Useful. That's the highest compliment I can pay to a professional who gives me advice. When Jeff Belonger asked me to take the reins of the Mortage Pro Week in Review for this past week, that's what I went looking for--posts that are useful to the general public--those people we hope will find us in their Google Search. Not every post I've included has a zillion comments. Not all members post to Groups. But all have something useful for you. Take a look in this week's Mortgage Pro Week in Review.
I clicked on Localism's home page, and there, under Featured Articles, was Joan Rogliano's article: Is My Ex Paying the Mortgage? That's a useful thing to know. I receive referrals from a local attorney because I helped a client of his who was in the position of the woman about whom Joan was writing. Just because the court says so doesn't mean that the mortgage will be refinanced. Thanks for posting, Joan!
Ed Nailor nailed it when he gave permission to any and all to link back to their own websites in his post Converting web visitors to leads - Mortgage Sites (Members Only.) I'm big on always including a Call to Action in any post intended for your target market. Ed points out that while real estate agents often do this, we mortgage types are much less likely to do so. He makes a generous offer. Take him up on it. And while you're at it, feel free to do what he's suggesting when you visit my blog.
As I browsed posts by mortgage people, I was surprised at how few authors directed mortgage-related posts to their audience. Not Wendy! Wendy Abner is direct and to the point in her post What every consumer needs to know RIGHT NOW! ...call all of my clients, friends and family to ensure their best interests are taken care of - Their financial future!
I'd venture that most of us don't work the circle that's closest to us for one reason or another. It's a mistake, IMHO. I found Wendy's post because she included it in the group By Referral ONLY active Rain Makers!! If you don't know who Joe Stumpf is, check this group.
Do you want to start a seminar? I do. Ken Cook shares his method (one he's perfected with his group since 2001) in his post Seminar: Home Buying Without Fear In A Confused Market.
I'm subscribing to his blog on the basis of this post. Here's an excerpt: The media only reports the most exciting part of anything they are reporting on. If they are doing a story on abandoned puppies they want the one with the most bandages. If they are doing a story on foreclosures they want to find a street with 6 boarded up houses in a row and they don't care if they aren't really foreclosed they just want boarded up houses even if they are houses recently purchased to be torn down...
Bill Archambualt and I will both turn 60 this year. Some things never change: Standing Before The Bar / Why I Hate Applying For A Loan / Nothing Has Changed is worth reading from the standpoint of your customer. Bill's last paragraph gives five questions for the borrower. As I read them, it made me reflect on how my clients perceive me. Here's question number five: Lastly, you're the judge, is the originator worthy of your business?
Kris Krajecki has an idea to improve your business. Did you miss the 36 hour Refi Boomlet? asks the question, and gives you a little plan to capitalize on the little boomlets that will show up this year, and will likely evaporate just as quickly. We've had three of these in the last five months. If you didn't make money each time, read Kris's post.
Not may posts are written on financing for the Rehab Investor. As a builder in a past life, I perk up when someone writes for the Rehab Developer. This may not be you, but it very well may be a market that you could cultivate if you knew how. Jason Sardi's post is very useful in that regard. The Truth About REHAB...... has nothing to do with Brittany Spears. LOL
I love this part of Jason's last paragraph: The thing that isn't often mentioned with Rehab Loans is the real value. ...there is another very tangible benefit deeper than just financial rewards. Revitalizing properties help the growth and health of the community. It's a Win-Win proposition and that's what any successful Real Estate Transaction is all about.
Every day needs a little humor and inspiration. Eleanor Thorne provides both in her post Durable Goods Strong. Eleanor's motto must be "Let me show you the money!" (The figure on the right is not Eleanor; it's part of the cartoon in her post that had me in stitches.)
Jeff Belonger is the brains behind The Mortgage Pro Week in Review, but that doesn't disqualify him from appearing here. The post Mortgages & Real Estate -- Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!! is very useful, especially for the public who read our scribblings. For this post only, Jeff encourages you to copy and use it in your business. Read the post for the full offer. You'll find it useful.
A lot of us have been feeling the pressure of a negative press when it comes to our chosen profession as lenders. Mike in Tucson (yours truly) wrote a post in response to a rant about why the government isn't kicking butt and taking names. "Daddy, Make Him Stop!" Why Uncle Sam Isn't the Answer in a Free Market goes back to the roots of why we have a government, and what it's role ought to be in our lives, especially as professional lenders.
Do you want Uncle in the mortgage or short sale business?
Last, but not least, is a post by Tom Brady. That's him to the left. In his spare time, he's a mortgage originator. Don't believe me? It's right in front of you in black and white, so it must be true.
Mike Mueller's post The Patriots WIN the Super Bowl! is a must read, even if it did slip into the next week. (Ron Averni probably wouldn't have featured it anyhow. LOL)
Mike in Tucson
The next 3 members :
1. Ron Avneri 02/04/2008 through 02/10/2008
2. Don Draughn 02/11/2008 through 02/17/2008
3. Eleanor Thorne 02/18/2008 through 02/24/2008
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Mike - Excellent job! Doing a week in review takes a lot of time and effort. What a great job you did of selecting posts that cover a variety of topics in the field of mortgage and finance. Thanks for the work and links to some very interesting posts.