Finding Useful Web Sites

By Frank Schiefelbein

Getting tired of all the hoopla about Web sites and all they can do to help you increase your home sales? Like it or not, this electronic pathway for streamlining real estate transactions is becoming the new paradigm for consumers and real estate professionals alike.

When it comes to helping your buyers obtain a home loan, using the Net is a quick and efficient way to prequalify them, and in many cases, preapprove them so you’ll have negotiating power with sellers.

Many lenders are just developing Web sites, but some have been online for many years. Countrywide Home Loans, for example, created a strong Internet presence three years ago and is a dominant online lender. www.FrankForHomeLoans.com offers you and your clients the ability to “click” into the company’s Web site and find useful information, then utilize the “bricks” of a local branch to finalize a loan, if desired.

When reviewing potentially useful Web sites, look for ones that: - Use the latest technical advances to make the visit efficient and enjoyable.

- Make it easy for users to find the information they desire.

- Constantly update information, especially daily interest rates.

- Provide a variety of products and services online.

- Offer links to other related Web sites.

- Offer a Spanish-language version with toll-free phone numbers connecting directly with Spanish-speaking loan specialists.

- Provide tools for you and your clients to calculate costs, find recent comps, school statistics or area demographics.

- Offer a printable online preapproval certificate that can be used in negotiations and to speed loan processing once the purchase offer is accepted.

- Offer a separate resource for real estate professionals, such as Countrywide’s REALTOR® Advantage, that includes rate and product information, prospecting and marketing tools, and industry news and links.

- Request user feedback.

The Internet is probably the most significant invention of our time for communicating quickly, and as an information resource. Now it is developing into an indispensable tool for all industries – real estate and lending included. Here’s to doing business in the age of the Net!

Frank Schiefelbein of the St. Charles office of Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., a national leader in residential finance. The office is located at 1121 E. Main St., Ste. 330, St. Charles, IL 60174.  847-894-1629  www.FrankForHomeLoans.com

Frank Schiefelbein

Home Loan Consultant

Countrywide Home Loans

847-894-1629 Cell

630-513-4815 Office Direct

866-905-7983 Fax

888-265-9824 Toll Free

http://www.frankforhomeloans.com/

frank_schiefelbein@countrywide.com

FREE PRE-APPROVALS!!!!

Lending available in ALL 50 states!