Define your business and never waver! - 08/30/09 10:05 AM
Good morning! I was just reading Jason Sardi's blog "Price Warfare in a Service Industry" and it made me think about the importance of defining our business.
A little background. I've been in the mortgage business for a little over 3 years now. It's been uphill all the way although it's smoothing out lately. When I started, things were white hot. The office I worked for was full of young people making several thousand dollars a month. Myself, I didn't know what I was doing and had little help as is often the case in the mortgage business.
What I did know … (8 comments)

Price Warfare in a Service Industry. - 08/30/09 09:33 AM
I thought I'd reblog Jason's blog as I feel very strongly that a person gets what they pay for. Thanks Jason for summming up probably most of our feelings here. In this business, we can either be all about service above and beyond or price. Even though I encourage people to shop around, I'm looking for trust and loyalty from my client. I realize I need to be competitive but will draw the line. I know I have never won a deal where I matched or beat someone else's price. Knowing me, I occasionally will continue to try and win bids … (2 comments)

Bellevue, WA. Farmer's Market every Thursday - 08/27/09 05:36 PM
Hi all: I wanted to let you know about a great little Farmer's Market here in Bellevue. It's all organic which suits our region well and there are probably as many as 40 vendors peddling everything from fresh vegetables and fruit to grass fed beef.
A friend of mine helps with the Bellevue Farmer's Market and I was impressed with the new venue. It's located in the parking lot of the old Safeway store right downtown.
One of the great things about the Northwest is access to fresh produce, etc. Of course, we have the world famous Pike Place Market where … (3 comments)

Bellevue, WA. home loans at The Legacy Group - 08/27/09 05:24 PM
Good afternoon: I wanted to give you a quick snapshot of the Bellevue, WA. area. Today, mortgage interest rates at the Legacy Group were 5.125% ((5.237% APR) for a 30 year fixed mortgage O.A,C. Interestingly enough the 5 year ARM (fixed for 5 years then adjusts) is at 4.5% and alot of my clients are choosing this loan program if they know they probably won't be in their home in another 5 years.
The home loan business at the Legacy Group has been strong this year. I think the cream is definitely rising to the top. I am seeing a definite pick … (0 comments)

What's on your bookshelf? - 08/24/09 09:38 PM
Hi all: It's another fabulous evening here. Will it ever end?
I was just reading what books our President is taking on his vacation this year. One of the ones he's reading is John Adams by David McCullough. I too am reading this right now and hightly recommend it. What's remarkable is how our first three Presidents were also involved in our independence; Washington, Adams and Jefferson. What an exciting time to live in.
Other books I've enjoyed lately were by Garrison Keillor, Senator Frank Church's son, "Waiting" ( a book about two young boys who were exiled in China during … (7 comments)

Lending a helping hand. Is this you? - 08/22/09 01:45 PM
Hi all: I'm increasingly inspired by people in my network who give and then give some more. It seems like I'm being attracted (and they to me) to people who are major givers.
What about you? I'm curious what you're experiencing. One of the reasons I love my company so much is the team concept where everyone helps. Granted, there are always a few who keep to themselves. But, generally, my company is doing great because it attracts good, giving people.
Tell me your stories. One of my friends started a "Pay it Forward" group locally. Needless to say, it has … (4 comments)

"How are you different?" I get asked this all the time! - 08/20/09 03:23 PM
Good afternoon! Once again, we are blessed with absolutely fabulous weather here. This is the nicest summer I can ever remember here in Seattle.
I just finished reading a chapter from Keith Ferrazzi's book "Never Eat Alone". To find out more, go to www.nevereatalone.com. The chapter I was reading was about differentiating yourself in the marketplace. Let's face it, it's getting more and more competitive every day. Keith Ferrazzi's point is you need to stand out.
I often get the question "How are you different?" And I would hope I answer it to my potential clients satisfaction. In my business, some … (5 comments)

My business is local. Is yours? - 08/15/09 03:43 PM
Good morning! I hope you're enjoying your weekend. I was thinking this morning where my business comes from. It is local. Yes, I can loan in 14 different states and I know some loan officers can loan in more than that. My question is how effective is that? I'm sure I'll get some responses here.
If you're  a realtor, chances are you've kept your business local as it is such a hands-on business. For the rest of us, I would argue it's the same. In fact, I would challenge you to look at all the deals you've done this year and … (2 comments)

Self-promotion is the key! - 08/14/09 09:53 AM
Good morning! I just finished a live segment on a local radio show and it got me to thinking about how important it is to self-promote. Understand this is coming from a guy who just took the Myers quiz on Facebook and was rates as an introvert!
But I self-promote because I know I need to. Could I be better at it? Absolutely. Since I'm shy and don't always ask, I'm hopeful that people will ask me instead. And it happens. All a person has to do is indicate a willingness to help.
Obviously, we want people to know and understand what … (6 comments)

The return of the ARM? Is it a good thing? - 08/13/09 12:23 PM
Good morning: I as well as alot of you here may have noticed that Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM's) are suddenly back in vogue. Why is this?
Rates for ARM's have come down into the mid 4's or below for a 5/1 ARM and even less for a 3/1 ARM. Compare this to a 30 year fixed rate of closer to 5.25% and you can see why people might be interested in having a lower payment.
This wasn't always the case. In fact, as recently as a couple months ago, ARM's and 30 year fixed rates were virtually the same. The difference? … (5 comments)

 
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Paul McFadden Mortgage Loan Officer Bellevue Washington Home Loans

Bellevue, WA

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The Legacy Group, a division of WJ Bradley Mortgage Capital

Address: 11225 SE 6th St. #110, Bellevue, WA, 98004

Office Phone: (425) 818-2251

Cell Phone: (206) 799-9062

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