Ryan's Blog

Thought of the day!!!

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:20:23 -0500

A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.
Vince Lombardi

Failure is not an option, right?

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Tue, 15 May 2007 13:44:37 -0500

"Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"

Napoleon Hill

In Napoleon Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich he talks about failure in chapter 4...He says where failure is experienced, it is the individual, not the method, which has failed. If you try and fail, make another effort, and then another, until you succeed!

I have to agree with this according to my late grandfather...he always said if someone else can do it, so can you and I am pretty sure that he wasn't Napoleon Hill!

If you have not read this book I strongly suggest that you pick it up, just in case you like E-Books, then I have included the link to my e-book so you can get the PDF version on your computer or Ipod or whatever method you choose...in my links section!

Do you think that this is always the individual and not the method?

Ryan Hodge you can also my more info on my blog @ www.gioperation.blogspot.com

Do you feel like you are struggling?

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:03:28 -0500

"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle..."

~Napoleon Hill

If you have ever read "Think and Grow Rich" then you know that struggling is only a part of process to making wealth a reality! The problem is most people quit right before the success comes...Think Sam Walton, what if he would have gave up when the company took his successful store...The WalMart that we know today wouldn't exist!

Thanks for reading

Do you know where you are headed

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Thu, 10 May 2007 13:49:23 -0500

"The world has the habit of making room for the man whose actions show that he knows where he is going."

~Napoleon Hill

~If you want to get somewhere you got to know where you are going and piggy-backing on yesterdays blog entry...writing down your goals is a great way to start~ if you need help getting your goals on paper, take a look at my link on e-books and download "Think and Grow Rich"...trust me if you haven't read you should! I mean I don't think that you would drive across country without first looking at a Map!

~Ryan Hodge

www.gioperation.blogspot.com

6 steps to creating a burning desire for riches

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Wed, 09 May 2007 18:08:05 -0500

6 steps to creating a burning desire for riches

Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire.
Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire.
Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.
Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready or not and put into action.
Write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give for the money, and desribe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.
Read your written statement aloud, 2x a day, once just before you go to sleep at night, and once after you wake up in the morning...

AS YOU READ---SEE AND FEEL AND BELIEVE YOURSELF ALREADY IN POSSESION OF THE MONEY!!!

~for years people were telling me to put my goals in writing, but I thought I could do it another way, but I found out after years of struggling I got sick and tired and finially put my goals in writing...and if you listen to just about every successful person in the world, one common trait is that they have or had their goals in writing! so I am giving this advice to you and if you ever wanted to know exactly what to write...hrer

Champions

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:07:11 -0500

Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision.

Muhammad Ali, American Boxer

If you guys have ever read "Think and Grow Rich" Mr. Hill states that every dream must start with desire..matter of fact a burning desire to accomplish a task! What are you passionate about? Me, Myself, I am passionate about helping others...if you have read "Think and Grow Rich" I have made it available in my link to free E-Books!

What's your plan?

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Wed, 02 May 2007 11:23:20 -0500

"People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan"

~This quote always takes me back to think why some people are successful and others are not...what are you doing today to become successful, are you helping your customers and clients get the best deal, if you are, then I expect a couple of phone calls today!

Don't be shy, call today...my phone line is open!

866-557-0589 x112

Ryan Hodge

talk to you soon!

My company has lost their mind...let's take advantage of them!!!

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Tue, 01 May 2007 17:24:25 -0500

We just got off a conference call...I can do 500 scores and above...this is the same song...

but the good news is I can get your 500 score a rate of 9.25% on a 30 year fixed rate...so bring them on!!!

here is an example of a deal I just finished up!!!

Before...56K loan @ 12% 30 yr fixed rate =576/mo -Principle and Interest

Now...56K loan @ 9.25% 30 yr fixed rate =460/mo -Principle and Interest saves $116/mo...WOW

NOTE: LTV RESTRICTIONS

Bring em' on!!! Don't be SHY!!! MAKE MONEY!!!

The number to call is 866-557-0589 x112 ask for me Ryan

If you want to close in 7 business days...don't be shy...call now!!! before they come to their senses!

Remember Indiana only!!!

10 Ways to Improve Productivity Practically Overnight

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Tue, 01 May 2007 13:40:04 -0500

10 Ways to Improve Productivity Practically Overnight
Want 10 simple ways to improve productivity in your company? Here's 10 in 10:

1. Acknowledge what people do right instead of pointing to what they do wrong.

2. Measure what matters and forget most of the rest.

3. Celebrate people's breakthroughs, successes and triumphs.

4. Create an open door policy that actually has an open door.

5. Illustrate, in a public way if possible, how everyone is part of the team - CEO included!

6. Say what you mean and do what you say.

7. Ask for suggestions from every level of the company for ways to improve productivity - you may be surprised at what you get.

8. Do something outrageous (and fun).

9. Review your team's positions and ensure each position is filled with the appropriate player.

10. Come to work excited for a month (try it and see what happens!). Do you have ideas that have worked in your company? Share them here!

Tom Ziglar www.zigziglar.com is where I got this piece from!

As I was reading the top 10 ways to improve productivity...these things hit home with me and I thought I was share this with you guys here and brainstorm on this matter here or you can go look at zig's blogs and do it there! IMO #1 is very rarely carried out...usually all people do is look at whats wrong, I always try to avoid that, because the goal is improve what a person is strong at and usually the weak parts will grow too.

don't be shy...let's brainstorm on this subject!

today's blog...

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:21:47 -0500

okay today blog is posted at http://gioperation.blogspot.com the 5th person to leave a comment on of my blogs get a free gift from my knowledge vaught...and trust me...you don't want to miss this...race you there, the last one there is a rotten egg!

Sightseeing in Gary, Indiana

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 10:57:27 -0500

Sightseeing

For those interested in architecture, there is plenty to see in Gary, including two Frank Lloyd Wright houses. The Genesis

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore runs for approximately 25 miles along southern Lake Michigan. Convention Center, a modern structure featuring rounded corners and an imposing glass wall across the front, is well worth a viewing. Built in 1921, the Gary Bathing Beach Aquatorium, one of the first examples of modular block construction in the world, underwent restoration in the early 1990s. Other notable buildings include the City Methodist Church, a massive Gothic structure of limestone completed in 1926, and the old west side historic district neighborhood, part of the original company town built by U. S. Steel in 1906, which reflects a variety of architectural styles.

Tours of the Gary Works, one of the largest steel plants in the world, are available by appointment. The Chanute Glider, which made the first sustained flight off the Indiana dunes in 1896, is on display at Gary Regional Airport. Orville Wright credited Octave Chanute with building the prototype of the plane that the Wright Brothers flew four years later, under power for the first time at Kitty Hawk, NC.

The Indiana Dunes pop up intermittently along the shore of Lake Michigan from Gary to Michigan City, IN. Poet Carl Sandberg described the dunes as being "to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Arizona and Yosemite is to California. They constitute a signature of time and eternity." The dunes, refuge for woodland hikers with miles of trails believed to be left from indigenous peoples before the white pioneers, have been recognized as a national treasure by the U.S. Congress. The Paul H. Douglas Environmental Center at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore educates people in the fields of ecology and environmental science. Also at the Dunes are the Bailly Homestead, which offers a look at pioneer and Native American life, and the Chellberg Farm, where visitors may catch a glimpse into early 1900's farming. The Brunswick Park Savanna, a 49-acre park on Gary's west side, features rare plants such as black oak, bluejoint grass, and prairie sunflowers that have been safeguarded in the preserve. Brunswick Park also has tennis courts and picnic areas.

Festivals and Holidays

In June the U.S. Steelyard Stadium hosts a gospel festival with plenty of food, activities for children, and top gospel singers and groups. The Fourth of July is one of the biggest festivities of the year in Gary, with an Independence Day parade, fireworks in most parks, and a two day Independence Day Music Festival which always features a nationally known recording artist. In mid-July everyone is treated to the Gary Air Show. The free show is held in Marquette Park, where about 20 acts including every branch of the military plus civilians perform acrobatics in the air. In August there's a Jazz Festival and in September the Labor Day Blues Festival is held.

Sports for the Spectator

Minor league/semi-pro teams have recently come to Gary. The Continental Basketball Association includes a team in Gary as of 2000, named the Gary Steelheads, who play in the revamped Genesis Center. The Gary Southshore Railcats are a Northern League of Professional Baseball expansion team who began playing in 2002. The following year the Railcats' home stadium was completed, dubbed the U.S. Steel Yard. The Steel Yard seats about 6,000 and is used for concerts and conventions in the off season.

Sports for the Participant

There are 57 parks in Gary, plus Lake Etta, which is a Lake County park whose waters are stocked with a variety of fish. Opportunities abound for swimming, hiking, biking, tennis, hayrides, basketball, horseback riding, running, cross country skiing, softball, and golf. Lake County also offers 20 public golf courses. For those who wish to enjoy 12,000 acres of carefully preserved nature, there is the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park, which stretches across both Lake and Porter counties.

Shopping and Dining

Gary and Lake County offer a wide variety of shopping venues, from quaint antique shops and specialty stores particular to the Miller beach neighborhood, to strip malls with national chain stores.

Restaurants abound, from casual "soul food" places and fast food chains to new upscale establishments popping up all around the gaming and marina spots at Buffington Harbor.

Visitor Information: Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 5800 Broadway, Suite S, Merrillville, IN 46410; telephone (219)980-1617; toll-free (800)ALL-LAKE

7 Tips for being a good listener

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:17:20 -0500

7 Tips for being a good listener

Give your full attention on the person who is speaking. Don't look out the window or at what else is going on in the room.
Make sure your mind is focused, too. It can be easy to let your mind wander if you think you know what the person is going to say next, but you might be wrong! If you feel your mind wandering, change the position of your body and try to concentrate on the speaker's words.
Let the speaker finish before you begin to talk. Speakers appreciate having the chance to say everything they would like to say without being interrupted. When you interrupt, it looks like you aren't listening, even if you really are.
Let yourself finish listening before you begin to speak! You can't really listen if you are busy thinking about what you want say next.
Listen for main ideas. The main ideas are the most important points the speaker wants to get across. They may be mentioned at the start or end of a talk, and repeated a number of times. Pay special attention to statements that begin with phrases such as "My point is..." or "The thing to remember is..."
Ask questions. If you are not sure you understand what the speaker has said, just ask. It is a good idea to repeat in your own words what the speaker said so that you can be sure your understanding is correct. For example, you might say, "When you said that no two zebras are alike, did you mean that the stripes are different on each one?"
Give feedback. Sit up straight and look directly at the speaker. Now and then, nod to show that you understand. At appropriate points you may also smile, frown, laugh, or be silent. These are all ways to let the speaker know that you are really listening. Remember, you listen with your face as well as your ears!

Thinking fast

Remember: time is on your side! Thoughts move about four times as fast as speech. With practice, while you are listening you will also be able to think about what you are hearing, really understand it, and give feedback to the speaker.

~Listening is not an easy task to do...it takes time and effort to perfect it, about 5 or 6 years ago...I realized after attending a seminar that I was not as good at listening as I thought...I challenge to you read more about listening, you might find out that you are in the same boat, that is only if you want to become a better person...WARNING: if you are married or in a relationship I would suggest that both of you learn together, because you might start hearing things that you never knew, because you never really listened!

My Indiana Loan Application

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:31:16 -0500

Hello future friends,

My name is Ryan Hodge and I would like to apply for the Loan Officer position that handle the crappy deals you might have! I understand that if I do a good job on them, which I will, I will be promoted to handle the not so crappy one's. My strong points are that I do really well with credit scores of at least 500, the not so great credit is my niche! I will do my best and represent us very well...You will find in me that I am a hard worker, I work nights and weekends, I could also work early mornings if the job called for it! I can also be on-call if it came to that as well! I have over 9 years in the industry and I play well with others!

Thank you for your consideration, but it is only one way to tell if I am who I say I am and that is giving me a try, I value people searching for home ownership and understand that is the key to building communities, but I can't do it alone and I like to share with others! Just in case there is a misunderstanding I am trying to put more deals under the Realtors belts, the ones that you just throw away!

Best Regards,

Ryan T Hodge

Build the Relationship First

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:05:08 -0500

Build the Relationship First by Ryan Hodge

This is the first we must do in any situation...why not translate it into making money, when we met our s/o's we just didn't say let's start dating or let's get married and have some kids, did we? nope we built a relationship first. As we continue through the process the relationship should get stronger and stronger...our customers should view us as friends and I am not saying fake it...be yourself and I often like to tell my customers a little about me to get them started...I tell them I am just like them, I have a mortgage, I have a car payment, I have children, and so on...the only difference between us, is that I happen to have a job or a career in doing loans for people where they may make widgets at the plant down the street! How do you buld your relationships with your customers? and if you have a problem with any of this, think about the best purchasing experience you have ever had and think why you have referred people to them...I often view them as friends or maybe associates! You can do your way, but my way has been very successful!

I will tell you one thing...you will need to learn these words "ok getting back on track and go back to your sales pitch", in my opinion the more time you spend talking the customer the better you chances of earning their business and everybody that they know!

Remember my quote "to sell something, you must sell yourself first!"

~Ryan

Our Promise

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:35:02 -0500

Our promise to our customers is to make the home loan process simple and easy to understand, and to make borrowers feel comfortable with the home loan process.

I can help you if...

	A self-employed or 1099 borrower
	Homeowner in need of debt consolidation
	Homeowner with credit or mortgage lates
	Borrower who has had a recent bankruptcy
	First-time homebuyer
	Homebuyer with no cash for a down payment

don't be shy!!! Just ask!!!

Thanks for reading and talk you soon!

Fitness tips

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 09:02:06 -0500

Some Fitness Tips from a friend of mine...Boyd Myers

Greetings! I'm a very straight-forward trainer, so I'm going to tell you a secret that other personal trainers may not want you to know: There are no secret exercises or hidden strategies to help you reach your fitness goals. It takes a lot of dedication, motivation, and education---you have to know how your body works, how muscles react, and how to fuel those muscles.

-Eliminate junk food. Most fast food restaurants along with most pastries and processed foods contain high amounts of fat, sodium, and sugar (usually simple sugars). The consumption of these foods will do little for your energy, except promote a high then a low in your blood sugar levels. In addition they offer high levels of fat, usually of the saturated type. And they quite often contain large amounts of water-retaining sodium. None of these qualities are beneficial to any type of athlete.

-Eat 5-6 smaller meals in a day, as opposed to 2-3 large meals. This serves a few purposes: it speeds your metabolism up, it gives your body a constant source of nutrients, and it keeps energy and blood sugar levels stable.

-Drink eight to ten glasses of water each day, or more (I personally drink a LOT more-over 3 gallons per day). This will ensure your replacing fluids lost during exercise. You need not wait until you are thirsty. By then, you are in a depleted state. Drink these glasses of water throughout a day's time, not all at once.

-Determine your daily protein requirements. Proteins that include the essential amino acids (those that your body does not manufacture) are of utmost importance. Protein powder provides a great means to obtaining additional quality protein. And remember, proteins are best assimilated when accompanied by some carbohydrates.

-Consume high fibre foods. Not only does high fibre in your diet help in the reduction of cholesterol; it also makes fats less likely to be absorbed into your body.

-Exercise to increase your lean body weight. The more lean weight you have, the more efficient your body moves and the higher your metabolism, even at rest. By increasing your lean body weight, your bones become denser and your muscles, tendons and ligaments become stronger. The great side effect of all this is that it's easier to avoid getting fat. Remember, bigger muscles burn more calories than little ones.

-The word "Supplement" is defined as "in addition to a whole part..." Dietary supplements are just that - they are only useful when the rest of your nutrition and your training regimen are complete. If someone says a supplement does or doesn't work can be misleading, since there are so many factors to consider.

2006 All Rights Reserved.
Distribute freely, but please give credit to Boyd Myers.

Always Be Positive

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:10:23 -0500

Always Be Positive
Empower means "putting power into," and it can also mean "bringing energy and enthusiasm out of." So the first step in empowering people is to refrain from doing anything that disempowers them or reduces their energy and enthusiasm for what they are doing.

There are things you can do every single day to empower people and make them feel good about themselves.

What do you do to help others? Are you a negative or positive influence?

Continually Express Appreciation

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:15:27 -0500

Continually Express Appreciation
from www.briantracy.com

Perhaps the simplest way to make another person feel good about himself or herself is your continuous expressions of appreciation for everything that person does for you, large or small. Say "thank you" on every occasion.

Thank your spouse for everything that he or she does for you. Thank your children for their cooperation and support in everything that they do around the house. Thank your friends for the smallest of kindnesses. The more you thank other people for doing things for you, the more things those other people will want to do.

~I read something positive everyday to keep my mind and brain filled with good food, I lke to call it! so I will share today with you guys! Remember always to say thank you for whatever someone does for you!

Thanks for reading

~Ryan Hodge

Top 10 Reasons To Smile

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:06:13 -0500

Top 10 Reasons To Smile

From Mark Stibich, Ph.D.
Smiling is a great way to make yourself stand out while helping your body to function better. Smile to improve your health, your stress level, and your attractiveness.

1) Smiling makes us attractive.

We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

2) Smiling Changes Our Mood

Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3) Smiling is Contagious

When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4) Smiling Relieves Stress

Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5) Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6) Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure

When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7) Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8) Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger

The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9) Smiling Makes You Seem Successful

Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10) Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

~Some people this drives crazy...some people understand...the people that understand how easy it is to smile, understand that nothing is life is that difficult, as it seems sometimes, things always seem to work out!

Top 10 Red Flag List for Mortgage Brokers

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 09:35:34 -0500

Top 10 Red Flag List for Mortgage Brokers

Shifting the closing date. The borrower's mortgage closing date can shift if the borrower does not have a written commitment from the lender. Homebuyers can find themselves in a default situation if they quit paying their existing mortgage based on an oral promise that the new loan will be closing quickly.
Offer a "free" refinance. Sometimes mortgage brokers will promise "free" refinances of a mortgage in the event mortgage rates drop further from the borrower's present mortgage interest rate. Every real estate closing has costs. While a mortgage broker may agree not to charge a fee, other closing costs may still arise. If such an offer is made, the borrower should get the offer signed and dated in writing.
Total reliance on the loan broker. The lender and the loan broker play different roles in the mortgage transaction. They are usually different, unrelated business entities. The borrower should know the lender's identity and receive a copy of the "locked loan rate commitment" from the lender in writing.
"Pre-approved" and "pre-qualified." These are marketing terms, not legal ones. The only legally binding mortgage loan commitment must be in writing from the lender and must contain specific terms, such as the mortgage loan dollar amount, the mortgage interest rate and the date the mortgage loan commitment expires.
Offer for a "free" real estate appraisal. Mortgage brokers may offer a "free" real estate appraisal under the condition that the borrower closes on a mortgage loan through their company. Borrowers should be prepared to pay for the appraisal if they decide to take their loan business elsewhere.
Falsified income. An unscrupulous loan broker may encourage the borrowers to falsify their income on the mortgage application. This is fraud. A buyer should never present false information. If buyers can't document their sources of income, they may be trying to purchase a property that is beyond their means.
Equity Stripping. This practice occurs when unscrupulous loan brokers may convince the borrower to continually refinance. All of the closing costs can be included in the total amount borrowed, resulting in the loan broker receiving a new commission and additional fees for closing each new loan.
Over-appraised residential real estate. This occurs when an unscrupulous loan broker, real estate appraiser and/or real estate agent collude to get a property appraised at a value grossly above its market value.
Undisclosed pre-payment penalties, balloon payments and rate and terms switched at closing. Loan terms are required to be disclosed early in the process. However, terms do change throughout the process. It is up to the borrower to stay on top of term changes that the borrower does not find acceptable.
Post-closing squeeze for more fees. The HUD-1 Settlement Statement must list all fees paid at the closing table or paid outside of closing. Anyone who calls the borrower after closing and tries to collect additional undisclosed fees is acting illegally. The borrower should also contact the Secretary of State's office to report such attempts.

strictly mathematical

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:11:40 -0500

I got this an email from a friend today and we all being in sales have had Managers and leaders that wanted us to give 101+ percent of us...I have always scratched my head when I heard that wondering how in the heck could one give more than 100%...I guess I got the answer today! thanks willie!

This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...

it goes like this:

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O
P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,
B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND, look how far ass kissing will take you.

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.

Top 10 Traits of a Successful Loan Officer!

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:59:47 -0500

Top 10 Traits of a Successful Loan Officer!

I Will Do the Things Below to Become a Successful Loan Officer!

1. Have a game plan!

Review your pipeline and know what you need to do today. Do I need 4 apps, 2 appraisals or 2 more closed loans by the end of the week? Plan out your day, week and month! Do not wing it! Pilots do not wing it when they fly, doctors do not wing it when they have surgery, why should you wing it? You have to be prepared and know what you need to do when you walk in that door.

2. Know your Products and Guidelines!

How can you sell a mortgage if you don't even know our products? You should be able to know what your customers qualify for once you initially talk to them and pull their credit. Do not prescreen customers if you do not know your guidelines. That is the worst thing you could do! If you don't know, continue to take the app and pull credit. You can not afford to play the guessing game, because by that time, it is too late and you have just wasted a lot of people's time and money.

3. Raise Your Expectation Level and keep a larger pipeline than your peers!

Too many times Loan Officers fail due to not having a high enough expectation level. Why limit yourself? Great Leaders have great visions! If you don't visualize yourself closing 10 loans, then how are you going to achieve it? If you're aiming to close 5 loans and you close only 3 or 4, then you are SOL. Set your expectation level higher than everyone else!

4. Don't be afraid to deliver bad news!

Unfortunately, the difficult part of our job is to deliver the bad news to our customers. Be selective on the times that you make these calls. Make that unwanted call and be decisive about your decisions! The sooner you do it, the sooner you can move on to new business and better deals.

5. Be Decisive!

Another big mistake Loan Officers make! Make a decision and move on! Too many times Loan Officers keep holding on to files and aren't being decisive enough about the loan. This is the biggest mistake that you could possibly make because it creates a lot of unnecessary time when hanging on to these "problem files". You might sneak one in from time to time but, you could have spent all of that time finding several "fast funding" loans!

6. Deliver Great Customer Service!

Oh, how important this is to do? Return your phone calls immediately! Constantly call your customer during the Loan Process just to inform them that you have a handle on things. Create multiple sales proposals for every customer. Even if they are an 800 fico!! Be consistent in what you do on a daily basis and deliver the customer service needed to get future referrals!

7. Be Accountable!

Be 100% accountable for your own Successes and Failures! Challenges and Problems are yours to overcome! They are not an excuse to fail! Have some resiliency! Do not blame processors, managers or underwriters for your failures!

8. Start Early in the Month! Do not procrastinate!

Never submit files late and if you do, make sure you are already in position to commission at that point and what you are submitting at month end is gravy! When the rest of the office is going crazy at month end, great Loan Officers are the ones staying focused and selling loans to prepare for the next month. Learn to multitask! If you can't control the situation, then don't worry about it and move on to another task, like selling!

9. Attitude, Drive and Goals!

Come to work with the right attitude every single day! Have the drive and desire to succeed in this business and most importantly, make sure you have your goals in place otherwise; you do not know what you need to accomplish each day, week or month! Visualize the big picture! Do you want to manage one day or do you want to make $100,000 this year or both? Find out what your goal is and work backwards to figure out what you need to do to get there.

10. Ask for Referrals

Be careful what you ask for because you might just get it! It is proven that each customer you talk to can lead to potentially 52% more prospects. That is right, 52! All it takes is the ability to ask that question of "Do you know of anyone else that needs cash out on their property, a lower rate or to get out of their adjustable rate mortgage? Do not be afraid to ask, but it starts with delivering great customer service as well!

~These are rules that I live by...and being in the financial services industry since 1999 and have come in contact with lots of others in the field, I also found most or all of these traits in the successful ones as well!

Tradelines and reserves are the key!

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:22:37 -0500

Just a little insight for the real estate people here...please inform you customers that reserves and tradelines are really becoming a big key into getting a mortgage these days...they are very important so inform you customers before you have them call me!!! If they don't have them, I got some ideas to help them out! I strive to help every customer!!! and work with them until we can get them done...that is my promise!

What am I smiling?

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:22:08 -0500

If you know me..then you know I always have this smile on my face or one just like it! I smile when I should be crying, like when I lose a deal, that I knew should have been approved! I smile in the midst of this subprime meltdown, because it wasn't the end of the world and some of those customers that we couldn't help anymore, really shouldn't have had loans anyway...they probably wouldn't have made the 1st payment! I smile when I wake up in the morning even though I am in a crappy mood! I smile when I am driving to work, even though sometimes I wish I could have stayed in bed that day( yes I am that guy driving along side you on the Hwy, with a big ol' smile on my face!) I smile when I get my paycheck even I know it should be a whole lot bigger! I smile when I get a a referral from a customer and I always feel like I didn't deserve it, I was just doing my job! I smile when I meet someone new, because it is an opportunity for me to build another relationship! What makes you smile?

Gioperation

The Secret

Ryan Hodge (The Lending Center) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:40:43 -0500

Since January of 2007 I have been reading some parts of this book...I am really fascinated about this book...The Secret has put so many things in prospective for me...I have been living my life for the most part pretty good, but I also had many questions and believe it or not, my questions were answered...The Law of Attraction is so true...I attract good days and I attract bad day...I just try to attract more good days than bad!!! What do you do to have good days? or is life always peachy for you? I try to keep a smile on my face and I tell everybody to constantly remind me or make me laugh when I don't want to. We all know that most situations are really not the bad when we really take a good look at them!!! ttyl

Gioperation