November marks return of SoCal mortgage biz...keep it rollin'

It's true.  Rates are down and lenders have begun to loosen their grip on funding both purchase and refinanced loans.  November 2010 found my Notary Signing business strong and steady just before the holidays.  I'm thankful [and stated so on Thanksgiving Day] that the wheels on the Silver bullet were spinning every "work" day in November (we work just about every day!).   http://twitpic.com/1qp9ne

The gradual increase in my loan signing business since September ['09] has been a welcome and long awaited return.  While business is still nowhere near 2005-06 levels, a glimmer of hope has made itself known since about April ['10], perhaps, just in the knick of time.  The "purchase" market here, in Southern California, fueled by adjusting home prices, low interest rates and the allure of once unheard of and amazing deals has ignited Realtors, Escrow Officers and thankfully, Notary Signing Agents alike.  A rather high percentage of these have been FHA deals and although the majority are indeed purchases, a rise in the number of refinance loans being seen is also evident.   

Diversification of my business hasn't hurt things either.  While the bulk of my business continues to come from loan signings, I have seen "regular" and consistent work in all my expanded service offerings.  Those services include: Service of Process (Process Serving), Messenger Services, Photo/Occupancy Inspections and other Errand and Delivery Services.  So many of the Lenders, Mortgage Brokers and Escrow providers either left the business altogether or so greatly altered their methods of operation that my client list looks vastly different than it once did.  With the rise in mortgage loans taking place, many of those old relationships and familiar faces are re-emerging.

When your first, best destiny presents itself to you and then economic hardship hits, any movement toward a recovery is so, so sweet! I've always remained convinced that mine is a viable career but learned many lessons regarding the cycle of real estate here in Southern California.  Maintaining ethical standards, delivering upon promises and learning new skills has served us well.  Now that the economy has pulled out of its nose-dive, we are prepared to soar to new heights.