Tony Grego, Your Place for Great Rates!

Happy Birthday to my Dad!

2008-07-09T16:43:17Z

Hey Folks!

This one is not about mortgages, rates, FHA, VA, bad credit, good credit, changes in underwriting, declining markets, drops in home prices, big unsold inventory, buyers market, mortgage implode, subprime lending, GFE's, TIL's, points, no-points, credit repair, reverse mortgages, or anything else to do with this business. It will all be here on Thursday.

For me, today is about my Father. Happy 74th Birthday! It has been a very hard year (quad bypass) and we may not be back up to speed but we are going the right way.

I told my Dad that if we wanted to get younger just look in a mirror and hold up a sign. Boom 47, just happens to be my age.

Well that is it for now. Thanks for letting me self indulge.

Kind regards,
Tony

Special Agent Fee? PLEASE HELP AND COMMENT

2008-07-08T16:34:19Z

Hey Folks!

As many of you know I live in Central Indiana. A large broker (I will not post name but will let you know that they share a name with a old car company) is doing business with one of my clients and scheduled to close on Monday.

The agent just called them to remind them about the "SPECIAL AGENT FEE." The broker is charging the client (same agent is representing and collecting a commision from the sale of one home and the purchase of another. Combined purchase price of over $400k) a $199 fee for document storage.

It has been explained that since 2001 the broker needs to store records in an off-site location in case of a attack. It seems to me that the broker is charging the client for storage of records that the broker is required to keep.

Just wondering if everyone charges this (I think I know the answer) and does the client have anyway to avoid this "junk fee"

Thanks in advance
Tony Grego

URGENT ADVISE NEEDED!!!!!

2008-07-08T14:20:35Z

The vine has the best minds in the market. I have a client (friend) that is closing next week.

Since Big Ben's talk today we have had a couple of favorable rate adjustments.

So here is the question:

DO I LOCK OR FLOAT?

This is not a fancy post filled with great pictures. Just one that needs some professional opinions.

Thanks in advance

Tony

Video of the Day - How to Get Wax Off Carpets

2008-07-08T09:51:09Z

Hey Folks! Well another day, another video. Here we go. Your getting your home ready for a showing and discover that the candle you lit last night dripped over your carpet. You only have a few minutes before the showing, what do you do? After watching this short clip you will learn how to remove wax off your carpets in just 5 minutes. Have fun, let's have a great day and happy selling, buying and lending to all. Kind regards, Tony Grego, Your Place for Great Rates

Skype is the Bomb!

2008-07-07T23:37:58Z

Hey Folks!

With $4.00 a gallon gas and $3.00 a gallon for milk we all must find ways to save some money. Here is a great one.

Folks with a high-speed Internet connection and the desire/need to make long distance calls you need to check out Skype.

Now many have heard and have taken advantage of this service for years many (including myself) have had a "wait and see" or have used the service on a limited basis. Why? NO CALLER ID.

I (and many others like me) spend a great amount of time with long distance calls for prospecting, selling, and closing. Unlike myself (I like talking to telemarketers) many folks spend a considerable amount of time and money to avoid calls and as a rule of thumb will never answer a "BLOCKED SENDER" or UNKNOWN CALLER. Most will not answer a call if they don't recognize the area code.

Now with SKYPE you can get caller ID (with no additional charge). Along with this great service you can add an unlimited US and Canada calling package for only $2.95 a month and you can have up to 10 lines. Good news for sales folks like myself that serve multi-states. Another benefit for my clients is that they now can dial a local number to reach me.

Cell phone users with a unlimited Data Plan? Download a program and now free cell calls.

If it has been a while since you looked at Skype or have never looked. Now is the time. It will save you time and money. I do not work or represent Skype in any way. I just know how to find a deal.

Kind regards,
Tony Grego, Your Great Place for Great Rates

Video of the Day - How to do Nothing at Work and Still Get Paid!

2008-07-07T16:49:16Z

Well I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend?

Now if you're like me it has been a busy day. I am just getting around to posting my video of the day that I like to put up in the morning.

While I know that this video does not apply to Real Estate Agents and Mortgage Brokers we have all seen this co-worker in the past. You know the guy, he is just like George on Seinfeld.

So why we all maybe to busy to watch. If you get a few minutes you may get the same chuckle I did.

Have fun and hope everyone has a great July!

Kind regards,
Tony

My Independence Day! Thanks for Sharing

2008-07-04T06:59:59Z

Hey Folks!

Been way to long. After recovering from an injury, a job change and a whole heck of a lot of other things I have not posted since the end of April and I have missed it.

So today is my Independence Day to announce (to myself and I guess my kind friends that are reading this) that I am back to my routine that I have enjoyed and has helped me do what I do which is helping folks with their mortgage needs. Right or wrong, I feel the best way that I can help is to let my readers learn about me and with the power of blogging I can do this on a daily basis.

I like to get my mornings off on a positive note. To do this I will post what I call my Video of the Day.

Nothing crazy, just a little fun and as I go throughout my day I will post something that can be a little helpful with work, life, family, finance, or just something out of the blue. So thanks for reading. Please post you comments so I can make this blog helpful for all, check back soon and have a great Independence Day!

Thanks
Tony Grego @ www.ratequote.tv
A Great Place for Great Rates

Supreme Court Upholds Voter Identification Law in Indiana - New York Times

2008-04-28T13:40:29Z

Hey Folks!

Tony Grego here from Sagamore Home Mortgage in Lebanon, Indiana. Your Indiana Mortgage Company for all your home lending needs.

What a week us Hoosiers are going to have! Now only are we going to be a major player in this years presidential primary the candidates now have something of relevance to talk/debate about.

In a 6 - 3 ruling the Supreme Court rejected arguments with our law requiring voters to present a driver's license or another acceptable form of ID. Our Indiana law is the strictest in the country. The intent and design is to help prevent voter fraud.

Well now I guess we can all sit back grab the remote and watch the reactions. It is going to be a fun week. You can read all about the details here.

Supreme Court Upholds Voter Identification Law in Indiana - New York Times

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company
"Your' re Indiana Mortgage Partner for all your Home Lending Needs"

got gas?

2008-04-24T13:35:53Z

Hey Folks!

Tony Grego here from Sagamore Home Mortgage in Lebanon, Indiana. Your Indiana Mortgage Partner for all your home lending needs.

Today I discovered a big money saving tip and wanted to share the savings with my AR family (along with anyone one else looking).

Looking at the recent profit announcements of the gas companies I figure they must make all that money because of the amount of labor they save. It seems that no one really does research on pricing, they just put out a price and it seems that everyone else just follows the leader. Now this is nothing new, I am been buying gas for 30-years and it has always been the same thing until this morning.

After I dropped off the munchkin's the display came on my dash to "get gas now, dummy!" (or something like that). I do live near a Sam's Club and a Costco and the tiny voice went off in my head "get gas at Sam's, its cheaper" (it was my wife's voice). Now we have had this membership for years but today is the first day I think it was worth the money.

Here is what I learned:

- Along with Discover cards, They take all
the majors and debit cards.
- They have clean, well spaced pumps.
- You do not have to be a member to
purchase fuel.
- Different price for "debit" vs. "credit" card.
- Priced way under the corner stations.

YES, priced way under. Today most stations were priced at $364.9 (btw, whoever came up with the .9 thing?) Sam's member price $345.9, non-member price $350.9. Add two cents a gallon for credit card.

Quite impressive. I put 20-gallons in and saved almost $4.00. Remember the way to be profitable this year is not by raising prices but by controlling expenses. According to that voice (my wife), Sam's has always had a big price difference. Reading up on some articles today I also found that most gas is the same.We have high standards that must be maintained.

Now go save some money!

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company
"your Indiana Mortgage Partner for all your Home Lending Needs"

I Expired Saturday!

2008-04-22T07:02:51Z

Hey Folks!

Tony Grego here from Sagamore Home Mortgage in Lebanon, Indiana. Your Indiana Mortgage Partner for all your home lending needs.

I share this story so you will not endure the same fate. Saturday morning around 7:00 am I am doing chores around the house and notice that I have a voice mail. (I have At&T service (formerly Cingular) and a Treo 750). I press the magic button on my "Handy Dandy Notebook," this is what my little guys call my phone. (Hint, if you have never watch Blue's Clues you have no idea what I am talking about). Just to find out that my service has been temporally disconnected.

To say the least, this is the part were I flipped out. I work for a Indiana Mortgage Company and pride myself to be available for my clients on nights and weekends. Since I pay my cell bill (along with other utilities) with one credit card for points and convince. You see instead of getting 8 different bills due at 8 different times of the month I handle them all with one account all while getting points for some really cool stuff.

So I calm down, call 800-331-0500 (At&T customer service number if you need it). Just to go to Voice Mail Hell. Every prompt leads to another only to be disconnected with the words that "our business office is now closed. Please call back after 9:00 am) OK, only two hours. I can handle that.

Well the clock strikes 9:00, I dial, go through the prompts just to get the words "our business office is now closed. Please call back on the next business day."

Now I am going nuts. BTW, I did not mention that I used my phone at 11:00 the night before making arraignments to meet a client flying in from the West Coast to look at Investor Properties. (I have obtained mortgages for 8 duplexes and he wanted to see the area. Since I am the Indiana Mortgage Professional the client has more trust in me than the owner of the properties). So now I have to meet my client and he can not even call.

I then get ready to hit the door and get to a AT&T retail location and see what I can get done. (I was in touch with my clients assistant, told him the story and let him know that I would by a disposable if needed). I try the number again. Guess what? Y E S a real person answered. I was as happy as a child on Christmas morning.

Learn to find out that my credit card had expired and the computers are programmed to disconnect regardless of time or date (great customer service, yea right). Ashley (the rep from AT&T) gets the service up within minutes, updates my information then tells me that due to the disconnect I was going to be charged $36 reconnect fee. Now I have been a client since 1998 with an excellent payment history. I object and Ashley immediately takes care of the charges.

Lesson of the story. While it is a great idea to have all bills on one, easy to see, statement be sure to check your expiration dates.

My client is happy. I will get him some great mortgages for his investment properties and plenty of Hoosier Households will have good places to live

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company
"your Indiana Mortgage Partner for all your Home Lending Needs"

What Were You Doing When The Earthquake Hit? I Wrote My 100th Post

2008-04-18T08:22:37Z

Hey Folks!

Tony Grego here from Sagamore Home Mortgage in Lebanon, Indiana. Your Indiana Mortgage Partner for all your home lending needs.

WOW! January 23, 2008 at 11:34 am Post #1 until today, April 18, 2008, number 100. I have tried many different forms and styles, Some good and most bad (kidding I hope). Anyway I do want to thank all of my friends and associates I have met. I am involved in this great community and just hope to give back one day as much information and knowledge that I have learned. I guess now it is time to list 100 things. I chose to list 100 things that I am thankful for since January 23rd.

First and foremost, my wife Yovonne, my son's Anthony Jr. and William Alexander, and my dogs win.ini and beta.
My Father's successful quad by-pass about six weeks ago.
My Mother-in-Law's successful knee operation.
I am thankful that my recent injuries were not more serious (enough medical crap. Don't know about you but it is getting depressing for me).
My friend Daniel "forcing" me to join Active Rain and start blogging.
My retail referrals from Active Rain.
My associates that seem to grow everyday.
The dozens of questions I get from the community about changes in the mortgage industry.
Aaron Byers, President and owner of Sagamore Home Mortgage for putting up with me.
My co-workers for the same reason.
My friend Mike for saving my hard drive after I did not back up in a year and had a system crash.
The New York Giants for beating the Patriots in the Superbowl.
Watching the Superbowl with my neighbor who is a Patriots fan.
My friend Mike (again) for putting back together my laptop when I dropped it going into the office after he recovered my hard drive.
The Indiana Pacers for not having a MAJOR arrest in the last month.
Mitch Daniels stepping up the Indiana Property tax issue.
The Spring market and a pick up of Indiana Home Sales.
Being able to do FHA loans to help Hoosier Households.
Understanding how to structure a conforming deal rather than throwing them up on the subprime wall and seeing what sticks.
Pay Option Arms finally addressed for the mortgage they are (I love them for the right person in the right situation)
Being able to share the lowest fixed rates in 45-years.
Setting up my website.
Setting up my blog.
Setting up a website and blog for my wife.
The ground hog giving us six more weeks of winter which seems like it may continue until about June.
The boys making Mommy a real special Valentine for February 14th.
Still having mortgage programs for folks with credit problems.
Learning about Frank and the gang at TBWS.
Slingbox for my Treo
Ania's (our AA) successful birth of her daughter, Lidia.
Aaron dumping purchase leads and hiring on site telemarketers.
Did I say the New York Giants beating the Patriots in the Superbowl?
Television writers ending the strike and bringing back fresh Letterman shows.
Family Guy (yea it is sick but I love it).
Reading to my sons bedtime stories in bed.
My referral market growing and growing.
In a weird kind of way the 250+ lenders that have gone out of business and have made us mortgage brokers more accountable.
Giving up beer for Lent (yep, that was a tuff one).
Mobile DVD players with headphones. One more Barney or Doddleboops and I am going to lose it.
Disney releasing all 200 models from the CARS movie (yea right, at $2.97 a pop it is getting expensive).
CART is no more and IRL is the king of US open wheel racing.
Indy Blue Crew. The official fan club of the Colts and were you will find us at home games. www.indybluecrew.com.
Bret Fare finally retires. Or does he?
Great new seats with the same old friends at the new Lucas Stadium.
The New York Yankees.
With my arm injury and such I now have a great excuse for a lousy golf game.
Bluetooth and wireless technology.
The boys finally behaving for Easter pictures.
The boys not making to much of a mess with Easter Chocolate.
Hendrick Racing not winning any races yet this year.
My Friend Aaron Gregory purchasing his first home (O yea, his girlfriend used a different broker. No, I'm not bitter).
Sam's Club, Costco, Walmart, Aldi, Krogger for having some great sales and deals.
Congratulations to my wife Yovonne and her major effort to better her health and get in shape. She has lost 40 pounds in the last 6 months and is looking great!
Google rankings. activerain.com/tgrego is ranked 8th. First page when searching Indiana Mortgage Company (most searched Indiana mortgage term).
Video blogging (still working on it but it is going to be great. What do you think of this domain - www.ratequote.tv?
Windows Live Writer
Gas at $3.50 a gallon is really helping families stick together.
Anthony Jr. and William dressed up as leprechauns for St. Patrick's Day. Still did not find me lucky charms.
Craigslist.org to buy stuff.
The American Legion Post #500 across from IMS.
Tom-Tom GPS for my Treo.
The new Marion County Library. Should be great for a billion dollars.
Hilbert House finally sold. Offered at $20M. Still have not seen sales price.
Did I mention about the New York Giants beating the Patriots in the Superbowl?
Last game in the RCA Dome. Bring on the wider seats.
XM Radio
Raise in FHA Limits.
Cellular Connection Cards for laptops to provide instant quotes and approvals.
Consumers learning more and more that zero fees equals higher rates.
I am smarter than a 5th grader.
Never play air hockey at my friend Eric's house until you learn the rules (if not you will need to call a cab to get home).
Attending Anthony Jr.'s first Soccer practice this week.
Still have stated options for NOO mortgages.
William is left handed, like to throw a baseball, looks great in Yankee pinstripes.
Torn between Explorer and Firefox. Which one should I use and why?
With Rural Housing you can finance up to 102% of the purchase price.
My gift to you. If you get a refer/eligible on a 30-yr FHA, if the deal looks good, try running on a 15-yr.
Blue Ray DVD players.
Skype VOIP service.
Yuengling Lager tastes much better after Lent
Youtube.com is a great site.
Sending a text message gets easier with time.
With a good camera you don't have to be a good photographer.
I have stopped blogging and driving at the same time.
I am really thankful for Widgets.
Second mortgages are still alive and well along with some HELOC's
While our lender list has shrank, the folks we have done business with has not.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Down Payment Assistance Programs.
IU may finally found a good replacement for the General.
Joe Pa really needs to pass the touch before his kid retires.
Notre Dame may get to a 500 season this year.
Have I mentioned how thankful I am that the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots?
Craftsman tools.
Wide Screen Television with HD and AT&T U-verse including DVR. I can finally watch grass grow.
Having a Mac and a PC in my same home office.
Cordless telephones.
Helping Hoosier Households save money and in many cases save homes.
99 bottles of beer on the wall, 99 bottles of ........ never mind, how shared cellular minutes.
#100 and the most important to me. This one is easy. Family and friends.

Thanks everyone for stopping by and reading my 100th post. I am very proud to be a member of this great community. Happy Selling to all!

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company
"your Indiana Mortgage Partner for all your Home Lending Needs"

Ok, I finished this around 4:30 in the morning. I just could not sleep. So I put my head down and an hour later my wife thinks I hit the vibrate button we have on one of those fancy craftmatic type beds. After we find out it is not the bed she yells EARTHQUAKE! Click on the news and she was right. a 5.4 in the Mid-West. Something tells me it is going to be a weird day.

101. Happy to hear that (as of right now) no injuries or major damage due to the quake. Happy Selling!

Video of The Day - How To Pick a Lock

2008-04-18T01:17:55Z

Hey Folks!

Tony Grego here from Sagamore Home Mortgage in Lebanon, Indiana. Your partner with all your home lending needs.

Well I'm starting to feel much better and need to get back to my regular routine. One thing I have missed is posting my video of the day.

Now I am not saying that I support or have tried what you are about to watch but this might be the trick when you can't get the lock box open or the keys are missing. Who knows? Could be the difference to make a sale or going to jail.

The one thing that is great about living in America is that we all have a choice. Now sometimes that choice may have consequences. Only you can decide.

Hope you enjoyed and maybe picked up a point or two. Seems to work just like the movies or maybe your favorite video game.

Until next time have a great day and let me know how I can help with any of your lending needs.

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company
"your partner for all your Indiana Home Lending Needs"

OK, I Give UP!

2008-04-17T22:50:06Z

Hey Folks!

Tony Grego here from Sagamore Home Mortgage in Lebanon, Indiana. Your partner with all your home lending needs.

Yes, I have been away for a couple of weeks.

Yes, I have been under some big time medication.

Yes, I hate typing with one finger/hand.

Yes, I have a hard time sitting at a monitor for an extended period of time.

I get back here to Active Rain, a great way to promote business and learn and I see just about everyone with these great changes to their post pages.

Great Designs

Great Pictures

Great Colors

Great Ideas

OK, I'm jealous and want them for my posts but I can not find out how to do this.

Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Please, Help

Thanks

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Unlimited Outgoing Calls, Nationwide for Three Bucks a Month

2008-04-17T22:32:24Z

Hey Folks!

Tony Grego here from Sagamore Home Mortgage in Lebanon, Indiana. Your partner with all your home lending needs.

Back in the 1990, I was a proud team member for Saturn of Indianapolis. Now I am not going to get into Saturn vehicles and dealers being good or bad just that much of my Customer First philosophy can be tracked to Saturn. I learned plenty back in those days but I must take my hat off to Skip La Fauve, Saturn's former president, for this valuable lesson:

"Profit can only be achieved by controlling expenses, NOT raising prices. The market determines the price of our product."

So if you believe this then you must find ways to control and minimize your cost. In fact, you will find many great current and past post that is about saving money. I have found a "big name" service that does just this. It is SKYPE PRO. Now I am not talking about the full blown service. With Skype Pro at $3 bucks a month (5-month minimum). Here is what you get:

Unlimited local and long distance calling anywhere in the USA
No running up cell telephone minutes
Great sound quality (need high-speed access)
Works with wired and wireless systems
Compatible with cellular connection cards
No hidden taxes or fees
Identifies caller ID as blocked or unknown (not overseas number)
Skype Soft Phone

I have been testing this product for the last three days and I am blown away with the ease of use and the clarity of calls. The only downside I have found that while driving and using a cellular connection card you will lose calls when bouncing cell towers.

For reference I use a Sony Vaio VGN-T350P mini laptop with a built in AT&T cellular connection card and the Microsoft LifeChat ZX-6000 headset.

Please note that this service is for OUTGOING CALLS ONLY! So if your looking for a great low-cost, high quality system Skype Pro may be the solution for you.

Thanks for reading my post and if you need some help with your Indiana clients email me your telephone number. The call is on me!

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Where Did We Learn All Of This Stuff?

2008-04-15T14:16:04Z

Hey Folks!

Just trying to get back into the swing of things (Doctors says no to golf this year) on a keyboard. Now I have a great reason for all my spelling and grammar errors.

Anyway, I am helping (or he is helping me) William, the younger of the two put his socks and shoes on. Hint, if you're looking for a challenge try it with one hand. So I am half way done (you see, I put on one sock, then one shoe) and William is yelling "no Daddy, two feet, two feet." I then look at him a little strange (this happens often with a two-year old) then ask myself, "what is he yelling about?"

Of course, it is the way I do it. Now you're asking yourself "why do I do it that way?"

I think back (OK, I am aging myself) to the T.V. show "All in the Family." While I do not remember the episode I remember the part were Archie (Carroll O'Conner) and Mike (Rob Reiner) are going at it like about putting shoes on. Archie yells at Meathead to put both socks then shoes (Archie is going on and on about if the house was on fire and if you only had time to put on your socks and had to go outside your feet would be warm). Mike then says that if you only had time to do half he would be the wiser since the ground would be wet due to fire trucks, he then could then hoop on one foot while Archie would have wet socks. Then it hits me. I have been doing it that way since I have seen the show.

What does this mean to us as mortgage brokers and real estate professionals? For some maybe nothing, for others maybe a big reality check.

Remember back when you were new in the business. Plenty of energy and hope for great things in your new career; I remember sitting in the Indiana education class so many new mortgage brokers wanted to get into the business. During those first few weeks I learned so much and developed a game plan to help Hoosier Households with their mortgage needs. Now I look back and question if I am stilling doing what I did then. This is what I have learned:

•·My goal has not changed. My goal is to help folks in Indiana with their mortgage needs when buying and refinancing a home

•·My vision has not changed. My vision is to help folks with a high degree of honesty and integrity.

•·My daily work plan has changed. When first joining a mortgage company I discovered after a few months that my goal and vision was not a match with the company (since closed).

•·My relationship with Sagamore Home Mortgage has changed. While always working to help clients the challenges with lenders and programs have forced us to adapt. As I look around the company many were unable to change and have since gone to other companies.

•·My relationship with my clients has changed. This has not been by my doing but the general tone of the client. When first in the business I would take telephone calls with folks trying to do crazy things to today's calls of helping clients improve their position or save their home.

I have read that about 20% of folks working in the mortgage business a year ago are now gone (over 100,000 jobs). While some have been victims I would say that most learned something when they entered this business and have either refused or were unable to change. Now I am not saying that all we learned is bad (it is not), all I am saying is that if we continue to do things (this also goes for the way a real estate agent views a mortgage broker or the way a mortgage broker views a real estate agent) the way we did when we first did get in the business we may soon be out of business.

Now I am not sure of the air date of the "All in the Family" episode I watched. The show was broadcast from 1971 - 1979, all these years later while many things in my life has changed I still put on one sock then one shoe and I am sure that I will always continue (in my mind it makes sense) but I don't put on the same socks or shoes. So when you look at your business and do not like what you see, look back and see if you need to change a few things. I have and I did and I will become stronger because of it.

Sometimes we just need to look at all of the things us mortgage brokers can do:

•·Mortgages for good credit = YES

•·Mortgages for bad credit = YES

•·JUMBO mortgages = YES

•·Construction mortgages = YES

•·Land mortgages = YES

•·Adjustable Rate mortgages = YES

•·Stated Income mortgages = YES

•·Second Home mortgages = YES

•·Investment mortgages = YES

•·Negative Am mortgage (option arm) = YES

•·FHA mortgages = YES

•·VA mortgages = YES

•·Second mortgages = YES

•·HELOC's = YES

•·100% purchase mortgage = YES

•·Mortgage refinance = YES

•·Mortgage for Debt Consolidation = YES

Now I am not saying that everyone will qualify or that it is a good mortgage to get (right now rates are better for fixed rate vs. adjustable rate mortgages). The programs are still available if folks want them.

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Thanks to Pike Twp Fire & Rescue and IMP Officer Davis

2008-04-11T10:34:58Z

Hey Folks!

Been away for a little bit. Last Sunday, I was riding my scooter when a car coming the other way did not see me (or saw me and aimed, kidding). Next thing I know is that Pike Twp finest fire and rescue are putting me back together all while Officer Davis from Indianapolis Metro Police doing a great job keeping everyone else calm.

Now when you take away the broken bones, bruises, and scrapes from my right side, I am in great shape.

Missed posting and commenting this week but should get back to my old self soon.

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Helped a Lafayette Senior Citizen to Avoid Foreclosure Scam

2008-04-04T23:02:22Z

Hey Folks!

Been a crazy week around Sagamore Home Mortgage right here in Indiana with some great things and some big challenges. I want to tell everyone about a situation I was involved in yesterday now I am going to spoil the ending and let you know that it does not have a happy ending. This is also not a story about self praise and it is not about casting blame for the mortgage mess we are in. It is a sad story about an elderly Hoosier and her mortgage.

We have some great in-house telemarketers that call folks all over Indiana and trying to find Indiana homeowners that need our help. So overhearing a call I insist that the tm transfer the call to me immediately. This is when I talk to Jane (not her real name). Jane is in big trouble with her home. In fact it is set for sheriff sale later this month. Now how did Jane get in such a mess?

Two years ago she signs an adjustable rate mortgage (again I am not casting blame, just getting the facts out). Money is always tight but was able to enjoy the home during her golden years. Then it happens. Between going into the hospital, her rate adjusting higher, and missing some payments Jane has a real mess happening. Now I do not have all of the details (not sure that Jane knows herself) this is what I piece together:

MISTAKE #1 – Getting behind in payments and not working with the lender
Jane fell behind and had a telephone conversation with the lender. The call did not go well and whatever happened during the call scared her so much that she has not talked to them since. Now this is a very important note to all of us that work with customer service we need to remember that part of our job is to have two ears and one mouth. Now Jane’s call has had a ripple effect that has a lousy ending.

MISTAKE #2 – Jane ignored all letters from the mortgage company. I read last week that more than half of the homes currently in foreclosure have never contacted the lender. They just left the house.

MISTAKE #3 – Desperate times call for desperate measures. When I talked with Jane she was in the middle of calling friends and family to borrow money to pay a “foreclosure specialist” over $900 to save her home. Jane is so desperate and afraid of the future that she would spend money she does not have vs. calling a lender that might be able to help.

So what happens to Jane now? She is facing a sheriff sale in a few weeks. She has no money and she is still recovering from a long hospital stay. She needed a dose of reality. I, in no certain terms, told her not to pay the money. I immediately did a conference call with 888-GET-HOPE with the intent of slowing things down. Since she has not make a payment in almost a year and she purchased the home using 100% financing two years ago she has no equity (in fact she is upside down).

When I talked to her today she did not give the money to the foreclosure specialist, had a conversation with the Get Hope folks and was going to call the mortgage folks today. She is coming to grips that she has little hope of saving her home and is coming up with a exit plan.

The moral of the story is this; while a foreclosure specialist can and will help in certain situation, these firms are popping up everywhere. I am sure that every professional in this business has been approached with a job offer during the last few weeks (I seem to get them every day). Most folks are approached when it is too late. While it is not good to get behind it is better to have communications with your mortgage company to work something out. If you don’t like whom you’re talking to hang up and get someone else. Don’t take no for an answer and feel free to contact folks like myself that can offer you choices. Now I’ll tell you right now that I have making options to refinance your Indiana mortgage I can help to show you how to get back on track.

Don’t end up like Jane. She is losing her home. I can say that I did my little part to keep her from throwing away $900. She will need it to help her move.

Indiana Real Estate Agents, Indiana Mortgage Brokers, Indiana Bankers, along with anyone else from Indiana we owe it to our clients, our community, and our state to help. While we did not put these folks in this situation, we can help them get out of it.

Best regards,
Tony Grego – Indiana Mortgage Company

Video of the Day - If it is Spring it Must Be Star Wars?

2008-04-04T01:52:31Z

OK, if you have been following my videos you know I got a big spring thing going on. Well here is another one.

As we start into Spring we also start the baseball season. Go Yankees! So what does Star Wars have to do with this?

Just watch and see

Hope you enjoyed it and now go hit one out of the park!

Have a great Friday

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

HELP!!!!!! Problems with a Short Sale (Possible Sales Lead for Indiana)

2008-04-03T17:21:09Z

Hey Folks!

Really need some help with this one. Sorry if its gets boring but I want to be detailed here to help the client.

I have a client that is a long time personal friend. They are well qualified borrower's and have found their perfect home. It is located in Brownsburg, IN (this is for folks that may have listings that might work).

Here is the deal:

Seller purchased home in September 2005, First mortgage with Flagstar for $251,000. Seller takes a job out of the area and list for sale.

House on market a while. Need to sell. Now it is listed with Keller and Williams as a short sale for $233,000. Another third party is involved (Guardian) that is to "work" the short sale (for the bank I guess).

Did I mention that the buyers have found their dream house, are well qualified, and put a offer in at $237,000. Now everyone is aware that these can take a while. My buyer is OK. In fact we put an extended rate lock in a few weeks ago when rates dipped.

Today I meet with the buyers for a update. Here is were it gets messy.

I read a email that the house is going into foreclosure. I also learn that the home has a HELOC (I do not know lender or dollar amount).

While I have experience with short sales and foreclosures I have no experience with a house listed as a short sale going into foreclosure.

I did advise my friends that they may need to look for another home.

So, any ideas on what to do?

1. Any hints on how to push the sale.

2. Should they select another home.

3. They can wait under it goes to foreclosure and then buy "bank owned" or foreclosure sale.

Please let me know of any action I can do to help my friends and client

Best regards,
Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Not my real picture.

Video of the Day - Yes, Spring is Here.....

2008-04-03T15:56:10Z

Hey Folks!

As I was putting on my long sleeves and a heavier than normal jacket for the day I realized that it must be spring here in Indiana. The time of year when folks are buying homes and getting mortgages. Maybe you were at the home show and need a second mortgage or a HELOC (btw, we use a really good company with great rates and terms for HELOC's).

So what better way to welcome spring but by watching a little video about the birds and the bees, and a computer.

A computer? Guess you will have to see

Don't know about you but I am clueless to what they are selling?

Thanks and have a great spring. And for you folks shopping around for a mortgage in Indiana, give me a call. Have some new little niches coming out.

Best regards,
Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Technorati Tags: video of the day,spring,indiana,indiana mortgage,finance,refinance,second mortgage,helod,indiana mortgage company,home show

Video of the Day - Laugh to Your Hearts Content!

2008-04-02T07:14:17Z

Hey Folks!

Well I sure hoped you all survived all of the April 1st pranks. Even Ryan Seacrest from American Idol tried to punk the Nation. O well, now that all of the fun is over it's time to kick off the month and have a great April. Plenty of homes are still available for sale at great prices and at Sagamore Home Mortgage we have plenty of Investors to with deep pockets ready to help with low rates and great terms.

So contact me, Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company with all your mortgage questions. The rules are changing daily for purchase and refinance mortgages so now make sure you partner with a mortgage professional for help. You can count on me for all of your Indiana mortgage needs.

Now enjoy the show:

WOW!!!!! Now, just like me there goes a minute and forty seconds of our life we will never get back. Have a great day and lets get some business done. Best regards, Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Video of the Day - I Really Like HBO More Than Ever

2008-04-01T11:12:49Z

Hey Folks!

Hope all is well in your world? Here in Central Indiana we have a breezy and chilly day. Guess they all can't be slotted for the Chamber of Commerce Day.

Anyway you need to be careful today. Remember it is April Fools Day and while it is still early I already have been had a few times. I guess I am just that way.

Now lets step back in time to enjoy this short but funny HBO promo:

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I have. Have a great day and when you need help with a mortgage to purchase or refinance in Indiana please let me know how I can help.

Best regards,
Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Video of the Day - Why you need to Interview Your Home Improvement Specialist

2008-03-31T08:21:06Z

Hey Folks!

Well here in Central Indiana March, is sure going out like a lion. While temperatures have gone up it is going to be plenty wet.

Now as we go into April many of us will start our home improvement projects we planned all winter. Please enjoy this video. It may point out a few folks that you may not want to hire.

If you find yourself short of funds for you project, refinancing you mortgage or getting a second mortgage or HELOC may be the answer. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks and Enjoy!

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company

Video of the Day - Billy T. James tips for Buying a House

2008-03-28T23:44:51Z

In todays market are you finding clients are up to new tricks to help drive the best price? Well in this two minute video your clients are shown how to drive down a desperate seller. While the video is in jest it does deliver a message to what lengths some folks can go to when shopping for the best price. Enjoy!

80,015 - Congratulations Active Rain

2008-03-27T08:56:49Z

Can't believe I missed this!

Just looked up at the magic corner and membership is now at 80,015!

It was just a few weeks ago we were all guessing on the 70k mark.

This great site to share and learn is really picking up steam

Congrats again!

Tony Grego - Indiana Mortgage Company