KEY POINTS:
Credit controllers in major banks are becoming increasingly familiar with mortgagee sales.
Still, some are shocked at the reaction they have been getting. One banker told of his dismay at distraught owners who rip places apart before the bank gets its hands on their houses.
"It was like they were saying to us, `Cop this, you pricks!' and they even stripped out the fireplace," said one senior lending official.
Some owners refuse to go after the place is sold. But the bank inserts clauses in sale agreements saying the buyer must deal with that problem.
Bankers believe their role is to guard other customers' savings and they say if they don't act, people who put money in the bank might not be able to withdraw it.
"I'm doing God's work. I'm protecting the shareholders and depositors' funds," one banker said. "It doesn't bother me. I go home and sleep at night. It's just my personality."
