Who Holds Your Best Interests Mr. Consumer? In the age of Internet shopping, competition seems as tough as ever, if not totally skewed. Competitive business practices typically allow the consumer to get a better product, yet with so many options & firms biding for your business....who can you trust? The Internet savvy big-name mortgage marketing gurus have flooded emails, pop-ups, banner, & search engines with promises of a mortgage loan that is akin to an euphoria Leonardo DiCaprio too expected to encounter and live amongst in the movie "The Beach." Sales, like life, is a complex and interesting endeavor and euphoria rarely rears its idealistic head. If it is too good to be true, it probably is. There is much competition to garner your business. Who can you trust to deliver a fair and affordable product for your particular situation? Why do some 'offers' seem so much better than others? I'll tell you my take. Sometimes it seems in this biz that you are competing against ghosts.
For the past few months here at our firm, we have been involved with a lead company providing leads harnessed through the net. Individuals simply inquiring about their options when purchasing or refinancing their home fill out some basic information and the 'lead' is now on its way to be fought for by numerous companies. Psychology, Manipulation, Charm, Persuasion, Persistence, Charisma, & Follow-up are only a few of the terms associated with the art of the sell. That art is more than just selling a product that many companies have similar access too, it's selling yourself. Being in the biz for a mere 5+ years, I've tried to create a checklist of how, as a consumer, I would not only choose but would want my mortgage professional to work for me. I want: -Bottom Line>>> Can I get the financing to buy a home?. Will this refinance go through? If there are going to be obstacles, let me know what they may be and how I can help to get through them? -Trust>>> Always earned, rarely given. I'll let them interview me as part of the application process but I would also be sure to interview them as well for the position of My Mortgage Consultant. -The Know>>> How are you paid? Is it a reasonable fee? How does the loan process work? -Options>>> I want them. Not too many but enough to make an informed decision on what best fits my ideal situation...both now and down the road. -Accessibility>>> Don't treat me like an unwanted ex, return my calls & emails in a timely manner. I shouldn't have to beat down your door to close my loan so you can make money. -Communication>>> Oh, this is a biggie! I don't like surprises but I know stuff happens. When you find out the good, bad, or indifferent, let me know right away. -Lip Service>>> I'm not a big fan. Don't tell me what I want to hear, tell me what is as you know it. I don't need a politician here, I need a Trusted Adviser working to get a mortgage that makes sense for me. -The Human Element>>> I want to know you care and have the heart of Rocky Balboa & the soul of the Dhalai Llama, or at least you won't be a stranger after the deal is done. -What Makes You Different>>> Oh, you're local? That's wonderful. You've helped customers move into their house?!? Excellent! You will be at the closing? Great! |
Anonymous
Good blog -- more companies and mortgage brokers would have success if they followed your ideas. Check us out if you ever need additional leads. www.NationalHomeSavings.com
Jan 13, 2007 01:05 PM
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Bertrum Settlements (Title & Abstract) - Allentown, PA
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
Puzzled is as Puzzled does Ann.
Rob, you are the trip...
And who the heck is JB?
Jun 02, 2007 10:22 PM
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel
As realtors or loan officers I believe we should explain how we get paid and hope clients will be loyal. I have met people who thought we get company cars and our cell phone bills paid as well as get to keep the entire commission.
Jun 02, 2007 11:37 PM
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
You are correct Gina, the public has little idea on how we make our money. Not their concern per se, but I do like to show them how everything works and who is getting paid what and so on...
Jun 03, 2007 05:39 AM
Bertrum Settlements (Title & Abstract) - Allentown, PA
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
Nope Mr. Rob and we even have to pay for our own housing, gas, & meals....:-)
Jun 04, 2007 01:04 AM
Bertrum Settlements (Title & Abstract) - Allentown, PA
Meals too???????? NO WAY!!!! I thought the BIG 'vendors' treated you daily :^)
I also heard you 'guys' get every comp in the book by hustling old ladies into signing loans that will explode (implode) on them within 3-5 years.
Huh..... it's amazing what you learn by reading AR.
THKS JASON
Jun 04, 2007 01:26 AM
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire
This would be a great post to repeat for your NEW business...or at least something along those lines.
Thanks for the comment. I am glad to hear that!
Oct 21, 2012 01:01 AM
Comments(10)