Darrell's Blog - Integrity Mortgage Update

Total Quality Control: Set Goals that Lead to Improvement

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:35:31 -0600

The concept of KAIZEN®* is based on ideas developed by Japanese industries, which date back to the 1950s. This system for optimizing production melds together ideas from both Eastern and Western cultures, and embraces the philosophy of implementing common sense, low-cost forms of improvement. It takes into consideration all members and facets of a company, and how each plays its part in reaching Total Quality Control.

While breakthrough ideas are based on rapid change and the development of new systems, KAIZEN® principles are geared toward recognizing what resources you have at hand, and making better use of them. The KAIZEN® process is soft and gradual, and a team or support group evaluates each level of change step-by-step.

According to Masaaki Imai, Founder and Chairman of KAIZEN® Institute, you should regard how you currently do your job as the worst way to do it, and seek to make gradual and consistent improvement. "In order to improve you must first perceive the need for change, and then recognize the problems and work to solve them," Imai states.

Rate your current activities on a scale of one to ten (ten being best), and determine what goals you should set to improve your current system. Circle the number that best applies for each category listed below.

Review your notes, and decide which areas could use the most improvement. How does this affect your company's production overall?

Email or call me at 678-648-5626 if you'd like to brainstorm on improving the way you do business.

* KAIZEN® is a registered trademark of KAIZEN® Institute, Ltd., recognized in the United States and throughout the world. All rights reserved.

Google Maps Help New Homeowners Find Their Way!

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:42:10 -0600

Google™ released a new localized service in March of 2004. Many relocated homeowners have used this search feature to get to know their new neighborhood.

Simply visitwww.maps.google.com and enter the type of service or business you are looking for, followed by the city or zip code you are targeting. Google's robust search engine will provide a list of results within seconds. The results will include local information about neighborhood business listings, maps, directions and useful web pages derived from a variety of sources. This makes getting to know a new neighborhood fast and easy. If you out on the road, you could also use Google Mobile which provides driving directions and contact information for your local searches.

Example searches: Italian restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, pet groomers, libraries, video rentals, grocery stores, etc.

If you are looking for a mortgage professional that is committed to providing exceptional service, look no further! My team and I continually monitor rates for our clients and always work toward our clients’ long-term goals. Email or give us a call at 678=648=5626 if you would like to discuss loan options with a trusted advisor.

*Google is a trademark of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

The Weekly Review - A Strategy for Success

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:11:54 -0600

In today's business world, information comes at you rapidly and from all directions. It's far too easy to become overwhelmed and find yourself in a reactive rather than a proactive mode. How can you regain a sense of balance and control?

Each week, as work winds down, make an appointment with yourself to assess how you've been doing. David Allen, the best-selling author of Getting Things Done, calls this a weekly review, which he believes is critical to achieving the results you desire.

The weekly review is more than a chance to step away from the distractions of the office, it's also a time to catch anything that might have otherwise slipped through the cracks. Schedule an uninterrupted block of time every week, and use it to evaluate and process your activities.

Allen suggests that you begin by collecting everything that belongs in your inbox. Gather all loose papers, scribbled notes, and audio memos that you haven't been able to transcribe. Empty your mind by writing down all the things that you haven't dealt with yet.

The next step is to process your inbox. If an item doesn't require action, trash it, file it as reference material, or add it to yoursomeday - maybe list. If an item does require action, go ahead and complete it if it takes two minutes or less. If it requires more than 2 minutes, then delegate it or defer it and create reminders so that it won't be occupying your thoughts.

Review your deferred and someday-maybe action lists. Mark off all completed tasks. Integrate selected actions into your plans for the coming week. Schedule any next steps, such as meetings, in your calendar as needed.

Check over your waiting for lists. Are your delegated tasks getting done? Do you need to send out follow-up reminders?

Go through your projects. Remember, any tasks that require more than one step qualify as projects. Assess their progress. Do you need to rethink the stages involved? Determine what the next actions are.

Review last week's calendar. Examine the notes. Are there any follow-up activities that you've neglected? Sort these steps the same way, deciding on the next concrete action. Look over the upcoming week's calendar. What do you have to prepare?

Now that you've regained control of your working environment, take a little time to be creative and bold. Shift from the micro to the macro. Brainstorm. Capture as many off-beat ideas as you can. When the ideas stop flowing, get up, stretch, and look at those wild musings. Are they worthwhile? Take them back to your inbox and determine if they are actionable or not... Don't forget to schedule your next weekly review!

If you have other management tips, please give let me know!

The New Home Buyer Tax Credit

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:24:52 -0600

The November 11^th edition of the CNBC’s Squawk box featured a discussion by Richard Smith, CEO of Realogy, regarding the extension and expansion of the buyer tax credit and how it will impact the real estate market.

Mr. Smith has an interesting viewpoint as to the changing real estate market. Check out the video and let me know your thoughts about how the tax credit and other changes will impact our real estate market.

Also, if you would like more information regarding the latest home buyer tax credit and extension, please call me or email at dwalters@integritymtgonline.com.

Happy Veteran's Day

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:12:32 -0600

To all of our armed forces and their families, thank you for all the things that you have done for our freedom and liberty. I hope that you have a very blessed Veteran’s Day from Darrell Walters and Integrity Mortgage Funding.

Time Blocking - Putting Balance Back into Your Life

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:21:54 -0600

Have you ever had your day end and wonder where it went? Have you ever been frustrated by how reactive you have been to "emergency" situations that significantly reduced your productivity?

Many of us have experienced this to an excessive degree in our business practices. One of the greatest ways to eliminate the reactive state we find ourselves in is to practice the art of Time Blocking. Time Blocking is about scheduling your day with purpose, making sure the things you need to get done DO get done. This applies to work and personal activities. Remember, the more proactive you are with your day, the less reactive you will be.

Dedicate yourself to the following exercise for 2 weeks. Each morning, start off by blocking your entire day in ½ hour increments. The result might look something like this:

8:30 - 9:00 Check emails and voice mail
9:00 - 9:30 Return calls
9:30 - 10:00 Prospect for new business
10:00 - 10:30 Staff meeting
10:30 - 11:00 Check voice mail and return calls
11:30 - Noon Strategies new business planning
Noon - 12:30 Return calls
12:30 - 1:00 Break for lunch
1:00 - 1:30 Return calls
1:30 - 2:00 Meet with client

The key to this type of planning is to check your voice mail and email each hour and return messages promptly. The reason is simple: If you let too much time lapse before you respond to your client, it will tear you away from your time blocking schedule. The temptation to check the red light blinking on your phone, or respond to that electronic voice saying, "You've got mail," will be too great to resist. Remember, time blocking is about commitment. The more you live your days proactively, the more work you will get done.

Homeowner's Insurance: Put the Right Policy In Place

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:05:06 -0600

In order to obtain a home loan, a borrower is usually required to have a homeowner's insurance policy in place. Experts agree that the most important question homeowners should ask when shopping for a plan is the A.M. Best rating of each company. New companies pop up all the time, and homeowners need to be informed about what a company can offer in terms of protection against potential risk.

Consumers should also become familiar with the liability portion of their policy. ACV (Actual Cash Value) policies pay claims based upon the depreciated value of the item or items lost. However, replacement cost policies will pay the full cost required to actually replace the items.

To ensure that the right amount of insurance is purchased, homeowners should obtain an appraisal every five years or so. If additions are made or remodeling takes place, homeowners will need to revisit and possibly upgrade their plan as well.

Experts say there are several important mistakes homeowners should be especially careful to avoid. The first is being dishonest on an application. This is absolute grounds to reject any claim. Secondly, if the property contains a detached structure - such as a guest house, a barn, a workshop, or a garage - be sure to include each one on the insurance policy. Finally, do not over-insure. Homeowners can save a little money by insuring only those items and structures that need to be replaced.

Email or call me at 678-648-5626 for a referral to a local, professional insurance agent.

Remember...Daylight Savings Time!

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:10:26 -0500

Remember to set your clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 1st. And when you adjust your clocks the night before, you'll be right on time Sunday morning!

If you or someone you know needs assistance with a purchase or refinance loan, please email me or call 678-648-5626.

Information Marketing - Giving to Receive

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:31:53 -0500

Information marketing infuses free information about a product or service along with the regular sales pitch. Unlike the decoder ring in abox of Cracker Jacks, info-marketing provides the free prize before any purchase has taken place. It appeals to consumers much more, because they don't feel as though they are being approached by a pushy salesperson. For this reason, info-marketing can be a great vehicle for cementing new relationships.

Here are some examples of information marketing that will inspire the potential client to think of you as a credible resource, even before they meet you in person.

The How-to-Sell-Your-Home Booklet
Real Estate agents can place an ad in the Real Estate section of the local classifieds offering the public a free booklet on how to sell their home quickly, which includes personal techniques that work. This will attract FSBOs and other potential sellers. People greatly underestimate the complexity of selling a home, and through info-marketing the Real Estate agent can become a knowledgeable resource. This is a terrific conduit for establishing new relationships.

The How-to-Diversify Document
Financial planners can place an ad in the Business section of the local paper, offering a booklet that educates consumers on how to properly diversify their portfolio, explains what dollar cost averaging is, and clarifies the difference between fee-based financial planners and transactional-based financial planners. Providing information through free literature encourages the consumer to call for a personal appointment to go into more detail. This also works well in radio spots, by adding a friendly voice to the equation.

The Tax-Law Pamphlet
Certified Public Accountants can offer a free pamphlet on tax law changes, tax ramifications for Living Trusts, and the laws that govern Estate Planning. This provides a great opportunity to become a Trusted Advisor right out of the gate, and start the relationship with a level of deep respect.

Another great way to distribute info-marketing is to make it available through your website. Make sure your prospects fill out a form that allows you to capture their contact information. Make it clear that the information they requested will be delivered by email, so their correct email address is required for fulfillment. Then you can add them to your regular marketing campaigns.

Let me know if you have any more creative ideas for info-marketing strategies!

Take the Stress Out of Moving

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:29:39 -0500

Moving can be very exciting...but it can also be a bit of a pain as well. Besides packing and unpacking, there is a long list of details to be handled. Things like choosing a mover, connecting utilities, getting Internet and cable service, or subscribing to newspapers or magazines in a new area can be quite a chore. And if you forget to connect one of the utilities you could be stuck in your new home for several days without that much-needed service.

To ease the stress of moving and to schedule new connections for all of the utilities in one convenient location, simply go to http://www.whitefence.com/.

Here you can quickly compare prices for movers, phone, electricity, television, or high-speed Internet. Just select the services you wish to compare. For example, phone, cable, and electric. Or, enter your address on the home page, hit search, and within seconds, a list of services and prices available in that area will appear.

Next, click on the service of your choice to view details and pricing or comparison shop by choosing three providers. Once you determine the provider, select the service plan, complete the requested information, enter the connection date, and within minutes a confirmation will be sent to you.

If you want to change your current provider, simply hit the icon for phone, cable, or Internet, select "switch provider," complete the requested information and a list of providers in the local area will appear. Choose the new provider and the service will be changed.

Additionally, on the site you can complete a change of address form, subscribe to local newspapers, and order magazine subscriptions.

Moving to a new home should be enjoyable and exciting. Using this tool can help remove a bit of the stress of moving and will also help save valuable time.

This is just one great resource to help new homeowners on the Internet. If you or anyone you know would like to make the dream of homeownership a reality, just email or give us a call 678-648-5626. We will review your financial situation and get you pre-approved for the perfect home.

The Art of Database Management: Meeting Customer Relevancy

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:14:08 -0500

It's important not to assume to know what is relevant to your clients. You must ask intelligent questions, run reports on this information, and then proactively meet your customers' relevant needs. This completes our analysis of Bill Gates' quote regarding managing information, and brings us full circle.

We've talked about gathering information. Here are some things that you can do to BUY BRAIN CELLS! Remember, marketing is about being in the forefront of your clients' thoughts, and the only way you can buy their brain cells and make them work for you is by marketing to what is important to them. That is why we strive to ask questions that give us these insights.

If you know your client doesn't have a college education fund set up for their children because you took the time to ask that question, then you could turn around and recommend a 529 Planthat would allow them to establish a tax-deferred account to put those funds in place for their children's future educational needs. Things like this put you far ahead of your competition, and you become your clients' friend and confidant.

Another suggestion is to have your personal assistant send out some item of relevance to members of your database every month. If you've gathered information intelligently and you know what your clients' hobbies are, use it for this type of communication. Let's say your assistant finds an article on herbal remedies that work effectively on children under ten years of age, and you are in the midst of the cold and flu season. Run a report to identify the clients in your database who have children under ten years of age. Send them a copy of the article via email, with a quick note that says, “I saw this article and thought you might find this information interesting. I certainly hope that you and your family are well.”

This will have a tremendous impact on your clients' opinion of you. Don't you think you will be the first person to pop into their mind when they overhear a co-worker saying they need a professional who offers the services you provide? This is what customer relevancy is about: BUYING BRAIN CELLS. Remember, your marketing doesn't always have to be about your vocation. Believe it or not, in many cases your vocation isn't evenrelevant to your client. They just want someone they feel comfortable with.

Think about the way you shop for products or services. If you wanted to buy a new pickup truck, there's a good chance you could go to 4 or 5 locations within a 30-minute drive of your home and purchase the exact same truck. But you will buy the truck from someone you trust. This is human nature. People are shopping for someone they can trust; someone they like to work with. They also like to be the shining star, the person that is “in the know,” who refers your good service to their friends and family!

Mortgage Interest Rate Myths

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:54:12 -0500

This may come as a shock to many borrowers, but it's absolutely true. Mortgage interest rates are not set by the Federal Reserve and, contrary to popular belief, mortgage rates are not directly tied to the yields of US Treasury bills, bonds, or notes – including the 10-year Treasury Note. That's right. Despite what you might hear in the media, mortgage interest rates are actually set by lending institutions, and are based solely on the performance of mortgage-backed securities.

For years now, the media and inexperienced loan officers everywhere have suggested that the 10-year Treasury Note, a government-backed security, is directly tied to mortgage interest rates, that the two are separated by a specific interval – which is simply not true. The graph on this page, which shows interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and the yield for the 10-year Treasury Note for 13 months, clearly demonstrates this fact.

At a quick glance, yes, it's easy to see why the mistake is made. As you can see, for 11 out of the 13 months recorded in the graph, the yield of the 10-year Treasury Note and interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages did follow a somewhat similar long-term path, despite obvious short-term divergences. However, take a closer look at the drastic change that occurs from January through March 2008. What's interesting about this graph is that, during this period, the Federal Reserve had cut interest rates six times, from September 2007, to March 2008, and yet mortgage rates were actually higher in March 2008 than they were a year before. Not only does this demonstrate that the yield of the 10-year Treasury Note is not pegged to mortgage interest rates, it also reveals that mortgage interest rates are not set by the Fed either.

Stop being misled. If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, email or give us a call at 678-648-5626. We'll give the facts you need to make a truly informed decision

The Art of Database Management: Reporting and Managing Information

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:35:33 -0500

The second part of Bill Gates' famous quote from Business at the Speed of Thought deals with the subject of reporting and managing the information you've gathered. The unfortunate reality is that many people have databases full of useful information, but they simply don't use the information effectively. Many people think of a database as an electronic Rolodex®, when it is really so much more than that. A database is a living, breathing, proactive platform that can generate predictable results and keep bringing in new business for you.

The only way to turn your data into useful information is through reporting. The more you know about your customers, the more you will be able to market to their relevant needs. In Part II of this series (Gathering Information), you were provided with a list of questions to ask your client.

Let's look at the question of "What are your hobbies?" and see how we could use that information to create a better relationship with our clients. Wouldn't it be terrific if you had notes on all of your clients, and knew if they were fans of the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or Cleveland Cavaliers? If you knew that information and could run a report listing all the people who fall into those categories, you could send those groups of people a congratulatory email whenever their team wins big, and connect with them on their level.

If you knew the timeline up front when a client stated they were expecting an increase or decrease in pay, or any expected change in their financial situation, you could run reports on that information and proactively be ready to service them. Wouldn't this constitute terrific service? Don't fall prey to the never-ending cycle of gathering information over and over again and doing nothing with it. Remember, stagnant data does nothing to help you build your business. You need to be able to compile intelligent reports and use them effectively.

I like to use drop-down menus in my database management software because, for reporting purposes, it is extremely important that the data you input is consistent. If you list some of your clients as "Bucks Fans," some of them as "Buccaneers Fans," and the rest as "Tampa Bay Fans," then your statistics would not be correct if you ran a report on how many "Buccaneers Fans" you had in your database. But, if you use a drop-down menu that allows you to select one option that is consistent (e.g., "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fan") then you will have consistent results as you run your reports. This is called normalizing your database, and it solves a lot of these problems.

How Much Money Should You Borrow?

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:50:08 -0500

While it might be tempting to borrow whatever amount of money your lender is willing to give you, it's important to think carefully about how much you'll actually need to borrow in order to purchase a new home. From the down payment to taxes to insurance and interest rates, there are many factors to consider when making this important, life-changing decision.

Contrary to popular sentiment, there is no standard formula for accurately calculating the specific dollar amount you should borrow when purchasing a new home. Many websites do offer special borrower calculators that claim to factor in important variables, and yet final results vary vastly from one site to the next. Other websites offer general rules of thumb, suggesting that you should never borrow more than 2 1/2 to 3 times your gross annual income, or that 28%, 32%, or even 40% is the maximum amount of debt you should ever take on.

And, while these insights may be helpful as you begin thinking about the overall borrowing process, meeting with a reputable loan professional and getting yourself pre-approved (not pre-qualified) is really the only way to know the exact amount of money you can and should borrow. By getting pre-approved, you not only increase the chance of finding the perfect house for your needs, you also become a "cash buyer", instantly increasing your bargaining power.

As a mortgage professional, I see my role differently than a traditional loan officer. While my job is to match you with the best mortgage available for your specific needs, I feel that it's also my duty to make sure it's the most responsible product as well. After all, what if something unforeseen or unexpected were to occur? What if you have an accident or you lose your job?

Whether you choose to work with me or not, be aware. A lender will often offer you the maximum amount of money that you qualify for, whether you actually need the full amount or not. Because of this, it's vital to sit down with a professional you can trust to figure out your complete financial picture.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this type of free consultation, email or give me a call at 678-648-5626. I would be happy to assist you!

The Art of Database Management: Gathering Information

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:54:44 -0500

Most of us are sales people when you get right down to it. Our job is to sell our services - and ourselves - as we strive to add more clients to our existing book of business. The unfortunate fact is that most of us are in such a hurry to sell our services that, in the process, we forget to do the most important thing relative to sales.

Remember the quote from Bill Gates? The most important thing we can do is gather as much information as possible and understand what our customers need. From there, we can construct a presentation that has a high probability of giving them exactly what they want and hitting the bull's eye.

We've all heard of The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

I prefer to consider The Platinum Rule™ which states, "Do unto others the way they would want you to do unto them." The only way to accomplish this is by asking intelligent questions up front when speaking to clients and making a better effort to understand them. Here are some examples of questions you should be asking clients at your first meeting:

What are your hobbies?

Do you have a clearly defined investment strategy?

Would you consider your investment strategy to be conservative, moderate, or aggressive?

How old do you want to be when you are financially independent and completely debt free?

Do you currently have a college fund set up for your children?

What is most important to you about the relationship you are seeking with someone in my profession?

What is your preferred form of communication during this process?

If you had honest answers to all of the questions listed above, on every one of your clients, wouldn't you stand a better chance of being able to provide them with what they need, thereby ensuring they will be clients for life? Wouldn't they also refer more of their family, friends, and co-workers to you?

Avoid Changes to Your Financial Profile During the Loan Process

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:32:30 -0500

Once your loan package has been sent to the lender, there are a number of things you should avoid doing that will change your financial picture, especially now that underwriting guidelines have become strict. Remember, the lender is looking for stability and consistency. If you want the best interest rate, keep that in mind. Here are a few things to consider:

The lender is looking to see what your source of down payment is.

Your lender will most likely ask you to provide proof of yourliquid assets. This includes bank statements for checking and savings accounts, verification of investments, and any other liquid assets. Some of the things they ask for may seem trivial, but keep in mind, if you are planning a move to a new home, it's important to have all documentation readily available. If the lender asks for cancelled checks or deposit receipts to meet certain conditions, you want to be able to find these things quickly to avoid delaying the closing of your loan. Make sure your paper trail is easy to document, and don't move money from one account to another.

Major purchases tip the scales against your favor.

Avoid making any major purchases. You might be thinking about purchasing new appliances for the new home. This is not the time to do it. Avoid making any major purchases on jewelry, appliances, furniture, vacations, or anything with a significant price tag.Buying or leasing a car can make a negative impact on the way the lender views your financial status. This is a big ticket item that dramatically affects your debt-to-income ratio. You may feel you have room in your budget to purchase a new car, and think this is a worthy investment if you are looking for a home that will mean a longer commute for you on a daily basis. But by tacking a car payment onto your existing debt, you reduce the amount that you will qualify for in a home loan. A $400 a month car payment can reduce your approved loan limit by as much as $50,000. Think about doing this after your loan is approved if you really need it.

If you have to change jobs, you may be asked to document why this change occurred.

If you are changing jobs to increase your income, that's a no-brainer for the lender. If you have an erratic work history to start with, another job change may make it look worse for you.If you are an hourly wage employee, most likely a job change will have no effect on your ability to qualify for a loan. If you have a track record of a consistent amount of overtime or consistent bonuses over the last two years, the lender views this favorably. If you change jobs, there is no way of knowing if the new employer will pay overtime. Many do not! If you work on a salary + commission or straight commission basis, it has a dramatic effect on your stability. If you are considering starting your own business, again, this is something to consider after your loan is funded.

Email or call me directly at 678-648-5626 for a free consultation.

The Art of Database Management: Working Smarter

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:39:57 -0500

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 clients – to really understand their needs – and 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.

We now 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.

Shopping for the Right Mortgage

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:03:51 -0500

Finding a mortgage that's right for you should be easy. But there are often many different programs to choose from, as well as a myriad of ways to structure the loan in terms of the amount, term, payment, rate, closing costs...the list of options may seem endless.

However, because there are so many options available, it's important to seek advice from an experienced mortgage professional who has your best interest at heart. The first step in determining which program is right for you is to ask yourself the important questions listed below. These questions can also help you confirm that you've chosen the right mortgage professional as well, because he or she should be asking you the same questions before trying to put any mortgage in place:

How long do you anticipate living in your home?
Do you expect any changes over the next few years, such as expanding your family or having children go off to college or even move away?
Do you expect any changes in income due to promotions, relocations, retirement, inheritance, or pensions?
Are you expecting a change with regard to your investments?

When it comes to investment strategies, are you conservative, aggressive, or somewhere in between?

The reason these questions are so important is that different loan programs will offer specific benefits that will appeal to borrowers at different stages of life. What one homeowner might find desirable might cause another to reach for the Rolaids®.

In the end, be sure you are given a complete picture of exactly how much your mortgage will cost you over the period of time you anticipate having the loan in place. This is the single most important factor you should consider when shopping for a mortgage. Not only does this data illustrate the bigger picture of your financial goals, it allows for adjustments should things change a little sooner than expected. A good timeframe for this projection is anywhere from three, five, or even up to seven years.

When shopping for a mortgage, you should always evaluate your choices carefully and consider how they will fit in with your long-term financial plan. Answer the important questions listed above and email or call me at 678-648-5626 for a free consultation. Together, we'll find the program that's best for you.

Communication - Proactive Methods to Improve Business

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:11:33 -0500

I once heard the expression, "Communication is the lubrication in your organization." That couldn't be truer, especially in the world of business. You simply can't over-communicate when dealing with clients. I find that the best way to eliminate the constant state of reactivity in which most of us work is to employ proactive communication strategies, such as the following:

Make a list of the people with whom you correspond regularly.

Take note of all the recurring questions that you have to answer time and time again. Then ask yourself how you can provide the information to these individuals in advance. For example, let's say you're a real estate agent, and you know that during every transaction you are going to receive a telephone call from the buyer regarding the home inspection report. Instead of being at your client's beck and call, why not create a document that provides the answers to these frequently asked questions? This would cut these questions off at the pass, save you time, and allow you to provide better overall customer service.

Have your team give you status on important events at the end of each day.

This frees you from having to interrupt them during the course of the business day to ask numerous questions. It also creates peace of mind for both you and them, and encourages accountability on their part. This can also be accomplished via daily or weekly email updates. They simply begin an email at the beginning of each day or week, and continue adding notes as things come up. Then, at the end of the day or week, they simply hit "Send," and you're completely up to date on what they are working on.

Encourage your clients to depend on you by providing a level of communication that is unparalleled.

One example would be to create an audio CD for clients to listen to in their car. For a real estate agent, this CD may highlight the top ten questions that a prospective homebuyer typically asks when shopping for a home. After meeting with a client for the first time, the real estate agent can send the CD and ask them to listen to it before their next meeting. The clients will be amazed at the agent's ability to address their most pressing questions, including a few questions they hadn't even thought of! Best of all, the agent wouldn't waste time answering the same questions over and over again.

Continue to think of ways that you can communicate at a higher level, and take control of your activities instead of letting them control you. Be proactive to avoid reactivity. I look forward to hearing from you with any ideas that you may have.

Client Referral Letter - Help Your Clients Send You Referrals!

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:15:09 -0500

A follow up letter with a Customer Evaluation Survey can generate referrals from recent clients and associates. I have included a sample referral request below. I send a similar letter out to all of my clients, along with my own Customer Survey to make sure my team and I are maintaining our goal of 100% customer satisfaction. I have found that I get better response by including a stamped, self-addressed envelope with each letter.

Dear Customer Name,

My team and I want to thank you for the opportunity to work with you on your recent transaction. As you know, my business is based upon referrals. If you have family members or friends who you feel would benefit from the type of service you received on your recent transaction, please jot down their names and phone numbers below.

My team and I will contact each referral you provide us with, and make sure they receive the same superior service we have provided to you. I have also enclosed a Customer Service Survey. If you feel there is any way we could have improved our service, please let us know. We are always interested in taking care of each and every client as though they were a member of our extended family.

Referral Names, Phone Numbers, and/or Email Addresses:

1.______________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________

3.______________________________________________________________

4.______________________________________________________________

5.______________________________________________________________

Thank you for your feedback and referrals!

Do you see how this sort of letter can generate leads for you at virtually no cost? Try it out, and keep me posted on your success!

Give and Take...

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:03:37 -0500

There is much give and take involved in negotiating a property purchase. That's why it's important to have achecklist of what you want to get out of the deal as a buyer. Bear in mind, the home must be appraised and the lender will be looking at the fair market value on a given property. Since property values fluctuate, your Real Estate Agent should do a comparative market analysis so you are aware of what the trends are for the area in which you are shopping. This will give you an idea as to whether the seller's asking price is realistic. You will also want to know how long the property has been on the market, and if any price reductions have occurred during that time.

Make sure your Real Estate Agent is on the same page with you so he/she is able to represent you properly. You also want to know that you are working with an agent that is experienced in representing the buyer. Not all agents have the ability to provide strong representation for both a buyer and a seller. If you have not yet selected a Real Estate Agent to represent you, my team and I can provide you with contacts that have a proven track record of success with our clientele.

Remember a good deal is mutually beneficial.

The seller will also have a wish list of what they want out of the negotiation. Listen attentively to determine what their hot buttons are. You can use this information to leverage what you want out of the deal at some point along the way.

Find out if the seller has a deadline. Perhaps they have already purchased their new home, or have to relocate because of a commitment to a new employer. Find out what the seller's current mortgage balance is and use this to your advantage.

On the other hand, if the seller wants to move because they can't manage upkeep on the home, or don't want to invest in repairs, these problems will be passed on to you. If you are prepared to go into a deal that involves a fixer-upper, there is an FHA financing program designed to provide funds for both purchase and repair. My team and I can provide you with more information on FHA loan programs and secondary financing.

You would also want to know if the seller is planning this move because there are problems in the neighborhood. Take a walking tour of the area and ask the residents what the neighborhood is like. You can also ask the local police department about the crime rate, or check the local newspaper for crime listings. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

When the seller is intent on getting their way on a certain point, make sure you are getting something in return. Typically the built-in amenities such as the dishwasher and garbage disposal will stay with the home. You can negotiate other items in exchange for something that ranks high on the seller's wish list. Be prepared to split the difference so everyone involved is satisfied with the negotiation. A win-win situation for both the buyer and the seller is critical to a smooth close.

Keep it simple and be direct, but above all, know that my team and I are here to assist you.

Email or call me directly at 678-648-5626 for a free consultation.

Personality Profiling - Plugging into What Others Want!

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:37:39 -0500

We all know the Golden Rule, which states, "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you."

Dr. Tony Alesandra, a national public speaker, quotes The Platinum Rule™*, "Do unto others as they would want you to do unto them."

Personality profiling should be a major component of what you do on a daily basis in your business practices. It reaches deep into the area of sales and understanding your clients better, as well as how you relate to the members of your team. There are many different types of personality profiling techniques available today. I highly recommend DiSC® profiling. The four letters, D-I-S-C represent the four main personality types.

"High D" personality types are drivers. This is the "type A" individual who constantly strives for excellence, shows a significant degree of impatience, and is the dominant individual in the decision-making process.

"High I" personality types are influencers. They are social people, and are tremendous referrers. They are people you want to create alliances with, because they will bring you a significant amount of additional business in the future.

"High S" personality types are supporters. They make ideal team members, and are more concerned about the success of group efforts rather than their own individual success. They are the classic Indians that every chief needs to have onboard. In a sales situation, they are people who like to talk about their family. They tend to socialize well with their friends and family members and, in this respect, they too make good referrers.

"High C" personality types are conscientious thinkers. They think a process through from beginning to end before making a decision. Never make the mistake of trying to close a High C on the first telephone conversation, or in the first appointment. They need time to dot all the Is, cross all the Ts, and analyze things to a significant degree. They respond much better to an analytical approach and desire the straight scoop.

Watch for more strategies I use to understand my clients' needs and provide stellar customer service!

* The Platinum Rule™ is a registered trademark of Dr. Tony Alessandra. DiSC® is a trademark of Inscape Publishing, Inc.

Now is the Time to Buy

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:31:07 -0500

It's staggering when you think about the cost of living, especially if you're a renter and not a home owner. If you are currently paying $1,000 a month for rented housing, over the next three years your property management company will effectively have reaped $36,000 of your hard earned cash. In most cases, you know your rent will go up every year, even if you live in an area that has rent control regulations. You're paying the mortgage for the property owner, when you could be building equity in your own real estate investment.

The tax credits will not last long. The government is offering up to an $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers through December 1, 2009 and Georgia is offering an $1,800 tax credit through November 30, 2009. Also, the tax deductions available to homeowners vary, but there are solid rules the IRS lines out for us. Real estate taxes, mortgage interest, pre-paid interest, and interest on construction loans are all things to take into consideration as tax benefits.

If you or someone you know is currently renting, I urge you to email or call me at 678-648-5626 to discuss the many low- and no-down payment loan programs that are currently available to prospective home buyers. My team and I work cohesively with the borrower's financial consultant to ensure the client's long-term goals are met.

Have a Wonderful Labor Day

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:03:41 -0500

Labor Day is more than just an extra day off from work or simply the last fling of summer. It's a much-deserved rest in recognition of the hard work and daily disciplines that fuel our businesses and drive our economy.We hope you enjoy this time relaxing with friends and loved ones. You deserve it.

Enjoy your day and if you or someone you know is in need of a home purchase or refinance loan email or call me at 678-648-5626.

The Balancing Act - Family, Work, and You

Integrity Mortgage Funding — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:03:06 -0500

These days, most of us work two jobs – the one that pays, and the one we love (at least most of the time): raising our kids.

On the message boards atiVillage.com, they have great tips on how to make it easier to do both at once. It's also a great place to share advice of your own, and to get support if something's getting you down. And though it's mostly for moms, working dads can find plenty of helpful advice, too.

Here are a few of the best tips for balancing work and family:

Get up before your kids do. Painful, but worth it. Getting that extra 15 minutes of sleep is nothing compared to the calmness you'll feel if you get up and get yourself ready first. Whatever it takes for you: work out, take a shower, get the coffee down your throat. When your act is together, it makes it easier to get their acts together.

Prep ahead. You do it at work, why not do yourself a favor and think a few steps ahead at home, too? This can mean anything from picking out their outfits for the next day before going to bed, to making lunches the night before, to keeping casseroles frozen for fast and easy dinners. A little prep can prevent a mad dash.

Stick to a routine. Whether it's getting dressed in the morning, or eating dinner at night, make sure your kids know what to expect when, and what's expected of them. A lot of melt-downs can be avoided by everyone knowing the plan.

Stay involved with your kids' care. Okay, so you work during the days, but that doesn't mean you can't be an active participant in your kids' daycare or school. If you can't drop in for lunch like stay-at-home parents, maybe you can bring in an activity for the kids, or a snack. Or you can use your work skills to do something for the class – maybe build the kids a little Web site, or else cut out the patterns for a class project. Your kids will feel like you care, and so will the school.

Save some time for you. Make sure when all is said and done that there's some time for you and your partner to be adults together. It can be a lunch date, dinner once a week, or even renting a movie – just build it into the schedule. It'll help you feel better about all the demands on your time. Because if you're not a happy camper, you can't expect the other campers to be happy.

We all have to do what it takes to keep the ship afloat. Hope these tips help to give your ship a little more buoyancy.