Meleny Ramos's Blog

Winds of Change

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 21:49:54 -0800

So with the changing market I decided to change jobs. Thought I could totally get out of the business. Little did I realize that I could still make a difference in people's lives. Many have come to me still looking for a mortgage or a good realtor. After a couple of months of referring them to the company I use to work for, I decided to take on a new adventure. Now when I have clients with questions, I speak to them about their needs and find the best company out there to help them. While I am not brokering, I am referring business to brokers. I enjoy this business and like working with people who need guidance. So many don't understand mortgages or how they work. My company is fast growing and is worked with honesty and integrity. I refer people all over the United States. I hope to make you one of my referrals.

Stand Strong

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:41:03 -0700

I have just read a book I think all should read. Great encouraging book. It is by Judy Jacobs called Stand Strong. Her writing is an easy read and encourages you at the same time. So if you need a book to read on the beach for the weekend pick this one up. She just released it out this week.

Be all that you can be

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:03:14 -0700

The army said it right. We have for too long been happy just going along every day waiting for something to change rather than changing something ourselves. Our company almost every time we have a meeting has a statement that gets brought up. That is if you are having trouble with your business then change what you are doing. Often we look and keep trying the same looking for different results. Well today I chose to do something different. Here in Allentown, Pa we were able to get gas for $2.32 a gallon.

Everyone was so excited they went running to the gas pump just to sit in line and wait their turn. What better time to get their attention and give out my cards. While not everyone wanted to receive I will bet they will remember me. I have often said it seems like the annoying people get the business. Well guess what.....I am annoying! I stopped worrying what people thought of me and concern myself with what is good for me. Amazing the changes that have been made. So I say to you WE NEED A FEW GOOD MEN! You see my son is a Marine!

My Friend

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:53:57 -0700

Recently I had a dear friend go through something tragic. We have been friends for about 10 years now and have seen each other through stuff that nobody should have to go through. She is a part of activerain. To keep her privacy I can't tell you her name. I can tell you that our company rocks! Not only am I there for her but so are the rest that work with her. We all become so busy doing our work and going on to the next client that sometimes we forget to be kind to one another. We all have our opinions and suggestions of things we think she should do or not do. Yet the bottom line is that she is a part of our team and we will rally around her and push on to the next level of success. I hope this has encouraged everyone who has read this to take a little time to care for your fellow employees. If kindness can begin in our offices think of what we can do to help people outside.

For my friend, I would say that the greatness inside of you will come forth as you heal in your heart.

Look at the doggie in the window

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:31:02 -0700

A couple of months ago we lost our little toy fox terrier (Chelsey). She died of old age. We have two medium dogs but we are now starting to look for a small dog again. My daughter wants a pomeranian puppy (female). We have looked in the local pet stores and spca. Nothing. Now we are starting to look on line at the adopt a dog. Can anyone tell me where else we can look for a dog that will get a good home and be loved dearly?

PRIVATE LIBRARY

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 15 May 2007 14:44:22 -0700

If you get to know me just a little you will find that I love to read! I will sit and read for hours. Recently I picked up a book that I wanted to put on the shelf of my church's bookstore. I like to read most books before I put them on the shelf so if people ask my opinion I am able to give them some meat of the book. This book was a self help book by TD Jakes. My concern was that it was forwarded by Dr Phil. Two men with strong opinions. I thought that Dr Phil (whom I like very much) would take away some of the way that I know TD Jakes to write. That is the fartherest thing from the truth. Talk about in your face reality. The first chapter made me cry. I have had alot of hurts in my life and realized that I was now living life through them. It was time to take a good look at me. What did I want from life, husband, church, work, children, etc. It doesn't matter who you are, I would recomend this book. I know it will change your life too!

CREDIT REPAIR

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 11:57:50 -0700

Our office, to me, is the best broker office around. We won't just turn someone down for a mortgage. We have been given the tools to help people understand and repair their credit. With alot of lenders going away and sub-lending tightening up we need to educate people. We are going to be having classes to encourage people to still purchase homes. With our new space and upgrades we can successfully help people become home owners. When everyone else is closing or saying no, we are saying LET'S TRY!

Flavorful Chicken

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 11:43:19 -0800

My husband is diabetic with many other issues. We have to watch how we eat. I made this chicken for my daughter's wedding and it was such a hit I thought I would share.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Italian dressing

parmesian cheese

Shake the chicken in a bag with the italian dressing. Place in a pan and sprinkle parmesian cheese to your delight. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour. It stays juicy and flavorful. (Sometimes I soak it in the dressing over night)

Big Thank You

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 11:36:12 -0800

Recently I needed to go to Florida to pick up my husband. While I was there, my sister in law is looking for a home and I was able to go and search with her. We came across a question that no one wanted to answer for us. It was about tax assessments. So I did what I knew and went on to Active Rain. I found a realtor in the area and emailed him. He responded in a short amount of time and with proper answers. I liked how he handled himself in this transaction. I have given his name and number to my sister in law in hopes that she will use him to find that new home. I loved the fact that I was able to help my family and connect her with someone from our network. I had never spoken to this gentleman before yet he was so willing to help. The trend for this network is going on to greatness!

Grants aren't just for 1st Time Homebuyers

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:14:19 -0800

We see the programs out there for first time homebuyers. While they are good, there is so much more out there. I have worked with a realtor now for 10 years. His theory is that if there is something out there for free then we should be taking advantage of it. Grants are one of those things we don't take advantage of often enough. Let me tell you about one program that works for everyone:

THE GRANT

You go into the website and tell them how much you need for closing costs. Now you want to make sure it does not exceed 6% of the purchase price. They will tell you how much it may cost to buy that grant. My realtor asks for the seller to pay for the grant. It is often times around $400-500. Cheaper than giving up seller assist. Once agreed upon there is a certificate ordered and brought to the table. There is no stipulation for how long you must keep the home.

How was that? Simple enough and buyers usually don't need much money if any at all. If they qualify for 100% financing then there is little out of pocket. This is for EVERYONE! So whether you are buying your first home or fifth home you qualify. Even if you pay out of pocket yourself for this grant it is still worth it. I am sure there are many other grants out there. We just have to be looking out for our clients.

HOUSE OF CARDS

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:58:27 -0800

I just had a deal blow out due to a home inspection. Now sometimes this happens and you can fix it. Other times you just except it and move on. This time it just made me mad. The realtor knew the shape it was in from the beginning. When we addressed it, the realtor said that he was going to get some assist from the seller for the repairs. That was ok until we heard the figures. Small amount given for a huge project. The home is literally moving and falling down. We chose to turndown the deal for licensing purposes. We like what we do and want to continue to do it. We don't feel we are doing our buyers justice by letting something major just slip by and try to talk a lender in taking a deal that we know is not right. I have to tell you that this is a realtor that I just started to work with and enjoy conversations with him. I want to continue to do business with him. Any suggestions?

Winter Blues?

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 11:06:10 -0800

We are always looking for those comfort foods in the winter. Now let's eat well and keep warm all at the same time. Need a quick easy meal? Follow these steps and you will be filled up and content without gaining a pound.

EGGS (THAT'S RIGHT)

Scramble eggs with some milk (as many as you need for your family)

Salsa (I like fresh)

leftover meat (perferably chicken, turkey, ham)

cheese (your favorite)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Put all this in a pan and mix until done. You can then place it in pita bread or make a quick stromboli. Roll out crescent rolls or pizza dough. Place mix in the middle and pinch dough together to cover. Make slices in the dough so it can breathe and cook evenly. There you have it! Coffee or hot cooa is great with this meal.

NEW CREDIT SCORES

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 10:25:14 -0800

Did you ever have a client that needs just a little higher credit score to get that house they want so bad? Now we can help. We have a wonderful program that tells us what a client needs to do to bring their score up. It can be as easy as getting one credit card with a $300 balance put on the credit report within 30 days.

So if you are in Pennsylvania and need a mortgage, make sure you check us out. There isn't anything we can't do for you.

REFERRALS

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 12:52:39 -0800

On of our goals here at FCEGI is to not just sell a client on a mortgage but make sure they have the facts from the beginning. This makes for a happy client. So happy even that I had one client fax me her documents. While faxing the girl that was helping her saw that she was getting a mortgage and began to ask questions. She gave the girl my card and within hours I was helping another client.

Most referrals come from happy clients. Here at FCEGI we will make you smile.

NEW BECOMES OLD FAST

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:36:21 -0800

I recently bought one of my favorite ice cream items. It was just brought out last year and was large filled with lots of m&ms. Now it costs more, smaller, and less m&ms.

That scenerio made me think about how I sell mortgages. Am I giving the client THE BEST at all times? We always want to put our best foot forward when we are excited about something. Now when things are harder we tend not to give our all. I was dissappointed when my treat wasn't all that I thought I should have had when I ordered it last time. In this business we should always be giving our best even when it hurts.

So let's put the old year behind us and focus on the new year. Keep it fresh and new everyday.

It's Christmas Time

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:35:33 -0800

I was reminded today about the gifts we give that are free. We become a little nicer to our fellow employees. We speak a little softer. We are willing to cut someone a break. It is such a wonderful time of year. You can feel warmth in your soul.

Now for me this is my favorite holiday. I love to bake and give gifts. I am very family oriented. I want everyone around me to be happy. I will go the extra mile to give that special gift. How about you?

If this is a season that is hard for you then here a some suggestions that I hope encourage you:

Give a gift to someone you don't really know.

Pay for someone's lunch who is sitting next to you in the restaurant that you don't know.

Pay the next car's toll.

Spend time with a neighbor.

You will find the suggestions that I have given you will open your mind to think of many more. You see feeding the homeless and giving to our families is such a small part of things that we can begin to do. So begin to stretch yourself and do something for someone else. You will find if you do it between now and the new year, you may just want to do it all the time.

Merry Christmas

5 things you don't know about me

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 15:57:36 -0800

1. I played the easter bunny at the mall one year.

2. I am right handed but do alot of things with my left hand.

3. I have sung in front of vips from this state.

4. I don't take no for an answer.

5. I am the oldest of 5 children.

This was not easy. Many things you can say about yourself but a few of you know me already.

REALTORS BOUNDARY

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 12:39:41 -0800

My brother just called me this morning with a problem. Unfornately his wife and him have split up. She has immediately gone to a realtor and has asked her to put their house on the market. The reason my brother called me is because he thought that he has to sign the contract since he is on the deed of the home. He called the realtor and she just said that she didn't want to get in the middle and had to do what her client wanted her to do.

It doesn't sound right to me. When we do mortgages for people if they don't want a spouse on a mortgage but they are on the deed, THEY MUST sign acknowledging that the other was doing something with the home. I sent him to a lawyer. I am sure they will work this out. My concern was the actions of this realtor. Do we know the rules?

Realtors VS Mortgage Brokers

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:47:22 -0800

It is now almost the middle of the month with a holiday coming up. This means less staff and slower service. Telling you that I must tell you a story of a realtor who gave me a call.

She is in a tight spot and needs to refi her own loan. She has title done and appraisal done. She has even given me all the documents I have asked her for to make this loan. My question here is, when do I stop working for free? She didn't like my fee. Now both of us are fully commissioned. She should understand that I get paid by closing loans. In kindness I cut my fee to help her out. That wasn't enough for her. She wants more. Please keep in mind that she doesn't normally send me business. This is the first time I get to work with her. I want to help her but at the same time needing something to close in a week right before a holiday just does not warrant a free deal.

My favorite part of my job is working with realtors and this bothers me that someone would take advantage of me. Am I looking at this all wrong? How is it that realtors make 6% and I should only make .50%?

CHAPTER 13 HORRORS

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 11:45:16 -0800

I recently worked with a lady who was in chapter 13 and wanted to refinance. We started in February, 2006 and closed December, 2006. Why so long? Well, first it started with the chapter 13 holder. They did not correctly apply payments to the mortgage. Thank God this client kept track of everything. No sooner get that straight and the tax office had issues. That was then corrected months later. Now we are getting everything ready and clear to close.............WHAT NOW?! The court must give us permission and it can take up to 30 days for them to say ok.

Now that it is closed I have made a new friend. She is happy to have a fresh start. While I am glad this went well I could be writing about a messy situation. She has begun to refer me business. I have learned alot about chapter 13. Work them backwards! Get your payoffs, make sure they are paying on time, and lastly make sure that the court will give you permission to pay them off.

I LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY IN THIS BUSINESS!

SOUP

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 08:54:30 -0800

A busy wife's soup recipe:

Totellini Soup

Lg can of chicken broth

refill can with water

stewed tomatoes

sm frozen pkg spinach

chopped chicken

totellinis

salt & pepper to taste

This is great with fresh bread, salad, & wine.

I use my breadmaker so the bread is fresh and healthier. We use a red wine because it is better for your heart. Healthy meal that is inexpensive, easy, healthy.

How many days until Christmas?

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:36:47 -0800

We are listening to the music and seeing all the decorations out. The sales have begun. There is not much time to sit with a good book and a cup of coffee. Are we ready? Most of us would say no. There is plenty of time yet. But is there really? It isn't just one day any more. We have business parties, church parties, school parties, etc. Many parties, no time. Where is that book and cup of coffee? I wrapped a present today but have many more to go. I sent out my Christmas cards already so everyone knows I still care. What happened to my down time? I need that book and cup of coffee!

We become so busy that we forget how to relax. Find that book and get your cup of coffee. Spending a moment just for you will really help you to get other things done. It is amazing how when you rest your mind for a short time that you get do so much more. Let's enjoy the holidays!

OPPORTUNITIES VS FOOLISHNESS

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 10:22:17 -0800

I have recently been reading a self help book. In the book he talks about when opportunities come along how people will let it pass by just because they are scared to take a step. That leads me to tell you this story.

My client had an opportunity to purchase the home he was living in at no cost to him. Landlord was willing to pay closing costs and give away over $25,000 in equity. My client had credit that really shouldn't have qualified him for a mortgage but we found a lender. The only way the lender was willing to do this was to take out two loans. As soon as the client heard this he could not grasp the fact that he could do this for a year and then consolidate. Now, he has turned the deal down and an investor has decided to buy getting the same deal and will now up the rent. My client can't afford to find another home and will have to pay more for a home he doesn't own. WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS ARE WE LISTENING?

MORTGAGES ARE MY BUSINESS AND BUSINESS IS GOOD

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 10:24:46 -0800

One of my favorite movies is Major Payne. I like the one liners. When you see ads on television or hear them on the radio they try to get you to relate to something. I don't know about you, I want people to relate to me as doing mortgages. We often talk about everything with each other yet we don't really know how we are able to help each other.

COMMUNICATION!!! Don't be afraid to talk to your friends and family about what you do. They can be your best clients.

FRIENDS

Meleny Ramos (Working Mortgages) — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:56:05 -0800

We always seem to be worried about who is my friend, how many friends do I have, or why won't they be my friend. My biggest downfall in this business is friendship. I love people and am always looking to help people or make them happy. I don't take the time to invest in a deep friendship. My husband is my friend. As you can hear I am beating myself up for the lack of friendship I have incurred over the years. Time to stop!

You are very fortunate if you have 2 or 3 close friendships in a life time. That being said, I think that I am very happy meeting people all the time. Doesn't matter their age, color, or sex. You can learn alot from many. I may not be your best friend yet if you were to call me today, I would try to be there for you. We should all have that attitude not just in times of crisis. Maybe someone just needs us to listen for a hour. Have you sacrificed today to meet someone new?

A STRANGER IS JUST A FRIEND YOU HAVEN'T MET YET!