In God We Trust
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?
'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says. ' She read the words ' United States of America ' 'No, not that; read further.' 'One cent?' 'No, keep reading.' 'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!' 'And?'
'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient.......
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross
+ 3 nails
--------
4 given
That's the whole gospel message simply stated.
May GOD Bless the WORLD
Prospecting
Hello «First name»:
A minefield! Most home owners feel like they're walking through one when they're in the process of finding the right loan. And quite rightly too!
After all, unless you are an industry expert, a few years down the track you could find yourself locked into a high interest rate or facing severe payout penalties, or worse.
Wherever you look financial institutions are all making great offers BUT when you read the fine print, the view gets a little frightening.
Now you can have an expert guide you through the home loan maze and pinpoint a much better loan for you from the 4000 plus that are on the market ... all at absolutely NO COST to you.
Here at Mortgage Force we spend time with you discovering your immediate plans and plans for the future. Through our relationships with numerous banks and lending institutions, we'll then find a loan that gives you the flexibility, affordability, savings and repayment freedom you need.
You won't need to spend hours on the phone or run around town talking to banks. You won't need to worry whether you're getting a great deal. We'll arrange it all for you.
How can we offer you this service FREE?
Simple. Our income comes from an introduction fee paid by the lenders so you won't pay a cent in consultation fees to us.
Money-Saving Loans You May Not Have Known Existed!
Some lenders have special loans that are not generally advertised. And some loan products can SAVE you thousands of dollars once you know how to use them to your advantage.
The Perfect Loan For You May NOT Be The One With The Lowest Interest Rate.
Here's why ...
It's easy to look just at interest rates when you're trying to decide on a loan, because it all seems so complicated.
Interest rates are important but certain conditions may be more important. A low interest loan may cost you more in the end.
Just 9 of the Ways Mortgage Force Can Help You Improve Your Financial Situation And Your Lifestyle!
- Fixed or variable rates, or a combination of both;
- Making extra repayments without penalty;
- Redrawing extra payments when you need to;
- Having your pay deposited directly into your home loan account to start saving you interest immediately;
- Easy ways to pay your loan off sooner and save thousands in interest;
- Maximizing your tax benefits;
- Financing future projects without needing the bank's approval; or
- Refinancing your expensive housing, business or personal loans at lower home loan rates;
- Relocating, without the high cost of bridging finance and with up to 12 months to sell your current home.
We make it easy for you!
Don't worry about bank interviews. We'll take care of the finance application for you. And we'll come to you - at your convenience - your home or office, day or night.
To arrange your no-obligation consultation call us today on 203 270 6252
Kind regards,
Scott Blanchard
Mortgage Force, LLC
Referal Request Letter
How many times have you asked for a referral ? I hope with every transaction, if not here is a short letter that will assist you in building your network,leads,and income.
A Referral Letter Like No Other
Dear Andee
This letter, suggested by Mark Sheer in his book, Referrals, will serve you well. Be sure to include a copy of your client profile. Change this letter as you deem necessary:
Dear Business Contact,
I'm expanding my business and need your help. As a satisfied and valued client (friend), I feel you are my best source to help me build my business. I would like to extend my services to your family and friends, and would appreciate it if you would take a moment to make a list of at least three people who, like yourself, would benefit from my services.
Who do you know who would fit the categories on the enclosed Client Profile? This profile details the services that I can provide and describes the types of people that I am able to help.
If possible, I would like to help your friends and family members reach their goals. I will call you in a few days to get the names of people who you suggest I contact, which you can list below.
My List of Names and Phone Numbers For Scott Blanchard
1.______________________________________________________________
2.______________________________________________________________
3.______________________________________________________________
4.______________________________________________________________
5.______________________________________________________________
Thank you for helping me build my business.
Sincerely,
Scott Blanchard
Pre-Qual Congratulations
Dear Tim,
Congratulations on taking the first step toward purchasing a new home! Now that you are pre-qualified, you know how much home you can afford and the total cash required to complete the transaction.
As your house-hunting progresses, you can assure any realtor or seller with whom you are working, that you have been pre-qualified. With your permission, I will be glad to verify this with any concerned party so you won t have to go through this process again.
Many of my mortgagors have found the enclosed information helpful before and at the time of application. Mortgage Force, LLC is always aware of its commitment to our customers. If at any time you have a question regarding financing or if your financial situation changes, please call me so we can discuss your options further. I will be sending you some additional information throughout the loan process that you may find helpful.
It never hurts to be fully informed.
I look forward to being your mortgage lender once you've found the home of your dreams.
Sincerely,
Scott Blanchard
Loan Officer
Pre-Qualification Appointment
Dear Tim,
Now that you've decided it's time to buy a home and obtain a new mortgage, I would like to introduce you to a rather new concept in the real estate and mortgage industry. It's called mortgage pre approval.
Many of today's borrowers are taking advantage of this new concept. Simply stated, it means actually applying for your mortgage before you've gone to contract on a property. By doing this you can accomplish several things:
- You can actually have your mortgage in place so that the only thing left to do is the property appraisal.
- This will allow for a much quicker closing than otherwise possible.
- A quick closing can give you increased leverage with the seller because he/she knows they have a pre-approved buyer.
These advantages can possibly save you money on the sales price. As your mortgage lender, I feel that it is my responsibility to make you aware of every advantage available to you in today's competitive environment. The pre-approval process can begin in my office or over the phone. Just let me know which will best fit into your busy schedule.
Simply give me a call and it can be promptly arranged. All of us at Mortgage Force LLC look forward to assisting you with all of your mortgage needs.
Sincerely,
Scott Blanchard
Loan Officer
203 790 4243
Management Lesson
We all need some management "Continuing Education" every once in awhile.
Lesson One:
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing.
A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit on my ass like
You and do nothing?"
The eagle answered, "Sure, why not."
So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested.
All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Management Lesson:
To be sitting on your ass and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high
Up.
Lesson Two:
A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the
Top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy."
"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my manure droppings?" replied the
Bull.
"They're packed with nutrients."
The turkey pecked at a lump of manure and found it actually gave him enough
Strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree.
Next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch.
Finally after a fourth night, he was proudly perched at the top of the tree.
Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.
Management Lesson:
Bull **** might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.
Lesson Three:
A little bird was flying south for the winter.
It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field.
While it was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on it.
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, it began to realize
How warm it was.
The dung was actually thawing him out.
He lay there all warm and happy and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.
Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung
And promptly dug him out and ate him.
Management Lessons:
(1) Not everyone who ****s on you is your enemy.
(2) Not everyone who gets you out of **** is your friend.
(3) When you're in deep ****, it's best to keep your mouth shut.
Buying Bank Owned Properties
This is an introduction to buying Bank-Owned Properties. Most buyers do not understand the intricacies involved in buying bank owned or foreclosed properties. There are many things that must be understood before considering these investments. The following are a list of facts and items that you must know. They are the most common elements but are by no means all-inclusive. Prior to making an offer you should request a copy of the bank addendum and review them carefully.
1. UTILITIES: Usually are shut off. The bank wants the buyers to turn on utilities in buyers name prior to city and private home inspections and for appraisal.
2. CITY INSPECTIONS: The bank wants the buyer to pay for the city inspection and accept all repairs and conditions prior to closing.
3. PRIVATE HOME INSPECTIONS: The bank usually wants all potential buyers to pay for their own private home inspection prior to writing an offer, but may make exceptions.
4. RE-WINTERIZATION: If winterized, buyer must pay for de-winterizing and re-winterizing the property up front.
5. CLOSING COSTS: Banks are hesitant to pay much in the way of buyers costs, perhaps 3% at the most. VA or HUD will not pay. If the property is HUD or VA owned they will not provide title insurance or pay transfer taxes.
6 EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT: The deposit monies are usually required to be held by the listing office or title company. Because the buyer's agent does not hold them it is very difficult to get back in case of a dispute. They usually want $1,000 in certified funds. Based on a Pre-Approval from buyer's lender, the bank will try to keep the earnest money even if the buyer's mortgage is denied.
7. CLOSING DATE: Banks want a firm closing date within 30-45 days or less. If buyer cannot close by that date, even if no fault of their own, the bank will charge a per diem fee, usually $100 per day.
8. CLEAR TITLE: Banks will only give you a Special Warranty Deed and not a Warranty Deed. They may not want pay for title insurance. If an issue arises after closing you are in a difficult position.
9. "AS-IS" CONDITION: The bank is exempt from disclosing defects in the property and limited in Lead Based Paint disclosures. These homes are usually in rough condition and have been vandalized. Expect extensive repairs.
10. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY: The buyer must obtain their own Certificate of Occupancy in order to occupy property in cities that require inspections. Some cities require that a Bond or Escrow be placed with the city prior to issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy. This bond, from $500 to $3,500, may be forfeited to the city if the property is not brought up to code within 6 months of issuance. Some cities will not even allow utilities to be turned on without a deposit.
11. NEGOTIATION: It may take several weeks of waiting and negotiating before a bank accepts an offer from you. Offers are usually countered and accepted verbally. The bank considers a verbal offer to be binding on you but not on them. Some bank addendum's even have an escape clause for them essentially giving them the right to back out at any time and for any reason right up to closing. Banks do not usually accept really low offers. Instead, they will gradually reduce the asking price until someone takes it.
12. EXTRA FEES: Some bank addendum's require you to pay the banks real estate agent a fee or bonus of several hundred dollars.
In general, buying a bank owned property is a high-risk venture. A buyer needs about $5,000 to $20,000, in liquid funds, over and above the normal closing costs to even consider buying a bank owned property.
Letter with Good Faith Estimate
11-20-07
Dear Gary,
Thank you for calling Mortgage Force, LLC for your mortgage needs. We know that selecting a mortgage lender is an important decision and we expend our best effort on your behalf. With today's attractive interest rates many astute and financially aware people are taking advantage of this opportunity to refinance NOW while the market is still strong.
Enclosed is your requested package that will enable your request for mortgage financing to begin. Please note the only "out of pocket" expense will be $325. Since this charge is included on your closing cost estimate, I have credited you back the $325 on the Good Faith Estimate to show you have already paid this fee. Call me if you would like any assistance. I will work very hard to make sure the financing process is as hassle free for you as possible .
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at the numbers listed on my card. Thank you once again for choosing Mortgage force, LLC for your mortgage needs.
Also please remember my goal is to make each transaction go as smoothly as the top of my head.
Sincerely,
Scott Blanchard
Loan Officer
WIN MORE LISTINGS
August 10, 2007
Mary Dickenson
243 Southern Blvd
Newtown, Ct 06470
Win more listings with these two additions to your listing presentations
Dear Mary,
A listing presentation is an opportunity for you to separate yourself from the rest of the competition. It is a time when the seller makes the decision to transfer their personal trust to your professional capabilities. When it comes to getting the listing, there is no second place. My services can help you close more listing presentations because of the outstanding sales tools I can provide you. Professional, accurate, presentation quality materials make you look good, and earn you more business.
Open House Spreadsheets let the seller know that you have the ability to place the buyer in a suitable loan program, and your handouts to prospective buyers give valuable information that will be read and kept.
Qualification to Property Analysis alleviates apprehension for every person that has an interest in the property because they receive in clear terms: how much they qualify for, how much it will cost and an itemized accurate list of those costs.
You raise the standard on what will be expected from other agents making a listing presentation.
I invite you to explore the possibilities of working with a mortgage professional that is committed to helping you list and sell more homes. My card is enclosed.
Sincerely,
Scott Blanchard
Direct Mail Techniques For FSBO's
August 13, 2007
John Smith
425 Main St.
Ridgefield, Ct 06877
Dear John
Danielle Kennedy, in her audio tape set, How To List As Fast As You Can, talked about a proven system for capturing FSBO's by mail. She called it the Letter-A-Day program:
First Day: In a large brown envelope, send a blank copy of your purchase agreement. Hand-write on one of your imprinted scratch-pad sheets (so your photo and phone number will be there) these words: "Sorry you're leaving us. Here's a copy of the form you'll need to sell your house. If you'd like an explanation of any of its terms, please give me a call. NO OBLIGATION. Sincerely, John Smith". Enclose your business card.
Second Day: In a regular #10 envelope, send a blank sellers' net sheet and this note, also hand-written on your imprinted scratch pad: "Here's the form we use to figure your net walk-away dollars. Please feel free to give me a call if you don't have the formulas to figure any of these items. Again, no obligation. Sincerely John Smith "
Third Day: In a greeting card sized envelope, send a blank Guidelines to Market Value form along with this note: "Here is the form we use to summarize the facts that set market price. If you'd like me to develop this data for your home, please give me a call. No obligation, of course. We're here to serve you. Sincerely, john Smith ".
Fourth Day: Wait until they have received the day's mail. Then knock on the door-or call-and say, "Hi, I'm John with Keller Williams Realty. Are you getting the forms I've been mailing to you to help market your home?" Try to get the listing.
By providing value first, you differentiate yourself from your competitors. And the first three letters will have turned the phone call from a cold-call to a warm-call. Good luck!
To Your Success!
Scott Blanchard
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