Just BE!

Today for Boss's Day , at our daily team meeting we were reminiscing about the 'old ' days, when credit reports were received on that glossy paper and it took 3 hours, or how I did not get an answer from underwriting from Chase (I was a broker back then) , so I took the next day 6 am flight to Dallas and sat in their lobby until I got one! Of my 10 team members and processors only one of them was with me back then (my brother Kenny- 13 years!). The rest of them are spoiled by technology, paperless technology and 30 second credit reports. Immediate gratification.

Aren't we all that way now ? Stuck in the 'current' hysteria of now now now!? When do we ever have time to just 'Be'. Be in the moment, do the best you can, and that is enough! So I am working on that currently with a spiritual coach I have. Just 'being'. Hmmmm. That is a new concept for me. Can I still highlight on my checklist when I do that?

In the Markets

Wow, what a ride! Rates have been really up and down this week. WE are ending the week with market suggestions to lock, as the market has been rallying and pushing bonds lower after the news of the lower CPI (Consumer Price Index) which shows inflation at the consumer level . It declined .2%. News of inflation being under control (hence not going up) makes stock investors happy, and therefore bonds suffer, increasing the yields to attract more buyers! 

All in all, its a GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME! Check out this chart of interest rates, and endorses the reason your buyers should purchase sooner than later! The honeymoon we have been on for 5+ years is surely to end.

Read more here!

                                                  Upcoming Events

Lunch & Learn:

The Loan Process - Contract to Close

Wednesday, October 21st

@ 12:00pm

At our office

*Lunch Included!*

-

Lunch & Learn/Client Seminar:

Basic Wills

Friday, October 30th

@ 12:00pm

At our office

*Lunch Included!*

RSVP to Annette:

713-579-3606

Annette.ernstein@legacymutual.com

Everything You Need to Know About TRID!

How has your first week of 'TRID' gone (that went into effect Oct 3)? Here are some TIPS from me. This quick 3 minute video could SAVE YOUR NEXT TRANSACTION!

 

Be sure to WATCH my library of FAQ videos for TRID .. Your buyers and sellers can watch them too. I have made short, 2 minute videos to address certain questions your clients are sure to have. 

Consumers - Explanation of TRID

TRID for Buyers

TRID for Sellers

TRID for Realtors

Why does the buyer not have a HUD anymore?

Where did the Good Faith Estimate go?

What are all these Changes October 3rd?

 

The CFPB (Consumer Protection Financial Bureau) recently released a bulletin addressing MSA's , or marketing service agreements. This is to include direct payments for a 'desk rental fee', or even paying for leads through online portals. The bulletin explains that while marketing services agreements are usually framed as payments for advertising or promotional services, in some cases the payments are actually disguised compensation for referrals. Any agreement that entails exchanging a thing of value for referrals of settlement service business likely violates federal law, regardless of whether a marketing services agreement is part of the transaction. Be sure to check with your companies legal before you entice a lender or title company to pay for marketing. The bulletin is HERE

 

 

In the Markets

Beware of the news! Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae release what is going on to the media usually Monday or Tuesday. By the time the news prints, and you see the news Friday (for example) it is OLD NEWS. Rates have increased this week after the nice lows of last week. The labor market has reported that Initial Jobless Claims is down. We are not sure yet if that is a real number since many of the labor pool that may not be working may not be participating in unemployment (they have exceeded the allowed time), or just not claiming unemployment. So the numbers can be misleading.

 

For Houston, in January, we saw an anticipated Job Creation number of 105,700. Now in October, that number has been revised to 55,000. A big drop. Many of the agents are telling us that borrowers are hesitant to look , for fear of job loss.

SEE THIS CHART!

 

There IS insurance available for borrowers in the case of 'Involuntary' Unemployment. Call me for details!

Upcoming Events

-

Lunch & Learn:

How to Build  Team

Wednesday, October 14th

@ 12:00pm

At our office

*Lunch Included!*

-

Lunch & Learn:

The Loan Process - Contract to Close

Wednesday, October 21st

@ 12:00pm

At our office

*Lunch Included!*

RSVP to Annette:

713-579-3606

Annette.ernstein@legacymutual.com

TRID is here!

Yes, TRID (TILA RESPA Integrated Disclosures) is here! If the loan was not disclosed by EOB Friday , then it will be under the new rules.

We are ready!

 

Here is a VIDEO to show your buyers/sellers! (5 min)

 

Watch this to see WHY you should be in my office Wed Oct 7 at 12:00!

In the markets:

Read here about the weeks turbulent up/down for mortgage rates!

Upcoming Events:

Lunch & Learn:

October 3rd Changes

Wednesday, October 7th @ 12:00pm

Lunch & Learn:

How to Build a Team

Wednesday, October 14th @ 12:00pm

*Both events held at our office with lunch included!*

RSVP to Annette:

713.579.3613

annette.ernstein@legacymutual.com