevented.

Not to sound like someones mother, but every one of you guys should be ashamed of your decision to employ this tactic. This business is one that requires the highest amount of integrity and ethics. We should serve the needs of the homeowners we seek to help. I guess this is my Jerry Maguire moment, but I stand by it. Its right and If any of you read this, once you think it through I think you will come to the same conclusion.