Hello Sir/Madam - In the interest of protecting your identity, I will not reveal your name on this post.  However, I did want to take a couple of minutes to give you my opinion of your spam email with the following subject:

"We can do the hard loans!"

Really? 

Wow, that is an exceptionally creative means of marketing yourself.  Sorry for the sarcasm. 

I recall that during my very first year in the real estate business, I realized that every single mortgage professional that I had come in contact with via office sales meetings or lunches that they invited me to had the same line, and that was ELEVEN years ago.  Perhaps that is why I deleted your message without a second thought.  At least it's email, so it didn't cost you anything, right?

Since the mortgage crisis and ensuing fallout, I hadn't seen anyone attempting this particular method of advertising.  But you, brave soul, are clinging to the most archaic and tired line in the business. 

If this method manages to produce a single loan for you, I applaud you for trying.  I have often told my agents that virtually ANY means of marketing will work if performed consistently.  That being said, some things will probably not produce the desired results.  As real estate agents, we are bombarded with stuff from loan officers throughout the area and even some from other cities.  As such, you need to stand out somehow.

On a separate note, do you honestly understand how difficult some loans really are these days?  The first time I heard this spiel (in 1997, mind you), the "hard" loans really just required some extra work to get them placed with an investor/bank.  Today, the hard loans may be truly impossible to close.  I had a very close call recently with a borrower who had 20% down and FICO scores over 700.  None of us anticipated that this particular loan would be difficult, but it was delayed almost an entire month due to appraisal issues. 

My preferred lender (Gray Buffington of Buffington Mortgage) has been in business since the mid-1980's, and he was named as one of the Top Ten Mortgage Brokers in the entire state of Texas by Texas Monthly magazine, and he would still tell you that it took all of the resources at his disposal to get that deal closed and funded.

Banks have tighter guidelines - we all know that.  Zero down loans are essentially gone, as are subprime loans, right?  Wouldn't these fall under traditionally "hard" loans?  Can you do a subprime deal for me?  How about a zero-down investment product?  If so, maybe we really should talk.  Otherwise, my guess is that this is just an empty promise.

Over the years, I have worked with a good number of mortgage brokers and loan officers, some of whom I chose, and some which were chosen by my clients.  To be frank with you, the best and most professional mortgage people I have encountered are those who are quietly confident about their abilities.  Those who came clamoring into our office to promise the moon generally ended up botching the deal or making things worse.  Just FYI.

One thing that might help you is the concept of building relationships with agents, along with "soft selling".  Rather than shouting from the rooftops (emails) about how good you are and how you can get deals done that no one else can, try good old-fashioned networking.  If you are going to email, make it personal.  Better yet, try a handwritten note.  Even better than that, impress everyone by making the loan happen smoothly, then show up and get some face time at the closing with BOTH agents.  You can grow a real business this way. 

You are probably wondering what I like about Gray, my current mortgage guy.  I like his integrity, and the fact that he doesn't blow smoke about whether or not he can get a deal done.  Consequently, every single loan that he has actively started for us has closed.  Not a bad track record, huh?

I wish you well, and I sincerely hope that my perspective is helpful for you.

 
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58 Comments on An Open Letter to the Austin Mortgage Broker who Emailed Me Yesterday

Those type of emails are why I am wearing the letters off of my DELETE key!

08/06/2008 10:18 PM by Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate (Latter & Blum Inc. Realtors)


In this market, there really are some guys who just do the easy ones.  They claim their underwriters are just conservative.  Yeah,right!  Delete!  Delete!

08/06/2008 10:21 PM by Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company)


Yahoo has great spam control...No tolerance for this type of CRAP....

You cannot imagine. Actually, it's not that bad, but you go get them!

08/06/2008 10:22 PM by Karen Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)


PAT - In this market, I know that some of the former easy ones are now harder.  I am with you - delete!

08/06/2008 10:22 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


KAREN - My Gmail account catches the vast majority of this stuff, but some of them still make it through each day.  That being said, I have NO tolerance for this type of thing.

08/06/2008 10:24 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


I would much rather have a mortgage guy that shoots straight, than one who says they can do it but really can't!  Wouldn't everyone? 

08/06/2008 10:24 PM by Meridian Idaho Real Estate ~ Pam Pugmire (All Pro Realty)


PAM - I sure think so.  I know that I am not the correct target market for this type of shotgun advertising.

08/06/2008 10:25 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


A mortgage person sending out that right now - yousers.  Jason you hit it on the relationship part.  People just do not seem to understand that this business is all about relationships and you have to work at it.  You can not expect to build a business sending out blast emails once a day or a couple times a week.  I have made more contacts by attending closings and talking w/ the realtors involved.  Its amazing to me how shocked most Realtors are when I show up.  But then again when someone is still sending out promises like that - they probably do not want to be at their closings.

Best of luck!

Ken Land

Magellan Mortgage

 

08/06/2008 10:25 PM by Ken Land (Magellan Mortgage)


It is refreshing to read such posts and comments from  real estate agents. I am still trying to digest the most recent policies designed to make every loan a hard loan.

i am working right now trying to get an appraisal on a new construction condo. Appraised last year at 750,000. The same appraiser has just refused the new order to reappraise it.

We are two months from completion, and I told the buyer and builder I wanted the appraisal done now, subject to, in case there were problems.

Jason, maybe I should call your originator for some help.

One of the loan officers in our office used to market for hard loans. I told him that he would probably get what he asked for, so why not ask for the easy loans?

We can do the easy loans!

Richard

 

08/06/2008 10:27 PM by Richard Smith Mortgages Home Loans FHA TN GA AL (American Acceptance Mortgage, Inc)


I don't get many of these e-mails (thank goodness).  That subject line sounds sooo slimey, I would have deleted it myself wihtout a second thought.  I had to giggle at some parts of your post, Jason.  Thanks for the entertainment. :)

08/06/2008 10:27 PM by Kristina Pratt, Realtor - St. Louis' Illinois Suburbs (Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors)


You guys crack me up.  I AM a mortgage guy, and I am not offended by what you say.  I heard rumors that people presented themselves that way.  My broker actually told me to do this, but I would not listen.  I heard rumors from talking with some agents that you would maybe accept the free food and maybe say 'sure, I'll call you', but then would laugh at their approach when they left.

My approach is different because of this.  And I guess I made the right choice, considering you note and responses.  Too funny.  I appreciate you telling the guy or gal to actually try a real approach.

Also, thank you for knowing that there are some deals that just can not be done.  It happens, although many LOs don't want to admit it.  Have a great day and thanks for sharing the experience.

08/06/2008 10:29 PM by John Cannata (Reliant Mortgage Ltd)


KEN - I am happy that you stopped by, since you are in the mortgage business yourself.  I think relationships are the only way to build an actual business, and that goes for me, too!

RICHARD - Glad that you liked it!  If you truly want to speak with my guy, let me know.  I like your new motto about easy loans!

KRISTINA - Slimy is a good word for it.  It took me a couple of seconds to hit the "delete" key, since my brain had to actually process what I was seeing.  :)

08/06/2008 10:30 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


JOHN - It sounds like you definitely chose the correct path.  At my previous company, I met countless loan officers and mortgage brokers who brought by food for a meeting, then never saw a single file from our office.  I don't have regular office meetings now that I am in charge, partially because it's easier on me, and partially because I enjoy saying "we don't have office meetings" to people who want to sponsor them.

08/06/2008 10:33 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason,

Me either my friend!

Good luck my friend! This is totally rediculous!

08/06/2008 10:35 PM by Karen Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! (EXIT Team Realty)


This guy makes it harder for me to open a conversation with a potential Realtor partner.  Like you say Realtors get this all day long.  Sometime it is so frequent that as soon as they hear we are mortgage people, many shut us down without letting us get past hello. I find that I have stopped approaching new Realtors and only approach them after we have closed a loan with their client (or listing).. I have found that to be a better approach for me because I hate feeling like a used car salesman!  I just want to do my job, and make us both money with as less stress than possible for everyone.  Please note I am not saying you are this person... I totally get your post.  Erin

08/06/2008 10:37 PM by Team Newington, Sacramento Mortgage Planner (First Priority Financial)


Jason,

I have received several of these "contacts" on AR. You know ...I agree with your take on these kinds of mortgage folks. 

 I have one or two with twenty years under their belts. They blow no smoke. And get the job done.

08/06/2008 10:38 PM by Trey Thurmond, College Station , Texas Homes (Classic Realty Inc./GMAC Real Estate)


Hi Jason, Thank You for your integrity and willingness to stand up for the truth!  You are a shining light in The Rain!

08/06/2008 10:41 PM by Dan Woodworth * Encouraging Communicator (The Connection)


ERIN - You are correct.  This makes it harder on you, just as bad Realtors make it harder for all of us in sales.  Your approach is a sound one - keep up the good work!

TREY - Thanks for weighing in on this.  I figured you would have the same opinion that I do.  I don't need empty promises, just integrity.

08/06/2008 10:42 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


DAN - Good to see you, as always.  I appreciate your compliment.  It was great speaking with you the other day.  Let's do it again soon.

08/06/2008 10:43 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


This is a bit off topic, but will tell all lenders out there what is important to an agent.  Well, to me, at least.  Got a call recently from a client I sold a house to at the peak of the market in 2005.  He wanted to know what his home was worth for refinancing purposes.  He had already spoken with his bank, and was interested in getting out of his current adjustable rate loan for a more traditional 30 year fixed product.  Upon determining that neighborhood values had held up sufficiently to risk the $350 on an appraisal, I suggested he contact my go to mortgage broker.  He did so.  Not half an hour later, my client calls me back.  He tells me that he doesn't want to refi after all.  Seems that my lender told the client that while he would love to sell him another loan, the better strategy would be to apply the additional principal payment to the second (HELOC).  By paying that line down, his total liability would be tens of thousands less by the time the first started adjusting.  Whether or not the strategy proves to be the most advantageous, I'll continue to roll the dice on the guy who turns down business to protect the interests of my client.  I don't need nor want the guy who gets the hard loan closed.  I want the guy who steers my clients away from the hard loans.  The guy who has the brass to tell them that if it is this much of a stretch to get qualified, that home ownership might not be the best option at this point in time.  At least for the amount requested.  Sorry to say, but there is no quick route a lender can take to get me in bed.  It takes a few deals and a lot character.  Or at least an email that makes me laugh ;)

08/06/2008 10:53 PM by Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate (Realty Executives)


PAUL - I agree wholeheartedly with your take on this.  I would much rather have a mortgage contact that turns down business or steers clients in the right direction.  Thanks for sharing your story here - great illustration.

08/06/2008 10:57 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason, you are right on the mark on this one.  I would simply be amazed if a loan officer sent a handwritten note.

08/06/2008 11:05 PM by David Matney, CRS - Omaha, NE Real Estate (Alliance Real Estate)


DAVID - I have occasionally received a handwritten note, and it never fails to impress me.  Unfortunately, they are VERY rare.

08/06/2008 11:07 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Alright, I commented earlier but I had to come back for the response.  And since that time you have added quite a collection of other responses.  I think I may put together a blog based on what I do and solicit some feedback from agents on what they feel is the best approach.  I actually like the hand written note, although I do not do this myself (I may have to now).  I hope you do not mind me building off of this blog.  Also, I'll probably mention the blog.  Please let me know if you think that is a problem.  Thanks Jason!

08/06/2008 11:13 PM by John Cannata (Reliant Mortgage Ltd)


JOHN - Of course I don't mind.  I truly want to help.  Feel free to use this, and I look forward to seeing the post.  Make sure you email it to me after it is written.  Thanks!

08/06/2008 11:15 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


I am back again too..  Paul thanks for your addition to this post.  This is certainly a plus about Active Rain.  I can learn and communicate with other Realtors across the country and get their 2 cents without getting the "shut down"..  Great post!

08/06/2008 11:33 PM by Team Newington, Sacramento Mortgage Planner (First Priority Financial)


YEah gotta love those mortgage guys...get a few emails and calls like that every couple of days.

08/06/2008 11:33 PM by Michael Sahlman, P.A., e-PRO, Miami Beach (Keller Williams Realty)


ERIN - I thought Paul's example was perfect for this post.  Thanks for stopping back by!  I agree that AR is a great place to learn and experiment with ideas.

MICHAEL - Sad, huh?  I thought that the marketing would have changed quite a bit in light of the mortgage meltdown, but apparently not.

08/06/2008 11:35 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason, very interesting.  I do not mind people marketing themselves with that approach,eliminating themselves as competition in this tough market.  AJ

08/07/2008 12:13 AM by Alan 'AJ' Nisen California Contra Costa Mortgage Officer (A Large Bank in America)


Jason- that was a deep statement of marketing....let him join the real men of genius...

08/07/2008 12:15 AM by Jeremy Blanton- Myrtle Beach Real Estate ,Coldwell Banker Chicora (Coldwell Banker Chicora Real Estate)


AJ - Nicely stated.  Makes it easier for the quality mortgage pros to succeed.

JER - I actually had the "Real Men of Genius" in mind when I wrote this one.  Kudos to you for picking up on that.

08/07/2008 12:16 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Apparently I can not stay away from this post because I like to see what other agents have to say about your experience.  You are right that there has been such a meltdown that things would change, but not necessarily the marketing of some LOs.  Remember, just a few months ago (maybe a little longer) LOs were getting business handed to them.  So, this is new to a lot of guys and gals in the business.  They have not had to work so hard for the business before. There was plenty to go around.  Many were basically hand fed and now they have to feed themselves and don't know how to go about doing it.  it's sad, but that is usually a sign that the broker to not train them properly (in most cases) or they got into the business for the wrong reasons.

Anyway, this is not my blog.  I could go on forever (and I did... but I deleted it)  I'll write that blog and send it to you Jason.  I may have to write it and revise it a few times.  Should have it out tomorrow.  Have a great day!

08/07/2008 12:26 AM by John Cannata (Reliant Mortgage Ltd)


JOHN - Feel free to share as much as you would like here.  I have seen the same thing happening with real estate agents who had stuff falling in their laps before, but now they are forced to work in order to drum up business.  I look forward to seeing your post, whenever it is ready.

08/07/2008 12:29 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason - I often feel you should say what you mean. Don't hold back man, let's hear it! :) Actually the cold call ones I get at home are some of the funniest! Maybe I'll blog about them later in the week.

08/07/2008 01:25 AM by Simon Conway (Picket Fence Realty)


I get hit by loan officers via e-mail, postal mail, folks popping in my office and open houses and at the shopping center.  I have a a couple of first class loan officers and it would take and act of congress to get me to take food out of their mouths.

08/07/2008 02:16 AM by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)


You are probably wondering what I like about Gray, my current mortgage guy.  I like his integrity, and the fact that he doesn't blow smoke about whether or not he can get a deal done.  Consequently, every single loan that he has actively started for us has closed. 

That's a powerful endorsement.  I think there's a good chance that Gray's phone is going to ring more often in the near future!  :)

08/07/2008 02:28 AM by Not Yet Licensed


Jason - You are right at this point they are all HARD loans.  This mortgage guy may be old and set in his ways (don't we all know some Real Estate agents like that?) or he may think any attention is better than none.  Well he did get your attention just not in the way he had intended.  And at least he got you to respond because, other than your review of his ad campaign, I don't think he got many replyies with that line!   

08/07/2008 05:36 AM by Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate (RJ Smith Realty Real Estate Solutions)


Jason, in this period of the industry we need straight talk. Don't waste time or money with nonsense bull. These types won't be here long.

08/07/2008 06:10 AM by Frank Rubi Louisiana Real Estate-Homes for Sale (Specialized Real Estate Services, Inc.)


JASON - In this mortgage environment, I am surprised to see these e-mails still around.  Why bother making promises that obviously cannot be kept?  It seems like a colossal waste of time.  The sad part is that some new agent may very well get sucked in by one of these e-mails and actually try to work a deal with unqualified people.  This will be a difficult lesson learned for that agent.  I have much more respect for a mortgage broker that will tell me that the people are unqualified, rather than do whatever they can to convince me that they can get a loan for anyone.

08/07/2008 06:12 AM by Adam Waldman - Long Island REALTOR® (RE/MAX Best)


As a Loan Officer, I physically go out and introduce myself to every Realtor in the area. I bring fliers that they can hand out to all the agents. I ask them if there is anything I can do for THEM. I give them my business cards and talk about small talk and I take their business cards and leave.

I get back to the office and handwrite a note to the ones who really gave me the time of day. The ones who seemed interested. Maybe I should start doing the rest of them.

A week, later, I call and ask, is there any client you would like for me to pre-qualify, discuss mortgage options with, or send a flier with payment options for a particular house they are looking at.

I have yet to ask for a "deal". I'm here to assist. The mortgages will come, but the most important piece is the confidence in me as a loan officer and someone you can rely on.

08/07/2008 07:04 AM by Nancy Larson (M & T Bank)


Jason,

I use or refer those people that have proved themselves to me.  They know what I expect and I know what they expect in return and that has proved to be the best of both worlds for me and my clients.

Don R.

08/07/2008 07:08 AM by Don Rogers CRS, GRI, Broker/Sales Associate (RE/MAX Discover)


Sadly, too many over promise and under deliver. They are taught that by their employers.... I experienced the very same. Sad.

08/07/2008 08:02 AM by Tom Burris | Texas Home Loan Expert (DallasLoanGuy.com)


No way would I send a client to a lender that is not tried and true. Our recommendations are a reflection upon us, after all.

 

08/07/2008 08:40 AM by Kelly Sibilsky ~ Lake Zurich RE/MAX Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest)


I am back too!  I appreciate that Nancy is out hustling for business.  This post resonated with me because this is my big beef about pop bys to new Realtors.  For me personally... I just don't want to push flyers.  Please Nancy know this response is not a personal attack... it is my hang up. This hang up is probably preventing me from making new relationships so I really need to get over myself!  The thought of dropping by like every other loan officer and push a flyer makes my head spin.  My service is not about loan programs.  We all have the same programs (for the most part) and any loan officer making a living today can place these "hard loans"... if they can be placed. My big selling point is communication.  We have put together an awesome set of systems making fans of all the Realtors who have been through a transaction with us. Although many of theses Realtors have established relationships, it is just a matter of time before a spot will open up! The biggest positive feed back we get is the great communication and we usually close in 3 weeks or less.  A big part of me feels that I will discredit myself by walking into an office and push flyers but the fact is it is about the consistency not the flyer.

08/07/2008 09:16 AM by Team Newington, Sacramento Mortgage Planner (First Priority Financial)


It's so important to build relationships in this business - you have to be able to trust that your lender will do the best they can - because they can't all be done anymore.

08/07/2008 09:53 AM by Hope Goss (Ventura Property Shoppe)


It ceases to amaze me that some Brokers are still doing the same old thing. 

08/07/2008 09:59 AM by Matthew Kelly (Unemployed at the moment)


Good Morning.  I had a lot of catching up to do.  Looks like this was a good another good post.  I realize 3 comments were from me, but that is small potatoes considering this is the 51st comment.

My Buddy Nancy... you have the right idea with showing your face often and being available.  

All Agent situations are different.  Some never like to be approached, it wont matter how you address them.  They have had the same guy/gal for years and they get the job done.  You can talk till your blue in the face and can walk on water, you don't stand a chance.  Your focus has to be on the agent who has (or doesn't have) an LO that does 'the job' but is not great.  How do you stand out from that LO?  We all have good rates.  We all have should know how to close a loan.  And if you are not trying to close this loan 'on time' you wont last in the industry.  How are you unique (or at the very least, how are you different than the LO that the agent currently uses)?

08/07/2008 10:35 AM by John Cannata (Reliant Mortgage Ltd)


TO ALL: I have a busy day ahead, so I won't be able to continue responding to everyone on this thread.  I was happy to see that this opened up an interesting dialogue among mortgage pros.

08/07/2008 11:03 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason - That's a great letter.  I must say that I've had my fair share of close calls with lenders (that my clients found on their own).  They promise me everything is going smoothly...then, BAM! The closing is delayed.  I steer clear from them after that.   I really like my dependable, honest, tried and true lenders.  :)

08/07/2008 12:29 PM by Debi Ernst, Broker/Agent e-PRO (Ryco Realty Group)


Jason,

     You always crack me up when you do these.  Will they ever learn!

08/07/2008 05:17 PM by Joshua and Kathy Schmidt (Coldwell Banker Advantage Realty-Cabot)


If that arrived in my email, I'd have assumed that one click would bring me to a Viagra site-- real estate agents don't buy into that at all these days.

08/07/2008 07:41 PM by Options Realty


yes, but those emails should be stopping soon I am assuming as those loans are no longer around...pretty soon only the good ones will survive now! 

08/07/2008 07:44 PM by n d (Naoma Doriguzzi)


Jason:  This has single handedly been the most frustrating thing in our business this year - the mortgage business in general.  Although the culling of the "order takers" is in process as we speak and I believe that in the next year or so, only the best, such as Gray) will be left standing.  I am looking forward to that!

08/08/2008 06:32 AM by Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate))


sexy womanJason, I can do all of your hard loans. You did say that we need to stand out some, right?  Well, does this work?

Seriously.....  in this business, people will say almost anything just to get a shot at a loan. When I pick up a deal that another lender dropped the ball on, that's when I foam at the mouth, if I can do it. I have closed 8 of them just this year, that another lender told the client a day before closing that it was denied. All 8 that I received, all 8 closed. And 3 of them weren't that hard, just needed elbow grease.

Hope all is well.... and yes, we need to catch up some.

jeff belonger

08/09/2008 10:11 AM by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)


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Real Estate Agent: Jason Crouch, Broker -  Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate
Austin, TX
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