Just in case you completely missed it, Zillow Mortgage Marketplace launched on April 2nd 2008 at 9:00 PM Pacific Time.  I was there.  ZMM offered to bring transparency to the system of borrowing.  Right from the start I was a supporter.  However, since that day, certain issues have reared their ugly head. 

  • I quickly realized that Zillow can't ask the right questions.  It's just not possible.  While they may ask most of the important questions, sometimes the answer to that question leads to the necessity of a deeper question.  As guidelines change so must the questions.  Because of this, Zillow Quotes can often be "Liar Quotes".
  • A guy named Brent almost brought ZMM down.  Not really, but he was "gaming" the system.  Just by luck he happened to quote someone within my 10 mile area (he's in Oklahoma) and just by luck I happened to read his quote.  Just by luck I decided to use his quote as an example in post I wrote exposing the problem.  In 2 days he had already quoted 150 people and completed 1 loan!
  • myzillowrating An "uneducated borrower" slammed me (and 5 others) with a negative feedback rating (and he hadn't even contacted me) He was wrong, and although I could and did post a rebuttal, my rating was tarnished.  Zillow does offer the ability for the lender to post a rebuttal and I used that - however, I know full well consumers don't take the time to dig deep.  Instead they'll look solely at my "Rating Graphic" (there it is)  ======>

You can see Zillow fixed my Negative Rating after I exposed the problem so now I'm back to ZERO.  This latest issue started a lively discussion on "#1 Reason I'll QUIT Zillow Mortgage"  that was picked up by one of the great thinkers in the industry Brian Brady who posted "Zillow Mortgage Must Verify Consumers To Become A Marketplace" over at Bloodhound Blog.  That post garnered an even livelier discussion.

Liars! Over and over again I see unethical, dishonest rate quoting "factories" doing their best to bait the hook so they can switch the poor borrower later.  Did you know some Lenders actually hire people to quote for them?  ZMM is a hotbed of misinformation and outright lies.  They don't actively police the forum, instead they want us to report any improprieties to them.  Unsuspecting borrowers line up in droves and place requests for quotes seemingly unaware of the above listed problems.

So why, given all the bad and the ugly, would I want to even dip a toe, let alone swim in these dark and murky waters?

Reason #1: 

http Zillow's proactive approach.  Specifically, David G.  Write a post about Zillow Mortgage and David G will show up (usually in minutes).  Make no mistake, he's there to protect the brand.  He's employed by Zillow, and he's a company man through and through, and he's always Zillow's biggest cheerleader.  But he's also straight forward and honest and not afraid to enter the fray of a highly charged conversation.   If the same thing happened on eBay - would anyone notice?  Would Meg call me?  David did.

Reason #2:

truthI don't look at ZMM as a great place for free leads.  This is what Zillow is "selling to the loan officer's".  If you are a borrower you might not know that some lenders will actually pay $500 to misquote you! (see "The Truth About Lending Tree") 
I don't care about free leads, I have a different view than most other loan officers.  This may seem strange but I look at it as just another place for additional exposure.  Just like blogging adds exposure, so does my involvement with ZMM.   Simple as that.

Reason #3: 

compass I have a plan.  It's my "Zillow Mortgage Marketing Plan".  Yeah, that sounds corny.  "Plan your work and work your plan" I was always told.   

  1. I'm only going to complete quote requests close to home.  We don't have to meet face to face, but if at all possible, wouldn't you want to look in the eyes of the person who was lending you hundreds of thousands of dollars?  I would.  Although I could quote someone thousands of miles away - I'll stick to my neighborhood.
  2. In my quote I'm going to suggest you take a minute to read a special landing page I designed just for Zillow.  Take the time to read that and you'll have a better understanding of the pitfalls before you.  Skip it and you'll probably get what you deserve.
  3. I'll base my rate quote on real lockable rates.  Not rates from a week ago, but rates that are real and available at that time.  I'll also base those rates on a 30 day rate lock.
  4. Respond to my Rate Quote via email or by phone and I'll offer to send you a Real GFE.  That Zillow quote didn't include many of the fees I know you'll have to have.  Items like Title Policy and Escrow Fees.   
  5. Attached to that GFE will be a .pdf of my loan application.  Fill that out, send it back with the required documentation, and I'll be able to find you the best possible program at the best possible rate and fees that best meet your particular needs.  Don't want to fill out the application?  I'm ok with that.  For me, I've lost 15 minutes of my valuable time.  You may lose something even more valuable, Thousands of Dollars.

Why will I do all this knowing full well the pitfalls of Zillow Mortgage?

I'm a dreamer.  That's all.  I would like to believe that Zillow found a way to ask all the right questions.  I would like to believe that all loan quotes given were accurate.  I would like to believe that I was truly competing for your business on a level playing field with transparency and justice for all.  I would like to believe that all borrowers took the time to make informed educated decisions and didn't shop by misleading  rates and fees.

I know full well that 99 and 44/100ths of the borrowers won't do any of the above.  They certainly could, but I know they won't.  On the highly unlikely occasion that someone does though - I'll be there.  I'll earn a new client, make a new friend, they'll get a great loan and all will be well in the world. 

See, I told you I was a Dreamer! 

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46 Comments on 3 Reasons I'll keep trying Zillow Mortgage

JUN
17
2008
224,571 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

I did not know much a Zillow Mortgage but now I do. Thanks for the detailed post and I hope you get a few good leads from it.

11:06am • #1
232,780 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Mike, I really appreciate you writing this. I haven't really followed the ZMM except for just bits and pieces. I love your attitude! I love Reason #2! That is how I view a lot of the different sites. I am like you - only I call my self a "pollyanna". :) Good Luck!!

11:06am • #2
131,089 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Found a new agent on AR today who was asking about short sales - sent her here... same concept... it's the exposure and the plan.  I spend time once a month looking at the new folks in my area on AR and contacting them - lender, stager, agent... I don't discriminate.  I offer to help them with it.  99.75 don't take any action - but those few that do??  Well - they appreciate the time! and we normally become good friends!

12:45pm • #3
5 Featured Posts

Dreamers are most wellcome, Mike! Thank you for sharing your experiences and for your kind words - I'm glad that I could help.

3 important perspectives I'd like to add to this post ...

1) Dishonest lenders and uneducated borrowers are not new to the lending industry and they are certainly not peculiar to Zillow Mortgage Marketplace. Zillow just happens to be the only place where you can observe what they're doing.

2) Most borrowers are not idiots and cheats never prosper. On Zillow, borrowers uniquely have the ability to compare multiple quotes side-by-side. Even if the review system had totally failed, borrowers on Zillow would still be better equipped to identify a BS-loan there than anywhere else they can get quotes today.

3) Most Zillow lenders are providing honest, accurate quotes. Because quotes on Zillow are transparent and because we're all so obsessed with bad news you are going to see stories about incorrect quotes on Zillow. That's understandable; it makes for good blog fodder but it's important to remember that inaccurate quotes are in a tiny minority on Zillow. For proof of that, just pull up the mortgage marketplace rate explorer (US 30yr fixed is pasted below.) This tool reports the aggregate rates quoted in the marketplace. As you can see, that the average rate quoted on Zillow is certainly very real.

12:56pm • #4
5 Featured Posts

Mike,

You quoted a real rate and a real program to an anonymous person. That anonymous person slammed you using Zillow's rating system. Your only recourse is to post a rebuttal and ask for Zillow to change the feedback.

Does this not tell you something? This is not transparentcy. If feedback can be so easily thrown around by Zillow's visitors and then changed by Zillow itself, what's the point?

David does respond quickly... he is getting really good as a Firefighter, having to try and fight all the fires that mortgage and real estate professionals bring up about Zillow. Yet, his answers don't always match up...

Zillow quote from Ed Nailor's AR Blog

Yet, Mike your post indicates that a borrower can indeed review anyone that has simply given a quote... so one would assume that you could have your name smeared by simply providing honest quotes.

Have fun with your dreams... but until Zillow does something to hold the "borrowers" accountable, this is just another web site selling ads with a gimmick to get visitors there.

1:28pm • #5
5 Featured Posts

PS... You'd think if someone spent ANY time on AR at all, they'd see we ain't some stupid group of wanna-be's... Most of us that are Active are also really professionals at what we do! LOL

1:30pm • #6
5 Featured Posts

Ed -

Borrowers can only review lenders they've worked with. That is made clear to borrowers on the review form and they're required to warrant that they contacted the lender before they can submit their review. The fact that we don't allow reviews from borrowers who have not contacted the lender is the reason that the review Mike received was removed from the site. My comment on your blog was accurate - have you corrected your post?

PS ... what point are you trying to make in your comment posted at 1:30?

1:39pm • #7

 

ZILLOW,

What an insulting website, I would not help anybody who supported that sight!

2:51pm • #8
159,685 Points Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Mike,

Thnaks for the lowdown....I don't hear much about Zillow Mtg...know I know a bit more..

3:17pm • #9
5 Featured Posts

David,

Let's be straight forward here shall we? Can we stop playing with words?

Your words: "we don't allow reviews from borrowers who have not contacted the lender"... You have repeatedly claimed "they can't do it.. not allowed".

YET... somehow.... Mike got a negative review from a borrower because he did not like what Mike offered. The fact that the borrower never contacted Mike is the reason you give for removing it.

So which is it? They Can, or they Can't? Because.... THEY DID!

You also state that Zillow's anonymous borrowers are "required to warrant that they contacted the lender before they can submit their review." WHAT? Anonymous warranties??? Am I the only one that finds that statment just a bit odd? What are you guys smoking? Spammers use Yahoo and MSN to send spam everyday because they can do so anonymously, even though Yahoo and MSN say they can't. But obviously they CAN.

So what you should say instead is that "we ask our anonymous borrowers not to rate lenders until they have worked with them, but if they don't follow the rules, we can correct that." The problem here is that the burden falls back on the Lender. They have to complain and have to show that they were never contacted. The ability to go back and make these changes to feedback undermine the credibility of the system. What prevents the bad lenders from simply crying "they never contacted me!"?

The only person here held to any standards is the lender. The borrower can do whatever they want (don't tell me they can't... they ARE) without any reproach. After all, what are you gonna do? Ban an anonymous user because they rated a lender? (Please don't insult my intelligence)

Have I "corrected" my post? If by "correcting" you mean have I "removed any negative comments about Zillow?", then the answer is no. I stated that borrowers can rate lenders simply on the basis that they did not like the quote they were provided. Since they obviously CAN, how is my statement inaccurate? I think your statement needs correcting... and you need to choose which side of the fence you want to be on.

If Lenders are so evil that Zillow needs to protect borrowers by allowing them to "shop anonymously" then why in the heck are you working so hard to court lenders? Wait... don't answer that... without lenders, the gimmick doesn't work and there is less ad revenue.

3:18pm • #10
156,279 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I am not sure we have a place for these systems that try to quick fix an industry with problems...nor am I sure you should continue to work with them. Good luck.

3:18pm • #11
210,821 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Chuck  - Thanks  for the visit.  The more you read the more you know.
Jo - Pollyanna it is!
Eleanor - As always we seem to think alike.  I was cruising the New Members just last night.
David G - Right on schedule!  Have I mentioned how much I appreciate you today?  In all honesty I had this and the other "#1 Reason why I'll QUIT..." already written.  I couldn't and didn't want to not tell both sides to the story.  I do appreciate the fact that Zillow is so responsive.  I am not a Zillow "tool".  I just look at the situation in a different way than most.   In answer to your 3 points...

  1. Agree.  Nothing new under the sun.
  2. Disagree.  Although I can't prove it, I'd guess a large number of people are "taken" each and every day.  They might come back and leave a negative rating but chances are they'll accept what they got and move on.  People don't like to admit (even anonymously) that they've been had.  Depending on how the lender deals with the bait and switch would probably diffuse the situation plenty.  The better switch artists have it down to a fine craft.  That doesn't mean the borrower wasn't switched to begin with. 
  3. Disagree.  We can watch the average rates quoted all we want, and I like using the data points for charts, but those charts are somewhat meaningless.  They track the rate quote for that day.  Do they also factor in the Fees?  Are those fees accurate?  Rhonda has been pricing her quotes at par with a 1% fee.  Lately she started quoting at 1% back and no fee.  Why?  She thought clients would be more apt to start the conversation if she was a little higher in rate and lower in fees.  This is a tough thing for Borrowers to grasp.  She's going to make exactly the same thing either way.  A smart LO will modify the rate / fee to best match the borrower's needs.  To do that, we need to have the borrower open the door.  If quoting no fees get's them in the door - so be it, but that rate is going to be slightly higher than the one with fees.  Personally, I've seen plenty of LO quoting the same rates I am but with no fees.  That's the Bait and Switch ready to happen.    Would that show on the chart?
    Active Mike
3:22pm • #12
261,565 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Whoa James, tell us how you really feel.

Spectacular post Mike and I have found the folks at Zillow to be very pro-active and reachable, which goes a long way in my book.  Is the system perfect, no.  Will it ever be, probably not.  In my opinion, it's one of the better lead sites (for borrowers & lenders) that I've come across.  It doesn't take much time at all for me to review, quote, & add any other comments I feel applicable to a particular loan request.

I'm loving your system Mike, you aren't one of the good ones ... you are one of the great ones.

At the end of the day, I'm sticking around to help add some legitamacy from the Mortgage side of things.  I also happen to have a loan closing from there this month:-)

3:25pm • #13
210,821 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ed  - You bring up a good point.  As far as I understand it, the Borrower is supposed to NOT leave a Rating for someone he has not contacted or tried to contact.  The bad rating was removed because the borrower had not tried to contact me.  a hanks  for the visit.  The more you read the more you know.
James - Thanks for the visit.  Enough said.
Ed (again) - It is a bitch.  I have to admit that part of what I like is the anonymous factor.  I also understand that Zillow created the sandbox, we play in it, but they're also not policing it.  This isn't like the sandbox at the preschool but more like the sandbox down at the public park.
Gary - It depends on how you look at it.  Like I mentioned, I'm looking for exposure.  There is one guy who I just know is a loan officer posing as a borrower.  Everytime I quote him I know it's not going to create a loan (with him).  But I also know that there are others who will happen to come across my quote, read what I said, hear what I want them to hear and decide to call me.  That's the Client I want.  In a way, just like I'm using ActiveRain, I'm also using Zillow.
Active Mike

3:35pm • #14
210,821 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason  - See!  I told you I had another post coming.  And you thought I was sucking up! 
BTW: you are too kind.  My Zillow Scoreboard looks like this.  150 quotes, 1 reply, 1 loan app sent out with a real GFE.  Borrower says he'll get it all back to me in the next couple of days.  Number of loans closed?  Zero.  (but that's ok)  Oh, and I put a secret little code into my Landing Page to let me know if anyone cuts and pastes it.

Active Mike

3:41pm • #15
557,210 Points 95 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Mike your seen to have a great attitude and yes David is responsive. I wonder how many google alerts he has set up. LOL. Just kidding David, no reason to call me.

3:45pm • #16
119,903 Points

Hi Mike: Good for you. i think it's important to give everything a chance to see if it works. I've been a part of ZMM since early May. No results yet but it didn't cost me much to start and if I get one transaction out of the minimal time I spend quoting, then it's obviously well worth it. Plus, Ziillow's customer service has been nothing short of amazing. I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with David to figure out a tweak in the system. He was extremely helpful. Plus, Spencer always returns my emails. I have made suggestions to them and I think they're listening. I still don't like to put my rate quotes out there but that's just because I'm not a big rate guy. Ultimately time will tell but I like the opportunity so far. Have a great day!

 

Paul

3:52pm • #17
210,821 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Missy Caulk  - Is David G so responsive you have to ward off the phone call? LOL!   
Active Mike

3:53pm • #18
823,697 Points 213 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

The more things change the more they stay the same.

Another fatally flawed system from Zillow.

On what knowledge base does a consumer "rate" a lender based on a contact??

This reminds me of the fatally flawed "rating" system that ActiveRain had until they realized that it could be seriously gamed, thereby making it, totally misleading, misguided, stacked and easy to game. 

I suppose that any lender who exposed themselves to that system would deserve whatever they came home with.

 

3:55pm • #19
5 Featured Posts

Hi, it's David G from Zillow (again) ....

Lenn 

To answer your question, borrowers rate lenders that have quoted them on Zillow and who they have followed up with. We ask borrowers to review the service they recieved from the lender and to let us know if they closed the loan with them. Lenders on Zillow acvrue a reputation through these reviews which are surfaced to borrowers to help them select a lender to work with. Why don't you check out Zillow Mortgage Marketplace and then let us know what you think.

Ed

Semmantics. There's a lot you can do but can't. You can list my home for sale on Craigslist. You can quote me 3% on a 30-year fixed. We could play that game all day but ... the bottom line is that borrowers are not allowed to rate lenders that they have not worked with. And as demonstrated in Mikes case, we will remove any reviews that violate that policy.

Your post suggests that reviews of lenders quotes are acceptable on Zillow. I simply want to clarify that they are not.

Good question about annonymous warrants but think it through; borrowers are registered Zillow users. i.e. They're not not annonymous to Zillow; only to other Zillow users. It's an important distinction.

4:14pm • #20
5 Featured Posts

Jason -

"I also happen to have a loan closing from there this month:-)"

CONGRATULATIONS - glad to hear that the marketplace is working for you.

Missy -

LOL. When did phone calls become the kiss of death? I think I must have missed that memo?

Paul -

Thank You.

Mike -

If anyone calls you a tool, just let me know (I may just have to call them.)

The point you're making about ZMM being a marketing opportunity well beyond the individual loan quote is a valuable insight. I hadn't thought about it before this but loan quotes on Zillow are the first real parallel a loan officer has to the listings that Realtors use to tangentially promote themselves. There's a blog post in there somewhere.

4:40pm • #21

Mike.....and David G too

Wow Mike..........good words.  Yes the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace does create an uproar sometimes.  Personally, I have not treadded too far into it because of both the rating system and seeing so many bogus  quotes.

That said, it's a starting point.  I too got a bad rating for just trying to convince a borrower that they should keep their current loan vs. refinancing since current market terms were far worse than what they had.  The rating really bummed me out, but after some repeated correspondace to Zillow, it was fortunately removed.

BTW, did you receive your email from Zillow this morning about the Mortgage venue?  I did, and responded to it.  In it, I recommended to Zillow that they should include some of the more frequent and long term posters and participants in the Mortgageplace so that they might get a Lenders perspective.

While Zillow is not perfect, I think they might listen if we let them know often enough.

Now go put your own two cents in as I did.  That way, it might become a better place.

Lastly, I did like your post, and Yes, I too have had my frustrations with them at times.  In the end they seem to be pretty fair.  Also had to laugh about David finding out about your post.......he did..didn't he.....so funny.

4:50pm • #22

Mike - all great points in this blog!  I agree not to base your whole day trying to game the system and put false quotes out there... but definitely if another opportunity to get another loan and prove that you are a good lender.  I haven't had the time lately though to really spend the time on it but I did get 2 applications when it first came out even though they didn't close.  They were actually already customers of the bank that I work at.

5:21pm • #23

Excellent post Mike!  I got into Zillow early on, and like you, I discovered that the system was already being gamed by other lenders.  I was amazed at how many people had 5 of 5 ratings within the first week, or had rates a full percentage better than I could find anywhere else.  It is that mentality that has tarnished our industry, and will continue to do so until the perps are run out of the business.

My Zillow plan is similar to yours, only quoting folks who I could meet in person and only giving rate quotes that I would actually lock assuming the request was accurate.  I spend a fair amount of time putting a quote together and writing a message to the Borrower to address additional points of interest/concern.

I just wonder how many requests are legit versus those people who just wanted to dip their toes in the water, or worse, other lenders checking competitors rates?

Regardless, I intend to keep at it.  I think Zillow is doing a good job.  I also filled out the survey and suggestions they sent me this morning, so hopefully it will continue to improve.

5:38pm • #24
404,928 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I remember your frustrtated post when you were wanting to leave Zillow because of the stupidity of the system. It's amazing how much crap we have to put up with, in hopes of expanding our consumer base.

5:56pm • #25
429,778 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Those are 3 great reasons to keep trying but I never entered the fray for the reasons you list above.  I'm not a bait and switch type of guy.  Unfortunately you can never tell borrowers that they are not getting the whole truth.

6:29pm • #26
210,821 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

MB  - Thanks for sharing!  It seems we are of like mind.
Naoma - Thanks!  I dole out my time very judiciously.  I have a time to blog, a time to twitter, and a time to comment, (like right now)
Kevin - Thanks for the compliment!  This seems to be the "be nice" section of the comments  LOL
Lisa - I was a little upset wasn't I
Russ - Thanks!  And I think it's just fine for you to choose to stay out.  To each there own.

Whew!  I'm running out of colors!
Active Mike

8:01pm • #27
631,757 Points 104 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Mike- I just cringe if one of our borrowers wants to get a loan online. I am still old fashioned and need to meet and see the mortgage broker, I need to be able to walk in his office.

8:52pm • #28
141,295 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Mike, I love the bait & switch video!!!

Zillow is a business and oing wuite well.... maybe the detractors should look into working harder in their own business than they do at slamming zillow.

No, they aren't good for the consumer.... but they do provide a service and deserve to be in the market.

I just wish they WErEN'T in the market.

I considered signing up, but I have been busy lately. Maybe some day. ;0(

10:47pm • #29
1 Featured Post

I didn't know much about Zillow Mortgage. I know a bit more now. Thanks.

11:37pm • #30
JUN
18
2008

Interesting perspectives and debates. I don't have enough experience in the area to comment, but appreciate the opinions.

1:27am • #31
158,856 Points 10 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

One of the difficulties with Zillow is that they  hide behind the assumption that the public is basically informed.  It iSN'T. Caveat Emptor has forever been an excuse for questionable practice and sloppiness - Zillow is no exception but perhaps it should just own up to this instead of perpetuating the endless spin that only makes it look WORSE than it already is.  From their zestimates to mortgages - it is a totally unreliable resource.

2:52am • #32
2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Okay I went to Zillow - interesting to see 30 year fixed with at least a 1% variance in rates.  Being in the business, I will stick to what I know - work with someone you are referred to, local, reputable, and perhaps in person.  Buyers who want the best rate and lowest closing costs will establish a relationship with their lender for life - you will not pay for that relationship, you will save from it.

10:04am • #33
5 Featured Posts

Hi Joyce -

Try to see it from the borrower's perspective ... Zillow is the only tool that gives you the visibility into the variance in rates from one lender to the next. How would a buyer who doesn't get competing bids know they're optimizing their deal? As a broker told me the other day; "If a borrower's calling me, the rates going up. If I'm calling them, the rates going down." That's simply how it works today; the borrower that doesn't consider all their options is extremely lucky if they do get the best possible deal.

... and before the mortgage planners jump down my throat ... yes, there's much more to a good loan than a good rate. But the argument above applies as much to advice as it does to rates themselves. A second opinion always adds value to your trusted expert's advice even if it only confirms it.

The way that consumers buy mortgages will be forever changed by the mess we're now in. A big part of that change will be that consumers will start to do much better due dilligence when shopping for a mortgage. That's a good thing. With that increased dilligence, will come a desire to compare lenders and quotes - to shop around for the best advice and rate. Zillow offers lenders a chance to be a part of that change!

10:28am • #34
302,232 Points 31 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I have never respected what Zillow offers. This blog about their mortgage side doesn't at all shock me. A lot of the online consumers I work with who have tried Zillow always comment on their inaccurate assessments. Your home is worth between 100k - 150k is not useful, it's a waste of time. I am beyond sick and tired of trying to make excuses for Zillow and other online machines that spit out numbers which are likely using tax record information. The comparable sales are laughable. You can't pull comps from a different neighborhood, bold it in white and call it a "comp." This does nothing but arm the consumer with a loaded gun to wave around and say foolish things like....... "I've seen the comps." All you have seen are computer splattered numbers that are not reflective of what true comparables are! The human element no matter how hard they try will not be replaced.

 lost 

10:51am • #35

I too have been quoting and with no success.  Thank God I have been really busy and haven't needed the business from there but the quotes around here are really competitive and don't allow much of a yield which I did expect but way too much work for little $$$ for me........ Thanks for your thoughts....

10:57am • #36
407,809 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Mike,

I agree with Katerina,

I wouls rahter the client meet the person who is going to help them. I'm not saying online is bad....i just wonder who is behind the keyboard. I see MB's and LO's looking to build relationships and those are better done in person. If I was borrowing a large sum of money you can be sure I would want to meet the person I'm working with. Especially in this day and age.

5:42pm • #37
210,821 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Neal  - Did you see today's post?  It's all about WHY I will quote only in my local area.  Great minds think alike!

BTW: Week in Review Warning?  Ok, what'd I do?
Active Mike

5:53pm • #38
JUN
19
2008

Thanks for the fabulous info.  I wholeheartedly agree with Everything in your special landing (lending?) page.  You succinctly and professionally itemized how we conduct our business.  Thanks!

1:20am • #39
1 Featured Post

As I read these posts, "circular reasoning" comes to mind.  It's like on the equity accelerator posts...there doesn't seem to be any success getting rational thoughts and concerns addressed.  In my opinion, Z's program is in the Beta stage, state one.  They have made some wonderful improvements to the mechanics of posting loan quotes, and are trying to address the APR issues, but it seems that there is a great deal of resistance to protecting the company line of borrower anonymity; putting the responsibility on the borrower to sort out real quotes from the bait and switch quotes; and allowing borrowers to negatively rate lenders when there is no closed deal.  Some of the negative rating comments from borrowers that I have read are ridiculous.

Like I have said before, I think there is potential for the Zillow forum to work...but it needs to grow beyond the first stage of the Beta test.  Those folks that don't like the valuation model I'm still not sure why.  Zillow is my 2nd stop after the assessed tax value when checking the value of a home.  It's a tool, not an appraiser, and not definitive. 

1:26am • #40
1 Featured Post

Update on a zillow quote I gave back on May 19th...A borrower just called me and wanted me to honor the quote I gave a month ago...5.5% on a 30 year fixed!  Beautiful.  I asked him to read the note I had included explaining about rate availability and changes, which he did.  He still vehemently argued that I should "honor" the quote that I gave him and that he would give me a negative rating if I didn't.  Par 30 year fixed for him today would be 6.375%.  I asked him to open up zillow on his screen and tell me the 30 year fixed quotes that he was seeing...he didn't care, he wanted 5.5%.  We'll see if he give me a negative rating.

7:42pm • #41
5 Featured Posts

Rich,

The borrower has officially contacted you, so now they are "permitted" to rate you as they see fit.

Guess this whole rating thing actually works... I must have been mistaken in my opinion... my bad!

8:33pm • #42
JUN
24
2008
142,083 Points 2 Featured Posts

Mike - I've been lurking off and on to see how ZMM worked for those who gave it a shot. Really appreciate your detailed, straight-forward info on this topic, as well as the dialog you have started with this post. Toe is in testing the waters to see if I'm willing to take the plunge...

10:41pm • #43
NOV
23
119,903 Points

Mike: Thank you. I'm curious if you're still quoting on ZMM. I like your thoughts. I've been on ZMM since May and have had some inquiries. Zillow seems to be doing a good job of tweaking their system and making it better. I plan on persisting for a little while longer and have taken the same approach you have. That is, keeping it local and real.

9:32am • #44
MAR
23

Thanks for sharing all this great information! I wasn't so sure of Zillow, but I'm going to give it a try - Hey, if I get one deal out of it, that's one more than I had before!

7:40am • #45
210,821 Points 51 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Wow!  That's an old post.  Ken - I've been out of the mortgage biz for a while now - but after reading this post - I'll have to say it still holds true!

 

9:42am • #46

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Mike Mueller

Walnut Creek, CA

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