Catchy title, right? I was honored (kind of) when Jeff Belonger asked me to write this review. One of the best financial tools to sure up our economy has a heck of a lot to do with Mortgages. I believe the housing industry to be the backbone of our economy. Real Estate is a pretty big in this world and there's only so much of it. This has been a wonderful week to cover Mortgage Writings here on Active-Rain. There have been so many great contributions. While boring and dry to some, there are many here who do it quite creatively and astutely. In addition to that, you can learn something very relevant in this world in which we live. If you take nothing from this and have read this far, the last blog I mention here is ripe...it is the best Mortgage-Related Post I've read in a year or two...
The Mortgage Consumer Protection Act / My Solution by William J. Archambault Jr. - I hope the governing institutions of Mortgage Brokers & Mortgage Bankers take heed, Bill knows his stuff and has been involved in Real Estate in every shape and form since 1969. This industry needs more individuals like Bill!
The Anatomy of a TOP GUN by Janet Guilbault - One of my favorite writers of any kind, Janet writes an E-xcellent piece about a Loan Officer in her office that those who are new or seasoned in the Mortgage Industry...could learn a heck of a lot from.
What I learned from my VACATION........... by Joe Adams - Besides wanting to join Joe on his hiatus from the 'Working World' ... he does a splendid and insightful job of reflection. He also seems to have a Great TEAM behind him making his life and YOURS a tad bit easier.
Conspiracy Theory #17 by Mike Mueller - Mike is probably one of the brightest guys you'll read or talk too. He's also creative, funny, trendy, & pretty darn handsome:-) If you haven't subscribed to Mr. Mueller, do yourself a favor and do it. I would not hesitate to refer my closest friends and immediate family to this guy for anything Mortgage Related.
Is the referral from your realtor more powerful than someone from the internet? by Jeff Belonger- Let's face it folks, Jeff doesn't pull punches. Whether you are a consumer reading up on Mortgages or a REALTOR doing your homework to try to better guide your client, Mr. Belonger is a must read.
Here's Johnny! Inflation and the Titantic relationship... by Rich Sweum - If you are inclined to follow a Mortgage Guy anytime soon, Rich is a pretty good start. He's witty, rational, & knows the Mortgage Biz. Plus, how can you go wrong with somebody who utilizes a crazed Jack Nicholson photo before taking a glance at our economic situation:-)
The Question That Messed Up My Old Marketing Strategy! by Lola Audu - "If you take the time to truly get to know those people and learn how to serve them, you will benefit far more than sending tons of useless mailings to people who don't know you and don't care about you." Yup, that sums it up pretty nicely indeed.
The Stars Line Up for First Time Homebuyers in California by Janet Guilbault - Yeah, I know...her again:-) Hey, she's darn good. She's that darn good:-)
Paperless Appraisals by Sara Goodwin - If you want some insight into the Appraisal Process, reading Sara Goodwin is a great place to start. In this article, she cites the very streamlined way that appraisals are delivered these days.
Rate Shoppers by Jon Zigler - A good article for consumers and Realtors who ask the infamous question when trying to get a Mortgage, "What's your Rate?" Jon give concise insight to some of the factors that decide how much the money will cost that you are looking to borrow.
Looking for an Edge: Is Your Name Engraved on the Championship Cup? by Andrew Lenza - If you want to read about a lesson in ethics, click on this article. If you want to read the best damn writer on this site in my view.....read Mr. Andrew Lenza!
IMPROVE Your Credit Score!!!!! by Ann Sabbagh - This is a brief tutorial on how to better your credit score, reading Ann's post will give you a solid start. While the FHA & VA aren't as credit score driven as other traditional programs, I dare state that the status of your credit score will continually affect your financial future of utilizing other people's money.
Mortgage Transparency Kills Mortage Service: Will the Mortgage Industry's Commoditization Follow That of the Airlines? by Robert D. Ashby - In my opinion, probably one of the best, if not the best, Mortgage Related Article I've read to date.
The next 4 lucky contestants members :
1. Rich Sweum 04/21/2008 through 04/27/2008
2. Janet Guilbault 04/28/2008 through 05/04/2008
3. Matt Freeman 05/05/2008 through 05/11/2008
4. Aaron Gordon 05/12/2008 through 05/18/2008
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 reviewcan 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!!!
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.
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
(If you are still actively reading, thank you! If you haven't checked out the posts I've put forth...shame on you:-) It should be noted that the following is 'Legal Jargon' saying that it isn't a good idea to copy this post word for word. Here's a hint, if you do....at least mix it up a bit. Confuse Google and other search engines by adding your own innovative spin on anything and everything. Stealing ideas and words isn't cool, in the end you are better off using your own....)
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- Copyright 2008©
Wow! Great posts this time! I read nearly every one of these people, but have to throw a big MWA at my good friend Sarah Goodwin :) She's smarter than the average cookie!
Here kitty kitty....
That's an Awesome collection! Good job Jason!
Thanks for the kind words and the mention.
Warning: If you poke fun at our foil helmet army in your comment, We'll assimilate you too.
You've been warned.
Jennifer - Sara does seem to be a pretty astute young lady. Thank you hun!
Mike - I wear my foil hat with pride mister!
Jason,
Thank you for the kind words!
I'm doubly embarrassed. First because I enjoyed your remarks so much. Secondly because I've read so few of these great articles.
I have read Robert D. Ashby's he said "you get what you pay for" I countered "you get what you detersive!" It's a great article, comparing our problems with something so many can understand.
Jeff Belonger takes us back to bacis! We are a people business, Jeff reminds us live, person to person referrals are so much better than electronic advertising.
I for one will keep coming back to this until I've read them all. When professionals openly share their ideas we all win! It's not necessary to agree with someone to learn from them. This foram is a daily graduate level symposium for those that participate.
You my young friend earned your laurels today this is a massive job and you did it well as has everyone I've read.
Bill
Jason: Thank you, mentioned twice! And you are one of my very favorite writers as well. This was the week I put in the vegetable garden out on the North 40, and didn't have that much time to write. Thats right, when I am not playing Diane Sawyer, I like to be Martha Stewart. Now you know the truth, as sick as it is.
Jason, good job. I'm a little stressed about having the role next week...searching for my happy place right now. Seriously, thanks for your insights, your one of the best on AR. I think we'll have to submit a new word to the dictionary: "SARD-i-NIC" because the definition of sardonic is a little too negative sounding.
: disdainfully or skeptically humorous : derisively mocking <a sardonic comment> synonyms see sarcastic - sar·don·i·cal·ly
\-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Chuck - I hope you get as much out of these posts as I did, thanks!
Bill - Thank you Bill, that truly means a lot.
Janet - That's all Jennifer's doing:-) Thanks
DianeMarthaJanet!Rich - I don't know man, that definition seems to describe me every once in awhile:-)
Neal - Thanks man. I think I'm officially retiring now:-) Know a good Golf Course there in FLA?
Jason,
Good job summarizing some great mortgage posts by some excellent Active Rain members! And yes, the real estate industry is the backbone of the American economy!!! Thanks, Fran
Jason.... great job and thanks for doing this. I missed both of Janet's and a few others. And I also love the new look.... I need to step mine up now, Jennifer did a great job. How much did she charge? lol Lastly, thanks for the mention and the kind words.
Fran - It's always nice when we agree on something:-)
Jeff - My pleasure. Jennifer did a wonderful job with the new look and she doesn't work cheap buster:-)
Jason - I blushing! To be mentioned among such an astute group of RE folks and to be mentioned by the top of the heap - Quite kind of you indeed.
I look forward to reading everyone elses post as well. I just discovered this weekend that I hadn't added you as an associate... I just thought you hadn't been writing anything lately... My bad. This will be remedied momentarily.
On a side note, I had to look up 'astute' for the spelling. I almost entered it as 'estute' which means boiling or enraged. I hate admitting I'm a bad speller, but it's good thing that I look some of those 'fancy' words up sometimes -
Wonder job Jason...Looks like I have some reading to catch up on...
Like the new look. Jen did if for you? She is one talented woman...Don't even want to know what she charged you : )
Sara - It's about time;-) Thank you! You don't know how much I appreciate having an appraiser in the Blogging World.
Midori - You will get both with these, thanks.
Sandra - She is talented but I'm not telling:-)
Sardi...
Great job on the review. I think :)
I am so bad about this. If I need to know something about your Industry I just call folks like you :)
I very rarely read about the lending industry. So much to flippin' do ... So little time to get 'er done.
Actually calling folks like you is much more entertaining than actually reading you.
Maybe that made more sense in my weary little head :)
P.S. What? No spice in the tags today? :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW - Calling me is more entertaining than reading me? Heck, you should catch me on a weekend;-) As far as no 'spice' in the tags, even I play it straight every now and again.
Gita - I'm sure you'll find some helpful stuff.
Eleanor - The list tends to become never-ending....
Michael - Thank you for the kind words man.
Lenza - Thank you Mr. Frost:-)
Neal- Somehow I think just one Golf Excursion with us would launch a Reality T.V. Show:-)
And...
When it comes to your Blog I get point rich for not reading :)
Shhhh. Don't tell anyone I actually said that :)
TLW...ROAR!
Jason, Great week in review. I know I missed some of these posts
TLW - Someday you'll wise up and read me. I'm not that bad you know:-)
Matthew - Hey man, hadn't seen you around. Hope all is well, thanks!
Sardi...
I want to make sure you know that I do read you.
I just don't read the ones you write about mortgages unless something really grabs my attention.
I am so sorry. I have always been like that in relation to mortgages. It has absolutely nothing to do with you.
It's me. No. I am not breaking up with you over this. LOL!
TLW...ROAR!
The fact ...
That I have the attention span of a flea doesn't help me all that much :)
I see a post coming out of all this :)
TLW...ROAR!
LOL TLW....do I get any residual income for inspiring a post? Look for an off-topic
roastgoofballsplendor coming to a blog near you....Fun post!! Great reading!
Jason,
A great who's who in AR in the biz....thanks, and have a great week.
Thanks Christina!
You have a great week as well Dan!