Florica's Blog

For those who think being professional means "knowing it all".

Florica Hafiz (Mortgage) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:19:44 -0500

Imagine this scenario, you have a client who understands your ‘vast' years and experience in your respective industry as translating into" having all the answers". So what happens: they bombard you with an endless barrage of questions hoping to gain some footing into an industry that took you years to master and are even now continuing to learn in. There is an overwhelming impulse to give into this temptation and do the best we can even-though we might be unsure of our answers. I sincerely believe that going along with ‘having all the answers' gimmick is both unwise and unprofessional. A true professional knows what they know, knows what they don't know, and knows the difference between the two. Getting advice, researching, and going to others for help are all laudable and necessary for growth and this is irrespective of how many years one has put into their careers or even to what degree they consider themselves ‘experts' in the field. We do not have all the answers but believe me, we do know how to find the answers and if in the process, we learn some humility, than even better.

With Historical Low Rates

Florica Hafiz (Mortgage) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:57:07 -0500

I wonder if all of you are experiencing an upsurge of requests for your services? In the last several weeks, I have been putting in well over 10 hour weekdays due to people purchasing and/or refinancing their homes or investment properties. This onslaught of interest, while provoking feelings of tremendous relief, is also a little daunting. Now don't get me wrong, coming from the Californian mortgage market, where we were bombarded with tidal-waves of loan apps from people relocating into an overly inflated market, hoping to 'bank' on tragically elevated values, While I am familiar with such workloads and busyness, it is still nevertheless stressfull. Several factors come into play.

FIRST. Where once the loan process required streamlined procedures with minimal docs, I now find myself drawning in myriad of paperwork and form-requests. The actual loan procedure went from being a short and easy steppage to one likend to a spiraling staircase with mountains of paperwork.

SECOND. My role of a loan officer has changed and become complicated with additional complementary roles: counselor, advisor, and banking partner. Too many times i had to go to closings in order to hold the client's hand and to asure them that all is well.

THIRD. My training had to be augmented with an ever-increasing amount of new laws, loan programs, and burdensome procedural guidelines. And i was required and my own personal morality compels me to learn and keep up with the changes around me.

But i guess through it all. It all boils down to differentiation. What sets us apart is not merely the years, or the training or even the market cloute, it is simply this: how much do i care about my clients to give them the best service that i possibly can.

Its this caring impulse that forces me to do my best and to stay on top of the game. Let me know what you think

Florica

The elections are over!

Florica Hafiz (Mortgage) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:58:55 -0600

Well, on Nov. 4 Ill. Sen. Barack Obama, became the 44th president of the United States and the Democrats dramatically improved their count on Capitol Hill. Democrats are now controlling the House, the Senate and the White House for the first time since 1995, when Bill Clinton was president. This will prove to be an interesting time not only as a country but also within our perspective market. I'm somewhat ambivalent insofar while, this country obviously needed change, I wonder if the seeds of change are not more formidable from beneath the soil rather than on-top. All metaphors aside, unarguably, this election has historical deferrals but the ramifications are not so easily gauged. And while I, alongside many others, want and yearn for some change, I believe that in the foreseeable future, this change will occur in degrees and not in kind, as many in the media tend to exaggerate. Lets wait and see!!

Fed Rate Cut

Florica Hafiz (Mortgage) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:48:21 -0500

Today the Fed's will most likely cut the Fed's rate by .5% pt. Most consumers expect interest rates to be lowered as well, however, the consumer rates or long term rates are affected by the global markets and often times when the Fed's cut the rate, the actual long term rates may increase.

How does this affect the consumer you ask? A borrower will actually see a rate reduction on their home equity line of credit interest by the same drop because heloc is tied to the prime and prime rate fluctuates with the Fed's rate. (i.e., if the Fed's cut the rate by .5%, this will reduce the prime from 4.5% to 4%.)

All questions and referrals are welcome!

A touching experience...

Florica Hafiz (Mortgage) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:14:04 -0500

Yesterday, I attended an event in Fuquay Varina that was sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Raleigh, titled 'Operation Coming Home'.

We welcomed Sgt. Joey Bozik and his wife into their new home. The event touched me deeply and I was reminded of the cost and casualties of freedom. Joey served this country in 2004 when he was injured and lost both legs and an arm. He is an inspiration and testimony to the power of hope. He got married after the injuries and continues to support and encourage others. Joey did not allow this tragedy to end his zest for life. Joey made a statement that I found compelling, that he would sacrifice everything to protect this country.

So we should thank and pray for Joey and all the soldiers dedicated in protecting America!

New to Active Rain

Florica Hafiz (Mortgage) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:22:48 -0500

Thank you to everyone for your encouragement. I'm still trying to navigate through this site and new to 'blogging'.

Stay tuned....

New to Active rain.

Florica Hafiz (Mortgage) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:20:22 -0500

Joined Suntrust Mortgage 3 months ago after working for Countrywide Home Loans for the last 14 years. I know I made the right decision as we were awarded the #1 in service satisfaction by JD Power.

Still doing 100% LTV financing.