TruClose's Blog

Press Release ~ U.S. Commerce Association Honors TruClose

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:25:15 -0500

United States Commerce Association Announces TruClose Financial Services, LLC is Awarded Best of Pittsburgh, Title Insurance for 2009

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Truclose Financial Services LLC Receives 2009 Best of Pittsburgh Award U.S. Commerce Association's Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Truclose Financial Services LLC has been selected for the 2009 Best of Pittsburgh Award in the Title Insurance category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org
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TruClose Voted Best Of Pittsburgh ~ Title Insurance by U.S. Commerce Association!

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:12:13 -0500

We are ecstatic to let everyone know that our hard work, dedication, business ethics and community involvement have been honored with the aforementioned award! We are delighted to accept this great award and will continue to strive to be the best possible company we can be.

We stand ready to assist with all of your title, appraisal, settlement and lead generation needs!

Thank you to all who have helped make this possible!!!

Respectfully;

Jason C. Sheppard
President and CEO
TruClose Financial Services, LLC
300 Mt. Lebanon Blvd. Suite 2215
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
TF: 888.510.9665 x 66
FX: 888.510.9665
EM: jsheppard@besstitle.com

****Ask Me About Our Lead Program**** Ask Me About Fronting Appraisal Fees Until Closing****

We Need Appraisers in all 50 States! Get Paid What You Deserve!!!

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:01:38 -0500

Calling all appraisers:

Are you tired of being paid a fraction of what your vendor management clients make on the appraisal orders that you fulfill for them? How has HVCC been affecting you and your ability to earn money for your effort in your businesses?

TruClose Financial Services, LLC is a vendor management company founded upon ethics, integrity and respect for all of our mutual customers and business partners. We recently have been approved with over 100 lenders as a vendor management company and need to increase our appraiser network in all 50 states.

On a national average, TruClose generally pays appraisers $310.00 oer order. The actual payment number obviously fluctuates with the area of the appraised property and complexity of the report. We've heard stories of appraisers being paid as low as $150.00 per order. We truly pay appraisers what they ask for or what the market rate in the area is, and we do not charge much of a markup. Generally, our appraiser fees to clients do not exceed $450.00 for FHA, and $375 FNMA-1004.

Please come and work with the best! We are only as good as our vendors and look forward to you joining our team!

Please visit www.besstitle.com for more details and to sign up, or

Please contact:

Jennifer Rectenwald

V.P. of Operations

888-510-9665

jrectenwald@besstitle.com

Thanks again!

TruClose Invites you to Exclusive Afterparty. 3/17/2009 at Mortgage Bankers Association Conference in Atlantic City

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:58:55 -0600

TruClose Announces After Party 3/17 9:30 PM - 12:00 AM at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. After you visit the 26th Annual Regional Conference of Mortgage Bankers Associations on 3/17 at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, please come and Join The "TruClose Exclusive After Party" at the Tropicana! We are providing elegant hors d'oeuvres as well as an open bar and entertainment until Midnight! PLEASE BE OUR GUEST! Only Open to TruClose Clients and Registered Conference Attendees! Must show conference registration at door. When: 3/17/2009 at the Tropicana Hotel and Resort, the Elegant Royal Swan Ballroom. 9:30 - Midnight Highlights: Complimentary open bar, complimentary gourmet hors d'oeuvres served until Midnight, along with an amazing Acoustic Rock Band! Discounted Room Rates: Please contact Michael Yacoub, Tropicana's Director of Player Development to receive a rate of $60.00 for your room! 609-340-4000 or myacoub@tropicana.net. Make sure you mention TruClose or this email to get discount! Each guest receives a complimentary "Surprise Gift" courtesy of the Tropicana! Don't miss this, space is limited to 300 guests so please email jsheppard@besstitle.com now to ensure your space!

TruClose For Tots

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 07:42:13 -0600

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I just wanted to give you an update that our TruClose for Tots program has reached new heights. From November 1/2008 to 12/20/2008, we are purchasing one toy of at least $30.00 in value for every settlement completed, and donating to Toys for Tots. We've purchased a variety of toys from trucks, dolls, spaceships, scooters, remote controlled cars, etc. I feel like a kid again and want to tear open the boxes :o). As of today, we are up to making 134 less fortunate childrens' Holidays special!!!!

In addition, TruClose has raised over $3,000.00 for the homeless for winter coats and food to help local shelters.

We are always active in charity and encourage you to be as well. Should anyone know of any charities that can use greater support that are truly humane, we'd love to hear about them.

Thanks again and Happy Holidays!!!

Jason C. Sheppard

President and CEO

TruClose Financial Services, LLC

TF: 888.510.9665 x 66

EM: jsheppard@besstitle.com

www.besstitle.com

This Week's NFL Power Rankings

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:48:11 -0600

OK folks!!! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update these (my last post was week 2). I have updated my top 10 teams. Please chime in ;o).

1 ) NY Giants: Their rushing attack is tough to stop and Eli Manning is proving to be a good NFL QB. He was Super Bowl MVP! The Plax saga is nothing to this team.

2 ) Pittsburgh Steelers: I know, where are the Titans, right? Well, when the Steelers Defense faces an average at best Tennessee Titans offense, we'll see how lopsided this game truly is. With the most difficult NFL schedule since 1978, this defense has to be mentioned with some of the best defenses of all time. They lead every major statistical category in defense in the 14th week of a season, and haven't allowed 300 total yards in a game all year. Total yards, rushing + passing!

3 ) Tennessee Titans: Let's face it, they have a great defense. Prove to me that they can win over the league's best teams that completely stack the line against their Rushing Attack, and making Kerry Collins throwing the ball their only weapon. Then, I'll be a believer.

4 ) Carolina Panthers: DeAngelo Williams... Nuff said!

5 ) Indianapolis Colts: Winners of 5 in a row and they are getting healthier. Nobody in the AFC wants to play this team in the playoffs.

6 ) Tampa Bay Bucs: Jeff Garcia has plenty of experience, and playoff experience. This team has a sound defense but has questions on offense with injuries.

7 ) Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo is good. So good in fact for a minimum number of passes, he is the highest rated QB in NFL History. They also are getting healthy and TO still is a beast and lives up to his remarks.

8 ) NY Jets: How do they get blown out at home the way they did?

9 ) Atlanta Falcons: Who in the NFC wants a shot at Matt Ryan and Michael Turner in the playoffs?

10 ) Baltimore Ravens: We all know their forumla of football by now. Smashmouth, hard nose, trash-talking defense. Well, that D didn't hold up against the G-Men but they do have a guy by the name of Joe Flacco throwing the ball.

LET THE COMMENTS FLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does Anyone know of Any Title Companies Looking to Sell?

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:41:49 -0600

Hello!

Happy Holidays to All!

We are in the middle of a current expansion. If anyone may know of someone interested in allowing their title insurance businesses to be purchased, please be in contact. We hope that we can help many agencies and individuals out of their current financial situations. It is incredibly hard to compete with a real estate market such as this one, and compete in financial turmoil with the overhead that title companies produce. Many individuals and agencies are looking for a suitable way out. We hope that we may be able to provide one for them.

Thanks, and again, Happy Holidays!!!

Respectfully;

Jason C. Sheppard

888.510.9665 x 66

www.besstitle.com

Join Us for This Fabulous Charity Wine Event!

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:55:50 -0500

TruClose Sponsors "A Passion for Wine"

Dear Jason, As many of you know, TruClose is always active in community outreach and charity. We have been actively involved in several charities since our incorporation since 2005. Our latest charity sponsorship (fundraiser) is for the local Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. TruClose is sponsoring the "Passion for Wine" event through Cystic Fibrosis. We will be inviting 20 special guests and clients of ours! Tickets normally are $200.00 per person so if you are interested in joining us, please reply to this email. We only have 20 free tickets available. Please join us for this amazing event! Below are the details! Enjoy!

Details Location: The lavish, PPG Wintergarden Date: ~November 1, 2008~ Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Once again, Sonoma Grille's executive chef and the 2007 Restauranteur of the Year, Yves Carreau, and his culinary staff, will provide the cuisine matched with the wines from world-renowned wineries. Along with delicious food and wine pairings, and the sights and sounds of the PPG Wintergarden, guests will be treated to an array of packages in the silent auction as well as the centerpiece of the evening; a thrilling live auction that includes rare wines and exciting vacations packages. From wine novices to advanced wine enthusiasts, A Passion for Wine is an elegant and fun evening for all experience levels! Tickets for this event sold out in 2007 so contact Jason Sheppard now if you are interested in attending with TruClose. This by far is the best annual wine event in Pittsburgh. In fact, Pio Cesare Winery, one of the world's best, flies all the way from Piedmont, Italy to serve!

We hope to see yout here and don't forget to support your local charities!

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in the sponsorship tickets we have available for our clients. I can be reached at 888-510-9665 ext 66. Sincerely, Jason Sheppard
TruClose Financial Services, LLC

Small Business, Real Estate and John McCain

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:16:41 -0500

Are you a small business owner or employee of a small business? If so, have you taken the time to see how the upcoming election could affect you and your family if you are a part of a small business? Small business owners and their employees need to band together.

Many of America's largest corporations have taken their job's offshore for either less payroll or large tax breaks. This now makes employees of categorized small businesses the most employed in the USA. Under Barack Obama's tax plans, the temptation for more companies to move offshore will be vast.
Please take one moment out of your day to view JohnMcCain.com and see how well respected he is, and how much he has sacrificed for his Country. There is absolutely no question who the stronger candidate for small businesses is, and who is the leader in free trade, economic development and the housing market, heathcare, foreign policy, and which candidate will keep jobs in America while working at creating jobs for American citizens.

Many of you work in real estate and or mortgages. John McCain's 300 Billion buyout of bad mortgages will increase the housing market's home values as less homes will be rundown, and abandoned. Many bank owned properties now can't be managed as banks have lost the ability of surplus cash to pay for upkeep lowering the abandoned home value and comparable value of homes in the same neighborhood. We need change, and fast.

Barack Obama is a wonderful, charismatic speaker and is a very capable candidate, and he most likley would be an excellent president however, not for small businesses. His comments on America's top issues are just that, comments. No real questions have been answered, especially for small business owners and their taxes and healthcare. Alarmingly, in a recent poll, 83% of America's CEO's called his being elected, "Devastating". Even more troubling; in her primary against Obama, Hillary Clinton unvailed her economic "bailout" plan in which Obama condemned. He is now supporting this same plan for America's future. Where does he truly stand? If you are a small business owner or an employee of a small business, do what is best for you and vote McCain / Palin in 2008! Can you and your family afford not to?

Thank you for your time!

Jason C. Sheppard
President and CEO
TruClose Financial Services, LLC
300 Mt. Lebanon Blvd. Suite 2215
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
TF: 888.510.9665 x 66
FX: 888.510.9665
EM: jsheppard@besstitle.com

Holiday Charity

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:29:21 -0500

Another Charity Announcement from TruClose Financial Services.

Dear ActiveRainers,

With the holiday season fast approaching, we are delighted to announce our holiday charity program once again named "TruClose for Tots". Last year, TruClose was able to make nearly 100 childrens' holidays special.

Each year, TruClose donates a portion of it's revenue earned between 10/15-12/23 to charity. This year, we will be partnering with Toys for Tots as well as are looking for a charity to support that fights hunger and/or homelessness, especially in the cold winter months.

This year, we're doing something extra special! Instead of donating for toys monetarily, we will be personally purchasing a gift for less fortunate children ranging from 3 years of age to 12 years of age for each loan that we close! That's right! We feel that in this aspect, we can reach far more children who deserve to have a warm holiday season like the rest of us.

As far as the homeless charity effort, we will be donating a portion of revenue however, we do not have a charity lined up as of yet. If anyone reading this blog has any ideas or knows of any charities where these dollars will be best spent, could you kindly let me know?

Just think that as bad as our industry may be, it is nowhere near as trying as the lives and challenges of the less fortunate everyday.

Respectfully,

Jason C. Sheppard

President and CEO

TruClose Financial Services, LLC

TF: 888.510.9665 x 66

FX: 888.510.9665

EM: jsheppard@besstitle.com

www.besstitle.com

Buyer's Agent Fees

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:10:32 -0500

Hello Rainers! Happy Friday to all! I have a general question on some advertising issues that I have seen in my local market recently. I am hoping you can shed some light to the legality of this, as well if it is false advertisement. I am sure this area has been covered 1,000 times over on A/R however, with me being in title and closing some of the deals with upset borrowers, I want to get some A/R opinions.

Very recently, there have been advertisements (mostly print ads) regarding a few local real estate shops stating that their services are 100% free, yet at time of settlement, they charge a small admin fee (Generally $185.00)

Since we are in a very blue collar town in Pittsburgh, this makes about 65% of the borrowers who expect to pay nothing, angry. Many people count their "funds due at signing" down to the penny on their home purchases. In all seriousness, we are able to smooth the borrowers over as most buyers are getting fantastic deals and are truly not worried about $185.00 however, when borrowers ask their real estate agents to waive this fee and that it was not disclosed, they say it is not their fee, rather a "corporate" fee and refuse to waive the $185.00

Does anyone have any insight into this?

Thanks!

Jason

Interesting NY Times Article...

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:48:13 -0500

Just wanted to share!

The latest outgrowth of the housing crisis, the breakdown on Wall Street, threatens to gradually corrode economic activity on Main Street, mainly by disabling the credit on which so many everyday transactions depend - but also by frightening people.

Lenders of all types had already been raising the bar for borrowers, turning away all but the best customers. This week, they became even less willing to part with their money, further crimping budgets and family spending.

An economy propelled by easy credit for more than a decade is fraying as credit disappears. American Express, to take one striking example, is reducing the maximum credit limit for half of its tens of millions of cardholders.

More from NYT.com:

· A Sense That Wall St.'s Boom Times Are Over

· S.E.C. Issues Temporary Ban on Short-Selling

• Vast Bailout by U.S. Proposed in Bid to Stem Financial Crisis

The credit shock is in some ways reminiscent of the 1973 oil embargo, which "came into people's lives right away," said Andrew Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center, the public opinion pollster. Then, Americans were forced to line up for gasoline and turn down their thermostats in winter. Though less visible, the credit squeeze, if it persists, will force businesses and consumers to cut spending more than they already have.

"We have moved into a decline in consumer spending, which normally happens only in a major recession," said Ethan Harris, chief domestic economist at Lehman Brothers. He calls the experience "a slow-motion recession in which economic growth will be near zero for an extended period of time."

Consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of American economic activity and has been slowing as the value of homes falls. Although the economy is not yet in a formal recession, consumer spending in June and July grew only because consumers paid more for the same goods. After factoring in higher prices, they actually bought less.

Borrowers are finding that the nation's lenders are tightening up in numerous ways. American Express is hardly alone. After several banks said they would not lend the asking price, a tractor-trailer dealer in North Carolina had to cut the $20,000 he was seeking for a second-hand tractor to $14,000. And a commercial real estate agent, trying to raise $4 million by refinancing an apartment building, got only half that amount from the Bank of Smithtown on Long Island, even though the building was appraised for $10 million.

"With marginal lenders in trouble, we have more people than ever coming to us for loans," said Brad Rock, chairman of the Smithtown bank. "So all of a sudden, we can be much pickier in deciding what loans to make and how much to lend."

Being pickier means that an American Express cardholder whose maximum has been reduced to $1,000 from $1,200 has that much less to spend on clothing or meals out, purchases that lift the economy.

At $14,000 for a used tractor, a trucker, caught in the same squeeze as the dealer, would lack a sufficient down payment for a new tractor, which costs more than $100,000. Indeed, many truckers in this situation find themselves looking for other work, even as job seekers across the nation outnumber job openings by more than 2 to 1, the biggest mismatch since 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.

And the commercial real estate agent is shy $2 million that would have been invested in a new venture to generate economic growth.

Mr. Rock, also chairman of the American Bankers Association, with 8,400 affiliates, does not see a problem in this turn of events.

"Now people are going to actually have to have a job to get a loan and they are going to have to make installment payments that are already higher per dollar borrowed than they used to be," he said, arguing that the debt-fueled prosperity of the

NLF Power Rankings ~ Week 2

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:49:09 -0500

OK folks!!! it is NFL time!!! Last year, I started a sports group and it has grown! Please make sure you join it on Active Rain! Below are my top 12 NFL Teams after week 2. Is this the year the NFC takes over as the dominant Conference?

1 ) Dalls Cowboys: Their defense was a bit suspect against the Eagles however, their offense proves the most powerful in the NFL early. With Marion Barber wearing down defenses, 14 wins is a true possibility.

2 ) Green Bay Packers: Favre who? Yeah, Aaron Rodgers is actually that good, or has played that good through the first 2 weeks. Can you truly imagine the public outcry if he didn't?

3 ) Pittsburgh Steelers: Let's face it. It is hard to throw the ball in 70 MPH winds. Their 10 point offensive display against Cleveland really isn't worrisome. Also, Ben Roethlisberger has the highest QB rating in the NFL and has only had to throw the ball minimally during their 2 wins. 75% completion % is stellar. This team has all of the tools. QB, two feature backs and a stellar defense.

4 ) Philadelphia Eagles: McNabb looks great. They hung with the Cowboys in a shootout.

5 ) NY Giants: Their defense looks excellent, as does Eli. Brandon Jacobs runs over anything in his path, including his own linemen. They did win the Superbowl last year.

6 ) Denver Broncos: Jay Cutler looks to cement himself as a true top 5 QB this year. (Hoculi certainly helped this rating.

7 ) New England Patriots: No Brady, no problem... The rest of the team is a very good, veteran squad that will lift Cassel into having an above-par season.

8 ) Indianapolis Colts: Ugh, this is the ugliest 1-1 start I've ever seen a team have. They still have Addai, Harrison, Wayne, Clark and some guy named Manning.

9 ) Carolina Panthers: Well, they squeaked em in, but they squeaked em in without their best player in Steve Smith.

10) Buffalo Bills: Excellent Defense! Marshawn Lynch is a bruising back. Their success falls solely into the hands of their young QB.

11) Tenessee Titans: Kerry Collins is the guy there until Young proves he is physically and mentally ready. They do have a very inviting schedule.

12 ) Arizona Cardinals: Ok, they beat two terrible teams in Miami and San Fran. However, Kurt Warner, Edgerin James, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald? If they allow 20 points per game on defense, they'll still win 10 games. It's too early on this one...

LET THE COMMENTS FLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week 2 NFL Power Rankings

TruClose Financial Services, LLC (TruClose Financial Services, LLC) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:10:35 -0500