You might have noticed that REBA (La Jolla Real Estate Brokers Association) just got a new affilate member. That's right, America's #1 Mortgage Broker is focused on jumbo mortgage capital and what better place to market those loans than "The Jewel" of Southern California; La Jolla. Those of you who know me from five years ago, on Active Rain, know that we tend to focus on loan markets when few other lenders will. I call this contrarian marketing and it's served me well over the years.
In 2006 we were talking about "hard money" loans because everyone else had abandoned that market. Our challenge was that Southern California homeowners were losing equity faster than pop stars were losing their privacy. While we still have a steady private lending practice, we shifted our efforts to draw upon our experience as an accomplished VA lender.
Our timing couldn't have been better. VA loan limits increased as housing prices were dropping and active-duty servicemembers' compensation was rising. That marketing effot certainly saved our business and we thrived in 2009 and 2010, focused on VA loans. We used Active Rain to help bolster our position as the San Diego VA Lender in the search engines.
Today, we see hedge funds, credit unions, portfolio lenders, and established players nibbling around the edges of jumbo mortgage loans. As conforming loan limits decrease, this Fall, we want to position ourselves as THE non-depository lender of choice for La Jolla real estate agents. After months of hunting and courting, we have more than a half-dozen capital sources to fund loans up to $4,000,000.
Active Rain is THE place to practice long-tail internet real estate marketing so expect to see more consitent information here. The strength this website has in the search engine results, combined with the connectivity to local real estate professionals, makes Active Rain an important part of any real estate agent's marketing plan. You can expect more webinars, conference calls, in-person social events and training sessions, and one-on-one meetings.
I appreciate the opportunity to answer any questions about our services and financing solutions. While we strictly serve California now, I have made tremendous connections, throughout my five years on Active Rain, and hope to help whomever needs my advice.
Photo: Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's La Jolla home, from Huffington Post.
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