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Oscar Murphy
This is why I hate Missouri deals. Their UCC search is so unreliable compared to states like Delaware or New York. You basically have to become a detective to make sure you're not missing anything.
Nora Bennett
•At least Missouri has online search. Some states still require written requests for comprehensive searches.
Oscar Murphy
•True, but I'd rather have a reliable written search than an unreliable online one that gives false confidence.
Ryan Andre
Here's what I do for Missouri UCC searches: 1) Search exact legal name 2) Remove all punctuation 3) Try common abbreviations 4) Search without entity type 5) Check historical names 6) Use wildcard variations 7) Cross-reference with business registration database. It's tedious but catches everything.
Ryan Andre
•I create a spreadsheet with filing numbers, dates, and secured parties. Then I sort by filing number to eliminate duplicates. The key is the unique filing number - same filing can show up under different name searches.
Lauren Zeb
•That's a solid system. I also note which search term found each filing so I can track which variations are most productive.
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Try checking the filing search database directly instead of just the portal status. Sometimes you can find your filed continuation in the public records even when the submission portal shows it as pending.
Ryder Ross
•This is another thing Certana.ai helps with - it can search multiple databases and cross-reference your filings to make sure everything is properly recorded. Takes the guesswork out of tracking multiple UCC documents.
I'm definitely going to look into that service. This whole experience has made me realize I need better tools for managing these filings.
UPDATE: Called the UCC hotline this morning and you were all right - it was actually processed 5 days ago but their system wasn't updating the status. Got the filing number for the continuation and it's showing as active in the database. Thanks everyone for the advice about calling directly!
Same thing that happened to me. Their portal system really needs an overhaul.
Ryder Ross
•Perfect example of why document verification upfront saves so much stress. At least now you know your continuation is solid for another 5 years.
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Ella Cofer
The Article 9 definition that always trips me up is 'consumer goods' under 9-102(a)(23). It's goods used or bought for use primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. But the 'primarily' qualifier creates gray areas when someone uses goods for both personal and business purposes.
Kevin Bell
•Consumer goods classification is huge for enforcement. If you get it wrong, you might lose your security interest or face different notice requirements.
I had a case where a contractor used his pickup truck 40% for business, 60% personal. Classified as consumer goods and it affected our repossession procedures.
After years of dealing with Article 9 definitions, I've learned to be very precise in my collateral descriptions. The definitions in 9-102 are your bible, but remember that different states sometimes have variations or interpretations. What matters is that your description accurately reflects what you're securing and uses language that's consistent with the definitions.
Max Reyes
•This is why I always check the specific state's version of Article 9 before filing. Can't assume it's identical to the uniform version.
Thanks everyone, this has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about applying Article 9 definitions to my collateral descriptions now.
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Ethan Davis
Quick question - if the UCC-1 was filed electronically, does the continuation also have to be filed electronically? Or can it be paper?
Most states accept either electronic or paper continuations regardless of how the original was filed. Electronic is usually faster and cheaper though.
Ethan Davis
•Makes sense, thanks for clarifying that.
Yuki Tanaka
Update: I talked to our loan officer today and they confirmed the UCC-1 expires in March 2025. They're planning to file the continuation in December 2024. Thanks everyone for the helpful information - this thread really helped me understand the process better!
Great to hear you got it sorted out! December filing gives you plenty of buffer time.
Luca Conti
•Perfect timing. You're all set then. Just keep that confirmation email for your records.
StarSailor
Had a similar issue two years ago with a different kind of name problem. What finally worked was getting our attorney to send a letter to the bank's general counsel explaining the UCC requirements and demanding immediate compliance. Sometimes legal letterhead gets attention that borrower complaints don't.
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StarSailor
•Our attorney charged about $500 for the letter. Bank filed the termination within a week after receiving it. Probably cheaper than the financing delays you're facing.
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Connor O'Brien
•Sometimes you don't even need a full attorney letter. A well-written demand letter citing the specific UCC statute requirements can be effective if it looks official enough.
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Yara Sabbagh
Before you go the legal route, try one more approach with the lender. Ask to speak with their UCC specialist or secured transactions department. The regular loan servicing people often don't understand UCC procedures, but most large lenders have specialists who handle these filings correctly.
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Yara Sabbagh
•Ask the loan servicing rep to transfer you to 'secured transactions' or 'UCC administration.' If they don't have a separate department, ask for their supervisor who handles UCC terminations.
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Keisha Johnson
•Also try asking for their 'collateral administration' department. Different banks use different names but they all have someone who specializes in UCC filings.
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