Bucky's Blog!

Sir Spamalot, Active Rain, The Mortgage Crisis, Food for the hungry and Reporting Concerns!

Market Nashville — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:29:36 -0500

Okay, we know Jeremy Blanton and other hardworking RAINER staff members are WORKING on this horrible SPAM ISSUE, but now it is starting to get ridiculous! I am expecting Zombies to come busting in any moment looking to eat my brain & get a loan modification! Clearly they have a great hardship and just need a little help with their LOX!

Before you read on....please watch the following training video...

And now for something completely different......

First, the Bad news....

I received this today!

"Hi everyone. Cheerfulness, it would appear, is a matter which depends fully as much on the state of things within, as on the state of things without and around us. I am from Comoros and know bad English, give please true I wrote the following sentence: "It also has a light sensor that inverts the color making it visible in all light settings." With best wishes ;-), Abira.

Good news...I got 10 points! Woooo hoooooo..I showed those horrible foreign Spammers!

Then I got this....

"Sorry. Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant. I am from Denmark and now teach English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Next day delivery and free returns on most items." Thanks ;). Pleasance."

Totally sweet...another 10 points! - Oh, and I do not want to be Cary Grant..but thanks anyway Pleasance!

My friend SPAMMY here is a little TOOOOO happy...I think he has been "smoking the google juice".

So Bob, Jeremy,Brad & team...what are you actually doing to curb this horrible infestation of spam?

In these very uncertain times we call a "Mortgage & Realestate Crisis", I get SO excited when I think I have another comment...(wait another 5 points or so), or better yet some PORN SITE from Denmark asking me USDA LOAN questions...that I almost jump out of my skin..

And Abira, are you selling Light Sabers or Sex toys? Wait, I know, it is a flashlight right?

If you guys keep this up, I am going to get PISSED OFF and have my Dad kick your ass!!!

Can't we just keep talking Mortgages, and how hard they are to get?? Please?? Oh, and why FHA guidelines dont mean anything!   Oh, and is there any POSITIVE DATA SOMEONE CAN BLOG ABOUT regarding housing? Come on, there has to be!!!!!

I did forget that Mortgages are SO EASY A CAVEMAN CAN DO THEM!-

Sometimes, I dont think these comments are real...and maybe that Jason Sardi is playing a trick on me.

However, I know they are real, because I get points for them!

I also think Strippers like me for my cologne!- wait...sorry...exoctic dancers! I didnt mean to be insensitive!

I am going home now, but I will leave you with the Grand Daddy of them all....

Good morning!. I am from Andorra and learning to write in English, tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "Cash advance loans provide people some extra short term cash in between paychecks without having to lay themselves open to revolving debt." With love 8-), Long.

****************************

BRILLIANT!!!! REALLY? THANK YOU ANDORRA errrrr LONG...  Don't we NEED a paycheck in order to get an advance on it?   And what exactly are you laying open?? Love & kisses -) Short

People, please send me referrals! I need to eat...and I am sick of spam!    I am only getting one food group right now, and that is not good!

Remember.................report your concerns! :)

The Learning is in the THREAD & always be Major League!

UDPATE#1- Why is my category button not sticking? Everything else stays in draft mode, but the category deletes?? Any ideas everyone??

Happy Selling!

Thanks! Buckster R Buckster

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Krovy@aol.com   You can subscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Screw the Mortgage Business I am going to Mascot School!

Return of Bloggie      Latest USDA MEMO    Susie the Duck    Successful HVCC story

    For Sale Signs    Home Improvement Shows     Hijacking is a NO NO!   Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them!       HERA RULES    Bloggie the new AR Mascot

Open House Suggestions    Open House Suggestions 2         Golf Outings     Wall-E

      USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval?        Buying a Fixer Upper     What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

I believe the learning is in the thread...and the BLOG only gets it going!

Market Nashville — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:15:11 -0500

After reading the FEATURED blogs the last couple of weeks or so...I have been disappointed, happy, eager, discouraged, and every other emotion that I can/cannot think of right now! That said, I truly believe that if you are going to AUTHOR A BLOG, especially a Contraversial one, then you should take the time to appreciate the commentors, and respond within the thread! THAT IS WHERE THE LEARNING & EDUCATION TRULY HAPPEN!

Now, I am not saying to drink the "purple kool aid" like the Viking Fans are right now thinking Brett Favre is going to save the day!

What I am saying though is that the LEARNING IS IN THE THREAD!

Let's say a LENDER does a post on FHA loans..and that post inspires someone to ask a question within the COMMENTS about a specific home or loan scenario....If that lender doesn't ANSWER the question, it just "hangs there in limbo!"

A teaching moment just came & went! - bye bye

Now, let's say a REALTOR talks about a new announcement put forth by the NAR in their blog....and NOT ONE LENDER comments about how that announcement actually affects getting a mortgage loan.

A teaching moment just came & went! - bye bye

Finally, let's say a Lender does a blog on USDA Loans, and in the thread a REALTOR comments that "the reason that they don't do many of them in their area is because it takes too long to get a home inspection done, or that home inspections are killing their deals."

If the AUTHOR doesn't respond that HOI's are not REQUIRED on USDA loans...once again..another teaching moment has been lost!

why???????????- Because you didn't have the time?

Though I have not been blogging that long, I do see the importance of responding to ANYONE who comments on my blogs! I have made friends, enemies (no, not really),business partners, great aquaintances, great referral sources, and overall a LARGE # of contacts thru Active Rain & blogging...but many of them through the comments, not the actual blog itself. It always befuddles me as to why someone take the TIME in this market to put together such a technical and wonderful blog, but then doesn't have the "time" or "courtesy" to respond to the commentors! IN MY BOOK, that is a VERY BIG mistake! Almost as big as not marketing every day...but that's another blog! :)

We all blog for different reasons!

We blog to gain customers,referrals,credibility,notoriety,a local presence, vanity,ego,google juice, and all kinds of other reasons, but I would hope the #1 reason is to help people, both customers and people within our industry!

Personally, I view blogging kinda like "planting a seed". Sometimes you have to plant quite a few before a tree or plant grows! Your business is quite similar, and bloggins should be/ and in my case is, just another part of it!

Are you Johnny Appleseed?

I have found that responding to the commentors plants LOTS OF SEEDS! I get at least 1 question per day from people all over the United States about USDA loans! Not always because of MY BLOGS on USDA loans, but because of my COMMENTS on other peoples blogs! If you dont believe me, just look at your PROFILE VIEWS on your statistics page! That tells the tale! How many have you had?

I think that if someone takes the TIME out of their day to comment on YOUR blog, you should have the courtesy to respond, let alone the wisdom to learn from it!

-Remember-

The Learning is in the THREAD & always be Major League!

Happy Selling!

Thanks! Buckster R Buckster

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Screw the Mortgage Business I am going to Mascot School!

Return of Bloggie Latest USDA MEMO Susie the Duck Successful HVCC story

For Sale Signs Home Improvement Shows Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES Bloggie the new AR Mascot

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

Why being in a "Bull in a China Shop" no longer works today!

Market Nashville — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:45:00 -0500

Okay, today the preverbial "Straw that broke the camels back" hit me...so here is why, and my advice to the "Ruling Class" out there! Folks- Forcing things, threatening, having your Manager call, or just plain being a Bull in a China Shop no longer works today! All it does it create more problems, animosity, and stress! It gets WORSE when this is passed on to the customer!

I have some absolutely CLASSIC qoutes coming in here...but will try NOT to be VERBOSE!

( call or email Jason Sardi for a definition of verbose LOL )

I got this comment today from a Realtor:

"I, too, have closed dozens of USDA loans with different loan
officers and have never had a hold up like this."

Now I ask you, does she read the paper, watch the news, follow ANYTHING on Active Rain, let alone follow her own industry?

6/2/09 I did a blog on the new HERA law & rules. - 14 comments

Why are people worried now? Because it has now taken affect! Do you clean your teeth? Or, wait for the Cavities to hit?

5/15/09 I did a blog on the new 4506T issues and the future problems that will result! - 6 comments

This is a form that is being executed on nearly every loan. Why are you surprised that it is causing delays? Everyone has known about it!

5/1/09 I did a blog on WHAT A 4506T tax transcript request form ACTUALLY IS! 11 comments

I got asked by a Realtor that has read my blog, what this form is. I was flabbergasted, but politely answered again. So I ask you, do you really want education from us lenders or not? THIS IS WHY A LENDER PARTNER is VERY IMPORTANT!

On 12/9/08 I did one of my very first blogs, albeit not very good..on relationship building! - 5 comments

I have gotten MUCH better at blogging since, but the message remains the same...do you wonder why there are arguements between us?

*******************************

Wake UP people!!!! It doesn't matter if you have sold Realestate for 30 years or 3! What was okay then, is NOT OKAY NOW! We as lenders, have LESS control, and walk a very thin line with our funding sources! What will you do with your buyers when there are NO lenders left?

Today- Martha Brown has a featured blog on what went wrong on one of her blogs! In her case, it was "THREAD DIRECTION". Not really her fault...but look at how it turned!

Personally, I dont think ANYTHING went wrong, it is just indicitive of the differences still remaining between Lenders and Realtors! Sadly, it is also like the RACE CARD and it is pissing me off!

Miriam Bernstein wrote a blog on 4/4/09. JUST READ for a moment the comments left, and the direction given in the blog and judge for yourself! Was this a positive reflection on Lenders? 254 comments says this is a HOT TOPIC! Wouldn't you agree?

Jeff Belonger did a BLOG and was pretty clear in the points that he made that Realtors should sell homes, and lenders should lend money! He was less blunt, but you get the point?

Here's a good one too from Ken Cook!

Janet Guilbault even has a NEW blog today on this very subject, and it is my guess it will get featured! She has also done OTHER blogs where Realtors commented and she was attacked, maligned, and basically told she was an Ogre! Just read the comments on any of these:

Blog 1 Blog 2 Blog 3 Blog 4

#2 especially is good! and, she did get featured!

I got this comment from a Realtor the other day:

After giving the LISTING AGENT daily status updates on appraisal, etc..etc..etc..and I have 11 emails from her telling me that I am the ONLY Lender that has communicated with her like this EVER in her career..and this is what I got when we put off a closing from 4pm Friday to 2pm Monday. Before you get your UNDERWEAR in a bunch, please note that the property is in a TRUST and the seller is in a Nursing home. Her daughter is NOT on the contract and has no right to any information regarding the closing! Lastly, it was put off due to the 4506T getting rejected by the IRS 3 times!

This was the subject line on the email: "Why the hell didn't you e-mail me at 9:30AM?"

This was the body of the email: "Darin: You are in hot water and making me look bad. My Seller's daughter is PISSED OFF. I want you to call her now and explain this so I am not on the hot seat. ........ The Seller is an elderly woman who is a nervous reck about this and they are angry at me!! Now I have to take everything back that I said about you before and you shouldn't pressure people to set up closings 2 weeks in advance and then not follow through!!!

#1. The OTP has a scheduled "on or before date of closing", WE DON'T SCHEDULE closings! Realtors do!

#2. Why should I talk to someone about loan specifics who isn't involved in the deal or has a right to know? Fact is, I won't! But, in this case, I listened to the daughter tell me, and I qoute, "YOU ARE KILLING MY MOM"- I dont know what to say about this..

#3. VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE: I told them this was a problem 3 days before hand...this did NOT come up at the last minute. However, as you can see, she was surprised! HUH??

Loan closed, customer was THRILLED with our service...(conventional loan closing in 27 days with an HVCC appraisal), and she has already referred me another customer!

*************************************************************

Looks like I failed at being NOT VERBOSE! SORRY!

ALL IN ALL, we as lenders will no longer stand for mis-treatment, disrespect, threats,and the overall abuse we have taken in the past! Calling my boss will not help! Calling the USDA or the IRS will not help! Threatening me to "never send me any business again" will not help! In almost every case, I could have thrown the REALTOR under the bus, but I chose the high road instead!

You buy & sell the house, and I will handle the financing!

REALTORS- You truly need to decide if you want/need education or not!!! Being positive, objective, willing to accept change, does NOT MEAN you have to accept incompetence, and that is where I could not agree with you more!

****PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE****

Let's work as a TEAM out there...it is hard enough. I certainly don't want to be a VAMPIRE or LYCAN!! (werewolf)- that is a BLOOD SUCKER or Cybil! :) - personality changer! LOL

You have every right to fire me if you dont agree! I reserve the right to fire you for treating me poorly and unprofessionally.

Happy Selling!

Thanks! Buckster R Buckster

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Return of Bloggie Latest USDA MEMO Susie the Duck Successful HVCC story

For Sale Signs Home Improvement Shows Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

Susie the Duck Days in Lodi Wisconsin! .... "Duck into Lodi"

Market Nashville — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:55:54 -0500

Home of Susie the Duck, the cozy little bedroom town of Lodi Wisconsin is located just north of Madison, Wisconsin. Lake Wisconsin to Gibralter Rock, the natural landscape surrounding Lodi affords beautiful views to the hiker or biker. (of any type) Right across the Lake is Devils Head Ski & Golf Resort, which also offers awesome mountain bike trails, fantastic Golf, and great lodging. Lodi Wisconsin is known the world over for being "Home of Susie the Duck". Hence, this weekend, we are hosting "Susie the Duck days", with the theme of "DUCK INTO LODI."

There is a great little parade starting at 12 noon on Saturday, August 8th!

Other activites include:

Fifth Annual AUTO SHOW

Beer Tent

Live Band

All kinds of Kid's games in Goeres Park

Food

And the Crown Jewel.....The DUCK DERBY pulled from Spring Creek at 4pm!

Click here for a full schedule of events!

This is an AWESOME, FUN, FAMILY activity that..oh by the way...is FREE!!

If you are a first time visitor, be sure to take a ride across the Wisconsin River aboard the Colsac III, Wisconsin's only free auto ferry. You can spend the day seeing the sights, visiting attractions, or visiting with the interesting people and return to Lodi's peaceful hotels, motels, Bed & Breakfasts, or campgrounds to relax in front of a campfire, or hang out at a local supper club and enjoy Wisconsin's favorite cocktail, the Brandy Old Fashion!

There are many great places to eat, and summer activites abound!

And don't forget the Friday night FISH FRY!

Please visit!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Return of Bloggie Latest USDA MEMO

For Sale Signs Home Improvement Shows Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

How about a SUCCESSFUL HVCC story......or TWO!!

Market Nashville — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:36:37 -0500

Well, within the last 72 hours, I have had 2 SUCCESSFUL appraisals fall within the HVCC guidelines!

They have both been delivered at/or above the purchase price, and we are "ROLLING ROLLING ROLLING!"

I thought with ALL THE NEGATIVE publicity it has been getting, I would give the HVCC some solid PUB!

Even though my friend Rowdy here is still a little doubtful, I am confident we can overcome this HVCC issue.

In the two examples I am about to give, one was ordered thru the WELLS FARGO system, and the other through the Bank of America system! To clarify too, the system MIGHT work a little differently for a Mortgage Banker, Bank, Vs. how it works for us brokers! However, this will give you all some insight as to HOW the system works, or as many will tell you, doesnt work! :)

Story 1-

Wells Fargo uses a 3rd party company called RES DIRECT. They can be found at www.res-direct.com

This appraisal was ordered, done, and uploaded in less than 7 days!

Our company, a broker, has to set up an account with them, then go online, and order the appraisal. Here is where it gets sticky tho....the CUSTOMER HAS TO PAY ONLINE OR BY CREDIT CARD! We are also given a "price" at this point right online so we know what to PREP the customer for! However, we NEED THEIR CREDIT CARD INFO in order to order this! Yikes!...yet another opportunity to get into trouble huh?

The 3rd party company, RES DIRECT, then "farms out" the order to one of 2 appraisal companies. LSI, or Rels Valuation.

We have to then FAX A COPY or email a copy, of the PURCHASE AGREEMENT to a completely DIFFERENT PHONE# or email address!

We then give them a due date, or time frame in which we need the appraisal, and they go to work at finding an appraiser to get it done!

All through the process, we get email updates or status reports sent RIGHT TO OUR EMAIL INBOX! These are actually pretty SWEET, because we know when the order was received, contact was made, a day & time has been set, and when we can expect to have the appraisal uploaded into the system. In addition, they put notes on the system to let us know if there is a problem, or any other kind of special "needs" or "requests" that they may have! For example, listing or zoning information, special flood areas, etc..etc..Truthfully, in 20 years, I haven't received this much followup contact with ANY appraiser!

Wells Fargo then receives the appraisal directly, and at THAT POINT, if we have an issue with the value, we NOW CAN TALK TO THE APPRAISER as we know who it is, and we can follow the procedures put forth by the company on debating value or debating "issues" that came up with the appraisal! Thought behind it is that value has already been established, and UNDUE INFLUENCE cannot affect the outcome!

Story 2

Still waiting for appraisal to come back, but was ordered 7 days ago, and appraisal was DONE 2 days ago, but the LISTING AGENT wont get back to the appraiser with questions regarding title & ownership! Hence, we should have had it by now!

Similar to Wells Fargo, Bank of America allows us to order the appraisal online! In fact, there is a dropdown tab RIGHT within our companies PIPELINE on their website! We click on it, type in a whole bunch of information, and again.....CALL THE CUSTOMER AND GET THEIR CREDIT CARD information, and bang....the appraisal is ordered!

ONE HUGE difference here though is that we as a LENDER, STILL HAVE TO GO IN once the appraisal is done, and UPLOAD the appraisal to the underwriter assigned to the file! Kinda dumb don't ya think that a company as LARGE as Bank of America cannot retrieve their own appraisals?? I think so...

The ordering system was a little easier than that of Wells Fargo, and again, we received followup emails every step of the way!

In BOTH CASES I am fairly impressed & not bad turn time!

In Summary

Much like LENDER OVERLAYS on loan programs, there are also what I refer to as HVCC overlays as well! In other words, NOONE truly understands the "rules" regarding HVCC compliance so many just say talking is a "no no" and leave it at that. It is the midsize Banks & Mortgage Bankers etc...that MAY incorporate some of the "new" changes, but companies like Wells and others tend to set the standard! It all truly depends on if the FUNDER/LENDER wants to take or share the risk!

The HVCC is not something to be afraid of, but you DON"T have to be happy about it, or embrace it either!

Reminder#1.- FHA,VA, & USDA LOANS are NOT SUBJECT to HVCC rules, period!

Reminder#2. - You can talk to the appraiser (both lender & realtor) AFTER the appraisal is done and value has been established and accepted.

Reminder #3.- There is a "challenge" system in place at nearly ALL 3rd party HVCC companies! Learn it, ask questions about it, and follow the rules to a T!!!

Reminder #4.- Always have the words "UNDUE INFLUENCE" in the back of your mind! If you "THINK" what you are saying is wrong, it probably is!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Return of Bloggie      Latest USDA MEMO

    For Sale Signs    Home Improvement Shows     Hijacking is a NO NO!   Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them!       HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions    Open House Suggestions 2         Golf Outings      Wall-E      USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval?        Buying a Fixer Upper     What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

Return of Bloggie! - Is it Hamsters or Squirrels running the servers at Active Rain?

Market Nashville — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:16:49 -0500

A while ago, I did a blog on the new mascot for Active Rain, and I officially named him BLOGGIE! Well, Bloggie met with mixed emotions....so, I gave some thought to quitting the Mortgage Business and going to Mascot School myself, and...as of now, STILL have not decided on that career path yet! Read to the end of the blog for the ACTUAL new Mascot of Active Rain! (not approved by anyone at AR btw!)LOL Please note: CLICK on any pictures below if you have speakers and need a laugh!

Here's Bloggie!

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin thought he was cute!

Cindy Jones thought squirrels, not hamsters kept Active Rain running!

Eric Reid suggested that I roll out a big wheel!

Kristin Moran really LIKED Bloggie!

Donna Harris thought he was scary looking Hamster.

Sherry Scales thought AR deserved something better!

Karen Monsour thought Kelan was in charge and the future of AR! (tell me the relevance on that one??)

Russ Ravary thought AR was powered by squirrels too, and thinks a contest is in the air!

Brian Burke thought Bloggie was cute, but he had been sniffing paint fumes all day! (painting his office)

Richard Iarossi wanted to know if Bloggie was potty trained or not?

George Paukert wants to see BOB or BRAD in the suit!

Sally & David Hanson are busy running the the treadmill we call Real-Estate!

Now, let's get back to our Hero...

We find our Hero Bloggie, returing to his homeworld, plagued by the Evil HVCC, and stuck in the middle of an epic battle between the Realtors & the Lenders. Our Hero, faced with the challenge of changing his appearance, (due to multiple contacts with appraisers and exerting "undue influence" on them...) has enlisted his Jedi Master for aid!

Bloggie Wan-Kenobi

"My young paduan..you must UNLEARN what you have learned!" Forget about closing your deals in 30 days or less...no, we must close our deals in 60 days or less, wait, make that 90 days!

We must slay appraised values, cut commissions, blame each other, and work for free!

We must hold noone responsible!

Wait, that is a Jedi mind trick right??

Having learned all he could from his Master, our young hero Bloggie has decided to "drift" to the dark side, and now learn the fraudulant tricks...from a master of deception and deflection...No, not Emporer Palpatine..

but Count Spookoo and..Darth Frank.... his trusty side-kick. Together, they have unleashed the power of the darkside on all of us!..Because Darth Sidious Frank wants world domination...he has the Death Star on its way, aka: The Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act! All part of HERA! Pretty soon our young hero bloggie will no longer be RUNNING THE SEARCH ENGINE WHEELS at Active Rain...nope...he will be getting unemployment ,a loan modification,and two part time jobs like the rest of us! At this point, our Hero is confused....he could committ fraud and make lots of money, but then, in the end get caught, and go to jail, or he could embrace the power of the FORCE and be honest, trustworthy and vigilent all the way to the poor house! Do you see his dilemma?? Way to go Evil Empire! That's the way to get our economy BACK ON IT'S feet! Yeahh...unemployment! :(

In the end, what does our hero do???????????????????????

Our Jedi Bloggie has completely transformed into an AMBASSADOR of the Industry!

Soon to be seen on Larry King, live with Regis & Kelly, and at a MALL near you!

Our young HERO Bloggie has accepted his role as Ambassador to the Social Networking Nation, and as Mascot of Active Rain!

He promises to keep a postive flow of information streaming into our Network, and increase our GOOGLE JUICE whenever possible!

IF BLOGGIE CAN DISPEL THE FORCES OF EVIL, YOU CAN TOO!

Keep Marketing,Keep Educating,Keep Learning, and most of all Keep Listening!

Thank you Bloggie!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Latest USDA MEMO

For Sale Signs Home Improvement Shows Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

USDA LOANS in WISCONSIN! This just in from the newsdesk at Rural Development! Staggering numbers!!!

Market Nashville — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:18:33 -0500

Here is a cut & paste of PART of the announcement on the USDA website here in the Dairyland State of Wisconsin!

Please note that the numbers I will list below are "staggering" because last year, in the State of Wisconsin, $257 million dollars worth of USDA loans were done! As evidenced below, ALREADY, at the halfway point of the year, the USDA has guaranteed $145 million dollars worth of loans! That works out to SHATTER the record set last year by 33 million dollars!

Let's do the math right quick!

Ths is a whopping...

$122,466 per loan!

In rural communities, and not so rural communities!

Folks, that means THAT THIS YEAR ALONE in the State of Wisconsin, thanks to the USDA, there will be :

270 NEW HOMEOWNERS! Most of which are 1st time home buyers JUST UNDER THIS ONE PROGRAM!

Well, should we target this market or not?? Yes, I am laughing...OF COURSE WE SHOULD!!!!

************

TOP OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS HOLD 'RURAL TOUR' COMMUNITY FORUM IN WISCONSIN

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Transportation Secretary LaHood Discusses Administration Efforts, Collects Ideas on Strengthening Economic Development in Rural America

WEST SALEM, Wis., July 16, 2009 - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today visited Wisconsin and held a 'Rural Tour' community forum to discuss efforts by the Obama Administration to rebuild and revitalize rural America, listen to local residents talk about how the federal government can assist them, and discuss solutions to challenges facing their communities. This event follows the launch of the Obama Administration's 'Rural Tour' in June.

"To overcome challenges and be successful in a new, 21st century economy, President Obama has asked that we reach out to people in rural communities across the country to listen, learn and facilitate problem-solving," said Vilsack. "It is critically important to hear the thoughts, concerns and stories about each community's vision for its future and to collect ideas about how USDA can better serve these communities."

Here's your WOW moment........

USDA's Rural Development has helped guarantee 1,184 loans worth $145 million in the state of Wisconsin through the Single Family Housing Loan program. These loans help residents and producers to have access to the capital they need to keep rural communities strong.

In June, President Obama announced that Secretary Vilsack will lead the Administration's Rural Tour to visit rural communities in states throughout the country. Secretary Vilsack is scheduled to lead Rural Tour events with a variety of other top administration officials over the coming weeks and months in Alaska, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. As the tenth similar forum Secretary Vilsack has led since being sworn, these upcoming events follow the rural listening sessions held earlier this year in Charlotte, Mich., Concord, N.H., Wattsburg, Pa., Danville, Ind., Geneseo, Ill., Harrodsburg, Ky., Ludowici, Ga., Portageville, Mo., and Brush, Colo.

All Americans can follow the Rural Tour's progress on a new website, www.RuralTour.gov or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RuralTour .

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Latest USDA MEMO

For Sale Signs Home Improvement Shows Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

USDA Critical UPDATE and MEMO breakdown on the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loan program. REDUX!!! Please review & save!

Market Nashville — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:30:16 -0500

This is a very CRITICAL UPDATE and anyone using the USDA loan, or if you KNOW of someone using USDA loans, please pass this blog link along, or RE-BLOG it to your sphere!!

I have included at the bottom of the BLOG, the entire list of loan coordinators within the United States of America! Email first if you can!

Also, check out the music video at the end as well!

The reason for this update is because the USDA is experiencing it's highest volume since the inception of the program!

REDUX COMMENT: Jeff Belonger brought up an issue in the comments that prompted me to do a little investigation. His comment was directed at JP MORGAN CHASE! I spoke to an upper level executive today at JP MORGAN about the "rumour" that they may be pulling out of the USDA business! He kinda laughed and clearly stated there is NO TRUTH to that rumour! Hence, if you have files there...rest assured, nothing is changing! He did state there was an internal stoppage on the RETAIL banking side regarding USDA loans, and the word he used was SUSPENDED. This is STILL in effect. I am confident that is only temporary though! One more reason to use Mtg Brokers & Bankers! Yahoo..

Taylor Bean & Whittaker, I am still awaiting a response from!

Thanks! Bucky

**************************

BEFORE I SUMMARIZE the changes, we need to first cover LENDER OVERLAYS!

What is a Lender overlay you ask? Well, Im glad you asked! Thanks!

A Lender overlay is a requirement that a specific LENDER has, that maybe another Lender does not have! For example, if you speak directly with a USDA office about a specific requirement on a loan application, offer to purchase, or confront them about a situation, and you get a FAVORABLE RESPONSE, it may not mean anything at all! WHY? Because the LENDER that is UNDERWRITING and approving the loan PRIOR to the loan going to the USDA, may have a sticter rule, or may not approve a loan under those circumstances! Hence, enter the LENDER OVERLAY!

Another example, JP Morgan Chase & Taylor Bean & Whittaker, are the only two companies I AM AWARE of that allow a USDA loan product to be processed as a "Subject to" appraisal, or as a "fixer upper" loan!

Wells Fargo, and other companies do not! Why? Because they have LENDER OVERLAYS! What this is REALLY telling you is that they dont understand them, dont want to have anything to do with them, and aren't we all afraid of the unknown? They do not want to take the risk! Who does today?

NOW TWO VERY QUICK THINGS TO WATCH FOR IN THE COMING DAYS!

Realtors- If you are not getting them already, start watching for a CHANGE in loan committments! Loan committments are going to start coming through with stipulations on them! This isn't a bad thing necessarily, but you will start seeing approvals come through that say..."this loan approval is SUBJECT TO an acceptable appraisal, and any other further sitpulations put forth by the Rural Development office!

Lenders- Start looking over your appraisals WAY more closely! DO NOT RELY on your internal underwriter,manager, or processor! LOOK AT THE DARN THING YOURSELF! A friend of mine recently had her USDA loan suspended, due to the site value being 30.10% of the appraised value! Limit in USDA loans is 30%. Yes, it is only 1/10th of 1 percent, but look at the grief we are getting!

Okay, now on to the summary!

Let's first talk about rate locks!

Rural Development has experienced a HUGE increase in volume. Directly from the USDA, they are asking both Lenders & Realtors alike to allow ample time for a review of the file and a response. "Plan accordingly with your rate locks and loan closings. Contacting Rural Development multiple times as a Lender,Broker,Realtor, or borrower, will only delay your important request. " In other words folks, be patient! Lenders, make sure your Realtors understand time frames and turn times! Realtors, take your heart medication and drink lots of fluids! In other words, plan for an extended delay in high volume processing areas!

This is a quote from the USDA alert regarding CONTACTING the RD office!

"While many parties are anxious for their request to be acted upon, commication concerning guaranteed loan applications will occur between the Rural Devlopment and the approved Lender!!! Brokers, correspondent Lenders,Realtors,or potential borrowers,etc..should communicate with the approved lender, NOT Rural Development."

Lenders

The Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS), will reduce proceesing times and allow approved lenders to verity loan data for accuracy in a timely manner! Here's the rub tho: There are MANY new GUS rules that may REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION to be submitted on "ACCEPT" loan files when a "final" underwriting submission is executed.

Read all your findings! What does this mean to Realtors? Well, sadly, they can add things at the end! I know we don't like hearing that...but they can! Tough! However, communication is VERY important on this!

Okay, now here are Bucky's Tips & Best Practices straight from the USDA!

Any of these changes may adversely affect your Conditional Loan Committment!

1. if the loan amount increases

2. if the loan interest rate increases

3. if there is an increase in mortgage or personal liabilities

4. if there is a decrease of assets, and/or the income decreases

How about an example? Let's say, your customer is buying a home. They get their Conditional Loan Committment and everybody is happy! House is inspected and/or appraised, and it is determined that the house needs a new roof. Seller refuses to pay for it! Well, the USDA plan allows for a new roof to be financed! Hurrah! However, that spells DELAY! Hence, the loan amount increases,the mortgage liability increases, and more than likely the debt ratio goes up! This means that it will need to go BACK to underwriting! Sometimes this is 1 day, or 1 week! Depends on volume! PLAN AHEAD!

LASTLY

USDA LOANS DO NOT REQUIRE HOME INSPECTIONS! Hello?? Bueller??

Click HERE for the income limits link

Click HERE for the income income eligibility link

Click HERE for the property eligibility link

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT BELOW IS DIRECTLY FROM THE USDA!

Sign up for our email distribution list to receive timely updated information regarding program origination, GUS underwriting or servicing. Sign up at: http://www.rdlist.sc.egov.usda.gov/listserv/mainservlet.

STATE	CONTACT	PHONE #	EXT.	FAX #	E-MAIL ADDRESS
AK	Karen LaMouria	(907)761-7732		(907)761-7794	klamouri@ak.usda.gov
AL	Al Butler	(256)532-1677		(256)532-1931	al.butler@al.usda.gov
AL	Lou Rambo	(334)279-3442		(334)279-3448	lou.rambo@al.usda.gov
AR	Linda McCaslin	(501)301-3235		(501)301-3290	linda.mccaslin@ar.usda.gov
AS	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
AZ	Earl Tatlow	(602)280-8709		(602)280-8879	earl.tatlow@az.usda.gov
CA	Annete Joyer	(916)714-1104	107	(916)714-1118	annette.joyer@ca.usda.gov
CA	Ed Amen	(530)226-2589		(530)226-2567	ed.amen@ca.usda.gov
CA	Nellie Nunez	(559)734-8732	110	(559)732-3481	nellie.nunez@ca.usda.gov
CA	Viloet Gomes	(831)757-5294	106	(831)424-7289	violet.gomes@ca.usda.gov
CO	Jamie A Spakow	(720)544-2918		(720)544-2970	jamie.spakow@co.usda.gov
CT	Arlene Nunes	(413)253-4300	4333	(413)253-4347	arlene.nunes@ma.usda.gov
DE	Stacey Slacum	(302)857-3603		(302)857-3611	stacey.slacum@de.usda.gov
FL	Bob Coordsen	(352)338-3435		(352)338-3437	bob.coordsen@fl.usda.gov
FL	Roger Taylor	(352)338-3435		(352)338-3437	roger.taylor@fl.usda.gov
FM	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
GA	Ashley Carlan	(706)546-2169		(706)613-3046	ashley.carlan@ga.usda.gov
GU	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
HI	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
IA	LindaKay Rhoades	(515)284-4723		(515)284-6668	linda.rhoades@ia.usda.gov
ID	Pamela S. Cook	(208)378-5628	1	(208)378-5643	pamela.cook@id.usda.gov
IL	Lindsey Rademacher	(217)403-6216		(217)403-6231	lindsey.rademacher@il.usda.gov
IN	Vince Maloney	(317)290-3100	414	(317)290-3096	Vincent.Maloney@in.usda.gov
KS	Kevin Culley	(785)271-2722		(785)271-2784	kevin.culley@ks.usda.gov
KS	Tim Rogers	(785)271-2718		(785)271-2784	tim.rogers@ks.usda.gov
KY	Don Johnson	(859)224-7361		(859)224-7450	don.johnson@ky.usda.gov
LA	Scott Pousson	(318)473-7630		(318)473-7829	scott.pousson@la.usda.gov
MA	Arlene Nunes	(413)253-4300	4333	(413)253-4347	arlene.nunes@ma.usda.gov
MD	Stacey Slacum	(302)857-3603		(302)857-3611	stacey.slacum@de.usda.gov
ME	Dale D. Holmes	(207)990-9110		(207)990-9119	dale.holmes@me.usda.gov
ME	Lorrie Hamlin	(207)990-9110	113	(207)990-9119	lorrie.hamlin@me.usda.gov
MH	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
MI	Kevin Smith	(888)771-6993	113	(517)676-1909	kevin.smith@mi.usda.gov
MN	Linda Behrendt	(651)602-7797		(651)602-7825	linda.behrendt@mn.usda.gov
MO	Nathan Tutt	(573)876-0990		(573)876-9348	nathan.tutt@mo.usda.gov
MO	Randall L. Griffith	(573)876-0976		(573)876-9348	randy.griffith@mo.usda.gov
MP	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
MS	Ivan Kiani	(601)965-4325	133	(601)965-4561	ivan.kiani@ms.usda.gov
MS	Robert (Don) Thames	(800)548-0071	146	(601)965-5384	Robert.Thames@ms.usda.gov
MT	Laura Horn	(406)585-2559		(406)585-2565	laura.horn@mt.usda.gov
NC	Dale Darroch	(919)873-2036		(919)873-2075	dale.darroch@nc.usda.gov
NC	Mel Ellis	(919)873-2041		(919)873-2075	mel.ellis@nc.usda.gov
NC	Neal Sherrod	(919)873-2059		(919)873-2075	neal.sherrod@nc.usda.gov
ND	Barry Borstad	(701)530-2046		(701)530-2111	barry.borstad@nd.usda.gov
NE	Krista K. Stevens	(402)437-5518		(402)437-5408	krista.stevens@ne.usda.gov
NE	Michael Buethe	(402)437-5574		(402)437-5408	mike.buethe@ne.usda.gov
NH	Colleen Ladew	(603)223-6035		(603)223-6061	colleen.ladew@nh.usda.gov
NJ	Neal Hayes	(856)787-7732		(856)787-7737	neal.hayes@nj.usda.gov
NM	Art Garcia	(505)761-4973		(505)761-4977	arthur.garcia@nm.usda.gov
NV	William L. Brewer	(775)887-1222	13	(775)885-0738	william.brewer@nv.usda.gov
NY	Janette Smith	(607)753-0851	4	(607)753-3190	janette.smith@ny.usda.gov
OH	Jerry Greenbaum	(614)255-2405		(614)255-2561	Jerry.Greenbaum@oh.usda.gov
OK	Jackie Walther	(405)742-1070		(405)742-1084	jackie.walther@ok.usda.gov
OK	Richard Himbury	(405)742-1079		(405)742-1084	richard.himbury@ok.usda.gov
OR	Rachel Shultz	(503)414-3337		(503)414-3394	rachel.shultz@or.usda.gov
PA	Jeremy Wilson	(717)237-2277		(717)237-2193	jeremy.wilson@pa.usda.gov
PA	Rob Lane	(717)237-2275		(717)237-2193	robin.lane@pa.usda.gov
PR	Arlene Zambrana	(787)766-5095	222	(787)281-4993	arlene.zambrana@pr.usda.gov
PW	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
RI	Arlene Nunes	(413)253-4300	4333	(413)253-4347	arlene.nunes@ma.usda.gov
SC	George Randolph	(803)253-3094		(803)253-3827	george.randolph@sc.usda.gov
SD	Kathy Chase	(605)352-1132		(605)352-1154	kathy.chase@sd.usda.gov
TN	Tom Favreau	(615)783-1364		(615)783-1391	tom.favreau@tn.usda.gov
TX	Joyce McGlothlin	(254)742-9763		(254)742-9735	joyce.mcglothlin@tx.usda.gov
TX	Leon Carey	(254)742-9772		(254)742-9735	leon.carey@tx.usda.gov
UM	Stephanie Taketa	(808)933-8308		(808)933-8327	stephanie.taketa@hi.usda.gov
UT	Kristine Dahlberg	(801)524-4329		(801)524-4406	kristine.dahlberg@ut.usda.gov
VA	Agnes Rollins	(540)433-9126		(540)432-1707	Agnes.rollins@va.usda.gov
VA	Byron Waters	(804)287-1547		(804)287-1784	Byron.Waters@va.usda.gov
VA	Gwen Fender	(804)287-1598		(804)287-1784	Gwen.Fender@va.usda.gov
VI	Bob Coordsen	(352)338-3474		(352)338-3437	bob.coordsen@fl.usda.gov
VI	Roger Taylor	(352)338-3495		(352)338-3437	roger.taylor@fl.usda.gov
VT	Bob McDonald	(802)828-6013		(802)828-6018	bob.mcdonald@vt.usda.gov
VT	Michael Bard	(802)828-6013		(802)828-6090	michael.bard@vt.usda.gov
VT	Rita Weisburgh	(802)828-6003		(802)828-6067	rita.weisburgh@vt.usda.gov
WA	Benjamin (Ed) Reynolds	(360)704-7765		(360)704-7718	WA-grh@wa.usda.gov
WI	Julie Czappa	(715)345-7620	119	(715)345-7699	Julie.Czappa@wi.usda.gov
WV	Scott Mullin	(304)263-6461	110	(304)267-9172	scott.mullin@wv.usda.gov
WY	Shauna Gibbs	(307)233-6722		(307)233-6739	shauna.gibbs@wy.usda.gov

Some more good music for ya! Click on the You-TUBE logo!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

For Sale Signs Home Improvement Shows Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

Signs, Signs, everywhere there's signs..blocked out by the scenery, and wasting my time...(sounds kinda like TESLA)..REDUX

Market Nashville — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:26:40 -0500

I thought about my blog long and hard since last week...I originally published it with the statement listed below, but for some, that wasnt good enough...Sooo...contrary to my thinking, I decided to pull it, or take it down. This was VERY discouraging to me, because in the end all I was trying to do was help. I have/had more faith in the quality of the Realtors on Active Rain than in general because everyone on here seems to WANT to learn more!~ I am even LEAVING some the comments so everyone can read the intial ones left, as I have never been afraid of criticism. I deleted several that were out and out abusive. I also have deleted all of the pictures I personally had taken because examples of what I am talking about, dont seem to be what people want to see!

This was my intial disclaimer

"The following pictures are ones that I have taken on my way to work each day over the past week. I have "whited" out some of the names in order to avoid "issues". My only intention for this blog, is to create awareness, and make suggestions! Nothing is meant personally! Please enjoy the video and music at the end of the blog! Thanks! Bucky

Ask yourself, what is your sign doing for you?

How is your sign portraying your business? How is it portraying your clients home, and what does it represent?"

Over the past couple of weeks, I have noticed MORE AND MORE the For Sale signs in people's yards...some good, some bad, some ugly, and some nice!

My investigation, prior to doing this blog, revealed some interesting persepctives. I would like to share them with you today!

1. Getting a LENDER PARTNER- Some Realtors don't believe in this. None of the signs that I have seen over the past 2-4 weeks have anything to do with a Lender partner. A Lender partner can help you in sooo many ways...just today for example, I stocked a flier box for one of my Realtors. I called another that I am trying to become involved with about their sign having fallen down..at this time, they have not returned my call. NOT having a LENDER PARTNER is a BIG BIG BIG mistake! Rate sheets attached, examples of payments, and working open houses together are just s few QUICK examples!

2. Making sure you have a flier box- I have found during my "investigation", that the general attitude of Realtors who do not have one up is due to them wanting the customer to CALL THEM DIRECTLY off of the sign. BIG MISTAKE!! To me, that is pure arrogance! Or, as I have found thru this blog... in some areas, the flier box is just not allowed! This is sad. Nothing you can really do about this!

3. Most Realtors do not employ a call capture system. This combined with a flier box can be a wonderful way to develop business! Of course, there is a cost. My guess is that quite simply most Realtors do not know about these types of systems! If you have a question about this...email me at Darin@osmwi.com

Think SOLDIER OF FORTUNE!

4. Many of the signs I have seen are tilted, falling down, or in sad shape. Does your company have someone that takes care of this? Or are you personally responsible for doing the work. Either way, going professional all the way is what I am sure everybody wants for their business!

5. It is clear to me, people were offended by my intial post. Well, to that I would say I'm sorry. However, again, if this does nothing but open your eyes to the fact that no matter HOW GOOD a REALTOR you are, sometimes a fresh perspective from "the street" is a good thing! Maybe you should look in the mirror and ask yourself if I offended you, or if it hit home so well that you are really mad at yourself~

6. In no way would I ever want to TACKY UP a For Sale sign! My only suggestion would be to make sure it is in good shape, legible, has all kinds of contact information, and is working FOR YOU, rather than against you! Website information is ALWAYS good on a sign if it fits!

7. Lastly, I am sure that you drive by your listings time & time again. Many of you do not HAVE A PROBLEM with how your equipment looks, but rather than looking at it from YOUR perspective, try looking at the sign from a BUYERS perspective! Do you think that most people have a pen & paper in the car, ready to write down your phone # on their way home from church?? I dont think so..I never did! Do you think from JUST THE OUTSIDE a perspective buyer on a Sunday afternoon can guess how many bedrooms the home has? Many people would say, they can just look it up on the internet...Well, what if they are not online? Dont you think it would be GREAT if they could call an 800#, get information on JUST THIS PROPERTY, in YOUR OWN VOICE, without the hassle of going through the listing line, and putting in a Listing #, etc...and having to navigate the company phone tree? Lastly, wouldnt it be nice to have these perspective buyers phone# and contact information? I think so...because if they are not going to buy THIS HOUSE, they are STILL in the market for one right??...or, why would they have called!

All in all, the SIGN IN THE FRONT yard can do alot for you, or not. What you do with it does reflect on your business to the public, as well as HOW HARD you trying on behalf of the seller to sell their wonderful home!

*************************************************************

Here are some basic and some "not so" basic suggestions regarding signage and it's use!

1. Paint the thing if it is a wooden post!

2. Don't go cheap!

3. Flier box EVERY TIME!- Make sure it is weather proof!

4. Get a Lender Partner- They can help you replenish the fliers and help you defray any costs, as well as supply you with financing deals!

5. GET BETTER FLIERS! Have your Lender partner help you, and if your listing qualifies for financing deals, ADVERTISE IT with additional signage! IE: "THIS HOME QUALIFIES FOR 100% Financing with the USDA"

6. Consider LIGHTING the sign, with a Solar Powered single light! Be the first to do this! You can go with one that is $9.95 aiming UP at the sign like they sell at Lowes or Home Depot, or they make ones that CLIP ON and shine down on the sign! , (about 40 bucks)

7. Make sure your sign is straight, and can easily be seen! Kathleen made a comment on this blog about REFLECTIVE signs...that is an awesome idea too! Thank you!

8. If you attach balloons to the sign for an open house, or any other event, make sure you take them with you and dont let them "die" on the sign!

9. Consider adding a "feature" attachment to the sign...like "waterfront, stables, or other exciting features".

10. Make sure they are easy to add things to..like the texting feature, call capture, or OPEN HOUSE SIGN! In other words, try to go away from Tradional and embrace change! Making sure the sign is versatile it key!

I am a very proud Lender looking to do nothing more than help people sell!

Click on the U TUBE for the video! Enjoy!- Bucky!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Home Improvement Shows Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

To anyone reading this blog, visit www.cancerfuture.org to hear the story about one of our local Business owners, and long time residents! Please help if you can!- Thanks!

The dreaded "Home Improvement Show"- Tips to make it work for YOU and your business!

Market Nashville — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:53:29 -0500

Hello! It's Bucky again! In the past I have done blogs on making a GOLF outing work for you, Open Houses work for you, then another blog on Open Houses, and have even done what I consider inspirational blogs like one on the movie WALL-E. However, today I have decided to try and help my fellow RAINERS by doing one on the dreaded "Home Improvement Show" and making it work for you! This was our booth at the Dane County Fair, and is nothing special....but please read on..

First things first, if you are going to effectively work these shows you HAVE to get a system down.

What I mean by that is that you just cannot "throw things together"..you have to have transportation available for all of the equipment, you will have to be there ON TIME for your loading & un-loading, you have to have someone in charge of materials, you have to have a good booth location based on your business, and you absolutely have to have the BOOTH MANNED with people that are FEARLESS, POSITIVE, and willing to talk to PEOPLE!!

If you do not have the things listed above...bail, and dont do it! NO booth, is better than a bad booth!

Here is a quickie list of some things to put in a rolling TUB, and we will call it your "TRADE SHOW" tub!

1. Duck Tape 2. White Christmas Lights 3. Several long extension chords 4. Several Power Strips 5. Clamp On Lamps/or lights 6. Extra Table Cloths 7. Clothes pins 8. Table Skirts & Clips 9. Velcro 10. A Tool Kit & Tons of extra BUSINESS CARDS!

Here is a Great Website to view on BOOTH ettiquete!

1. A home show normally has a "theme", so STAY with the THEME!

2. Add MUSIC to your booth! - People love this! Jazz,blues, or FUN music!

3. Add a TV in front with DVD's running on it of Disney movies, or popular kids movies like Harry Potter! - This attracts the kiddies, and obviously allows YOU to talk to the parents!

4. Dont put tables IN FRONT OF THE BOOTH for Pete's sake...make your booth inviting..put your tables on the side, or if you have racks of information..put them in the back or on the sides! This draws people INSIDE!!!

5. Have a putting contest...even THOUGH your event or company may have NOTHING to do with Golf...everyone can mini golf! Plus, to enter, you need their info right? You can rent this stuff, and trade show booth companies have all kinds of access to this stuff!

6. Give something away- I like to give away a nice Patio Set...everyone can use them, even in an apartment building...and they may be buyers someday too! Again, you get all their information for the drawing! Another idea might be a HUGE jar of GUMBALLS or something GIANT!

7. Decorate your booth based on the THEME and/or like a home! Dont JUST rely on your company SIGNS etc... Put fake ficus trees, lights, a couch, chairs,tables,lamps,....anything to set it apart! Also, CARPET IT!!! Many companies sell VERY VERY EXPENSIVE booths and design them just for YOUR company! I am not convinced this is necessary UNLESS, you have a "branding" effort working along side the show!

8. Consider hiring a Mascot from the local University and have pictures taken with the kiddies! Give these pictures away! You can add at the bottom, "Courtesy of One Source Mortgage, LLC", and it serves as a reminder of where it came from! Coordinate this effort with your other efforts to DRAW people to your booth...like any print advertising, internet, and/or radio/TV advertising! In our company case, we had Bucky Badger at our booth. We could say on the radio, come out to the "One Source Mortgage, LLC booth, and have your picture taken with Bucky from 1-3pm on Saturday. The Home Show actually had a Board of Events in front of the opening to the Hall, and they put these TIMES on there too!

9. Have applications ready RIGHT THERE IN THE BOOTH, and advertise that! For example, Come out to the Home Show and visit our booth, and get pre-qualifed to purchase a home RIGHT ON THE SPOT! This is easy folks with today's technology!! Talk to your Realtor/Lender Partner!

10. Have people in your "sphere of influence" work WITH YOU in your booth! Cross selling helps everyone, and allows you to split the cost with them too! Additionally, if you are a small company, this helps you MAN the booth!

All in all, these things can be a phenomonal way to solicit your business! If you are a Realtor, what better way to also showcase your listings, and Open Houses! If you are a blogger, it is a GREAT way to solicit your blog! If you are a lender, what's better than someone wanting to IMPROVE THEIR HOME in THIS economy? Nobody has piles of cash just laying around...so they WILL need SOME kind of loan!

Lastly, when you are NOT working your shift, use this opportunity to talk with OTHER show participants about "teaming up", or working together in the future! These shows not only develop business, but also new business partners!

I think this graphic from the Sales institute says it all! Closing the deal is 40% of the transaction! Hence, having a quality SYSTEM inplace, not just to get your booth going, or in dealing with the challenges a home show presents, but also to have a system for following UP WITH THE LEADS your hard work generates is critical!!

You can create all the Sales leads you want, but not following through on them, is the #1 failure by most sales teams!

************

A few words of caution also:

Try not to get caught up in the "complaining" by other booth exhibitors! This happens ALL the time! Remember, mind over matter.."I dont mind, because they don't matter".

Be careful of the other booth people wasting your time! Remember, you are here for a purpose, not to chat with your neighbor! There are breaks, and before & afters for this!

Lastly, work your staff on shorter shifts! This keeps people from getting tired, and wanting to sit down! Be up, friendly, and ready to talk!!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

TARP, HARP, CARP & Kissing your Sister!

Market Nashville — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:42:36 -0500

The Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) is a program of the United States government to purchase assets and equity from financial institutions in order to strengthen its financial sector. It is the largest component of the government's measures in 2008 to address the subprime mortgage crisis.

Did you know that TARP also stands for Tunnel and Reservoir Plan? The official name of Chicago's Deep Tunnel. This project aims to reduce flooding in the metropolitan Chicago area, and to reduce the harmful effects of flushing raw sewage into Lake Michigan.

Hmmm...sounds like they have alot in common! One flushes cash, and one flushes poop!

HARP- Home Affordability Refinance Program

The Home Affordable Refinance Program gives up to 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac an opportunity to refinance into more affordable monthly payments.

Did you know?????

The High Altitude Research Program (HARP) was unique in the history of the space age. For the first time in history, a serious attempt was made to use cannons in place of rockets to explore earth's upper atmosphere and to try to launch satellites.

These programs also have alot in common...Both shot for the moon, and never made it out of our atmosphere!...or to date, even off the ground!

CARP- Cant Allocate Resources Plan

This plan has been introduced by the BUCKY administration as HR "Puff n Stuff" and will be voted on in the House of Representatives tomorrow. The Senate is busy attaching SAME SPECIES ammendents, so it may be a while till it makes it to my desk to sign!

This is a highly wasteful plan that includes bottom feeding by CEO's, omnivorous consumption of goods & services, destruction of habitat, and weakened enviromental protections! It's kinda like kissing your sister....wrong, but still accepted in some states!

And now for the "rest of the story".............

HERA - Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA)

In an effort to keep my fellow LENDERS up to date on the "Changes" in the industry, the deadline for the new HERA changes is RAPIDLY approaching!! Are you ready??

The Newest update to the HERA rules is:

If the APR in the intial Truth in Lending (TIL) increases by more than 0.125%, a corrected TIL disclosure must be furnished at least 3 business days before closing/signing.

HERA, by the way, was both a sister & wife to Zeus. Hera is the Goddess of Childbirth and Marriage. So, Zeus WAS kissing his sister!

JULY 30th, 2009 this all takes affect!

Again, ARE YOU READY???

Funders/Lenders, such as WELLS FARGO, have begun to send LETTERS to all of the title companies that they have done business with, or will do business with! These letters entail all the new TIMING schedules and they have also made SAMPLE calendars available! If you would like a copy, email me..and I will send you one! Darin@osmwi.com

And now for your musical enjoyment!

Click on the YOUTUBE logo!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the links below!

Hijacking is a NO NO! Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog" - The Management

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

Hello Police?? This is Bucky...I've just been HIJACKED! Send help!!

Market Nashville — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:23:34 -0500

I saw this picture and could not resist...sorry...if it is too disturbing for some..please turn away....

Recently, an ugly series of events have been occuring within Active Rain, and other blog sites...and I have heard ALOT of comments about this from agents using Zillow as well. I have come to know this as "HIJACKING SOMEONES BLOG".

Many of us here on AR blog to make ourselves feel better, to provide GREAT CONTENT to other people in our profession, to build relationships, to inform consumers, to get FACTUAL information out about recent events or changes in the industry, and some do it just to "lighten the mood". However, I dont think I have met someone who BLOGS, with the specification intention of inviting people to "WALK ALL OVER THEM, or SOLICIT their business or trade within their blog!"

******************************************

Folks, it's ONE THING if an outside consumer starts trying to take over a blog, EVEN THOUGH that blog was made PUBLIC....IT IS CERTAINLY another though when a long term Active Rainer, or experienced blogger does it to someone else within this community! Personally, I think you should be ashamed of yourself for doing this!

I have always been told that is is "better to beg for forgiveness, than ask for permission", but when it comes to blogging, I have decided that it is directly OPPOSITE of that! There are many people on AR, and in other arenas, that could care LESS if you put a link to YOUR blog, YOUR website, or even to YOUR BUSINESS.

HOWEVER, there are also people like myself, that would merely appreciate an email asking if it is cool! Recently, I emailed Janet Guilbault and asked HER if I could add a link in my response on her blog, to one of MY blogs! She was totally fine about it, and even stated that is was ok in her response to my comments..that way everyone could SEE that it was fine! She, like many others, doesnt care if you put a link in your response! In fact, some people I have spoken to actually encourage it...! Out of courtesy though, why not ask??

***************************************

In the Military, they have a saying...."When in doubt, whip it out"....Obviously, this has to do with the question of superior command or not!

In other words, it is better to errr..on the side of caution!

Recently, I read a blog that was FEATURED, and had been Hijacked to the EXTREME by a fellow rainer! Wow, was that disappointing. I cannot even imagine what a newbie might think, or for that matter, someone who FINALLY got a feature, and then wasnt even given a chance to respond...before someone else took it over!!

That leads me to two other small issues:

1. If you have a blog that is highly contraversial, or very popular, PLEASE do what you can to respond or answer the questions posed within the comments! I believe, that much of the learning comes not from the blog, but from the comments & answers!

2. If you ARE going to comment, ( and I always encourage EVERYONE TO COMMENT) and you have a product or service to sell that might help,aid,fix, or solve a situation...come RIGHT OUT AND SAY IT! Dont be shy! It may NOT be hijacking... Honesty IS the best policy! Dont re-direct, link, or say how much better YOU ARE than the blog author...not cool!

UPDATE 6/26/09- PLease visit TLW's BLOG by clicking HERE. She did a nice job on her "redux" of defining, and setting out the basic rules!

Okay, now I realize, there are no TRUE RULES regarding blogging, but are there rules for being polite? How about rules about being courteous, respectful, and professional? Unfortunately, the "POWERS THAT BE" at Active Rain spend alot of time being referees, fireman, and psychologists!!! Why is this? They should NOT be forced by our actions, to "police" our blogs!

I do understand that there are HEATED BATTLES to come, and when you are dealing with this many TYPE A personalities all in one forum, you are going to have a fair share of arguements....but that does NOT mean we can't have a little forsight, and try to eliminate these issues before they become problems! Our industry is under alot of stress right now, and I believe professionalism might be the only thing still holding it together. Soooo....the next time you type a comment, and you think to yourself...."self", could this be perceived as hijacking.. and the answer comes back I dont know....send an email...!

My two quick solutions to make all the nay sayers happy:

1. Add a comment to the bottom of every blog that says..."I welcome all links"

2. "Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog"

Or, we could leave it up to Active Rain to set rules? Do you really want that??

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions! Darin@Osmwi.com

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the link below!

Undue Influence & the HVCC

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

"Please email me prior to linking or soliciting a product or service on my blog"

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

Two EVIL words for Realtors & Lenders ALIKE to get to know..."Undue Influence"...IMPORTANT information on HVCC rules!

Market Nashville — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:17:17 -0500

Much like many of my posts, I am inspired by something that happened to me, is happening, or has happened to someone else, or in this case, a blog by another ACTIVE RAINER. I spoke to a couple of senior members on this website before I posted this information, because I had considered linking to the blog that inspired me, as well as some of the comments that had been left.. Well, after much thought, I have decided to just post information instead...and let everyone reading draw their own conclusions!

This is a VERY evil two word phrase right now, so be patient and I will tell you why!

First of all, there are NO WAYS AROUND the HVCC rules, period! - I thought I heard an echo.......yes, now I know I heard an echo! You simply cannot and should not, get around these rules!

Obviously by now, we ALL KNOW about, and are complaining about this ruling!

That is NOT the point of this blog!

Click here for a direct link to the HVCC rules!

Recently, the issue had been brought up regarding a REALTOR meeting the APPRAISER at the home and providing Comparables to said appraiser!

There are many quality Realtors like Lenn Harley that believe it is part of their JOB and responsibility to be there, especially if they are the listing agent! In this market, I AGREE! However, BE CAREFUL what you say!

Well, I was concerned about this, and did QUITE a bit of investigation on this topic PRIOR to writing this blog....and HERE is what I found out!

*****************************************************************

Here is a qoute from an Account Executive first, then I will follow with my other comments:

"Darin,
I heard back from a few different sources and they all agreed that no, a realtor would not be allowed to meet with the appraiser or give comps to the appraiser. Per the code could be looked at as undue influence on the appraisal."

Well, I didnt stop there. I then phoned a company that does 3rd party appraisals through RES DIRECT, which is Wells Fargo's "go to" company. I spoke to the "Head Honcho" there, and this is what he said...paraphrased....(btw- he preferred to remain anonymous, as well as their company)..I am currently honoring that wish!

His thoughts were that there is NOTHING wrong with a REALTOR (obviously in most cases the listing agent) meeting the appraiser at the home. He even went on to say that if they provide COMPS in a nice, professional folder, and dont TALK to them about value... he considers that just fine! He also thought it would be okay to walk around WITH the appraiser answering questions about the home, but again, HE STRESSED to NOT discuss home values or the current market conditions!

HERE is where it gets tricky and very precarious for a REALTOR! My contact went on to say that he receives a DAILY "UNDUE INFLUENCE REPORT". This report details Realtors that have been mentioned BY THE APPRAISERS THEMSELVES or the 3rd party COMPANY that employs the appraisers, for CALLING EXCESSIVELY, or for trying to "persuade them", or even ASKING questions regarding "pitfalls" and if they used or will be using a specific comparable etc..etc..etc.. In NO UNCERTAIN TERMS if he gets a Report on an ACTIVE LOAN with a REALTOR that has been mentioned on his "Undue Influence Report", WELLS FARGO will NOT BUY THE LOAN! Keep in mind, now we are not just talking about being there when the appraisal is done, we are also talking about KILLING THE DEAL!

I then took it ANOTHER STEP further...and spoke to 2 different appraisers! One of them I have never met in person, and only have had 1 transaction EVER with! She stated that she has NO PROBLEM with a LISTING agent meeting her at the house, but does consider a REALTOR providing her comps to use as "undue influence". Her logic is that the REALTOR is assuming she doesnt know how to do her job, and that by providing them, they are telling her where to look!

The 2nd appraiser felt ALMOST exactly the same. What she went on to say though was that even if a REALTOR provides COMPS for her to review, that they OBVIOUSLY still look up their own! However, there have been many cases where the COMPS provided actually MATCHED case for case on the ones that she used! She complimented Realtors for the job they do, but did say that they have a hard time understanding the rules THEY must follow concerning distance, recency of sale, size, and adjustment values!

********************************

IN THE END, it truly does not matter HOW you feel about this subject, the rules are the rules! Obviously, these rules were created by the mis-use of the LENDER/APPRAISER relationship, and undoubtedly, were made worse by the pressure being put on the Lender by the REALTORS and buyers/sellers alike!

Here are DIRECT QOUTES from the HVCC rules:

Section 1

Sub-section B

requesting that an appraiser provide an estimated, predetermined, or desired valuation in an appraisal report prior to the completion of the appraisal report, or requesting that an appraiser provide estimated values or comparable sales at any time prior to the appraiser's completion of an appraisal report;

Or, Section IV

Sub-Section B

the lender, or its agents, and any appraisal company or appraisal management company providing the appraisal to the lender do not provide the appraiser any estimated or target value of the property or the loan amount applied for (except that a copy of the sales contract for purchase transactions may be provided);

UNDUE INFLUENCE - While they specifically mention LENDERS many time, they also list the word AGENTS too! This is being INTERPETED as Realestate Agents! My guess, is that the NEXT change involving HVCC will include the SPECIFIC words, REALTOR, REALESTATE BROKER,SELLING AGENT,LISTING AGENT and the like!....sooooooooooooo

Get to know it, and stay the heck away from it!

It's only 6 pages long! If you want a copy, email me at Darin@osmwi.com

Ill send you one!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions!

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the link below!

Mortgages, so easy a Caveman can do them! HERA RULES

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

Mortgages: SO EASY A CAVEMAN can do them!

Market Nashville — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:41:24 -0500

Apparently, the general consensus amongst many people is that Mortgages are easy to do and that communication solves everything! Well, today I have decided to give everyone a glimpse into my life in the Mortgage business. True enough, maybe the actual MORTGAGE is easy, but it is the "hunting & gathering" that is the problem! I realize that many people can already appreciate that things have become more challenging, but I truly want you to know that I AM NOT A CAVEMAN and it is not easy!

8:08 am, got to office, large coffee.

Turned on computer, checked email, had 38 emails since 10:30 the night before. Responded to most.

8:45am - checked voicemail, had 17 messages since 6:39pm the night before.

9:00 am - Attended online Training Webinar with Fannie Mae/DO. It lasted 50 minutes!

10:00 am - Met APPRAISER at "fixer upper" house I am doing a USDA loan on!

10:30 am - Checked voicemail, 7 messages, checked email, 18 more.

10:35 am - Reviewed email from Gerry Suarez regarding the new Condo Mortgagee Letter, and told him I would go over it tonite and cover with group on conference call tomorrow. Printed document and noticed it is 14 pages long.

Answered questions from 2 different Realtors all the while I was reviewing my email, and also showed one Realtor how to figure out PMI costs, and gave them the website link.

11:00 am - Visited with Edward Jones Rep who I swap business with...Note, so far, only bit of marketing.

11:30 am - Ran to Quick Trip, spent $2.10 on two hot dogs & a JUMBO coke!

11:45 am - Answered online questionaire for Bank of America about loan volume, # of loans closed etc...as they are threatening to cut us off, as we don't send them enough business.

Took a hot tub..as the caffeine has now worn off, and the Coke is not enough! Wait, I said I am NOT a CAVE MAN!

12:15 - Inputted New Loan Application, Ran Credit, and prepped all of the USDA documents. Filled out reservation of funds forms, called USDA rep, he didnt call back, called title company and got the CPL & Wiring instructions.

12:30 called C21 agent to find out where title is for another loan..he didnt answer, didnt answer earlier email, and all I need is name & phone number of title company. Short Sale and dont think he cares!

12:38 - Heard the quote of the day. "Patience is not a virtue, it is an expectation"

12:55 - Filled out USDA documents for another customer, and while doing that, answered her call and she said she would be late for our 1pm appointment. She could be there at 1:15. I complied...because, that is what we do. We adapt, we overcome..etc..

1:00 Tried to reply to disparaging blog comments, but lost the stomach for it...maybe the hot dogs..but more than likely the stupidty factor was involved...Either way...it was a waste of time.

1:15 - Met with customer who was late. She only had a few minutes as she overcommitted, so she signed required documents and took off. Still don't have the bids I was promised two months ago!

1:30 - Answered a call from Sally & David Hanson on one of the 2 deals I am working on with them. One is going well, the other still looking for the right house! We discussed business for about 15 minutes, and I had to go, as I had an underwriter on the line.

1:45 - Spoke to underwriter on my bosses mortgage loan. Her loan was suspended because even though it is a Vacation home, it showed up on an underwriter search with WELLS FARGO as a Vacation Rental. Ad was run 2 1/2 years ago, and forgotten about. Wells has to call it now an INCOME PROPERTY! Hmm...great next call I am sure you can guess! Btw- Good credit, no debt, 67%LTV.

2:00- Called C21 agent again, no answer, no return call, no email. Called Wells Rep to discuss loan, no answer, no return call, no email. Took a walk-in question, and answered a panicking call from another client who is being threatend by his exwife to pay up on equity that is no longer in the house. In addition, I cannot get him the loan because she pocketed the house payments, and they went into pre-foreclosure.

2:15-4:00 pm- worked on loans all day. This included talking with multiple customers, walk ins, situations with employment, an insurance agent who would not insure the house for the sale price, OR give it 125% replacement cost. Responded to more emails, filed a complaint at AR about a dishonest member, typed 2 pre-qualification letters and ran DU on 1 file, DO on 1 file.

4:14 pm - Received Appraisal that was done in the morning from appraiser! Came in 23k above Sale Price, and 30k under assessed value. (YES YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY) One more reason HVCC sucks! How's that for service folks!!

4:30 pm - Made multiple phone calls, c21 agent again as I NEED the information for my submission, 3 different APPRAISERS to get some info on the HVCC rules regarding contact with Listing agents, ALL with no return calls, called & emailed Wells Rep, no call back.

4:45 pm- Sold my ski boat

5:00- Ex girlfriend called me and is getting married!

5:15 - Returned more calls, started writing this blog.

5:22 - Blog on Hold for a little bit.

5:30 Interuppted again by more emails, so I had to respond. In addition, I reviewed 19 page FLASH TOPICS update from Wells Fargo that covered Additional Details for the Implementation of the HERA Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act,Hazard Insurance on Condominiums: Unit Owners Improvements and Betterments Policy, and Clarification: Subordinate Financing - Including DAPs - Will be Allowed with LTVs Greater than 80% (note, we get these types of things every other day)

6:00 pm - Didnt go home for dinner. Worked on Files

6:30 pm - worked with customer for 30 mins on credit issues, and structuring an LOX!

7:18 pm finally got an email from Agent on Short Sale Title, but no phone call! Great, I can call tomorrow. 1 more day delay that I will be blamed for!

More file work...........

Here it is 8:18pm, and I am finishing my BLOG.

About to hit publish. Please UNDERSTAND! One & all - while reading this...Realtor, Lender, Appraisers,Title Companies, AR Gods,Home Inspectors, and Commentors Alike...THIS WAS ONLY PART OF MY TRUE DAY!

We are busy in more ways than one! Time Management is ALMOST out the window! When I try to practice it, I am told that I dont return my calls promptly! Having an office assistant is not the answer...as I know that is what you were thinking...Understanding, Cooperation,Trust,Realtionship Building & more than anything, the willingness to accept change are the answer!

This job is not easy, and most certainly a CAVE MAN cannot do it!
It has progressed way beyond check stubs & w2's, so please dont tell me if I can do Cave Paintings I should be able to close a loan in 12 days!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions!

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the link below!

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

Search & HOLD!!! SEARCH AND HOLD....SEARCH & HOLD!

Market Nashville — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:22:57 -0500

"A Search and Hold provides information of record as to the current property owner, to be used for reference when listing a property."

This product also advises the Realtor and Lender of any potential pitfalls such as an IRS lien, unreleased mortgage, 2nd or 3rd mortgage,lis pends, other names in title, divorce's old & new, as well as trusts etc..etc...etc...etc..! In addition, it shows AMOUNTS OWED....that allows EVERYONE to JUST DO THE MATH!

I REALIZE that Realtors already UNDERSTAND what this is! so...please dont attack me for being BASIC!

HOWEVER, I don't understand why they are not used as often as they should be? Here in Wisconsin, some of the Realestate firms have an ownership interest in a Title Company for pete sake......soooo....it cannot be the cost factor.

So, what is the reason? You tell me!!

Recently, I have had 4 seperate deals with title issues that could not, or would not be solved. These came up ONLY AFTER we had already waited 2 months for a contract to be approved, I had fielded over 2 dozen phone calls from the buyer, I had MET with the buyer "just stopping by" over 6 times, and I had HOURS UPON HOURS into the deal! These deals all had ONE THING IN COMMON....

If a Search & Hold had been performed the buyer would have moved on to a different house!

*********************************************************

Like many Lenders & Realtors today, we spend more time educating our borrowers than EVER BEFORE!

This has always been important to me personally, and our company...however, now it is at an all time EXTREME LEVEL!

At some point though these borrowwers, loan applications, or Prospects do become a Ball & Chain! So, I ask you, at what point do we cut them loose? I know it is difficult for anyone to do...but time wise, and based on current market conditions, this is CRITICAL to TIME MANAGEMENT!

Are we horrible people for doing this?..I say no...Are we letting a potential "sale" go to someone else?...maybe, but I doubt it!

Are we letting our customer down by "cutting the chain??" You never know..we might be doing them a favor!

****************

All in all, I personally believe a Search & Hold should be done by each and every REALTOR that lists a property today!! For Sale by Owners that you are trying to convert to listings need to know this too, and this gives you ONE MORE BIT OF AMMO to make the sale, doesnt it?

Today's market is littered with pitfalls, and I think we all need to be about ELIMINATING as many of them as "potentials" as SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Our time is valuable, and we create value by proper Time Management, being true to our word, and being as upfront as possible! If we cannot do the deal, we need to KNOW UP FRONT! That way, the consumer can move on to a different home before they fall in love with one they cannot get!

****************************

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions!

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the link below!

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

3 "Quickies" for Realtors! - You asked for education, here it is!

Market Nashville — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:16:57 -0500

I have had 3 things come up lately that ARE LITTLE THINGS...that have turned into BIG things...so I am sharing with everyone as a learning experience! These are pitfall items that can cause you grief at the end of a transaction! Let's deal with them up front shall we??

1. Chattel- On the OTP

It is defined as follows:

Personal as opposed to real property; any tangible movable property (furniture or domestic animals or a car etc) or,

An item of tangible movable or immovable property except real estate and things (as buildings) connected with real property

In other words, something that is not attached to the home like a LAWN TRACTOR, the family PET, Big Screen Tv, etc..etc..

This has come up several times recently, so I thought I would address this in a blog, as well as give you some verbiage that would help eliminate the problem if it MUST be put in the OTP!

Here are a couple of language choices you can use to eliminate this problem! Especially with in-experienced lenders, this will come up at the last minute and bite you...so be aware! I would check also with your local Board of Realtors to see what THEY might have to put in there already typed up!

"Stove & Refrigerator are not included in the purchase price" (this one is only an example..so CHECK with your local Board of Realtors on this one, or company. It may also vary from State to State)

"Walter Filtration System,Shed & Hot tub are of no value to the borrower and at no cost to the borrower!" (this one is an ACTUAL example, and is exact wording from JP morgan chase on a recently CLOSED LOAN)

If you deal with ONLY a local small town bank or Credit Union, this may not be an issue....

Point of the whole thing is to TALK WITH YOUR LENDER PARTNER!!!

***********************

2. Power of Attorney

"A legal document allowing one person to act as the agent of another"

This one is HUUUUGGGEEE!

I realize that as a listing agent, you can only be as good as the SELLER IS TRUTHFUL!

Hence, a POA, or Power of Attorney, in some cases MAY NOT BE accepted! PLEASE do not assume that it will be...get a copy of it...and provide it to the LENDER right away! Send it over at the same time as the OTP and earnest money! That way, the LENDER can determine with his/her underwriter if it is acceptable, ONCE AGAIN, at the BEGINNING, or FRONT END of the transaction!

Furthermore, if there is any kind of a Trust Involved, Will...etc....always good to have COPIES of those documents handy! Sadly, yes, even a Death Certificate! YES it is YOUR BUSINESS! YES, it MAY come up! Wouldn't it be nice to just HAVE in your file if needed? If there was/is an attorney involved, it is also good to have THEIR name & phone# available as well! More than anything, in a situation such as this, the TITLE COMPANY will need this information!

*****************************************

3. Earnest Money

"Money paid as a deposit to show intent to buy or to reserve an item to be purchased; especially, money accompanying an offer to buy real estate"

In the past, it has been acceptable to just send over a copy of the check, along with a receipt from the Realestate firm that holds the money and we were good to go! Well, dependent upon the program, the underwriting departments are now taking it just a LITTLE FURTHER...

Now, they are asking for Proof that not only the customer PAID the money, but that it has also cleared their bank!! Why you ask?? Well, let's say for a second that the buyer was REALLY CLOSE on verifying enough in their bank accounts to close on their home! However, if the bank statement provided or verification of deposit provided does NOT have that money deducted from it yet...they will be short to close! This is mostly prevelant on 1st Time Home Buyer loans, and should be part of the discussion both on the Realtor side, as WELL AS THE LENDER SIDE!!

*****************************

Obviously, these situations are subject to lender overlays, as well as the TYPE of loan that the buyer is aplying for! HOWEVER, if you get into the habit of following these 3 simple suggestions..(and you may already), you will be able to help eliminate some of the last minute snafu's that are starting to pop up!

Thanks for reading & Keep selling!

-Darin-

As always, I welcome your concerns,comments,issues and suggestions!

You can suscribe to my blog by clicking HERE, or by clicking on the ICON below!

Feel free to check out a few of my more popular blogs by clicking on the link below!

Open House Suggestions Open House Suggestions 2 Golf Outings Wall-E USDA Loans

What do I need for Pre-approval? Buying a Fixer Upper What is a pre approval?

What is a search & hold and why dont we use them?

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003!

UPDATE- 6/8/09 Spoke to MY title company....they stated Transfer of EMD from acct to acct is State Specific...Hence, they suggested that if a borrower places the escrow with ONE First American office, closing at another First American office will make for an easier paper trail and transfer of funds!

One of our own QUOTED on BLOOMBERG! Congrats to Tom Burris!

Market Nashville — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:09:18 -0500

Well, he is an ACTIVE RAINER, an Evil Mortgage Genius, and a Cowboys Fan, but now he is also a "Guru of Wall st".

Congrats to TOM BURRIS! You do not JUST get the GOLD STAR, as I am also bestowing upon you the "BLUE STAR"!

Tom was quoted in this article on Bloomberg.Com by Brian Louis talking about the rising interest rates!

You can access the article by clicking HERE!

Tom said:

"If people hear that rates are going up, I think they hesitate a little bit," said Tom Burris, a mortgage banker at Supreme Lending in Dallas. "After a while the reality sets in that 5.5 is much better than 8 percent that we had ten years ago. It's a good rate, it's a fair rate."

This is not only great notoriety for Tom personally, but also a testament to his experience,knowledge, willingness to learn, and his active participation on Active Rain! Whenever someone is featured, interviewed or contributes information on a National Scale, we need to congratulate them and embrace this within our community!

You can also visit Tom's website by Clicking HERE!

I am pleased to be associated with Tom Burris, and to say that I am in a group here on Active Rain with him!

Please join me in congratulating him, and again, you can find the article by clicking on the ICON below!

Thanks for visiting!

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, please click on the link below!

Keep selling!

Darin

You can contact me at Darin@osmwi.com

608-592-2227

Oh Great..More BS from the Guvt! HERA Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act

Market Nashville — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:57:39 -0500

I received an update yesterday from Wells Fargo, and as usual, they are getting in front of the change! YEAH for them! Here is what I received...PAY ATTENTION LOAN OFFICERS!

One more thing we can thank WALL ST for..

However, are any of these REALLY bad ideas??

Only one I SEE, is that NOW, and I am getting clarification, we will have to disclose TWICE?? Arghh...

Oh and NICE APR suggestion! People still dont even know what the APR is?? Now, we can really call the Truth in Lending disclosure, the Truth & Confusion form!

For all of you who would like me to be specific..this MAY BE a "Lender overlay", but I doubt it! More than likely if the lender you fund with hasn't published something similar, they will be following suit. Wells Fargo tends to be a leader, not a follower!

Now....

The Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act, effective July 30, 2009, part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008, specifies new requirements for the disclosure portion of the loan application and fulfillment process. Highlights of these changes include:

Collection of Fees: No fees, other than a bona fide and reasonable credit report fee, can be charged prior to the applicant's receipt of the initial Truth-In-Lending (TIL) disclosure.

New Business Day Definition: Saturdays are now considered a business day for purposes of disclosure receipt. Business days will include all calendar days except Sundays and federal holidays.

Timing of Disclosures: Early disclosures must still be provided no later than three business days after receipt of an application. Under the new rule, early disclosures must also be provided at least seven business days before closing/signing.

Early Disclosure: The initial Truth-in-Lending (TIL) disclosure is required to be provided to the borrower on both purchase and refinance transactions involving a borrower's principal or secondary dwelling.

APR Change: If the APR increases by more than 0.125 percentage points from the value last disclosed to the borrower, a corrected Truth in Lending (TIL) disclosure must be furnished to the borrower at least three business days before closing/signing.

Re-Disclosure Mailing Period: When corrected disclosures are mailed, the borrower is presumed to have received their corrected disclosures three business days after mailing.

Here is what WELLS FARGO said about THEIR view on HERA!

"Wells Fargo Wholesale Lending continues to evaluate the requirements set-forth by HERA. We are committed to keeping you informed of changes taking place in our industry and here at Wells Fargo. Look for more information over the coming weeks."

Much like the TAX CREDIT, I will wait and see...and if it happens it happens....it is what it is....do what you have to do....we are going to play them ONE DAY AT A TIME....oh, sorry for all the metaphors! NOT!

I have heard Realtors,Consumers,Appraisers,The general pulic,TV,News Media, and others asking for more "transparency"...HUH?? How much more do we really need until we get a grip...and start asking the customer to accept some responsibility?? We already have 27 documents we have to have signed...now, we are going to have to have 12 more?? Sweet! I can't wait!

Thank you?

As always, I welcome ALL of your comments, questions, concerns and issues!

If you prefer, you can email me at Darin@osmwi.com, or call me at 608-592-2227

Subscriber to my blog or check my other postings by clicking below!

Do you have a Wells Fargo Loan? If so click here!

Proudly Serving the ENTIRE State of Wisconsin since 2003

I am going to Mascot School!

The 2nd 12 OPEN HOUSE SUGGESTIONS! Let the debate continue....

Market Nashville — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:11:02 -0500

Do you make assumptions about OPEN HOUSES, because they have not worked in the past?? Well, DON'T DO IT! Don'put the cart before the house, I mean horse!! LOL....Remember, this is from a "Lenders Perspective!"

I did a blog a couple of months ago, that was recently featured, and after such an overwhelmingly GREAT response...I thought I would GIVE AWAY 12 more ideas!

I would be honored if you re-blogged me, and as always, whether you agree, or disagree, I would LOVE to hear your comments!

*DISCLAIMER* These suggestions MAY NOT work for REO'S!

LET THE DEBATE CONTINUE..........................

1. HAVE A BLOCK PARTY!!!! You know, you could do this on a Saturday later in the day..like 4-7 or so...Make this open fun, and invite the neighborhood! At least you will use up your punch and cookies! Fun Music, and maybe even a THEME!!

2. Have the OPEN HOUSE on the same day as OTHER open houses in the area! USE everybody else's traffic DRIVING to STEER people into YOUR open! If you, or your company has mutliple open houses, consider adding a MAP to them on your website! Consider also, having an OPEN HOUSE on the SAME DAY as a Community Garage Sale! Already alot of traffic & business in town..use it!

3. Broker Open House- This serves SEVERAL purposes. It shows off YOUR property vs the others, and allows the other brokers/agents to be PICKY, and tell YOU what is wrong with the home from their perspective! That buys you TIME to either spruce up the area, or even repair or FIX the area! Offer a prize ALSO at this Open house! Realtors like FREE things, cash, and FOOD!

4. DONT FORGET THE MEN & THE MAN CAVE!!

Folks, we always seem to focus on the family things and even going back to the VICTORIAN times there is/was a "parlor" and "sewing" room!

Well, NOW, we have Man Caves! If there is a BAR, turn on the lights, turn on the flat panel to ESPN, and if there is a pool table, put the balls out on it....this way, the GUY can imagine playing POOL or PINBALL in this room! If it has THEATRE or Media room, pop popcorn and have the movie TOP GUN playing, NOT When Harry Met Sally!

5. PERUUUSSEEE the FSBO websites like FSBO.com, and build an email list, and send them emails and/or INVITE CARDS! OBVIOUSLY, they are in the market to BUY a home, and if their house does not SELL FSBO (which statistics will agree with), guess what...you already have an in! LIST IT BABY!!

6. Create an OPEN HOUSE TUB, or "Broker Bucket" for your car! This way, you are never looking for things at the last minute, and everything you need is in the Rubbermaid! You might even want to have a small cooler available as well, so when you go to the store, you can put the cheese, sodas, ice & water, straight into the cooler!

7. DON'T FORGET THE KIDS!! This one is big! If people BRING their kids with them, the kids either are BORED TO DEATH, or get into trouble! BE PREPARED! Have coloring books,crayons,markers, and a place they could sit down, either inside or out! It will show you care, and again put it into a "family" perspective! These items go into your "BROKER BUCKET!"

** Note ** I used to DJ, and received COMPLIMENT AFTER COMPLIMENT for YEARS....because I always included the KIDS at a reception! It applies here too!

8. Contact ALL the of the Employment Recruiters in YOUR AREA! Make sure you send THEM invites to the open house! It creates one more email/maling list, and because more often than not they are recruiting people to MOVE to your area...guess what, they get a new job, the want to buy a new house, and best of all, they need FINANCING! (ok, that one was for me!)

9. Dont fight the neighbors, INVITE the neighbors! Yes, yes..I know, you are thinking...the neighbors are just going to WASTE your time, not sign in, and are just out "kicking tires"...but you know...SO WHAT! You never know...they may know someone at work that is looking, or a friend, or even a FAMILY member...Best part, is that people like this want to LIVE BY PEOPLE they know! Especially in RURAL areas, or small towns! Things tend to get "clicky"...so take advantage of it!

10. Contact the TITLE company that is in your "sphere of influence". Not only will THEY be able to forward your invite on to the people in THEIR sphere, but often times they might even have someone WORKING THERE that would be interested in seeing it! I have closed 11 loans for people that work AT my title companies! Some Title Companies sponsor home buyer seminars in person, or on the web! Talk with them, as they may know OTHER places to send the information,hang a flier, or send an invite!

11. THE FRONT PORCH! I have read TONS of articles that all agree, curb appeal is huge right?? WHY NOT dress up the front porch?? Put in a swing! YES I said that..PUT IN a swing! Maybe add a little bistro table and 2 chairs with a candle and potted plant..etc.. USE YOUR IMAGINATION and focus on the style or trends within the neighborhood!

12. Consider Demographics! Because the fastest growing part of the population (40% growth) is the Hispanic demographic..consider the "culture" when running ads, and where you place them! Again, work with your lender partner to have fliers,brochures, and the MLS fliers in SPANISH! I know Calyx Software and others have a "language" options on them for printing open house fliers! USE them!!

All in all, there are MANY MANY other suggestions, but HERE is a big sentence RUN-0N of a bunch of others...that everyone should consider!

Professional Organizations that have newsletters like Churches,Fraternites,Sororities,AARP,Rotary,Kiwanis,Lions,Moose,Womens Organizations,Businessman's assocations. Hang up fliers at Trainstations,bus stations,Apartment Complex's, and whatever you do...DONT FORGET THE DRIP CAMPAIGN! USE ROBOTIC MARKETING for all of your leads...If they dont buy today, and you dont have time to stay in touch with them yourself, have your assistant do it, or PAY the money and DRIP THEM!! It works!

As always, I encourage everyone to comment, or if you prefer...you can contact me directly at 608-592-2227, or email at Darin@osmwi.com

To subscribe to my blog please click the "VIEW BLOG" button below!

Also, I included my most popular "quick links" for your convenience!

The FIRST 12 Suggestions

USDA Loans

Condo Tips

Golf Outing Tips

What do I need to provide for approval?

Proudly serving the ENTIRE State of Wisconsin since 2003

GOLF OUTINGS! Tips & Ideas to MAKE THEM ACTUALLY WORK!!

Market Nashville — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:04:20 -0500

This looks nice huh?? I have worked over 22 different golf outings in the last 11 years, and here is my SHORT LIST of suggestions to make them WORK FOR YOU and/or your business! One question before we begin though....Do you have business cards on you right now??

1. GET assigned a PAR 3 hole if possible! (more on that later)

2. Give away an item for closest WOMAN to the PIN! SPA treatment or day,massage, etc..etc Here's the rub, many GOLF OUTINGS are designed as "play times" for THE GUYS! Women are ignored quite often at these events and dont WIN as many prizes! It is nice to do something JUST for them!

3. Give away BOTTLED water! With all the BOOZE being guzzled at these events, remain CLASSY, and HAND THEM TO PEOPLE as they get up to the tee box!

4. Have the golf carts pre-loaded with something from your company that is TOTALLY different than most! PLEASE dont give out coozies! We have WAYYY to many of these already! Example, maybe a nice green repair tool! Everyone needs these, and few people OWN a nice one!

5. Bring a WEBER grill OUT TO the hole! COOK OUT JOHNSONVILLE BRATS right at the hole! People need FOOD to soak up the booze, and will need food to use the FREE water to wash down! (notice a pattern here?) The smell is fantastic too!

6. DRESS UP YOUR HOLE! Attach long stringed balloons to the tee markers, and if you have a "TARGET" or banner with your company LOGO on it, place it somewhere on the green so it can be seen from the tee box! (more on THAT later)

7. This is a simple one, MEET & GREET each person, and have ONLY POSITIVE, WINNING ATTITUDE, people working at the hole! Ask THEM for a business card, and give them ONE of yours! This creates a followup list for THANK YOU'S, other invites & events, ezines & newsletters! Do this when giving them the water! see # 3

8. If a local SPORTING EVENT of issue is going on...dont be afraid to give UPDATES to people! For example, if there is a baseball game on...bring a radio, and in between groups, turn it on! NOBODY DOES THIS!!! YOU will be a hit! (Yes, I know that was a pun)

9. Have at least ONE QUESTION ready for each Realtor that comes along...about a program,product, or service! You can use this as a "test market" to see what the general understanding is, and keep NOTES! PAR 3's are great because they are slower than the other holes, and people get held up waiting for the group in front of them to get off the green!

10. Dress NICELY and/or in company shirts..etc...but be a team..Dress similar! Red shirts, kahki shorts etc... I know, youll end up looking like you work at Best buy...so what! It's one day! :)

-NOW-

Let's get back to #1 & #6

GET INVOLVED WITH A CHARITY LIKE:

- OR -

Have a seperate $1 challenge for charity! This raises awareness AND helps the charity! This is also where your banner comes into play....Offer this to the golfers and say, if you LAND your shot on the TARGET or BANNER you win a DVD player...or...Home Depot gift card..or something like that! $1 per chance! Like a "birdies for charity" thing...and I am sure that the people RUNNING this will put it on the program or the announcer will...or on the EVENTS card in each cart! Again, MORE awareness for your company AND for the charity! A WIN WIN! Best part is, when the outing is over,you call the charity, newspapers, chamber of commerce etc...and do a CHECK presentation! Newspaper puts the check giving in the paper...good pub...maybe even TV picks it up as a "local event"...Charity wins because they get coverage AND MONEY, you win because it is free advertising for you and your company!

MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW UP WITH ALL LEADS YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THESE OUTINGS WITHIN 48 hours or they will get stale, and YOU will be harder to remember!

**** LAST BUT NOT LEAST! ****

IF you want to go big time....................

If the PAR 3 is a LAND HOLE....buy the insurance, have a hole in one contest, and put a Harley Davidson Motorcycle out there...or if you are eco friendly, A PRIUS!

If the Par 3 is a water hole, or ISLAND HOLE, buy the insurance, and put a SEA DOO out there in the water, or a bass boat!

You can find the insurance to purchase by going to: http://www.holeinoneinsurance.com/

or by clicking HERE!

I hope you enjoyed these ideas, and good luck at your next outing!

Here is also a GREAT website to vist to purchase all kinds of COOL stuff! www.rightpathmarketing.com

As always, if you have any questions, comments, issues or concerns, please direct them to Darin@osmwi.com or 608-592-2227 Also, any additional GREAT ideas will be posted as UPDATES on the bottom of this blog!!!

If you enjoyed this blog you can subsribe by clicking on the icon below!

Proudly Serving the ENTIRE State of Wisconsin since 2003

Update#1- I received a suggestion today from a person that has sponsored a KEG on the course..etc..and/or cigars for people! I am not so sure that is the way I WOULD go...but i said I would post it! - Thanks!...Darin

Update#2- Anyone who wants to cut & paste this material, or RE-BLOG ME, is TOTALLY WELCOME TO!
Thanks again!

Update #3- SELL MULLIGANS for charity!!!

Bucky

A Development in Rural Development! USDA UPDATE!! Information IS EDUCATION!

Market Nashville — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:56:44 -0500

Well, today I emailed my Account REP at JP Morgan Chase, to let him know that we are STILL ALIVE & WELL! I asked him if there have been any changes I need to be aware of, or pitfalls..etc...regarding USDA LOANS, and the "as improved" product, ...and this was his response! (see below)

My most EXCELLENT Partners!

"The biggest change on Chase's end is that we now pull a tri merge credit report and use that for the underwriting of the loan."

"You may want to begin using Equifax for your credit reports on GRH loans with Chase to avoid there being any significant differences on FICO scores."

______________________________________________________________________-

Just food for thought folks! Also, we received this word of warning from the USDA today!

May 27, 2009

Record High Volume May Impact Approval Turnaround

Rural Development has an on-going commitment to the success of the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Program (SFHGLP). Rural Development state and field offices embrace the importance of assisting lenders in expediting all requests for loan approvals (Conditional Commitments) and Loan Note Guarantees in a timely and accurate manner. Recognizing many Rural Development state and field offices are encountering record high volume of new loan activity, delivery of new loan approvals within the standard 48-hour turnaround time may not be met by Rural Development in all cases. Rural Development staff must review each loan commitment request to determine eligibility for the SFHGLP as part of the quality control process. Rural Development staff must also issue final Loan Note Guarantees on these same files after loan closing, upon receipt of the Lender's closing package.

Lenders are asked to take note of this possible delay in loan approvals and should plan accordingly when scheduling loan closings and executing interest rate locks. In order to meet the closing date of your transaction, we ask that you please send your complete application packages to Rural Development as far in advance of the anticipated closing date as is possible. Late submissions of application packages may place your tentative closing dates in jeopardy during this time of high demand for the program.

Click HERE to understand how USDA loans work!

Again, these are great loans! Laying out expectations seems to be the key!

Thanks!

As always, I encourage questions, comments, suggestions and conerns!

Darin@osmwi.com

608-592-2227

Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the icon below!

Proudly Serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003

If you advertise it, will they come? AN OPEN question to open houses! 12 great suggestions!

Market Nashville — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:43:58 -0500

This is a VERY interesting topic, and came up with a REALTOR I spoke to JUST last night!! She is a 20 year Vet of the industry, and doesnt believe in OPEN HOUSES! Well, I DISAGREE! I have made alot of REALTOR contacts at them, customers that may not have bought that particular home, but still bought another one, and many great prospects and friends! We need to REVERSE this attitude! Also, and let me be loud and clear, saying something like, "well, that doesnt work in our area of the country" is ridiculous! Prosepcting is prospecting, no matter where you live!

I have LENT MONEY to people all over the United States in my 20 year career, and my biggest suggestion to everyone reading this is DONT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS! Do not pre-judge! Our JOB is to offer the product we provide or sell, and let the customer decide! "You cannot sell it, if it isnt offered!"

From a LENDERS perspective, here are my suggestions!

I would post it on the following websites for a start, not just the newspaper.

www.craigslist.com, but be careful..I have heard some nasty things latety from women that have been stalked on here after posting something!

Your company website

Your city or town website, for example: www.madison.com

All the newpapers electronic websites for local newspapers

Shopper stopper

Then: Here are my other specific ideas

1. Contact other REALTORS and make sure THEY KNOW about this! Talk to the TOP 10 producers in your area, and call them and send them an email!

2. Talk with your lender partner, and have THEM get an email campaign going with you! EZINE!!! SHARE perspective leads! "repitition is the mother of learning"

3. Get a renter list, and send invites to them. Have a calling nite to followup on the mailer.

4. Have a prize or give away at the open house..For example, get your lender partner to contribute half, towards a grill to be given away...Here's the rub: When people are sheepish about "signing in", this will allow you to "register them" for the grill, or nights stay, or whatever gift for your area would be COOL! Trick here is that whoever doesn't win, STILL gets a call to let them know by the lender, and you can work on selling them! THEN, if they finance with you, or work with you, let them know you will give them a NEW grill for the home anyway!

5. Get flags, banners, balloons, and make sure THIS PLACE stands out big time! Directionals from downtown to home as well!

6. Have nicer fliers than just a copy of the MLS! Do your own...OR, have your lender partner help you!

7. Get a Call Capture system in place! I wil be blogging on this! AWESOME!

8. Get this OPEN HOUSE on the chamber website, and post fliers in quick trips etc..with tear offs! Again, call capture system! As well as post them in all the laundromats, bowling alleys, etc...wherever there is a board, post it!

9. Have your lender partner print out fliers on payments etc...and KNOW exactly how much the taxes are, and even have an insurance agent get you a qoute from your "sphere of influence", so the borrower REALLY KNOWS how much the TOTAL payment will be!

10...HERE IS A BIG ONE: IF the home qualifies for USDA 100% Rural Housing Financing, PUT THIS IN THE MLS, AND FLIERS!!!!! Add your lender partners contact information! THAT WAY, they can also defer the OTHER CALLS BACK TO YOU AS A REALTOR! You need to trust them to give you this business back! More than anything, share a calling night, and share expenses!

11. Get a financing sign and phone # in the yard as well! www.rightpathmarketing.com

12. Attach a "bionic" yellow, orange, or green flier to all the Feature sheets in the box attached to your sign, announcing the open house!

Overall, you have to spend MONEY to make an open house work! More & More, I am seeing and hearing Realtors say that OPEN HOUSES dont work! Well, I can tell you why they dont...You simply cannot put an ad in the paper, and hope people show up! You have to work it, earn it, and deliver on it!

In addition, this SHOWS your seller you are serious, a professional, and more than anything that you are actually TRYING to sell their home!

These are just a few of my ideas, as I dont want to give them all away, unless I am working directly with someone!! :)

Perception is reality, and the reality is, we have to WORK for our sales! Lenders, and Realtors alike!

Here is another GREAT BLOG, by an excellent Rainer you should check out by Lisa Udy!

Great blog

Thanks for reading, and if you care to subscribe to my blog, you can do so by clicking on the icon below!

Darin
One Source Mortgage, LLC 608-592-2227

Darin@osmwi.com

Proudy Serving the ENTIRE State of Wisconsin since 2003!

100% & The Basic Steps on getting approved for a Guaranteed USDA loan!....A great loan for Wisconsin!

Market Nashville — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:38:45 -0500

No doubt, USDA loans are a great product! Jason Sardi has blogged about them, I have blogged about them, and many others as well! However, what you MAY NOT KNOW, is the BASIC steps involved when getting approved that will save consumers, Realtors, and even OTHER LENDERS who dont understand this process very well...ALOT of time!

1. Take a COMPLETE application.

2. Pull your OWN credit!

3. IF credit score is above 620 you are golden!

(what that means is express documentation, Ill explain that further later)

4. Fill out the Express Rural Development Approval Form

5. Gather as much income documentation as possible

(generally last 2 paystubs, 2 years w2's, recent asset documents)

6. Fax in the Approval Form, Application, Credit, Income Documentation,and a Transmittal Summary (1008) to the FUNDER you have selected! Ie; JP Morgan Chase

7. Also good at this point to submit a qualify LOX if there is something 'odd' with the transacation. (this is a letter of exaplanation)

8. 48-72 hours later you get a LOAN APPROVAL from your funder! This loan approval is subject to clear title, Home Owners Insurance, Satisfactory Appraisal, and legible OTP!

__________________________________________________________________

YES, it is really THAT easy!!!!!

This is great because it satisfies the Financing Contingency very quickly, and PRIOR to the OFFER TO PURCHASE BEING WRITTEN!! Hurrah!!!

Now, keep in mind, the ADDRESS of the property STILL has to qualify, so take note!

These are the things that make SHORT SALES qo more quickly, as well as keep Sellers and REALTORS VERY HAPPY!! :)

Yes Folks this is 100% Financing, but there are many other issues involved prior to closing! YOU MUST choose a LENDER that knows this product inside & out!

I have heard horror stories from several different people here on Active Rain ranging from Short Sale issues, property condition issues, appraisal issues, to income qualifying issues!

_______________________________________

I would be willing to BET YOU that 95% of these issues COULD be resolved by following the above steps, PLUS, if I were a REALTOR, or the actual Lender, I would also add the following things that I DO to avoid poetential pitfalls!

A. Look over the Property Condition Report VERY CLOSELY!

B. If there is a Home Inspection Done, anything that is brought up within it that is safety related, weather related, or Curb Appeal related, will more than likely have to be FIXED or repaired prior to closing! HOWEVER, and this is IMPORTANT, you can ESCROW for certain LENDER specific items and repair them AFTER CLOSING!! EVEN ON A PURCHASE! (see my other blog by clicking HERE)

C. Drive by the home YOURSELF!

D. Ask the Realtor, "What is WRONG with the house?"

E. If you are unsure about the property address, CALL THE LOCAL OFFICE DIRECTLY!

F. Last but not least, if the property is an REO or Foreclosure, have your title company do a "Search & Hold" on the property. This will tell you of title pitfalls early on in the transaction!

All in all, ask ALOT OF QUESTIONS! You need to know EVERYTHING pretty much on these deals in order to make them go smoothly! Lenders, notify your REALTOR that on a USDA deal it can be up to a 3 stage proces! 1. Application 2. Funder Approves the Loan 3. USDA office approves what the Funder Approves

On USDA loans, you can never know too much! Express documentation merely is once you have verified income via check stubs etc..you will only need a verbal verification of employment! GET A CONTACT NAME & NUMBER!!!

They are fantastic, but again, you must work with someone who knows what they are doing, or, is willing to raise their hand and say, "I dont know, but I will find out!"

As always, there are MANY other things I would like to say about these loans, so I ENCOURAGE everyone to leave comments, argue with me, ask questions, support, or fight me on this! LOL

This is one of the best programs out there if used correctly!

Find your State office by googling: Rural Housing, (then the state you work in)

Thanks so much!

-Darin-

Check out my other blogs or subscribe by clicking below!

We want to be your "Lender for Life"

Proudly serving the Entire State of Wisconsin since 2003

Do you have a Tiger in your Tank??

Market Nashville — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:25:08 -0500

They say a picture speaks a 1000 words, but seriously, how do your words paint the picture?

Since being on Active Rain, and commenting on MANY people's blogs, it has become increasingly disturbing to me the trend I am noticing! That trend is the KNOW IT ALL vs. THE DEFENSIVE MECHANISM trend!

It has always been my understanding that blogging served several purposes, but none of them were related to the ongoing BATTLE I am seeing both on AR and other networks!

How did we reverse this trend you ask? Well, maybe we need to "tame" the Tiger that is in our tank and be more open and acceptable to change and suggestion!

Well, at least that is my suggestion! LOL

I have seen COUNTLESS blogs where the author introduced an idea or subject and then others questioned them about it, and they IMMEDIATELY went on the defensive! HEY, slow down! Cool your jets! AR and others like it, serve many purposes, but an arguing platform is NOT ONE THAT I WANT TO UTILIZE it for!

Many of us hope & pray that the people posting on here have done their homework! We are all hoping the information provided is accurate, informative, and applicable, because let's face it...it does take some time to LOGIN, Click in to someones blog, read it, understand it, and then comment on it! I KNOW I APPRECIATE VERY MUCH the time that people put into the comments on MY BLOG!

REALTORS, yes I agree, it is YOUR JOB to question EVERYONE INVOLVED in a transaction, JUST AS MUCH AS IT IS A LOAN OFFICERS JOB to question YOU!! Get over it! Loan officers, REALTORS BRING YOU BUSINESS!!! HELLO??? They are VERY important! Get over yourself and your wisdom and knowledge you have gained over the last 3 years in the business! (yes, that was tongue & cheek) I say LEARN TO LEARN from each OTHER!!! Crouching tiger!!

Walt Disney once said:

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

He also said

"We are not trying to entertain the critics. I'll take my chances with the public. "

Now, I realize that we in the Real-Estate Business have egos, confidence, arrogance, cockiness,relentlessness,experience, and a fortitude that rivals almost any field or job description! Let's not forget that in the end, that the customer is who we are trying to gain & their TRUST is what we are trying to earn! The relationship we have between Realtors & Lenders needs to be seamless, coordinated and POSITIVE!

Being Memorial Day, I think of the sacrifices that our veterans past, present, and deceased have made for our Freedoms! Hence, it makes the sacrifices we make on a daily basis seem pretty miniscule.

Whether it be showing off your "taxi skills", your lack of loan knowledge, disagreeing about what a pre-approval or prequalification letter is, arguing about WHO'S job it is to prequalify a borrower, or even nitpicking about a "red flags rule" on a credit report, I ask you to consider this....is it really a sacrifice, or can you just give the Tiger in your Tank a rest? ...EVEN IF IT IS FOR JUST ONE DAY!

God Bless America!

-Darin-

If you liked this blog, please subscribe here!

Darin@osmwi.com

608-592-2227

Or, if like me, you are considering Mascot School, click here!

Proudly serving the entire State of Wisconsin since 2003

Remember,"It all started with a mouse!"- Thanks to Martin Lopez

The New Active Rain Mascot! His name is BLOGGIE!

Market Nashville — Sun, 24 May 2009 20:24:39 -0500

What do you all think??

It was the only HAMSTER I could find!!! LOL

BLOGGIE

Many of you might have seen my blog this past weekend on "Screw the Mortgage Biz, I am going to Mascot School"....

Well, it was suggested within the blog that I we come up with a Mascot for Active Rain!

Someone also had jokingly commented that Hamsters run the Servers used by AR!

Hence, I thought a HAMSTER mascot would be funniest!

Enjoy!

You can vistit my other blogs by clicking below!

Thanks! Darin