Tom W. .....  there are different ways of looking at this. We each will have our on view points. To me, this is more of an awareness blog for consumers to think when calling these companies. Ask questions. If you get someone that doesn't seem sure of themselves, that might be a red flag.

Tom W. .....  I partially agree.  Sometimes it could slip.... but if it's used in the beginning or often, these should be red flags.

Kris......  yes, you are. Question is, do you use these words?  Use them often?  Use half of them within the first 5 to 10 minutes of speaking to a potential client?  Do you use these words in order to close that deal?

My whole point is that a very good to excellent loan officer, mortgage consultant... whatever you want to call us... won't use these terms or hardly ever will use them. Tape record yourself when you talk to your next few clients. You might shock yourself.

Asking your clients goals... making them feel comfortable doesn't need to come from these commonly used phrases. Being yourself,...genuine, sincere.... these will make you sound trusting and as someone that knows what they are talking about.  

Again, this is just my opinion.... but it has worked for me. And you know what.... HONESTY. If you don't think it's going to work, tell them. If you don't, then you are one of these people that I am talking about. You can still tell your client that ...hey, this might be tough, but let's dig deeper.

Thanks for your feedback and input. 

Lisa...  I agree, about the old adage and saying. And as I stated, I wasn't trying to knock Countrywide. There are complaints about them. But then again, most companies get one type of complaint or so. The reason being is because they are are human beings that work on each loan, not robots. Not everyone follows the same business model that each company puts out there to their employees. 

With that said, we also would need to compare apples to apples. Because a lot of these bigger companies can't do the harder deals than I could at times. But it does come down to the loan officer and the underwriter.

Thanks for your feedback. 

Missy....   I know this all too well. I have semi lost my sister's friend to Bank of America's no closing cost deal. This client is not comparing apples to apples. I was doing a specific deal for her. The type of program that they would offer for no closing costs can't be offered on every loan program out there. It's call yield spread.

In all honesty, I think the word bait and switch in regards to something like this is a little harsh. The reason being is that you could still offer what you are promising, because no rate was advertised. To me, a true bait and switch would be to put something down on paper and change it before closing. This is just my opinion. thanks for your input. 

Meg.... I appreciate that and understand. Colors are a key to advertising.

In any case, again, I am not here to slam companies, but to educate consumers on the advertising and what is generally behind them. Just like the lending tree commercials.   Thanks for stopping by.

Marlene...   in my opinion Marlene, just telling one part of a program is sales to me. Not giving both the positive and negative. That's when I respect someone. There can't be too many things that would be great or awesome that still doesn't have 1 thing wrong or some sort of drawback.

I just think most of what we see headlined in regards to financing is to get you to call in. How come they didn't advertise these same products a year ago?  They were around?  It is because the market is dictating these types of commercials. Business is slow for many and it's one way to get more people to call in. And then weed through them.....

Dominick...... that is the normal saying and I agree... usually. But sometimes it takes research. And I agree, apples to apples. Thanks for the polite compliment.

Tony.....  And my girlfriend... lol    that is a great statement about the car and the wax job. Great analogy. We do agree on this and it people just knew what took place behind the scenes, they would understand a little more. thanks for the kind words.

Jason.... I would love to see this e-mail. Can you forward it to me?  And in regards to Dateline, I am actually working on this. It's a long shot, but I'll keep you posted.  thanks

Shane.....  I never heard of Brian Sacks before. I guess I will Google him....but it sounds good and on the money, for the most part. Again, not saying that some of these companies are bad, but it is called marketing as some of you have mentioned. And presentation is so key.

Melissa......  I agree it is much stronger than advertising.... but depending on the kind of office that I am running, a little advertising does not hurt, it just depends on how and what you state.  Overall, thanks for the polite compliments. 

Kim....  I have done that before, posing as someone else. It's scary on how you can sometimes get a loan officer back peddling when they get some good questions. Maybe an educated consumer?  It can be fun.  Thanks for the polite compliment.

David.... thanks a lot. And I have learned some good things from not only some of these loan officers, but from realtors such as yourself.   And I agree, it would be great if Dateline did a feature or story on this. I'll keep you posted on this.  ;o)   And thanks for the compliment.

Scott....  I agree and you are correct on the rules for the little guys vs the big players. Thanks for the kind words.

Tom B. ......   I totally agree, skating around the truth. Should we say "sugar coating"???  Hey, asll companies can be weak or negative depending on those that work for them. Countrywide is just bigger which never means the best.  thanks for your input.

John..... Well, I am sure different offices have different reputations. I am sure that this is good for you. Thanks for the polite compliments.

Ann.... usually this is the case, just wishing that they would realize this. The problem is, once in a blue moon, something that is advertised could in fact happen. But it depends on the market and yes...it depends on that clients qualifications.  thanks for the comments.