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    <title>Brooks's Blog</title>
    <link>http://activerain.com/blogs/brooks</link>
    <description></description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/4028/finding-a-new-niche-</guid>
      <title>Finding a new niche!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Well, as time goes on it is becoming more obvious that the mortgage industry is becoming more online and one place based!&amp;nbsp; The mortgage industry are beginning to offer all service at a one stop pop!&amp;nbsp; Which is great!&amp;nbsp; I love it, it helps the clients to be able to go to one place and be able to complete a entire transaction and save time and money!&amp;nbsp; After all, this is what it is all about. The clients!&amp;nbsp; They are getting ready to offer a one stop shopping for their real estate industry clientele!&amp;nbsp; Offering property assessments, flood, title, closing products, ect.....online! &amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I am excited on how this will increase the client services!&amp;nbsp; Now you must remember that I am a loan officer so this will effect my business!&amp;nbsp; Well that is unless I find a different niche!&amp;nbsp; I have heard over and over that referrals are everything!&amp;nbsp; If you are getting referrals then you have no competition!&amp;nbsp; On top of making sure I ask for referrals, I need to find a new way to market myself and stand out to the mortgage clientele!&amp;nbsp; I know it is a easy way of getting to be able to do all of their shopping online, after all it saves time!&amp;nbsp; Everyone knows that time is money!&amp;nbsp; Now why would they spend their time, which in return is their money to come and see me?&amp;nbsp; Well, it is because I am a professional!&amp;nbsp; I am the professional in this industry not a computer! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Yeah it may show them all the options and everything they need to do step by step to get approved and get processed!&amp;nbsp; But it will not explain in terms that they will understand in order to make a rational judgement that will save them money in the long run! &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; It also will not give them the re-assurance of making the right choice and that they are in the right loan for them!&amp;nbsp; Which with out that re-assurance they will feel regret, fear, stress, and worry whether they made the right choice!&amp;nbsp; All of these things are just as important as the loan itself!&amp;nbsp; So personalizing&amp;nbsp; will be my niche!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I can&amp;#39;t stress enough how important it is to have that human contact!&amp;nbsp; I don&amp;#39;t even like to do loans over the phone or by fax!&amp;nbsp; I want to meet my clients! Shake their hand, and look into their eyes!&amp;nbsp; Reassure them that they have made the right decision!&amp;nbsp; It is really important to me that my clients are at ease, comfortable and above all, trust me!&amp;nbsp; Those kind of bonds can only be built by contactual human interaction!&amp;nbsp; I do have&amp;nbsp; a lot of clients that prefer to work over the phone and through fax to save them time or to work around their schedule!&amp;nbsp; Which is fine, that is what I am here for!&amp;nbsp; To provide a service that is useful, convenient&amp;nbsp; and helpful, however I really would prefer to meet them at least once in the process!  &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Aug 2006 13:02:46 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/4028/finding-a-new-niche-</link>
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    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/4025/save-on-repairs-</guid>
      <title>Save on REPAIRS!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; You will find this information very helpful whether you are a home owner or thinking about buying one!&amp;nbsp; Researchers at Freddie Mac have put together a list for us of life expectancies of various home systems and major appliances and published it on The Old House Web at http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/detailed/267.shtml &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; This will help to give you time to save towards replacements or repairs that can be costly! &amp;nbsp;On the list they have provided, heating and air-conditioning, downspouts and gutters, plumbing, appliances, roofs, ect......&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; I am always glad to help out and provide &amp;nbsp;you with information! &amp;nbsp;If you have any further questions or need help in finding out a answer please feel free to email me or give me a call at (949)910-2956! &amp;nbsp; I also hope you have a chance to visit my profile! &amp;nbsp;I am always looking to create a business relationship with realtors and agents! &amp;nbsp;To help them help me to help them! &amp;nbsp;IF that is not a mouth twister! &amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Since I am totally immersed in my profession, I can often find you information that you may not normally be able to find otherwise! &amp;nbsp;I study the market daily. &amp;nbsp;I know what makes a home sell quickly and I know what clients want in a loan! &amp;nbsp;I know how to close loans quickly and get things done! &amp;nbsp;It is a matter of knowledge! &amp;nbsp;Knowledge that I am willing to share with you all!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:30:37 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/4025/save-on-repairs-</link>
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    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3595/check-your-credit-frequently-</guid>
      <title>Check your credit frequently!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I recently had a credit report done and found all kinds of transactions that do not belong to me!&amp;nbsp; They are now in dispute with the credit agencies!&amp;nbsp; I just want to make sure that each of you check your credit periodically!&amp;nbsp; In this day and age of identity theft, on top of human error it is important to check frequently!&amp;nbsp; I had no idea those things were on mine and as time passed they were rapidly eating away at my score!&amp;nbsp; The worst thing is that they are not my transactions!&amp;nbsp; Never thought I would be one suffering from identity theft, but some one is finding it rather simple to use my credit as well as destroy it!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Glad I caught it though!&amp;nbsp; Now they will be able to track and cease their activity and save my credit!&amp;nbsp; And I am sure you all know that in these days, credit is everything!&amp;nbsp; You can be a millionaire but with bad credit you have no more power over financing then anyone else!&amp;nbsp; Do your self a favor and have it checked out! &amp;nbsp; You can get free reports from &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; www.annualcreditreport.com!&amp;nbsp; This will give you one free report from all three agencies!&amp;nbsp; So you will have three total!&amp;nbsp; I suggest using one at a time over a period of 12 months!&amp;nbsp; One from each company!&amp;nbsp; Or you can go to www.experian.com,&amp;nbsp; www.equafax.com, and www.transunion.com, but at these sites you will have to pay a small fee, but here you have the option to click which items you want to dispute!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; They will send off a letter to each place to verify the account!&amp;nbsp; If they do not get a response back from the account holder in 30 days it is automatically removed!&amp;nbsp; If the account information is incorrect, it will be removed!&amp;nbsp; There are actually a lot of things that can get negative marks removed!&amp;nbsp; Go to Fair Credit Report Act @ www.ftc.govos/statutes/fcra.htm!&amp;nbsp; Here you will find all the information you need to fix up your credit! &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Aug 2006 12:49:56 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3595/check-your-credit-frequently-</link>
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    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3594/the-perfect-business</guid>
      <title>The perfect business</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; A new revolutionary pay - out plan that&amp;#39;s based on a system that national recognized wealth eduacator, Mr. Robert Kiyoski calls, &amp;quot;The Perfect Business!&amp;quot; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; This business opportunity offers three incredible benefits: &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;1. A full 100% commission! &amp;nbsp;Regardless of your experience. &amp;nbsp;(DRE license a plus, but not required) &amp;nbsp;2. &amp;nbsp;An extra $3,000, $10,000, $20,000 plus of passive income to you monthly! &amp;nbsp; OWN THE RARE LUXURY OF TIME! &amp;nbsp; 3. &amp;nbsp;Weekly hot leads, deep training, caring mentoring! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Sounds to good to be true? &amp;nbsp;That&amp;#39;s understandable, so risk nothing and find out for &amp;nbsp;yourself. &amp;nbsp;It&amp;#39;s simple, there&amp;#39;s not obligation to buy anything. This can be your opportunity of a lifetime, so be sure to not let it pass you with out&amp;nbsp; checking into it! &amp;nbsp; The only thing you have to lose is your bills and the view of your brokers back side! &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Contact today to reserve your seat for a 60 minute seminar on the richest, most exciting pay-out system of the&amp;nbsp; 21st century!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; My email addr. is therightloan4you@brooksbrown.net, or you can call me at (949) 910-2956&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; YOU WILL ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF : 100% COMMISSION, NO DRE LICENSE REQUIRED (EXEPT R.E AGENTS), MASSIVE RESIDUAL INCOME, INTENSIVE TRAINING FOR LO&amp;#39;s &amp;amp; REALTORS, WORKING FROM TECHNOLOGY, PHENOMINAL MENTORING, PROFIT SHARING RETIREMENT PLAN, BE SURROUNDED BY FUTURE MILLIONAIRES! &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Aug 2006 12:12:08 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3594/the-perfect-business</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3498/how-do-you-advertise-</guid>
      <title>How do you advertise!  </title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I was reading a article recently that caught my attention pretty quickly!&amp;nbsp; After all, I cant pass up an opportunity to learn more about how to increase my business right?&amp;nbsp; Ok , so the article talked about different advertising techniques!&amp;nbsp; There is PUSH and there is PULL!&amp;nbsp; I was really confused by the terms but I will explain it all in a minute!&amp;nbsp; First I want to tell a story to help better understand the meanings of these terms using examples!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The article went on about taking a trip to another state or country!&amp;nbsp; You are ready to hit the streets and try and find a really great place to eat!&amp;nbsp; You have no idea where or what is good, so you have to base it on their advertising approach!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; You narrow it down to two places that just happen to look really nice!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; So there is marketing technique number one!&amp;nbsp; Appearance!&amp;nbsp; Ok, so the appearance of the two restaurants grabbed your attention in making them the two to choose from!&amp;nbsp; Now which one will be your final choice!&amp;nbsp; The one on the left side of the street has open doors, chicken and duck turning in the window, their menu posted out side has low prices!&amp;nbsp; As you are looking at the menu, a women comes up to you from the other restaurant, from across the street!&amp;nbsp; She hands you a coupon for a free appetizer, and states that it is the restaurants 25th anniversary!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Well if they have been open for that long they must be really good!&amp;nbsp; RIGHT?&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Then she literally guides you across the street to her restaurant!&amp;nbsp; You look at the menu and notice, the prices are double what they are across the street!&amp;nbsp; You then decide to go across the street because her pushing technique was to intimidating for you!&amp;nbsp; And they had cheaper prices. &amp;nbsp; Well, you end up getting food poison any ways, but the main thing I want you to look at is the difference in there marketing technique!&amp;nbsp; The one on the left used the pull technique!&amp;nbsp; They opened the doors, and had low prices and just waited for customers to come along and come in!&amp;nbsp; The other restaurant used the pull technique and literally pulled you over, by directly marketing to you, as well as offering you something! Then&amp;nbsp; showing you how long they have been in business!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; If the woman did not literally guide us across the street and was not as pushy we would have eaten at her restaurant despite the double in price!&amp;nbsp; We would have known it was good for the amount of time they have been open, and we would have gotten something for free!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Now relate this story to your business! Which style do you use?&amp;nbsp; Do you simply advertise and wait for people to come in, or do you have a way to push them to you?&amp;nbsp; I suggest using both!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; If a prospect can not tell the difference between you and the competition then you need to make your self stand out(PUSH). When they come to you , they need to feel that you are knowledgeable(pull).&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; You should have people referring you to others(push). You should offer everything they need(pull).&amp;nbsp; You should take care of all their needs(pull).&amp;nbsp; If you are having trouble generating prospects, you need to do a whole lot more pushing!&amp;nbsp; If you have the prospects but having trouble with the closing, then you need to work on your pulling! &amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; You can use these two styles together to get people to you and to convince them that you are the one they need to work with! &amp;nbsp; Just food for thought!&amp;nbsp; I want to thank you all again for joining me in my daily news blog!&amp;nbsp; I hope you find it entertaining, educational, and most of all useful &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Aug 2006 11:23:18 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3498/how-do-you-advertise-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3494/marketing-with-mail-</guid>
      <title>Marketing with mail!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; We all do it!&amp;nbsp; Write up a&amp;nbsp; this really great sales letter to send out to our leads or cold mailing!&amp;nbsp; And we all have the same question.&amp;nbsp; How do I improve the response to my direct mail?&amp;nbsp; There are so many ways to improve response and most of them you already know!&amp;nbsp; Improve the copy, improve the call to action, offer something with no risk, personalize the message, improve the mailing list, and sequenced mailing! &amp;nbsp; What the heck is sequenced mailing your asking?&amp;nbsp; Well, that is where you will send the same letter, or mail piece to the same person a number of times! &amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; In other words you will mail the same letter that they did not respond to the first time!&amp;nbsp; You will do this sometimes more than once maybe 2 more times!&amp;nbsp; You see the purpose of this method is, because the first time you sent the letter, they might not have ever seen it!&amp;nbsp; They could have had a bad day, they could have thought they did not need your services, the wife could have thrown it away, ect....&amp;nbsp; There are a number of reasons on why it could have been passed!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; But guess what?&amp;nbsp; Things change in peoples lives very quickly!&amp;nbsp; Say for instance, if you sent out a letter to cash out on equity on their house!&amp;nbsp; The first time you got no response!&amp;nbsp; Then a few days later, their father is in the hospital and they need money! Now they are in&amp;nbsp; need of your service but will not think of you, do to the pass of the first letter!&amp;nbsp; Well now a couple days later your second letter arrives, and BAM, you get a call!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Now this process works best with people who have already asked you for information!&amp;nbsp; These would be leads!&amp;nbsp; Then there are the cold mailings!&amp;nbsp; It will work on cold mailing as well, now how many times you want to resend your letter to cold mailings is up to you, experiment!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:45:11 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3494/marketing-with-mail-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3429/how-do-homebuyers-choose-their-mortgage-lender-</guid>
      <title>How do homebuyers choose their Mortgage Lender?</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; How do home buyers choose their Mortgage Lender?&amp;nbsp; Interesting question.&amp;nbsp; And the answer will surprise you!&amp;nbsp; But before I give you the answer, what do you think the main reason people choose a mortgage lender?&amp;nbsp; Come on, think a little!&amp;nbsp; My top three reasons are lowest rate/fees, referred, and advertising!&amp;nbsp; What are your top three?&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; In April 2003, The national Association of Realtors mailed out an eight-page questionnaire to 35,000 recent home buyers.&amp;nbsp; The survey resulted in 2,703 usable responses with an adjusted response rate of 7.7 percent.&amp;nbsp; Customers names and addresses were obtained from Experian, a firm that maintains and extensive database of recent home buyers derived from county records.&amp;nbsp; If you want to get a copy of the results you may purchase them at www.nar.com &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Now here are the results: &amp;nbsp; 75% of all buyers bought their house through a realtor.&amp;nbsp; 14% bought directly from a builder.&amp;nbsp; 76% of all buyers, used only one agent to help them search for a home.&amp;nbsp; Buyers are showing a lot of loyalty to agents. &amp;nbsp; 69% of buyers received a recommendation from their agent about where to get their mortgage.&amp;nbsp; the majority of first time buyers asked the agent for help in finding a lender. &amp;nbsp; 36% of buyers, said the most important reason they choose a lender, was the agent&amp;#39;s recommendation.&amp;nbsp; And to keep in mind that most realtors are not trained properly in how to send business to the lender. &amp;nbsp; And 41% of them got their information about mortgage lenders from their agent. &amp;nbsp; 14% of buyers chose their lender on price,&amp;nbsp; 16% of buyers chose their lender on reputation,&amp;nbsp; 14% of buyers used the lender they had before, and 13% used the lender they were recommended to by a friend or relative. &amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; As you can see above that 49% of home buyers chose their lender through referral either by realtor, agent, friends, or family.&amp;nbsp; Only 14% of those were based on price, and you know that most of the referred ones were not the cheapest!&amp;nbsp; One last stat you need to know is that 48% of home buyers got a quote from only ONE mortgage company when getting their loan and 28% got a quote through two companies!&amp;nbsp; Since 49% of buyers were referrals and 48% didn&amp;#39;t shop the loan at all, it is not an off the wall guess to say that people who are referred&amp;nbsp; do not even bother to shop the rate they are quoted.&amp;nbsp; They have such confidence in the lender, because someone ( a third party) told them that the lender was good.&amp;nbsp; Based on that information they put total faith in that lender!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; If you want to be in that situation were people are being referred to you and you can charge what ever you want as long as it is reasonable and competitive, then you need to work on your referral system!&amp;nbsp; If you are not getting referrals then you are not getting loan from half of all borrowers.&amp;nbsp; On the other hand if you are getting referrals then you essentially have no competition!&amp;nbsp; You should also think about partnering up with realtors since they are the other half of referrals!&amp;nbsp; It is not as hard as you think, and to make a business relationship with them to help them grow will help you grow, and the both of you will be on your way! &amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I would like to thank you again for joining me in another one of my blogs!&amp;nbsp; I update adn blog daily, so be sure to come back and get a little more info that will help you grow as a professional in this great career! &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:47:17 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3429/how-do-homebuyers-choose-their-mortgage-lender-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3425/the-fastest-way-to-generate-leads-when-just-starting-</guid>
      <title>The fastest way to generate leads when just starting!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; I found that the fastest way to generate leads when starting out is the close circle method!&amp;nbsp; If you take a list of everyone you know!&amp;nbsp; I mean everyone, pretend it is a list for your wedding if need be!&amp;nbsp; Think hard and deep, you know more people then you think you do!&amp;nbsp; Now make this list and gather their contact info!&amp;nbsp; You can use phone books, directories, google, ect....&amp;nbsp; There is a way to find everyone!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Ok, now that you have the information, go ahead and make sure to send them all a letter, either by mail, email, txt, fax, or even call!&amp;nbsp; Tell everyone on your list that you are now doing loans!&amp;nbsp; Ask them is they know any one who is looking to get a loan, either for buying or refinancing or looking to do some home repairs!&amp;nbsp; You may get some leads now just from these calls! If not you will at least get more names and contact info for your database!&amp;nbsp; Extended family friends, ect..... &amp;nbsp; Now, you will want to follow up with all the names on your data base a minimum of once a month!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The purpose for that is, to stay on their mind!&amp;nbsp; I have had experience where family members or friends got a loan from some one else mainly because I was not fresh on their mind as some one who does loans, so they went and found some one!&amp;nbsp; Stay on their mind!&amp;nbsp; That way if they are looking or come accross some one who is they will refer you!&amp;nbsp; When you follow up with them ask them if they know any one new that you can add to your database!&amp;nbsp; Also, remember with every loan you do to make sure and get a testimonial and referrals!&amp;nbsp; Testimonials are important in showing you are a professional and you can be trusted!&amp;nbsp; People trust others people opinions over your own! &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:14:54 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3425/the-fastest-way-to-generate-leads-when-just-starting-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3423/don-t-over-whelm-your-clients-with-to-many-options-</guid>
      <title>Don't over whelm your clients with to many options!</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Well all like to offer our clients 100&amp;#39;s of different loans, which is great!&amp;nbsp; How ever the more you offer them and the more overwhelmed they become the more likely they will do nothing!&amp;nbsp; You are the professional, so be that and guide them!&amp;nbsp; Listen to what they want and utilize it to give it to them!&amp;nbsp; Take the information that you got from them and you find the best loans for them!&amp;nbsp; That way you can then offer them three loans to choose from but they still utilized your 100 loan options!&amp;nbsp; It will also help you grow stronger as a loan officer.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; You see, when you offer to many options the decision become to hard and then their develops buyers remorse!&amp;nbsp; They do not want to make a mistake and regret it later on!&amp;nbsp; So they do not do anything at all!&amp;nbsp; It is not just with loans, it goes down to even smaller decisions and compared you can see what I mean!&amp;nbsp; In the grocery store there has been studies showing that when there are dozens of jams to choose from only 3% of consumers buy jam!&amp;nbsp; When there is 6 to choose from 30% buy!&amp;nbsp; Same with toothpaste, shampoos, ect...... The same studies have even been shown on 401k plans!&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The one with the most options had very few people sign up, where as the one with just a couple options had the highest sign up!&amp;nbsp; Now if people get overwhelmed with to many jams to choose from, imagine a much higher investment!&amp;nbsp; Take that fear away, and I guarantee you will close more loans!&amp;nbsp; Be the professional you are meant to be and do the research, find what loan meets all your clients needs, and take those and then offer it to them.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Describe to them the pros and cons of each loan you offer and they will be able to choose much easier.&amp;nbsp; THen you will also appear to your client as what you are!&amp;nbsp; A trusted professional advisor offering multiple options as well as offering crucial expertise and advice!&amp;nbsp; This will reduce buyers remorse because now they are informed of the pros and cons!&amp;nbsp; One loan is not enough and more then three lead to confusion and stalling!&amp;nbsp; Stick with the 3 option technique and you will close more prospects! &lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:02:27 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3423/don-t-over-whelm-your-clients-with-to-many-options-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3304/mortage-leads</guid>
      <title>Mortage Leads</title>
      <description>Join an association.&amp;nbsp; People join associations for three reasons: 1-social, they want to build or maintain friendships and influence that may have taken years to build. 2-Promotional, they want&amp;nbsp; to offer their own products or services to others in a cost effective and positive way. 3-Educational, they want to see what their competition is up to, and find out about the latest developments within their industry. &amp;nbsp; Grown your network and your database by joining groups of already established people.&amp;nbsp; By socializing with people who have something in common with, it makes it easier to generate business.&amp;nbsp; People like to do business with people they trust.&amp;nbsp; Most people like others who have the same interest as they do!&amp;nbsp; Another great Idea is to join a Local Real Estate Investment Group.&amp;nbsp; Every major city has one.&amp;nbsp; And they are full of people buying and selling houses.&amp;nbsp; They need money to buy houses, and they need money to to help others buy their houses.&amp;nbsp; On eof the easiest would be to host a Realtors Open House!&amp;nbsp; Stop by at a realtor open house on the weekends.&amp;nbsp; Offer to leave some financing materials.&amp;nbsp; When you get to know a realtor, you can offer to do open houses for them, where you sit in the house instead of them.&amp;nbsp; It is not a fun way to spend an afternoon, butyou might get some great leads out of it!&amp;nbsp; Another tip is to meet the neighbors of the home you are holding open.&amp;nbsp; See if they know anyone wanting to move or buy.&amp;nbsp; Chances are soemone will know of a family wanting to move into the neighborhood! </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:56:20 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3304/mortage-leads</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3299/sales-might-be-leveling-out-</guid>
      <title>Sales might be leveling out!</title>
      <description>The opinion stated in this blog is based on the opinions of the National Association of Realtors.&amp;nbsp; A leading indicator of existing-home sales edged up 0.4% in June, and it could be a sign that sales are leveling off after a 10% decline since last summer. The NAR&amp;#39;s pending sales index rose from 113.5 in May to 113.9 in June.&amp;nbsp; It was the second consecutive monthly increase in the index, which is off 9.6% from the level recorded in June 2005.&amp;nbsp; NAR cheif economist David Lereah said that sales are stabilizing or leveling off.&amp;nbsp; He also said the index adn other indicators are showing that the housing market is still in transition and striving for balance, which could take several months! &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:12:23 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3299/sales-might-be-leveling-out-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3298/rates-fall-again</guid>
      <title>Rates Fall Again</title>
      <description>I recently was reading a article on recent survey done and found some really interesting information I think you all would like to know about! The following information is based on a survey conducted by Freddie Mac&amp;#39;s Primary Mortgage Market Survey!&amp;nbsp; The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell from 6.72% to 6.63% over the seven-day period ended Aug.3.&amp;nbsp; The average 15-year fixed mortgage rae fell from 6.34% to 6.27%, the average rate for five-year Treasury - indexed hybrid adjustable rate mortgages declined from 6.35% to 6.27%, and the average rate for one-year Treasury-indexed ARMs decreased from 5.78% to 5.69%.&amp;nbsp; Fees and points average 0.3 of a point for fixed rate mortgages, 0.4 of a point for hybrid ARMs, and 0.7 of a point for one -year ARMs.&amp;nbsp; According to Eddie Macs chief economist, &amp;quot; Second quarter gross domestic product came in weaker that the market had expected!&amp;quot;&amp;nbsp; This means that inflation is less of a threat and that translates into lower mortage rates.&amp;nbsp; Although lower rates are a welcome sight, you can expect to see 30-year mortgage rates drift up and down over the next few months, but will average less than 7% for the year.&amp;nbsp; A year ago the average 30-year adn 15-year fixed rates were 5.82% adn 5.38%, respectively, and the average five-year adn one-year ARM rates were 5.30% adn 4.47%, respectively.&amp;nbsp; This blog is based on the opinion of Freddie Mac, you can be found at www.freddiemac.com </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2006 12:55:48 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3298/rates-fall-again</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3212/need-a-appraisal-</guid>
      <title>Need a appraisal?</title>
      <description>Al Lansdale is a appraiser that covers all of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and Riverside counties.&amp;nbsp; His compan is a new approach to making your life a little more stress free.&amp;nbsp; He provides a solid appraisal report the first time around, saving you time from the lender reviews adn conditions.&amp;nbsp; He likes to work with friendly people, so he is always revising his list of clients.&amp;nbsp; He tries to provide very personal service to his clients by remaining available for contact at any time!&amp;nbsp; orders can be placed easily online at www.fastbreakappraisal.com , which are in turn sent directly to him despite his location.&amp;nbsp; he carries a laptop every where he goes, so information can be relayed back to yyou on a moment&amp;#39;s notice.&amp;nbsp; He is not a large company and does not want to be.&amp;nbsp; He would rather provide quality, personal service while continueing to work with quality people.&amp;nbsp; If you are interested, he is offering a 10% discount on your first order.&amp;nbsp; Give him a try and I am sure you will be pleased. &amp;nbsp; I want to thank you all for taking the time to read another one of my blogs, and hope you find each and everyone of them to be interesting and educational as well as resourceful!&amp;nbsp; After all we are a network adn I am here to help all of you!&amp;nbsp; A refresh on Al Lansdale contact info -FastBreak Appraisal Services, &amp;nbsp; OREA Licensed Residential Appraiser, www.fastbreakappraisal.com,&amp;nbsp; admin@fastbreakappraisal.com,&amp;nbsp; (310) 948-1712, fax(310)305-0361 </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Aug 2006 13:53:27 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3212/need-a-appraisal-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3208/need-your-clients-credit-score-raised-</guid>
      <title>Need your clients credit score raised?</title>
      <description>The Credit Experts can help!&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 2333 N Broadway Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA. 92706&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Phone#(877)877-4590, Mobile#(714)743-0232, Fax#(412)809-1416 &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; What they do......&amp;nbsp; The credit Experts offers credit investigation, verification and mediation services for mortgage companies and other real estate agencies.&amp;nbsp; UNLIKE CREDIT REPAIR, their services have been designed to streamline the loan process.&amp;nbsp; They have broken down and understand the factors that make up the credit scoring matrix, and provide clients with our expertise to investigate and verify disputable accounts appearing on client&amp;#39;s independently issued credit report. &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; How they do it.........All consultations with you and with clients are at no charge. So you can utilize them at The Credit Expertis, as a resource in your office.&amp;nbsp; Your Credit Expert Representative is at your service, adn looking forward to helping you in funding faster, and closing a higher volume of loans.&amp;nbsp; To take advantage of their program simply: &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Fax your clients credit report to your Credit Expert Representative at (877)877-4590 &amp;nbsp; Include a cover page with what you are trying to achieve, for example &amp;quot; Increase mid fico score from 570 to 620+&amp;quot;. &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Expect a call back from a Credit Expert Representative within an hour for your free consultation. &amp;nbsp; You can call for a presentation at (877)877-4590 and ask for Ralph!&amp;nbsp; Let him know Brooks Brown sent you and where you saw this posting!&amp;nbsp; You can also email him directly at ralph@thecerditexperts.org </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Aug 2006 13:29:42 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3208/need-your-clients-credit-score-raised-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3203/resources-from-sharie-macdougal</guid>
      <title>Resources from Sharie MacDougal</title>
      <description>If you are moving soon, you will need to change your address. You can now do this quickly and easily online through the USPS website.&amp;nbsp; Visit http://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS.&amp;nbsp; Also, you may be planning on some home improvements. Planning on doing it yourself? Check this site for assistance with all of your repairs adn improvements - http://www.doityourself.com/ &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Don&amp;#39;t forget that when you move &amp;nbsp;you will probably have a lot of clothes an dother items that you will be giving away. You can visit http://locator.goodwill.org to find your nearest Goodwill Donation Center. &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; If you are interested in buying or selling your home, this is a good time to discuss how we can save you time and money! &amp;nbsp; Speaking of saving money, according to the Alliance to save energy, Department of Energy adn Enviromental Protection Agency, American consumers and businesses spend some $21 billion annually, on lighting alone, and could cut their cost in half with energy - efficient light bulbs and fixtures while improving the enviroment. &amp;nbsp;Installing efficient lighting in American homes and businesses would reduce carbon dioxide emmisions by 140 million tons each year - as much as eliminiating all the carbon dioxide produced by the state of New Jersey! &amp;nbsp;Isn&amp;#39;t that amazing? &amp;nbsp;Sharie MacDougal found a website ( sponsored by the EPA and the DOE) that shows how to save money on energy bills by incorporating their energy efficiency suggestions - http://hes.lbl.gov/ . &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;I would like to thank Sharie MacDougal for her wonderful resources and helpful nop tto mention money saving tips! &amp;nbsp;If &amp;nbsp;you are in need of a great realtor then feel free to contact Sharie macDougal at &amp;nbsp;Sharie MacDougal, AMC Real Estate Services, &amp;nbsp;office # 760-403-6784, or direct @ 760-242-7529, or simply throw her a email at smacrealtor@yahoo.com, and check out her website at http://sharieMacdougal.com &amp;nbsp; Thank you for stoping in and reading up on my current blog! &amp;nbsp;Be sure to stop be frequently for I am always adding more useful information daily! &amp;nbsp;Take care and don&amp;#39;t forget to tell Sharie that BrooksBrown sent ya!</description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Aug 2006 12:49:37 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3203/resources-from-sharie-macdougal</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3155/congrats-</guid>
      <title>Congrats!</title>
      <description>I want to congratulate each and every one of you!&amp;nbsp; More importantly at this time would like to congratulate those of&amp;nbsp; you who just accepted my invite to join us here at active rain real estate network!&amp;nbsp; You have just made a really bold move and it will help your career drastically!&amp;nbsp; The people you will meet in this net work are not just your everyday real estate agents and loan consultants!&amp;nbsp; We are all professionals and are proud to be part of such a great network!&amp;nbsp; We you will meet so many new people here and build a strong business relationship with proffesionals who know!&amp;nbsp; It is important to me for you to see the value of this site, so you can take full advantage of what the site as well as its associates have to offer!&amp;nbsp; Don&amp;#39;t take it likely and just sign up to make your self feel better that you are part of a network!&amp;nbsp; Interact with us and everyone here! Be part of the group!&amp;nbsp; Meet people and discuss issues or current rates or achievements!&amp;nbsp; Really, this site has so much to offer and till you see what those things are this will just be another place to have y our name!&amp;nbsp; Why just have your name somewhere?&amp;nbsp; Be part of it, and rown to the top!&amp;nbsp; Help those who need it and ask for help from those who know!&amp;nbsp; Most importantly though that is all in time as you get to know the netowrk adn explore your possibilities!&amp;nbsp; I just want to thank you for accepting and wish you all the best in growing your network!&amp;nbsp; Don&amp;#39;t forget to invite those business contacts you already have to come and join your network!&amp;nbsp; It makes it one easy stop to communicate and keep in touch with everyone you know, not to mention to stay in their minds so you are not forgotten over time!&amp;nbsp; Once again, thank you all and take care.&amp;nbsp; Come back and read more of my blogs as&amp;nbsp; you have the time!&amp;nbsp; I am going to start a educational bloging system for all of you who want to stop by and educate yourself on how to increase your business, as well as your referrals! I will aslo be adding recent mortgage news and market rates and updated information in the real estate industry!  </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Aug 2006 19:07:17 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3155/congrats-</link>
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      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3153/glad-to-meet-all-of-you-</guid>
      <title>Glad to meet all of you!</title>
      <description>I just want to take this time and say that I am very glad to meet each and every one of you!&amp;nbsp; Here at active rain is a great way to meet new people in your industry as well as build business realationships!&amp;nbsp; It is important to all of us for the sucess of our businessess to both grow and prosper!&amp;nbsp; The thing I must say I like the most is the fact that I can exchange business nitches with fellow loan officers, and realtors!&amp;nbsp; I see how much we are all growing daily and to see those who put forth so much effort rise to the top so quickly!&amp;nbsp; If anyone has any questions or needs help or advice please feel free to contact me!&amp;nbsp; My phone is always on and I am always available for all of your needs wether you be a realtor, fellow loan officer, or investor home buyer!&amp;nbsp; The importance of business relationships to me rank very high in my book ,and I feel I should be there for all of you as friends, and extended friends!&amp;nbsp; There is so much information to learn in this business and we can all grow together!&amp;nbsp; Lets be what we are labeled!&amp;nbsp; We are a network, a community of business proffessionals!&amp;nbsp; Lets raise the standards and meet and greet and help and gropw! &amp;nbsp;I wish you all the best in you line of work and great meeting each of you! &amp;nbsp;I want to remind you that I offer my asst, and look forward to making you a part of my network! &amp;nbsp;Take care and thank you for taking the time to read my blog! &amp;nbsp; </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Aug 2006 18:24:21 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3153/glad-to-meet-all-of-you-</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <guid>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3152/short-lecture-</guid>
      <title>Short lecture!</title>
      <description>I am excited to meet every one here at active rain!&amp;nbsp; I have found this network to be a really great way to build my netowrk adn to meet great and interesting new eople!&amp;nbsp; Not to mention to meet people who are in the same industry as I am!&amp;nbsp; Which all on it&amp;#39;s own is a blessing!&amp;nbsp; I love to share ideas and nitches!&amp;nbsp; I am always open to helping out a fellow loan officer in a time of need!&amp;nbsp; We have all been there!&amp;nbsp; The way I see it is that there is enough business to go around for all of us!&amp;nbsp; Why be chasty and leave a fellow officer to fall on his face!&amp;nbsp; Lend a hand, and the universe will repay you for such unselfish acts!&amp;nbsp; Plus in the long run, yest it is nice to have business flowing in and out of our offices, that is how we make our living, but we got to remmeber who the really important people are!&amp;nbsp; The clients!&amp;nbsp; They are the dreamers, and the seekers!&amp;nbsp; They are the business providers!&amp;nbsp; It is them who deserve to be on top and to be guided adn have all their fears and concerns removed!&amp;nbsp; Let us work as a team to build a future, adn to change the myth that getting a home loan is a scary and pro longed, stress induced process!&amp;nbsp; It can be, but that is when we should step up and remove that from our clients and take it on our selves!&amp;nbsp; The scarriest part of getting a home loan is to not know what is going on!&amp;nbsp; Communication is a very important thing!&amp;nbsp; We must communicate with both the realtor and the client, durring the entire process!&amp;nbsp; When you find something out they should as well!&amp;nbsp; If your not getting information either then you need to contact those who know and find out so you can relate back to your clients!&amp;nbsp; There is no reason to leave them in the dark!&amp;nbsp; I gaurantee if you remove that stress and fear from them, you will have refferals coming at you left and right!&amp;nbsp; Be in it for the customers not the commission and the universe will balance it out, adn make sure you get paid!&amp;nbsp; I want to thank you all for reading my short lecture and hope to have you back for future blogs! Thanks! </description>
      <dc:creator>Brooks Brown (Platinum Equity Financial)</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Aug 2006 18:12:14 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/3152/short-lecture-</link>
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