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I'm sorry but I'm just not a rate guy!

By
Industry Observer with Responsive Pest Control

I was thinking today about our topsy-turvy world recently regarding mortgage rates. Today took the cake! I counted three separate times that I received emails from lenders announcing rate changes for the worse. I'm glad I was out of the office until mid-afternoon today.  I don't know about you but I can't keep up with it all. And I've decided I'm really not a rate guy. Yes, I know I need to be competitive but I'm going to draw the line at a certain point.

In other words, I'll play the game a little bit. Personally, I'd prefer to provide value and service over a lifetime.  I'm not looking for the one-hit-wonder client. I'm looking for the customer who appreciates my extra effort and knowledge in putting them in the correct loan for their particular situation. I was listening to a CD by Brian Buffini today (www.buffiniandcompany.com) and he asked the rhetorical question about Nordstrom vs. KMart. I don't know about you but I'd rather be Nordstrom who goes the extra mile to satisfy their customer. It's all about memorable experiences. In the end, very few of our customers remember what rate they actually got on their loan. What they do remember is how smooth the loan process was and how well they were treated.

I believe we should all build our businesses on top notch customer care.  It's great that our clients want the absolute rock-bottom rates and fees. If you're a consumer this is obviously in your best interest. Just be careful what you wish for. Realize also that we should be paid for our time and expertise.  I don't know about you but I refuse to budge on this!  Have a great day!

 

Paul

Posted by

Paul McFadden

Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
You are so very right Paul, I agree 100% and the relationships that are established will reap rewards long after just the initial transaction.
Mar 06, 2008 11:00 AM
Wayne B. Pruner
Oregon First - Tigard, OR
Tigard Oregon Homes for Sale, Realtor, GRI
I like your attitude Paul. You job has gotten very stressful with all the daily rate changes lately. I think you have found a good solution.
Mar 06, 2008 11:02 AM
Sean Allen
International Financing Solutions - Fort Myers, FL
International Financing Solutions

When taking to clients I do not put much weight on quoting a rate until I have all of their information to see what I have to work with.

Sean Allen

Mar 06, 2008 11:03 AM
Joe Pecoraro
REMAX- Big Bear - Big Bear Lake, CA

I can attest to service over rates.  I have an escrow that was due to close on the 28th of last month.  My buyer shopped around on the Internet for a good rate and ended up going with a Internet mortgage company.  Here we are HOPING to close tomorrow, eight days after the scheduled date.  Of course they blamed it on the high number of re-fi's taking place, but their service has been horrible.  Even my buyer has seen the light and said he will never use them again. 

Good subject to educate people on. 

Mar 06, 2008 11:15 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Jason. I appreciate your sentiments from the master!  Take care.

Thanks, Wayne, for your comments. I didn't plan it this way-it just happened as a normal course of the way I choose to do business.

Thanks, Sean. That makes a lot of sense.  Have a nice evening!

Mar 06, 2008 11:16 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Joe. You always get what you pay for. As long as our customer understands this, everything is good.  Talk to you soon.

 

Paul

Mar 06, 2008 11:18 AM
Charles Dismuke
Amerifund Lending Group - Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs Mortgage Guy

You get what you pay for. 

I so wish I could say those exact words to a client that I have been working with for over 3 months.  They cant seem to make up their minds, they change programs, they want me to get them information on some silly deal they saw on tv or the internet.  Its crazy!! I just locked in a rate of 5.5% interest only / 10 year fixed which is exactly what they asked for.  Now, all of a sudden they dont know if they are ready to proceed.

I think I feel a blog coming.

Palm Springs Mortgage Guy

Mar 06, 2008 11:27 AM
Tony Grego, 317-663-4173 #1 Trade Association for Alternative Inv
REISA - 317-663-4173 - Indianapolis, IN

I am really getting tired of the "Donald Trump" wanna be's and rate. These guys are crazy. It has never and will never be about rate. It is what the rate does.

OK, I'm better now.

 

Thanks

Tony

Mar 06, 2008 12:57 PM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Thanks, Charles.  It sounds like you need to create some space on this one. i would probably tell my clients to get back to em when they're ready. Sometimes you need to take a chance at losing the business. good luck on this one and thanks for your comments!

Hi Tony: Good thoughts. I believe that with all the attrition in our ranks, rates are secondary right now.  Of course, when everyone gets back in the game, rates and fees will probably, an unfortunately, be king again. Take care.

 

Paul

Mar 07, 2008 01:16 AM