|
MEMO
#1033: Grass Cut Season 2003 - 03/12/03
As you
are all aware, April 1st is quickly approaching, and that
means grass-cut season is just around the corner. We wanted
to take some time to make you aware of some changes in procedure
regarding grass cuts.
We will
now require that all contractors submit grass-cut updates,
invoices, and photos at the same time via the contractor web
site. Your use of the contractor web site will ensure faster
payments by reducing delays in billing these orders. We will
require that all information be submitted to Safeguard within
48 hours of completion so that billing can be processed and
paid. Any delay in providing information will hold up the
next cut due and may jeopardize accurate payments on future
cuts.
IMPORTANT:
On post-sale properties, grass-cut orders will now require
you to report whether the property is in convey condition.
The original work order will tell you if a property is post-sale.
If the property changes from pre-sale to post-sale, an updated
order will be sent you. Please see Memo
#1018, dated 10/30/02 and Memo
#1024, dated 12/24/02 on the contractor web for
a complete discussion of convey condition.
If the
property is not in convey condition, you must submit
bids on your grass-cut update to put the property in convey
condition. The web will prompt you to do this.
REMEMBER:
Dump receipts are required for any debris removed from a property
and must be posted to the web along with your updates, invoices,
and photos.
Also,
please be sure to follow the simple guidelines listed below:
1. Be
sure to read all work orders in their entirety, as some clients
may have special instructions.
2. If you are in an area that has snow on the ground during
grass-cut season, please refrain from going out to the property
and sending in results that statethat the yard is snow covered.
Trip charge invoices for properties that are snow covered
will not be processed for payment. If you notify us that property
is snow covered, we will report the same to client and advance
the due date on that order by 2 weeks.
3. All
states have FHA allowables on initial grass cuts and recuts
for lots that are less than 15,000 sq. ft. All contractors
are to follow the guideline prices allowed in your respective
states. Absolutely no recut bids will be accepted on lots
less than 15,000 sq. ft. No initial grass-cut bids will be
accepted on lots less than 15,000 sq. ft. unless there is
photo documentation that clearly shows that growth is over
1-2 feet tall or that the bid is otherwise justified.
4. Bids
must be submitted for lots over 15,000 sq ft. Bids should
be calculated as follows: on initial cuts, an additional $20.00
per 5,000 sq. ft. over the 15,000 sq. ft. allowable; and on
recuts, an additional $10.00 per 5,000 sq. ft. over the 15,000
sq. ft. allowable. For example, the bid for an initial cut
on a 25,000 sq. ft. lot in Ohio would be $125.00. This is
calculated by adding $40.00 (for the additional 10,000 sq.
ft.) to $85.00 (the 15,000 sq. ft. allowable). The recut would
be calculated the same way, but adding $20 for the additional
10,000 feet to the recut price for 15,000 sq. ft.
5. For
excessively large lots (over one acre, or approximately 40,000
sq. ft.), we will require a bid for both a perimeter cut and
for cutting the entire lot.
We appreciate
your continued cooperation. If you have any questions about
these new requirements, please call your regional coordinator
for clarification.
Please
note that we have been advised we have been awarded the CitiMortgage
contract to perform all property inspections and pre- and
post-sale preservation work. You should notice an increase
in inspection and preservation orders in all areas of the
country.
I again
want to thank you for your cooperation and support.
Robert
|
