Like those who have gone before me, I would like to thank Jeff Belonger for asking me to write the Mortgage PRO Week in Review. As one who has had the privilege of doing this post before, I really looked forward to writing one again. This week promised to teach me more about this industry which I love.
In keeping with the theme of springtime, I thought it would be appropriate to format this post a little differently. To give it a touch of my personality by correlating it to an activity I enjoy.
With the new season fast approaching, I find new signs of life growing. The first crocus buds are popping through the soul. Tulips will be sprouting soon too. Then, the beautiful colors that pepper the ground like a rainbow covered sky will bring hope and joy back to our lives.
Of course, the bulbs were planted long ago; often times, many, many years past. Still, we tend the garden with the same tried and true methods of those who have gone before us. Who have found what works and what does not work so well. When we do a new planting, we work the soil to prepare it for the life we are about to give it. We are aware of the conditions in which we grow our garden and we do the best we can to help sustain the beauty that is sure to "spring" forth in the months ahead.
So it is in the mortgage and real estate industry. There are times to prepare the soil, to fertilize the ground, to plant seeds and bulbs. We need to water our garden and we need to weed through the flower bed. We need to determine what seeds we want to plant and where they would be the most beautiful.
As I read through the vast array of posts written, each author brought these elements to mind and as such, I present you the early spring edition of this week's Mortgage PRO Week in Review.
Deciding which seeds to plant and where to plant them is a task in and of itself.
- My friend, Mike Jones, has done a fantastic job of showcasing one of his seeds in his post Tucson Arizona Relocation Package. Check it out so that you can get some clarity on seeds for your business.
- Joe Adams of Colorado gives very valid points on how Realtor types can plant seeds by referring us Mortgage Professionalswho are always there for you. It put a smile on my face...not hard to do, but always a good thuing! :)
- Mr. Aaron Gordon has a great post about Getting A High End Mortgage. In these times, we need all of the proiduct knowledge we can get. Including what the future may hold.
- My esteemed mentor and colleague, Jeff Belonger wrote about his area of expertise...the Top 10 Reasons for FHA Financing. I do not use this product often enough...but I think it's time is coming again!
Weeding is an essential part in the gardening process. Pulling up the roots of those weeds that can suffocate our growth is a necessary part of our business lives as well. These posts spoke very well to ways that we can clear up our business much the same as we can clear out the garden.
Often times our attitudes need the weeding. Again, I found
Aaron Gordon. This time utililizing on the lessons of another and adds his thoughts in a post challenging us ~
Now Is the Time to Quit the Real Estate Business... (You will need to read it to learn the point of it. Personally, I found it to be a great one.)
A "friend" of a friend (and even a friend on his own)
Jason Sardi points out that there are ways to think outside the box. Getting rid of conventional processes is sometimes advisable as he suggests in his post where you can
buy a home with No Money Out of Your Pocket. Jason, it seems can write posts with one hand tied behind his back. What a talent! ;-)
Planting the bulbs is of utmost importance. Similarly, so is obtaining business. There were several great pieces written on drumming up business so that we can watch the hours of our time come to life in the form of closed loan files.
Fertilizing, watering, and getting sun to those bulbs is critical. I have thought many times that in this high tech world, the high touch mentality has been lost. While it may be true that the younger generations prefer it that way, it is not the case across the board. We all have clients who need to see us and hear us. Who need to reach across the table we share at the local Starbucks and shake our hand. It is for this type of borrower that I include the following great posts about nurturing our seeds to fully bloom.
Unrelated to gardening but still important posts were also available, of course. I would love for you to read these if you have not already done so.
Go plant your seeds, water them, grow beautiful flowers, and share them with your neighbors! I will be watching, reading, and writing as I stop to smell the roses! :)
(And, thanks again, Jeff. It is always a great educational time for me...)
The next 2 talented members to so kindly volunteer their time are:
1. Ed Rybczynski 03/03/2008 through 03/09/2008
2. Larry Bettag 03/11/2008 through 03/16/2008
Mortgage blogs by loan officers Here is a list of Loan Officers. If you are not listed, please email Jeff Belonger to be added. This way the person doing the Mortgage Pro week in reviewcan try and find most mortgage related posts in one section. ActiveRain is growing rapidly and it is difficult to keep up.... If you think you have been ignored, you have not. This is open to all!!!
All About Mortgages/Mortgage Networking Here is a group that many loan officers post their mortgage related blogs in. A good place to learn more about the type of programs, new industry news, and sometimes some inside tips. Don't hesitate to join.
MORTGAGE PRO Week in Review A repository for the Mortgage Week in Review. Please don't hesitate in joining this group.
There will be no recreations of any type regarding the titles or content of this group or Review without the permission and expressed written consent of the Group's founder- Copyright 2008©
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Sarah - Amazing job with this my dear. There is a plethora of top-notch information here, you set the bar just a tad bit higher. (It's very difficult to write a comment with one hand tied behind my back;-)