Understanding Property Field Services

A person knocking on your door or taking photographs of a property can raise questions. We understand that.

Mortgage field services professionals visit properties throughout the United States on behalf of mortgage servicing companies, lenders, and property owners. 

Their job is to gather accurate information about a property's occupancy and condition, helping ensure properties are properly maintained and important concerns are identified.

They are not debt collectors, and their purpose is not to confront or intimidate anyone.

Our goal is to help you understand who these professionals are, why they may be visiting, and what you can expect.

Mortgage servicers and property owners may request inspections for several reasons. The most common is to verify whether a property is occupied or vacant.

A property inspector may be asked to:

• Verify occupancy

• Determine whether someone currently lives at the property

• Document exterior conditions

• Observe visible conditions, such as damage, overgrown vegetation, or maintenance concerns

• Identify potential property damage

• Report visible storm damage, broken windows, or other conditions requiring attention

• Complete a requested property inspection

• Provide factual information to the company that ordered the inspection.

Mortgage field service professionals are:

• Background screened

• Participating companies require background screening of their field professionals, with annual checks under the proposed NAMFS standards

• Insurance requirements

• Field service companies establish insurance requirements to help protect customers, residents, and the public

• Professional oversight

• Inspectors are subject to company qualification, documentation, and performance requirements

• Expected to follow the law

• Inspectors must respect applicable laws, property access restrictions, and the rights of occupants

• Collect mortgage payments or other debts

• Demand that you leave your home

• Discuss your mortgage balance or payment history

• Negotiate or change the terms of your mortgage

• Enter your home without appropriate legal authority or permission

For a routine occupancy verification, the inspector's purpose is simply to gather information and report the results to the company requesting the inspection.

You may be asked a simple question, such as whether the property is currently occupied.

You do not have to share private financial information, discuss your mortgage, or make a payment.

If you are comfortable doing so, you may confirm that the home is occupied. If you prefer not to speak with the inspector, you may decline the conversation.

If you have questions about your mortgage account, contact your mortgage servicer directly using the telephone number on your mortgage statement or official correspondence.