Frank Schiefelbein - 's Blog

$7500 Tax Credit For 1st Time Home Buyers

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:28:35 -0500

Did you know about this?

Maximum of $7500 Tax Credit For 1st Time Home Buyers who purchase between April 9, 2008 thru June 30, 2009!

Great news for any 1st time home buyers out there.

An immediate great call to any 1st time home buyers you put in a home after April 9, 2008, now that is a great customer touch!

Go to the web site below for all the details.

http://federalhousingtaxcredit.com/index.html

NICOR GAS CUSTOMERS SAVE ON YOUR MONTHLY GAS BILL FOR FREE

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:00:43 -0500

Now there is a FREE way to lower your home gas energy bill, and a way to even get your gas for FREE!

As of May 2008 Ambit Energy is now available as your provider for Gas Energy for your home, thru deregulation, you now have a choice of whom you purchase your gas energy from.

By choosing Ambit Energy instead of NICOR GAS for the purchase of your gas you are guaranteed savings in writing on your NICOR bill.

Nothing changes, NICOR will still bring the gas to your home through their pipes, they'll still send you a bill, you still pay them, and you are only having Ambit Energy purchase the gas you use.

You'll see no changes in your service, no one comes out to your home, the only change you'll see is a lower gas bill!

It costs nothing to choose Ambit Energy.

No contracts, no monthly fee's, no disruption in service. If you don't like getting your gas for cheaper we'll switch you back for free.

Plus a lot more perks you'll see on the web site!

How to get your NICOR gas for FREE -

As an Ambit Energy customer, you can reduce or eliminate the amount of payment due on your bill every month simply by referring people you know to use our service. When a minimum of 15 customers you refer pay their bills, you will receive a credit* on your Ambit Energy bill equal to the average amount of their payments. This credit applies every month as long as you maintain a minimum of 15 customers who pay their bills. If the average of your referred customers' monthly payments is equal to or more than your bill for the month, you pay nothing!

Go to the following web site for more info and to switch, all you need is your NICOR bill for the account number.

www.fchteam.joinambit.com - Save On Your Energy Bill & Sign Up Today

www.fchteam.ambitenergy.biz – Unlimited Income Business Opportunity

www.fchteam.energy526.com – Energy Video

Thank you.

Frank Schiefelbein

Marketing Consultant

847.894.1629

Why do we appreciate you so much?

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:20:01 -0500

Why does Countrywide^® appreciate and respect Real Estate Professional partners like you so much? Let us count the ways (from #10 backwards, of course!):

10. You bring us donuts. No, wait ... that's OUR job!

9. In tough times like these, it's nice to have somebody to share the tissues with.

8. We can mention "Fannie Mae" or "Freddie Mac" and you know it isn't a new hip hop act.

7. You're the only other people on the planet who care what the Chairman of the Federal Reserve says.

6. You're the only other people who don't think "Title Insurance" is something to protect books in a library.

5. Who else would invite us to all those exciting Open Houses on Sunday afternoons?

4. You know that a 5/1 ARM is not an episode of the Bionic Woman.

3. We can use "HELOC" in conversation and you won't say, "Bless you!"

2. Without making home loans to your buyers, our $ billions in available funding would just sit around in a savings account.

And the #1 Reason We Appreciate Our Real Estate Professional Partners ...

You help us turn more home browsers into homeowners!

Speaking of numbers, I've got many proven ways to help you make the most of current market conditions. Call me today and let me show you how much you're appreciated at Countrywide!

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

847-894-1629

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

Count on Countrywide®

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:07:31 -0500

News about the current state of the mortgage industry can be unsettling for those of us who make our living in this business. This challenging time has brought about greater than usual media coverage of our sector, including coverage about Countrywide.

With all the information that's being distributed, I wanted to take a moment to personally update you on what's going on at Countrywide.

•• We have supplemented our existing liquidity options by infusing an additional $11.5 billion in to our operation through a syndicate of 40 of the world's largest banks. More than 70 percent of this facility has an existing term of greater than four years.

•• We announced our strategy to fund a significant portion of loans through Countrywide Bank, which has approximately $100 billion in assets. Today, we fund approximately 70 percent of our loans through Countrywide Bank, and expect that nearly all of our loan volume will be funded through the bank by the end of September.

•• We expect that approximately 90 percent of the loans we originate will be eligible for funding through Countrywide Bank or the Government Sponsored Entities (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac).

•• Just this week, we increased our product options for fully documented Jumbo loans.

I want to let you know that while this industry turmoil may continue for some time, Countrywide is here to assist you in and meet the home loan needs of your customers.

While the current industry news can be unsettling, know that I am here, backed by Countrywide, to meet your mortgage lending needs. Feel free to contact me directly by phone or email.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

1121 E. Main Street, Ste. 330

St. Charles, IL 60174

www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

630.513.4815 Office Direct

847.894.1629 Direct

866.905.7983 Fax

888.265.9824x4815 Toll Free

We are pleased to bring you this advertisement. If you do not wish to receive future email offers, simply click on the following link to unsubscribe, or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: http://countrywide.p.delivery.net/m/u/cw/cmd/unsubscribe.asp

If you have comments, questions or feedback, you may write us at the following address: 31303 Agoura Road, MS WLAR-17M, Westlake Village, CA 91361.

To view licenses and registrations, click on the following link, or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: http://my.countrywide.com/Licenses.aspx?linkid=PCFT015

To view Countrywide's privacy policy, click on the following link, or copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar: http://my.countrywide.com/privacy.aspx

Equal Housing Lender. ©2008 Countrywide Bank, FSB, Countrywide Home Loans Division. Member FDIC. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Bank, FSB, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved.

Last Updated: 01/01/2008

Provided to Builder / Real Estate Professionals for information only. Not intended or authorized for public or consumer distribution.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day WEEKEND!

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 23 May 2008 12:52:04 -0500

Here is a photo I took of the Iwa Jima Memorial while I was in Washington D.C.

Here is a good article on Fed Rate Cuts and their effect on Home Mortgage Rates.

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:44:37 -0500

Here is a good article on Fed Rate Cuts and their effect on Home Mortgage Rates.

Click on below article to see the cause and effect on interest rates.

I always get calls after a Fed Rate Cut and expalin all day why rates went up whenthe Fed just cut them.

http://biz.yahoo.com/usnews/080430/30_what_fed_moves_mean_for_mortgage_rates.html

FREE, Home Buyers Scouting Report In ILLINOIS!

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:58:57 -0500

http://www.marketingsplash1.com/RequestHBSR.asp?ID=SQKUQLBMAADF

Realtors, Home Sellers and Home Buyers

I added a new service for my clients and it is FREE, it's called Home Buyers Scouting Report!

For home buyers and sellers, it is a new way to search for homes on the internet, and I personally think it's 100 times better than what is out there now.

Home Buyers/Sellers you can.......

• Search all the MLS listings

• Save listings you want to watch in your notebook and receive emails if the price drops or if it's under contract

• Map your searches, switch it to view a photo and see what the neighborhood looks like

• Search for schools and get demographics, libraries, fire dept., transportation, Starbucks etc.

Not planning on selling your home you can.......

• Track homes for sale in your neighborhood, save them in your notebook and see what price they close at

• Search for closed homes for the last 2 yrs in your neighborhood

• Keep track of your home value based on sales

I really think you'll enjoy this service.

If you know someone that might be buying a home in the next year I would be happy to sign them up as well. It is FREE with no obligations.

Call or email me to sign up.

Save on Your Home Loan

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:37:47 -0600

Save on Your Home Loan

By Frank Schiefelbein
You may be aware that by refinancing you may be able to reduce your monthly mortgage payments. However, you may not realize that by using your mortgage as a financial tool, you can save big money and build more equity in your home. Now, you can use this simple strategy to help you.

By making an extra payment each year, you can save on interest and reduce the term of your loan. This can be accomplished in two ways: you can pay an additional one-twelfth of your mortgage payment each month by dividing your loan payment by 12 and then adding that amount to your regular payment; or, you can simply make one extra month's payment once a year by indicating to the mortgage company that the extra payment should be applied to your principal balance. Some homeowners use annual bonuses or inheritances to pay down their mortgage principals.

By voluntarily making an extra payment each year and reducing your principal, you can save more than $45,000 in interest on a $100,000, 8 percent, 30-year mortgage and take more than seven years off the loan.

This is just one of many tools homeowners are learning about when it comes to using their homes as a financial tool. By learning how to build equity faster and reduce their monthly payments, they can have more money for other things in life.

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles, IL., office of Countrywide Home Loans, a division of Countrywide Bank, FSB. The office is located at 1121 E. Main Street, Ste. 330, St. Charles, IL 60174. www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

Choosing an Online Mortgage Lender

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:25:35 -0600

Choosing an Online Mortgage Lender
By Frank Schiefelbein @ http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

Where you get a home loan could affect your finances and even your credit rating for years, so it's important to know as much as possible about your lender. Below are some questions to help choose among the many lenders online.

Is this a direct lender or an online broker? A direct lender funds the loan, making decisions about your eligibility and the terms of the loan. A direct lender also coordinates required services, such as credit verification and home appraisal.

Some Web sites provide quotes from many lenders, serving as loan brokers or "aggregators". A broker is a go-between, with no power to make decisions or speed loan closing. That's important if you need to settle quickly. Brokers charge fees for their services, so they don't always offer the lowest overall prices.

Is the lender experienced? Many online lenders are new to the mortgage industry. Home lending is complex, with many Federal and state regulations. An inexperienced lender can face delays and problems in closing loans. Make sure the company has a proven record.

Is the company financially stable? Read their annual reports, quarterly financial reports and business reviews and articles.

Is the organization trustworthy? Research the company's reputation, including a call to the Better Business Bureau. Be suspicious of very low interest rates, promises to lend to anybody or high fees to apply for a loan. Make sure that any personal information you provide is protected by online security (including data encryption).

Can you reach a loan expert? Online borrowers often have trouble reaching representatives who can help them. You need prompt and reliable answers to your questions about the loan, the application and any papers you'll sign during closing.

Does the lender have a local office? If not, where will loan closing occur? A local office can make closing easier and help resolve things more quickly if you encounter a problem before closing.

What services are available after you get your loan? If the lender services your loan (collects your payments and provides escrow and tax information), find out if it offers convenient service hours, e-mail access and online customer service (free electronic payment, online account statements and online escrow reports).

What are the actual loan costs? It can be difficult to compare loans, in part because so many types are available:

· fixed-rate conforming loans
· fixed-rate jumbo loans
· balloon loans
· conforming adjustable rate mortgages or ARMs
· jumbo ARMs
· hybrid ARMs with a fixed rate period of several years before the rate adjusts

The type of loan, whether it's government backed (FHA or VA), the term (typically 10, 15, 20 or 30 years), and whether there is a penalty for pre-payment all affect the interest rate.

The interest rate is only part of a loan's cost, along with application or processing fees, charges that make up "closing costs" and any "points" or fees paid to buy down the interest rate. Lenders often have different names for the same fees, making it even harder to compare loans. Make sure the lender thoroughly explains all the loan costs.

For more home loan information, see these free federal resources:

Looking for the Best Mortgage? from the Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/homes/bestmorg.htm

A booklet series on home loan issues from the Consumer Information Center: www.pueblo.gsa.gov/housing.htm

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles, IL office of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a national leader in residential finance. The office is located at 1121 E. Main Street, Ste. 300, St. Charles, IL 60177 630-513-4815. www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

Five Factors Every Homeowner Should Know to Maximize Mortgage Management

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:45:45 -0600

What's Hiding In Your Home Loan?
Five Factors Every Homeowner Should Know to Maximize Mortgage Management
By Frank Schiefelbein

A study recently released by Countrywide Home Loans revealed that many homeowners may not be fully capitalizing on the powerful fiscal opportunities within their homes. Ninety percent of survey homeowner respondents admitted that their home is one of their most important assets, yet nearly half indicated they would never consider leveraging their mortgage and available equity as a financial management tool.

These findings suggest that Americans may be neglecting to recognize their home as an asset that can-and should-be managed like other investments in their portfolios. Survey results also underscore the widespread misperceptions that exist about mortgages, including how they work, their flexibility, and their place in an individual's overall financial package.

When it comes to stocks, for example, it's considered obvious for Americans to keep an eye on and take action on their investments to maximize growth potential, but the same doesn't seem to hold true for their homes. Instead, many homeowners simply stick with their original mortgage, even if it may not make the most sense to do so.

To empower homeowners with strategies that can help them maximize and effectively manage their mortgages, Countrywide Home Loans imparts a few options worth checking out:

· Cash In on Cash-Out-For Upgrades and More.

Increased home values over time may mean that many people's home equity has grown significantly. So, the time may be right for them to consider refinancing and pulling money out of their home equity in a lump sum to fund repairs, renovations or other expenditures. After all, any upgrades made may add to their home's value in the long run. A cash-out refinance could be a smart solution that may make the most of their investment by generating a source of funds needed to meet personal and financial goals.
· Unlock the HELOC Opportunity-Spending and Saving.

· Consider Your Best Interest-Changing and Deferred.

· Help Yourself to Seconds-Vacation Homes and Investment Properties.

· Move Ahead with Reverse Mortgages-Payments and Peace of Mind.

For more information about these and other smart mortgage management tips, homeowners should call 847-894-1629. *About Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a member of the Countrywide® family - America's #1 home loan lender - (as ranked for 2005 by Inside Mortgage Finance, Jan. 27, 2006, Copyright 2007), originates, purchases, securitizes, sells and services home loans and is the primary subsidiary of Countrywide Financial Corporation (NYSE: CFC). Countrywide Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides mortgage banking and diversified financial services in domestic and international markets. Founded in 1969 and a member of the S&P 500 and Fortune 500, Countrywide Financial Corporation is headquartered in Calabasas, California and its family of companies has a workforce of more than 55,000 in over 900 offices across the country.

About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides research-driven insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what could conceivably be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in France and through a global network of independent market research firms. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com/.

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Countrywide Home Loans among 2,357 adults (aged 18 years and older) within the United States between October 10 and 12, 2006, among whom 1,560 were homeowners. Figures for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. With a pure probability sample of 2,357 one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points. Sampling error for subsamples is higher and varies. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles, IL office of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a national leader in residential finance. The office is located at 1121 E. Main St., Ste. 330, St. Charles, IL 60174.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

Mr. Housing Bubble

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:47:46 -0600

I love this!

I wish it was available on a t-shirt!

I heard we are in a housing bubble, I AM NOT PARTICIPATING!

I heard this might be the 5th busiest market nationwide in history and all the media sells is there doom and gloom.

Rates i.e. money is cheap, listing are like a Greek diner (too many things on the menu to choose from).

Those of us in the industry that can stand out and brand ourselves to the public will come out of this in great shape. This too shall pass!

All hard work will bring a profit, but mere talk of it will lead to poverty. Probverbs.

There is aways a way!

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:13:52 -0600

There is aways a way if you are committed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Always!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPUi8Ru08D8

Take 5 min. and watch this right now.

You'll remember it every time you think you can't.

You remember the old saying "if there is a will there is a way".

Do you have the will? The way will always figure itself out.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

Good Credit Habits Mean More to Lenders

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:35:26 -0600

Good Credit Habits Mean More to Lenders
by Frank Schiefelbein

Interest rates are reasonable these days, and homeownership has become more affordable thanks to a strong economy. Whether your clients are homeowners moving up into larger residences, or first-time home buyers, their credit history is a key component in the success of their -- and your -- transactions.

In making a loan decision, mortgage lenders closely review an applicant's credit history for late payments -- fewer blemishes on a credit report increase the likelihood of approval. Being late on a house payment, credit card payment or other obligations will be reflected negatively on a credit report. A pattern or history of late payments or delinquent accounts is generally regarded as a "red flag" and may require an explanation from your client, or may result in denial of the loan.

Many people don't realize that building and maintaining good credit is essential throughout their lifetimes. Good habits to keep a good credit profile include:

- Paying bills on time each month. This shows the consumer knows how to manage credit. Paying off outstanding debt and limiting the amount of credit used are good practices.

- Requesting a lower credit limit. Consumers shouldn't extend their credit limit above their income, no matter how many tempting solicitations they receive.

- Closing credit accounts. It's a good idea to consolidate debt and cancel other unnecessary accounts whenever possible. It shows responsible credit management.

- Checking credit reports. Incorrect information can appear on credit profiles and affect credit ratings. Credit reports should be reviewed periodically. Three major credit reporting bureaus provide reports for a fee: Equifax (800-378-2732); Experian (800-682-7654); and Trans Union (800-888-4213).

- Being proactive, not reactive. Consumers who are unable to meet their payment obligations should contact their creditors and work out a payment plan as soon as possible. The nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service (800-388-2227) can help in resolving credit issues.

Building and keeping good credit and managing it well is a major part of homeownership, which in turn drives much of the local economy. As a real estate professional, you are in a unique position to help your clients, potential clients and the community-at-large in understanding the lifelong importance of their credit histories. The next time you have the opportunity to coach someone about the value of healthy credit, share these worthwhile ideas. They can help everyone's business.

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles, IL office of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a national leader in residential finance. The office is located at 1121 E. Main St., Ste. 330, St. Charles, IL 60174 847-894-1629, http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/.

Frank Schiefelbein
Home Loan Consultant
Countrywide Home Loans
847-894-1629 Cell
630-513-4815 Office Direct
866-905-7983 Fax
888-265-9824 Toll Free
http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/
frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com
FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!
Lending available in ALL 50 states!

The Art of Database Management - Part I: Working Smarter

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:57:35 -0600

The Art of Database Management
Part I: Working Smarter

The relationship you develop with your customers, combined with the personal information you are constantly collecting, can be a goldmine for future business. The fact is most business professionals spend a significant amount of money marketing to people they don't know in an effort to procure new business.

Wouldn't it make more sense to go deeper with your existing clientsto really understand their needsand spend your marketing dollars on people you already have a relationship with?

In Bill Gates' book, Business at the Speed of Thought,* he states:

"How you gather, manage and use information to serve the needs of your customer will determine whether you win or lose in your business."

This is a terrific definition of database management. Database management is about gathering information about your customer so you have an understanding of their relevant needs. From there, you can proactively structure a plan to give them exactly what they want.

Have you ever provided excellent service to a client only to have them turn around and use the services of one of your competitors without even giving you the opportunity to make a bid for their business? When this happens, it happens for a reason. The fact is, your client had a need and you weren't there to fulfill it for them, probably because you didn't even know they had a need.

By using technology to manage information electronically, you will have the ability to run reports and analyze the information you have about your customers. You can then use that information to put yourself a step ahead of the competition. By proactively serving your clients' needs and interests, you will no doubt become more successful.

Look for more Business Boosters about efficient methods I use to manage my business and provide stellar customer service!

* 1999 Warner Books. Author: Bill Gates with Collins Hemingway, Contributor.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

The Key to Creating Intimacy

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:30:32 -0500

The Key to Creating Intimacy

Use a Concierge Form

Superstar REALTOR* Terry Moerler has clients fill out a concierge form at home, prior to meeting with them. This helps her better understand those prospects and target their hot buttons. It affords her an opportunity to probe their minds, know their likes and dislikes, and then meet their needs with efficiency.

The more you know about your clients' needs, the better you can adapt your presentation to exceed their expectations. But you must implement a system for gathering this information up front. After the initial information is obtained, you and your team members must collaborate in an effort to collect additional facts. This fact-finding mission forms the foundation for database marketing.

Never presume to know your clients' definition of great customer service. It is more useful to ask what they are looking for and then try to meet those demands. Below are some questions to ask your clients up front:

Is your existing financial philosophy conservative, moderate or aggressive?

How many children do you have, and what are their ages?

When is your birthday, and when is your spouse's birthday?

What is your favorite type of wine? (Red or white, sweet or dry, American or imported?)

What is your favorite cuisine?

What are your hobbies?

Rate on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best) your existing CPA relationship.

Rate on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best) your existing financial planning relationship.

Rate on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best) your existing relationship with your mortgage lender.

Rate on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best) your existing insurance situation.

Do you currently have a Will or Living Trust?

Do you currently have a college education fund established for your children that allows you to grow your money tax free?

Imagine the tremendous marketing value of knowing intimate details of your clients' needs and circumstances!

Look for more valuable tips on how I provide superior customer service!

*REALTOR is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the

National Association of REALTORS and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

Lead Follow-Up Campaigns - Never Give Up On a Lead!

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:55:47 -0500

Lead Follow-Up Campaigns
Never Give Up On a Lead!

You might wonder, "When is a lead no longer a lead?" A lead is always a lead until the person tells you to stop calling. The key to success in sales is professional persistence. Take time to earn the loyalty of prospects by showing them that you add more value to the equation than anybody else in your field. One critical element to remember about a successful lead follow-up campaign is that it should be easy to implement.

Build a series of letters (i.e., templates) and load them into your database management system. Whether you use Top Producer, Microsoft Outlook or ACT!* doesn't matter. The important thing is that with a few clicks of your mouse, you will generate an outbound correspondence that encompasses your prospective client list and helps them realize that you are sincerely interested in working with them. You must leave an indelible imprint in their mind, which will give you a competitive edge if they have not yet decided with whom they will work. You must rouse prospective clients to wonder:

"What will I miss out on if I don't work with this person?"

Once you motivate the prospect to ask that crucial question, your battle has been won. How can you prompt prospects to ponder this question? It's simple: Teach them! People instinctively want to learn, especially when it comes to "big ticket" transactions like purchasing real property and financing homes. The more you teach them, the more they will want to work with you, so it is important to establish yourself as a consultant.

Many subtle changes occur regularly during real estate transactions that can make buyers feel vulnerable and anxious. They're filled with all types of questions and they look to you as the expert. How do you read an appraisal? What are key components of a home inspection report? What are the various non-recurring fees associated with buying a home? What is tax deductible during the loan process? What are some characteristics to look for when selecting a skilled real estate agent? The list never ends. Draft documents that address consumers' concerns before they even ask.

By maintaining contact with your prospects on a weekly basis using a drip campaign that contains valuable educational material, you will have made yourself invaluable to them. You'll be amazed by how much your conversion ratio from prospect-to-client will skyrocket!

Look for more efficient methods I use to manage business and create clients for life!

* Top Producer is a registered trademark of Top Producer Systems. Microsoft Outlook is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
ACT! is a registered trademark of Interact Commerce Corporation.

WHAT IF?

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:34:18 -0500

The Perfect Purchase Transaction - It All Starts with a System

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:02:46 -0500

The Perfect Purchase Transaction
It All Starts with a System

Have you ever wondered what the Perfect Purchase Transaction would look like? Close your eyes and dream about it for a minute Few inbound phone calls. Your cell phone never rings. Clients leave so ecstatic with your service that they hand you three names of people they know who are ready to sell their homes or want to buy in your area. You enjoy shorter workdays during the process because everything clicked. Okay, WAKE UP! The dream has ended.

Yet, that dream is possible. Although you work in an innately reactive business, it is possible to be proactive and stave off the reactive nature of day-to-day dealings. But, you must create a system. Think through each step of the process and ask yourself, "How can I make this better?" or "How can I take this reactive activity and be proactive to curtail it?" Here's the key: Create the Perfect Purchase Transaction.

The drill: Sit down with all your team members, those individuals on your immediate staff as well as your extended team - Your Lender, Escrow Officer, Title Representative, Home Inspector, handy man, Home Warranty Representative, etc. Then on blank index cards note the steps that take place pertaining to any purchase. The first card would document the initial phone call or touch point. The last card could describe the note you sent on the one-year anniversary since the transaction closed, congratulating your buyers on that memorable date. Each of the middle cards should highlight and detail every contact required throughout the process to ensure the Perfect Purchase Transaction.

In the lower, right-hand corner of each index card, jot down the initials of the individual tasked with executing the particular activity. It would be helpful to conduct this meeting in a conference room with a table long enough to spread out the index cards for easy viewing. Create a snake of index cards, beginning with the first point of contact. As you sift through this snake and examine each index card, determine where any snags or breakdowns occur. Contemplate any ways to improve each interaction.

From there, separate the index cards into stacks, sorted by initials. Are any of the stacks top heavy? Do any of the stacks contain more activities than it's humanly possible to service at the level of professionalism needed to "WOW" a customer? Do any cards in these stacks need to be redistributed? Can any cards be discarded?

This will help you visualize every point of contact and critical element of your Perfect Purchase Transaction process.

I'd love an opportunity to discuss the systems I use to consistently WOW my clients!

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

Speeding the Loan Process

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 14:13:19 -0500

Speeding the Loan Process
by Frank Schiefelbein

Real estate professionals, like other savvy business people, recognize the truth in the adage "time is money." So naturally, you want your transactions to be as smooth and quick as possible. Since the timely closing of a home sale is often dependent upon the loan process, the following are ways you can work with lenders to ensure quicker closings:
· Urge buyers to get preapproved before they shop for a home. Preapproval is a conditional commitment to lend, and is dependent upon the understanding that when borrowers are ready to buy, they still meet the original conditions. This may save up to several weeks in total processing time, once the purchase agreement has been signed, by recommending a buyer is preapproved.

· Stay informed during the loan process to help eliminate pitfalls that slow the process. Work with lender who provide on-going progress reports, and urge buyers to respond promptly to lender requests for additional information.

· Encourage clients to lock-in a rate while they shop for a home. This ensures the lower, locked-in rate if rates rise during the shopping period, and also allows buyers to receive the lowest possible rate if rates drop. It also eliminates the chance of buyers no longer being qualified if rates climb.

· Advise borrowers to have necessary documentation upfront. Complete documentation upfront is critical as it expedites the process and makes it less overwhelming. Necessary documents for the majority of loan products include items that confirm the income, employment, assets and debts of your client.

· Recommend local underwriting and funding, which provides buyers with immediate answers on their loan applications. Local underwriters often live in the area where they work, and they offer greater sensitivity to the area's economic conditions.

· Work with appraisers by preparing a list of two or three comparable homes in the area that have sold in the last six months. Include addresses and selling price. Appraisers may use these "comps" to determine the property value, saving them and the buyer valuable time.

The mortgage loan process goes smoother and faster when it is a partnership between real estate professionals and lenders. Close a loan in a timely manner, and everyone wins.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

When the Sellers Aren't Selling - Remind Them: "Presentation is Everything!"

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:12:30 -0500

At times the sellers themselves thwart the efforts of the Real Estate Agent. Nothing can be quite as frustrating as trying to pull all the weight when someone else is adding to the burden by being uncooperative!

If you have a seller who is not making sure their home is presentable to a potential buyer, remind them that presentation is everything! By eliminating points the potential buyer may find fault with and bringing out the positive amenities, they are more likely to sell the home quickly and also get the price they are asking for. Here are just a few tips that will help them support your efforts as their representative in the transaction:

Let there be light. Buy some 100-watt bulbs to brighten the rooms and open curtains or blinds to let light in. Unless a window faces a brick wall or some type of eyesore, open the drapes!

Garage, not garbage. Have a garage sale to clean out the clutter and make the garage more spacious. Your clients are moving and will need to start organizing anyway, so why wait until the last minute? Clean up oil spots in the garage or carport with a good cleanser to remove that "lived-in" appearance. The home may not be brand new, but it's new to the potential buyer.

Make scents. Get a nice potpourri air freshener, or keep some refrigerated cookie dough on hand to throw in the oven when a prospect is coming over. Make the house smell like a home .

Paint-relief. Consider re-painting any areas that need to be touched up, but especially the front door and entryway, and any appliances that are showing their age.

Power plants. Trim down any jungles outside, especially if they cover the house. Get rid of any half-dead houseplants. Water the lawns briefly before any visit, and keep the lawns mowed and edged.

These tips were derived from a pamphlet I use as part of my campaign to market my services to FSBOs. In many cases, people who are attempting to sell their own home eventually become frustrated and end up turning to a professional Real Estate Agent.

Let me know if you are interested in establishing a co-op marketing effort to generate listings.*

* RESPA laws require Real Estate professionals to pay a proportionate amount of the costs for co-op marketing and distribution. I have negotiated fair rates for my vendors, and I believe you will find the costs are reasonable. (See http://www.hud.gov to access RESPA ruling 24CFR3500.14.)

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

Type A vs Type B - Buyers versus Browsers

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:26:09 -0500

Type A: A tendency towards tenseness, impatience, and aggressiveness.
Type B: A tendency towards a relaxed manner, patience, and friendliness.
Both of these personality types have their merits, and both tendencies exist in all of us to some degree. But when it comes to homebuyers, Type As are the ones you want to be working with.
Kathi McLean, a real estate superstar who, with her husband, averages more than $40 million per year in volume, says their turning point was when they decided to seek one type of customer over another. "We had spent an inordinate amount of time on people who drained a huge amount of energy," she says. "We made a conscious decision to cut out those kinds of clients. We stuck to our guns, and within a very short time, our business just took off."
So who makes better buyers, Type As or Type Bs?
Well, Type A buyers are the ones who are urgently seeking a home, who have a deadline and a willingness to make concessions to get what they want. They're probably moving to the area, trying to get out of an apartment, or otherwise motivated.
Type B buyers, on the other hand, are lazily looking around, probably already in a home, or just looking for a new place. Maybe they want a smaller home now that the kids are gone, or something with an additional room or two. But they're not in a hurry; they're willing to pass on deals that don't match their specifications exactly.
When you realize a buyer is Type B, you must do everything to bring out their Type A personality. Remember, everyone has some A and some B - it's your job to guide their mood towards a home. Here are some tips:
Know what kind of home they would fall in love with. Have them describe the perfect house. Take notes!
Look for any deadlines they might not be sharing. Are there changes coming in their family that will precipitate the move? Would it be better to move before those changes come?
Share any law or zoning changes that will alter the market. If interest rates seem to be on the rise, remind them of the thousands they'll save by buying sooner rather than later.
When you find a home they would love, tell them you found their home rather than a property they should see. Create the urgency, be contagious, and let them catch it. Do not give up on Type B buyers, but put most of your time and effort into targeting the Type A's.
In closing, remember: If you hear them say, "Oh, we're just looking," it's up to you to get them excitedly and aggressively seeking a new home.
Frank Schiefelbein
Home Loan Consultant
Countrywide Home Loans
847-894-1629 Cell
630-513-4815 Office Direct
866-905-7983 Fax
888-265-9824 Toll Free
http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/
frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com
FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!
Lending available in ALL 50 states!

A variety of loan programs for just about every kind of home buyer!

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:20:19 -0500

Countrywide® Home Loans has new products in the news! We've added even more innovative programs to help grow your real estate business - perfect for your salaried, self-employed or commissioned buyers. We have programs that require low or no documentation, low or no down payment, flexible loan guidelines and programs for second homes investors, even foreign nationals. Our vast array of options give your qualified clients financing choices in buying a home. Find out how we can work to build your sales. Call us at 847-894-1629 or reply by e-mail now.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

RESPA - Understanding HUD's Consumer Protection Laws

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:16:57 -0500

RESPA
Understanding HUD's Consumer Protection Laws

In many states, Real Estate licenses are granted without close examination of an applicant's knowledge of RESPA guidelines. As a result, many Real Estate Agents go into business unaware that certain practices are prohibited via Federal statutes enacted by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

RESPA stands for the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Introduced in 1974, RESPA law is designed to protect consumers in the process of purchasing a home. RESPA requires lenders to provide consumers with disclosures (Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement) at various stages throughout the loan process, and also prohibits kickbacks and referral fees that would increase the cost of settlement services for consumers.

There are two main points of the law that affect referral relationships between parties involved in the selling of a home:

Prohibition of kickbacks. RESPA states that no one can give any "thing of value" in exchange for referrals. According to RESPA, if a Real Estate Agent refers business to me, I cannot even send them a gift certificate as a way of saying thanks. This applies to any people involved in a Real Estate transaction. If a client of yours refers another person to you, you can't reward them with any "thing of value" in exchange for the referral.

Can you have a party and invite all your past clients and include referral sources? Yes. But you cannot exclusively invite referral sources, as this would constitute a provision of something of value in exchange for referrals according to RESPA.

Can you give a client a thank you gift after a transaction closes? Yes. Giving new homeowners a house-warming gift is great marketing tool to implement after the deal is closed. However, you cannot give them a thank you gift in exchange for referring additional business to you.

Prohibition of defraying costs. RESPA law indicates that normal promotional and educational practices are permissible, as long as there is no defrayment of cost involved. If you enter into a cooperative marketing campaign with a Loan Officer, Title Rep, or any other professional, the other party cannot pay for your portion of the costs. Costs for advertising and distribution must be divided proportionately. For example, if your name and image branding takes up of the advertising space in a co-op marketing campaign with a Loan Executive, then the LO should pay 75% and you should pay 25% of the costs, based upon fair market values.

This information is not intended to provide legal counsel. Please consult a qualified attorney for questions regarding RESPA. Penalties for violations include up to $10,000 in fines and/or up to a year in prison. Details on RESPA laws can be found at www.hud.gov.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

The Real Estate Investor's Sidekick - How to Be the Magnate's Best Friend

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 11:06:45 -0500

The Real Estate Investor's Sidekick
How to Be the Magnate's Best Friend

Books like Gary Eldred's Investing in Real Estate* have helped millions of Americans begin the journey to wealth through real estate ownership. Contrary to what other dreamy, no-money-down literature might suggest, it does take money to make money. And if you're not in a position to become a real estate investor yourself, or you're just not interested in the headache, you can still do quite well by being the investor's sidekick.

When you meet someone interested in investment properties, make it your goal to be their agent for life. Unlike most homebuyers, investors - even the new ones just starting out - will be making multiple purchases in a few short years. Here are some ways to make them fall in love with you, so they take you along as they move up the ladder.

Know what the investor wants better than he or she does.
The novice investor might not see the pitfalls that you spot, and if you help them into a purchase that slows or ends their investing career, you've just slaughtered your goose that lays the golden eggs. For example, if they're looking to fix and flip a property, know the high-end market value in the area so you can tell them the current cap they would get when trying to sell the home even when renovated. $50,000 worth of improvements to a $200,000 home is a huge mistake in a neighborhood where the most expensive home is selling for $210,000.

Watch for sales and closeouts on home improvement products.
You can save your investor a ton of money in renovation costs if you find a paint store having a liquidation sale, or an extra scrap of new carpet going for dirt cheap, or even a neighbor selling great used furniture in a yard sale. Just notifying them of a sale shows them that you're interested in their success as a real estate investor, whether or not they can use the products at the time.

Get ready for commercial real estate.
Most real estate investors start with residential properties, but realize there's more money to be made (with much less managerial headache) in commercial properties. Don't get left behind! Study market trends in your area, and take the initiative to educate yourself as to the deals that are happening. Just 10 minutes of research a day - whether it be phone calls to properties for lease, asking businesses what they pay in rent, or finding an owner willing to share their thoughts - can put you in a fantastic position to assist the investor.

Stay tuned for more Business Boosters coming your way!

* 2001, Investing in Real Estate by Gary Eldred, PhD, published by John Wiley & Sons. Available on Amazon.com.

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!

Mike Ferry: Knowledge Improves Productivity - The Need for Training Increases in a Sales-Driven Market

Frank Schiefelbein - FrankForHomeLoans.com (Countrywide Home Loans) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 09:36:52 -0500

Mike Ferry: Knowledge Improves Productivity
The Need for Training Increases in a Sales-Driven Market

Mike Ferry has seen many changes in market movement throughout his extensive career as a trainer to the real estate industry.* In a recent interview with Tim Braheem of LoanToolbox, Ferry laid down some important ground rules to develop the mind set and productivity needed to be successful in today's market.

"Real estate professionals will begin to see that homes must be listed at a fair price to sell. Interest rates are going up, and fewer buyers will be racing to purchase property," Ferry emphasized. "If it took four contacts to sell a property in previous years, it may take 44 contacts in a sales-driven market."

However, Ferry observed that in the last 50 years, the objections that real estate professionals encounter on a day-to-day basis have really not changed that much, and recommended that agents should practice scripts and be prepared to counter objections positively and with enthusiasm. He proposed that improvement in the performance of scripting will build both confidence and mind set, and in turn improve the closing ratio. In short, if the agent knows what to say and when to say it, then he or she will not hesitate to respond.

"Additionally, we will see that properties are not appreciating as rapidly as they did in past years," Ferry pointed out. "Real estate professionals will need to have an acute awareness of market fluctuation and be more specific in the service that they provide to avoid making false promises."

Ferry added that it is important for agents to reinforce their faith in their own ability with daily affirmations, make sure they stay on schedule and have an effective system in place for lead generation and follow up. He recommended marketing to all centers of influence, past clients, FSBOs, expired listings, just-listed contacts, just-sold contacts, and making cold calls with regular consistency. Ferry also noted that agents who want to succeed in today's sales-driven market must have a superior support team in place so that mistakes are minimized, and make sure the lines of communication are wide open at all times to all parties involved in every transaction.

Look for more Business Boosters coming your way!

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!