I was honored when Jeff Belonger asked me to write this week's Mortgage Pro Week in Review.

Let's face it.  We live in interesting times.  There will come a day when textbooks being taught to future generations cite these very times.  Luckily, we have some savvy folks to learn from and to generate a pro-active way to not only survive, but thrive here forth.

Like many, I have much to whine about and much to be thankful for.  I am in the Mortgage Business, after all.  Given the general atmosphere of things, if you had told me eight short years ago that I'd be in this gig, I would of asked you "What exactly is in that pipe you are smoking?"  But I wouldn't trade it for an autographed Mickey Mantle jock strap.  It is, in many ways, a true honor to have the knowledge and experience of so many at my fingertips.  Likewise, it is just as much of an honor to be able to wrap some of the better articles pertaining to the Mortgage Industry into a post such as this. 

Without further delay, here we go:

1st Time Homebuyer Toolkit - Part II by Tracy Santrock

What a plethora of valuable information and resources Tracy put together with this one.  Heck, Tracy's post is a Review in of itself.  Nicely done, my fellow North Carolina friend.

Buyers say "NO" to Closing Costs.  What will the Sellers say?  by Christopher and Stephanie Somers

Well, I'm not sure what the Sellers will say... but the Somers Team said this quite well.  Closing costs are still one of the more misunderstood phenoms in the Mortgage Industry.  Reading that post will do wonders for one's understanding of the process.

The Hidden Agenda of Banks: Why Mortgage Brokers Will Become Extinct by Janet Guilbault

Few inspire conversation like this lady.  The comment threads that are born out of Janet's posts can be quite awesome.  This one is no different.  Janet continues to be one of the more prolific writers on everything "Mortgage".  I take no shame in admitting that she is one of my favorites.

There Is Always More Than One Way / Then And Now by Bill Archambault

I once referred to Bill as the "Babe Ruth of the Lending Industry" though when I found out he doesn't drink, that threw that particular analogy out the window.  In my eyes, few are more wise than his soul.  His take on the entire Real Estate Industry is nothing to sneeze at.  God forbid, you may actually learn something.

Mortgage Loans Can Be ........... Like Whisper Down The Valley by Scott Geary

What was once a childhood game has turned into a bold-faced reality.  With changes so rampant in the Mortgage Industry, it is not hard to get inaccurate information along the way.  Don't fall prey to that Whisper, just get the facts.  See your familiar expert.

Holding Fellow Lenders to a higher standard!  Misinformation is the leading candidate for confusion!  by Darin Osenberg

Speaking of which, I do believe Darin hits the proverbial nail on the head.  And you thought I was a bit edgy:)  Get this man some Diphenhydramine.  On a serious note, well done Mr. D.

Okay, I have to stop here.  I mean, who is really going to click on and read every link that is provided?  I would bet my left earlobe that nobody will.  None the less, what a vast resource for information we have going on.  I suppose I will take comfort in that.  Sorry, carrying on...

FICO No Longer Available To Consumers by Eleanor Thorne

Frankly, this stuff amazes me.  I'm all for Transparency and I think it is long overdue that the Credit Reporting Modules follow suit.  They are currently wagging the dog, which I don't agree with but can't much change anytime soon.  To anyone who "wags" the dog, just be prepared to clean up the inevitable feces along the way.

Should we run our COUNTRY like a business or like a soup kitchen? - Food for thought.... by Jeff Belonger

Personally, I like soup but I smell what Jeff is cooking.  Some very interesting things to consider for every tax payer and law maker out there reading the World Wide Web.  Just consider what he is saying, that is all I ask.

Does a Tell-All Confession Make For The Best Resume' - Ever? by Ron Withers

I read the story in full, even before Ron wrote about it.  It's sickening but was the inspiration for something I posted recently.  On a sidenote, I was humbled in being able to speak to Ron when I gave him a call over the weekend.  Good guy, smart man. 

And lastly, though I don't always believe in happy endings... this one kind of stirred me.  Jeff Geoghan wrote a post that may hit home for many in our industry, many more in this life.  Folks, that is star-worthy on so many fronts...

The following is a legal bore.  Be yourself and you won't have to worry about this jargon...

We really could use some new volunteers for the Mortgage Pro Week in Review. Even if you are a realtor, a title person, or someone else that is related to the mortgage/real estate industry..... please read below.

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 review can 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!!!  Update : 1/23/09 - The AR groups only show about 35 people, but hold an unlimited number. So just ask...

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.

The FHA Mortgage Group - Here is a group that specifically talks about FHA, FHA updates, and what FHA can do for your buyers and sellers.

Mortgages - Another group with anything and everything about mortgages. A diversified group.

MORTGAGE PRO Week in Review    A repository for the Mortgage Week in Review.  Please don't hesitate in joining this group. And any volunteers for the mortgage week in review, please e-mail Jeff Belonger at   jbelonger@ihmci.com

   1.    Volunteer                    02/09/2009   through  02/15/2009

   2.    Darin Osenberg         02/16/2009   through   02/22/2009

   3.  Midori Miller      02/23/2009   through  03/01/2009

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

Mortgage Pro Week In Review - Copyright 2009^©