Monday, October 19, 2015

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.


                                                  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

Monday, October 12, 2015

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. 
 
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.
 
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

Monday, October 5, 2015

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

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Ready for the October 3rd Changes?

OK, October 3rd is almost here! We at the Hernandez Team are EXCITED! Because we are ready, and here for you every step of the way.

1. If you need a refresher on the rules, come to our social Monday night (see the right bar), and I will be going over 'what you need to know to survive'.

2.  Use my checklists! Closing Checklist and Lender Questions

3. Show these videos to your buyers and sellers!

In the markets:

Upcoming Events:

Lunch & Learn:
October 3rd Changes
Wednesday, October 7th @ 12:00pm

At our office - Lunch Included!

RSVP: 713.579.3606
annette.ernstein@legacymutual.com

Monday, September 21, 2015

Fall is on it's way!

Jen is on a long weekend retreat with the CORE this weekend! Fall is on it's way, maybe soon we can all say hello to cooler weather!
 
In the markets:
READ HERE as to why this week's rates are steady after the Fed decided not to raise the rates!

Upcoming Events
 
Lunch & Learn:
Basic Home Budgeting - How to Save 20% of Your Gross Monthly Income
Wednesday, September 23rd
@ 12:00pm

At Our Office

*Lunch Included*

-
Referral Partner Social:
Goodbye HUD/TIL, Hello TRID!
Monday, September 28th
@ 5:30

At Anejo's Uptown
1180-1 Uptown Park Blvd
77056

RSVP to Annette:
713-579-3606

Wednesday, September 9, 2015


Friends, I need your HELP! My team made a cheesy video and we need to WIN the Legacy social media contest with the most views! Please watch our team video and share!

Monday, August 31, 2015

The Power of Communication


In the markets:
To find out why rates were slightly higher last week, READ HERE!

Upcoming Events

October 3rd Changes Training
Wednesday, September 2nd @ 9:00am

At Tradition Title 
4000 Washington Ave, Suite 200
77007

OR

12:00pm

At Legacy Mutual Mortgage
2500 CityWest Blvd, Suite 750
77042

-

Lunch & Learn:
Using Video to Explode Your Business
Wednesday, September 9th @ 12:00pm

At Legacy Mutual Mortgage
2500 CityWest Blvd, Suite 750
77042

RSVP to Annette:
713.579.3606
Annette.Ernstein@legacymutual.com