networking: Are networking groups a violation of RESPA kickback/referral fee law? - 12/19/12 02:13 AM
As someone who teaches continuing education for Mortgage Loan Officers, RESPA is always a hot topic of the group.  In one of my classes as I explained what a Section 8 RESPA violation was, it dawned on me... are networking groups like BNI, Le Tip, etc a RESPA violation because we actually pay a fee with the sole purpose of a referral?  And in some cases like BNI and I'm sure other networking groups, where they only allow one person per profession per chapter/group? Accepting or receiving anything of value whether monetary or in the form of service is a direct … (2 comments)

networking: Time Suckers: Five Ways to Manage Your Time More Effectively! - 12/01/11 09:05 AM
Controlling your time is a huge challenge when selling real estate.  Constant telephone calls from everyone involved in the real estate transaction.  Meeting home inspectors and appraisers. Taking care of last-minute closing details.  They can be real “time suckers,” but you can learn to manage the time demon more effectively.   Here are five things to consider:
 
1.      Don’t be a 24/7 Real Estate Agent – What I mean by that is you don’t have to answer the phone every time it rings.  Technology and the “right” message are your friends.  In regard to technology, manage your telephone calls by using … (3 comments)

networking: This One is for You? - 10/11/10 09:27 AM
Ok, so I'm curious.  I'm new to the area but not the business.  It's really hard getting my foot in the door and having a Realtor trust me.  I don't blame them really.  I'm sure as Realtors you are constantly hounded by loan officers all day long making promise after promise to the point where you tune us out.  
So, I was thinking as I begin another week, there is no better place then ActiveRain to ask my target audience their opinion.  You see, I am new to my area but not to lending.  I am trying very hard to get new clients/Realtors and can't … (2 comments)

networking: Word of Mouth is best right? - 10/04/10 06:10 AM
So today I sit here thinking, what kind of insight and help can I provide today.  Then I remembered something that helped me and thought I would share it with you!
I recently moved to a completely new area where I knew no one and I needed to find new doctors, hair dressers, restaurants, cleaners, etc.   I fortunately found this site purely by accident.  I was looking to give a gift of a massage to someone at Christmas last year.  There was a rather large chain who had a great special they were offering during the holidays.   I came very close to … (4 comments)