Industry experts have been warning originators for months that in order to survive in this business over the next year or two you need to target Realtors and purchase money loans; I disagree with that thinking completely. Those of you, who were trained as I was, realize there's a significant difference between making loans to solve customer problems, and financing the acquisition of something. People need money for all sorts of reasons, month in and month out; house buying isn't as frequent, and is far more anxiety filled too!

Financing the purchase of real property, with all its moving parts, ample extra opportunities for things to go wrong, and then there's those real estate agent personality issues that arise from time to time. Historically it has been a roller coaster ride, not necessarily consistent all year long like lending money is. Purchase transactions have always been best in steady or rising home value markets, along with stable or falling interest rates - neither of those conditions are anticipated anytime soon for our industry.

Given the seemingly destined collapse (or at a minimum a significant slide) of property values in countless areas all across the Country, and a high foreclosure rate which many are expecting this year, a focus on purchase transactions seems to be illogical. Possible those "industry experts," have little concrete experience actually origination transactions during periods when staying in business is challenging, instead of the easy-street way things have been the past six to 8 years.

My suggestion is for you to put on your marketing hat and advertise so new customers will bring their money needs to the party, and you'll actually bring the money! Give us your thoughts on our Discussion Board - CLICK HERE






Stated Income = Stated Fraud?
On the 1003 on the bottom of page 4 it says: "I/We fully understand that it is a Federal crime punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, to knowingly make false statements concerning any of the above facts as applicable under the provisions of Title 18, United State Code, Section 1001, et seq." That's serious!

Besides the ethical, moral and DTI/foreclosure issues here, understand more and more regulatory agencies are focusing on these Stated loans and holding Brokers and Loan Officers responsible. If you know the income is wrong, you are aiding and abetting criminal fraud and the risk is not worth the Big Fat Commission, just because you flipped it to Stated.

The purpose of 'Stated' is for documentation relief, not to inflate income. If you suggest, alter, or change the income, you are committing fraud.> Add Your 2 Cents on our Discussion Board - CLICK HERE

See everything our learning center at the Secret! University has to offer simply by Clicking Here!

For Industry Career Professionals Only: You're invited to join us for an all day Live chat, a Conversation with Secret! "Learn easier ways to operate your business" Sat. Jan 21st in So Calif. to RSVP Click Here!

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Whatever you do, Don't Step There! That's the sorts of thing our Mentor Program can help you with. Check out our faculty and start off the new year right. Click Here to get started today.

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Make it a two day session with us, come to our 'chat' plus this class. The next class is Jan 22nd, you don't want to miss this; start off 2006 with an easier way. Click Here and register for our live Website & Internet Originations class now.

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Our catalog of training & educational CD's we call Secrets of the Mortgage Industry™ is pretty extensive; 2006 is the time to begin a new training agenda. Click Here and see our full list; pick up a handful of them today and get on track.

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Do you need to frequently stay in touch with your widespread organization? Motivate them, provide updates, answer questions, etc? If that's you then look into our new Communication Center concept! See how this new area we have available, can help you Click Here

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Our Discussion Board is the place to visit for "serious people to discuss serious issues." Go ahead check it out - Click It!

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Your very own help desk, and there's no waiting. Grab your cell phone and just Ask Secret! if you need answers right now. Click This - our HOTLINE works!

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Link to the permanent version of our newsletters by Clicking Here and save our online Newsletter Library in your computer's 'favorites' - there's loads of good stuff in past issues!

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Click Here and we'll mail you our Secret! University Intro CD today. It's a good way to become familiar with our products & services; it also contains several sizable discounts you can make use of!

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As we start the New Year, it is only natural to reflect on the past and resolve to do things better. If one of your goals is to "get organized," try these tips.

Tip 1 – Channel "Dr. Phil"
One of Dr. Phil's favorite phrases is: "How's that workin' for ya?" Realize that what works for others may not work for you. Before you attempt to "get organized," take a look around. Ask yourself what's working and keep doing it, no matter how strange it seems to others.

When I help a client get organized, I make sure the system matches their personality and work habits. For example, some clients can't focus unless their desk is a clean slate. They are able to maintain a traditional filing system. Others are like me – they need to be able to see their papers. Traditional filing systems won't work for us, instead, we need open bookshelves and transparent or glass filing cabinets.

Tip 2 - Don't rely on your memory -- write it down
Yes, I know you've heard it before, but it works. People who write things down are 25% more productive than those who don't. Keep track of your obligations on a things to-do list and review it consistently.

Having trouble keeping up with your to-do list? Perhaps it's not the right size or structure. I spent 15 years and hundreds of dollars on system after system, to no avail. For the past five years, I've used a steno pad that I customize with tabs – it works beautifully. If you don't like writing, try recording your tasks on audiotape instead.

Tip 3 - Don't Fight Your Internal Clock
The book "Ops Time" introduced me to this concept and changed my life! Are you a morning person or a night owl? Whenever possible, schedule your high energy tasks for your high energy times.

What are examples of high energy activities? High energy activities include researching loan programs for a client or reviewing HUD-1 statements. Low energy activities include checking email or filing.

Tip 4 - Know when good enough is good enough
If I had to choose one tip, this would be it. The people who get things done are able to focus with laser-like precision on the real goal. They know when good enough is good enough.

This does not mean they embrace mediocrity or ignore details -- far from it. Instead, since they know the real goal, they are able to quickly take action and spend their resources in the areas with the biggest pay off.

Here's an idea for putting this tip into action: Do you need marketing materials but can't afford full color glossy brochures? Create a well-written, attractively designed, black and white brochure instead. Use the proceeds from the clients you attract to upgrade to full color.

Try these productivity tips, and make this the year you get organized – for good! Article by Jackie Kadii's of www.close-more-loans.com Something to add? CLICK HERE






HIGHLIGHT: Mentor Program - Help You Focus 2006
Everybody says this is going to be a turbulent year for our industry, that's what I've been seeing the last couple of months - and I agree. Our one-on-one personalized Mentor Program can help you better focus on your 2006 game plan! We've got several very capable faculty members available to help you. Find the one that's already done what you want to accomplish, and that's the one you should select. Check out their backgrounds by CLICKING HERE