Tid Bits

July 15, 2009

Geez...Get over it, accept it and expect it

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

Bottom line...I love being around mortgage professionals. Subsequently, it should come as no surprise, I'm often referred to as being an originators originator.

Fortunately my job allows me to talk to literally thousands of mortgage originators each and every year. That said, I have developed an ability to predict with uncanny accuracy the production level of an originator after speaking with them five minutes or less (without broaching their production numbers).

Do I have a sixth sense...heck no. Rather, it's a recognized pattern how an originators attitude plays a critical role in either their success or failure. I call it "The Attitude Factor."

The Attitude Factor

The Attitude Factor denotes the correlation between ones attitude and the level of success they experien. Yet the most telling point is; "The Attitude Factor" is most evident during a down market.

When talking about having a winning attitude in a down market, I'm not asking originators to put on their rose colored precious moments glasses and ignore the market realities . Rather, I'm asking them to:

  1. Get over it, accept it and expect it
  2. Recognize the loan opportunities the market IS presenting them 
  3. Change their business and marketing activities accordingly and then
  4. Work their new plan with a charged positive attitude that is focused on the most productive actions possible

If you can successfully implement the four steps noted above, you will instantly put yourself in the top 50% of originators in the marketplace.

Why do I say that?

To say that at least 50% of originators are struggling is an understatement.

According to Dave Savage;

"For about 50% of the loan officers in the marketplace, to say they are struggling is an understatement. The stress behavior and the mindset they embody are creating a self-fulfilling prophecy for these folks that they’re going to be out of business soon. The reason: They’re not focusing on the best strategies in the market. They’re all over the place. If they could just adjust their attitude and get a very clear game plan — that is, the right game plan — they could all be successful.

Another 45-47% or so of these loan officers are not having a good year, but they’re okay with it. They have a ‘cool’ attitude and talk about riding out the year and things will be better next year.

Then the last 3-5% I speak with are having a great year. They’re having the best year they’ve ever had…and a big part of that is attitude. But with that attitude, they’re also mastering the strategies necessary for being successful in this market. If you can master those strategies, you can absolutely kill it and become a multi-millionaire in a future market."

Whether managing, coaching or lecturing loan originators, I have three goals for them:

  1. To reach and maintain the top 3-5% level
  2. To understand, embrace and become professional mortgage planners
  3. Improve the quality of their lives spiritually, personally and financially

Nevertheless, the reality is that most loan officers are too transaction-focused and not career focused. Rather than building future business and creating long-term relationships by providing advice and ongoing services to clients, most are soley focused on closing transactions. It’s no wonder that most loan officers are perceived as commodity providers rather than financial experts.

Fortunately, there’s a simple way to overcome the commodity trap and negative borrower perception—become a Mortgage Planner.

Mortgage Planners are mortgage professionals who look at their clients’ lifetime financial goals and integrate their mortgage into their overall financial plan. They have the unique power to earn the trust and respect of their clients and secure their patronage not only for one transaction, but for many throughout their clients’ lifetime. By helping homeowners to increase their savings rate, stop wasting money on the wrong debt and position them into strategic mortgages, Mortgage Planners have the power to help homeowners reach their “Freedom Point” faster—the magical moment in time when a homeowner is either debt free or when their assets exceed their debts and paying off their mortgage becomes a strategic financial planning decision.

Mortgage Planners change the game on typical application-taking loan officers. They do this by taking on the professional responsibility of helping homeowners to make informed decisions that ultimately increase their tax benefits, increase their wealth, and help them reach their Freedom Point faster.

If you help your clients, they will help you. By building trusting relationships with your clients and giving them advice and services that are clearly superior to what other loan officers are offering, your clients’ business will generate tremendous residual income for you. Where a typical loan officer depends on new leads and quick, generic service to create business, Mortgage Planners get the lion’s share of their business from ongoing client relationships and valuable referrals from clients and referrals sources.

As a result of this strategy, Mortgage Planners typically experience predictable and growing income streams.

So the ultimate question is, what comes first; "A Winning Attitude" or Mortgage Planning success?

ANSWER - "A Winning Attitude"

June 17, 2009

Great Thoughts To Ponder (6/17/2009)

Cicerone2_2A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

"If I work on a certain move constantly, then finally, it doesn´t seem risky to me. The idea is that the move stays dangerous and it looks dangerous to my foes, but it is not to me. Hard work has made it easy." -- Nadia Comaneci

"Be a problem detective; look for customer problems that your product or service can solve." -- Brian Tracy

"A professional is a person who can do his best at a time when he doesn't particularly feel like it." -- Alistair Cooke

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live."  -- Goethe

"One must be fond of people and and serving them if they plan on being successful long term in the mortgage or real estate profession." --  Dennis Geist

"A man who doesn't trust himself can never really trust anyone else."  --  Cardinal De Retz

"Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly and they will show themselves great."  --  Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A person will not buy from you until he is convinced that you are a friend and are acting in his best interest. You must make this clear." -- Brian Tracy

"We have not wings we cannot soar; but, we have feet to scale and climb, by slow degrees, by more and more, the cloudy summits of our time." -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist." -- Louis Nizer

"People who have good relationships at home are more effective in the marketplace." -- Zig Ziglar

"It isn't the people you fire who make your life miserable, it's the people you don't." -- Harvey Mackay

"Lack of homework shows up in the marketplace as well as in the classroom." -- Jim Rohn

"Some people serve with pride -- because they 'want to' do and be their best; other people serve with disdain because they 'have to' do their job. Which person do you think will end up running the show?" -- Jeffrey Gitomer 

"Take time to listen to your people when they want to talk. This is a real motivator." -- Brian Tracy

"People are your most valuable asset. Only people can be made to appreciate in value." -- Stephen Covey

"Good people are found not changed. Recently I read a headline that said, 'We don´t teach people to be nice. We simply hire nice people.' Wow! What a clever short cut." -- Jim Rohn

"Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him."  -- Booker T. Washington

June 12, 2009

Are You Self-Reliant or Reliant...A Case Against the Latter

Cicerone2_2A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

Korea_satellite_3


Note: Nighttime satellite photo of Korean Peninsula and the contrasting illumination between North and South Korea.

I'm guessing Milton Friedman would have loved this picture.

In fact, this satellite picture provides a powerful metaphor highlighting the difference between two deeply contrasting political. social and economic systems. Subsequently, it also represents the difference between individuals who are self-reliant/industrious and those who promote entitlement policies that eventually subordinate personal freedoms and produce a citizenry dependent upon the state.

Back to Korea.

While North Korea is ethnically homogeneous with their brethren in the South, there are stark gaps between the two countries separated since the Korean War (1950 - 1952). For example, North Korea developed into a communist dictatorship with a strong centrally planned economy while South Korea became a democracy with a thriving free-market based economy has thrived domestically and globally. 

In addition, isn't it amazing even the fishing fleets in the waters surrounding Korea throw off more light than all of North Korea.

It is my sincere belief we as individuals, an industry and nation can learn from the example of these two countries. It is up to us as citizens and mortgage professionals to take responsibility for both our actions and that of the industry we operate.

May 19, 2009

Your Business Future Depends Upon These Business Principles...and I'm NOT Kidding!

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

This speech given by Charlie Paparelli provides perhaps the most provocative and useful thoughts I have heard regarding both the economic and consumer driven shifts shaping our marketing environment. While the video is 57 minutes in length, your business decisions over the next decade MUST embrace the principles laid out if you plan on thriving over the next decade and developing a business model of positive cash-flow.

Unfortunately, most readers will not take the time to listen, much less absorb and implement the millionaire maker fundamentals provided by Charlie Paparelli. Yet, if you do heed the advice, you are going to charge ahead of the rest of the field in your chosen niche.

Go ahead and invest the next fifty-seven minutes and be sure to take copious notes and then IMPLEMENT!

May 11, 2009

Are You Experiencing 21 Day Underwriting Turntime?

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

Ok, I'll be the dummy and open Pandora's Box.

From what I'm hearing across the nation, underwriting turn times are excruciatingly slow.

As has been communicated to me by several extremely successful and reliable loan originators across the country; on average it is taking anywhere from 18 to 22 days to get their loans through underwriting.

The Issue

Realtors and Clients don't want to hear the truth and insist other lenders can do it in 2 to 3 days. Oh yes, they also want you to take an application this afternoon and close on their short sale in seventeen days.

Sound familiar?

I would really appreciate your feedback regarding turntimes and your strategies pertaining to this issue.

May 08, 2009

Why "WE" Need A Mortgage Revolution!

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

That's right, the majority of upstanding and ethical mortgage professionals throughout the nation need to grab back our industry and establish credibility with our customers and affinity partners. That is why Mark Green at Top of Mind gathered fourteen top professionals throughout the nation to organize a not-for-profit three day event that will provide originators the education and tools they need to thrive ethically and financially, while organizing a grassroots swell to clean up our industry. We are calling this tsunami:

Mortgage revolution logo

You will be hearing about this effort in more detail in the forthcoming month and I promise, you will be excited. Listed below are a few goals guiding our effort:

  • Be the premier 2009 mortgage originator event nationwide
  • Donate $250,000 to charities or non-profits
  • Provide a 5 star learning and network experience on a 2 star budget
  • Three day event that will provide mortgage originators real and impactful education that will help them take their business to the next level ethically and professionally

  • Intensive education centered on specific loan programs such as FHA and VA, social media and loan origination marketing strategies

  • Speakers that include regulators and agency heads

  • It won't be in Las Vegas...because what happens at "Mortgage Revolution" must NOT stay just in Atlanta

  • Speakers will keep their presentations SPAM free and will focus 100% of real content delivery and not pitching their own services

Most of all, we want to prevent stories like this from happening.

May 01, 2009

Words of Wisdom from Bill Cosby

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

"Let us now set forth one of the fundamental truths about marriage: the wife is in charge."

"Nothing separates the generations more than music. By the time a child is eight or nine, he has developed a passion for his own music that is even stronger than his passions for procrastination and weird clothes."

"Poets have said that the reason to have children is to give yourself immortality. Immortality? Now that I have five children, my only hope is that they are all out of the house before I die."

"Women don't want to hear what you think. Women want to hear what they think - in a deeper voice."

"Women don't want to hear what you think. Women want to hear what they think - in a deeper voice."

"Sex education may be a good idea in the schools, but I don't believe the kids should be given homework."

"That married couples can live together day after day is a miracle that the Vatican has overlooked."

"The heart of marriage is memories; and if the two of you happen to have the same ones and can savor your reruns, then your marriage is a gift from the gods."

"The truth is that parents are not really interested in justice. They just want quiet."

"There is hope for the future because God has a sense of humor and we are funny to God."

"There is no labor a person does that is undignified; if they do it right."

"When you become senile, you won't know it."

“I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

April 30, 2009

Your Sweet Spot

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

Sweet_spot 

 

Hat Tip:BeatCanvas

April 23, 2009

2009 Mortgage Originator Event of the Year - 1000 Loan Originator March To Atlanta

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

First, I have been in the mortgage business for over twenty years, and during that period have heard and seen a lot of hype about this or that big event. Needless to say, I do not get excited about them. Yes, I have been to several and have gotten some bits and pieces of good information, but have found for the most part, the conference ended up being one sales pitch after another sales pitch from vendors or gurus marketing their wares.

End result...originators spending thousands of dollars to attend a big razzle dazzle, dog n' pony show at a fancy Las Vegas casino. It may have been fun, it may have given you a quick shot of adrenaline (or nasty hangover), however the end result being you walked away without the knowledge and tools you need to be successful without spending thousands of more dollars.

What has me excited is a phone call I received from Mark Green about participating in a three day event in Atlanta this fall focused solely on ethical and profitable mortgage origination. Best of all, the speakers and facilitators will NOT be pitching their wares from the stage and will be limited to providing 100% content to the participant loan originator attendees.

Additionally, the event is going to be priced extremely affordable with all net profits being donated to charities and NOT to the pocket books of the organizers.

Best of all, wait until you see the impressive list of organizers and speakers who have volunteered to donate their time and money to travel to Atlanta for the event! Needless to say, the response from some of the biggest names in the mortgage origination field has been overwhelming.

Expect to be hearing much more news and logistics about this event from some of the the big name real estate and mortgage blogs in the near future.

Again, this is the first time in years I have been excited about a mortgage learning event!

More news to come!

April 20, 2009

Does Your Team (Supply Chain) Love or Hate You?

Cicerone2_2 A New Post By The Mortgage Cicerone.
A Guide for Mortgage Professionals.
Read other posts by The Mortgage Cicerone.

Mortgage sales professionals are responsible for their own success. 

While this is very true, there are several people or entities (your Supply Chain) who are a critical and vital component to your a success.  These people may include your manager, your loan processor, your underwriters, your closer, your receptionist, your appraiser, your title company, and so on.  These are the key people on your "sales team" or Supply Chain.

I often see and hear of mortgage salespeople being "arrogant" and "self-centered" and caring only about number one.  Is that how your team sees you?  Is that how you want them to see you?  I hope not!  So, what are you doing to make sure that doesn't happen?

This is a people business.  This adage applies to more than your customers...it also applies to your team (Supply Chain) as well.  How you act toward and around your team says a lot about who you are and how much you value them.  If you are interested in building a stronger team, consider a few of these great ideas from other successful salespeople:

  • Touch base with them regularly.  Call, visit, or talk to your team...a lot!  Don't just contact them when you need something (or you have a complaint).
  • Remember important days like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and so on.  Make your relationship personal. 
  • Say "thank you" often.  People notice and appreciate the compliment.
  • Speaking of compliments, generously give verbal compliments like: "You really know your business" and "I admire your dedication" or "You are a great resources to have."
  • Surprise them with small gifts like a lunch certificate, a free car wash coupon, or a Starbucks gift card.  It's not the amount that counts, it's the thought.
  • Make their job easier by doing your job better.  Don't dump problems and poorly constructed loans on their laps to fix.  Make working with you a pleasure.

Your team will be as good and as loyal to you as you are to them.  If you want them to have your back, you must also have their back and respect. Never forget that. 

Show ‘em some love! 

Related posts:

Not Sexy, But Critical - Your Value Chain System 

The Most Difficult, But Ignored Component in Originating Loans 

The Mortgage Cicerone

  • Cicerone - cic•e•ro•ni (-nē)
    A guide or person eloquent in sharing knowledge and inspiring impactful action.
     
    As the name suggest, The Mortgage Cicerone is a combination Loan Attraction Guide / Mentor / Coach / Facilitator of personal growth and top-performance. You are unique and your solution is not the same as your neighbor. By actively collaborating with you, we help you discover your true unique personal drivers by clarifying and congruently aligning your goals and actions.
     
    This in turn fosters high-performance, clarity, new perspective and the necessary passion needed to take your performance to the next level. Subsequently, by providing the appropiate tools, you learn to take passionate, commited, impactful and decisive action.
     
    With deep industry and business process expertise, broad national resources and a proven track record, The Mortgage Cicerone mobilizes and aligns the right people skills, processes, motivators and technologies to improve your performance, finances and life/work balance in ethical congruence with your value system.

The Cicerones

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