Gene's Bit of Blogging
Gene Mundt's Client Services
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Monday, May 07, 2012 5:39 PM
I May Not Be Yoda,
but I'm Darn Close!
Yesterday, I was reading yet another blog about the low interest rates presently available to home buyers seeking mortgage financing.
Seems another new historic low was announced. Something not quite so noteworthy anymore, as we all have grown used to hearing about how the rates have dipped, dipped, and dipped again.
And therein lies my big worry, both as a mortgage lender and as a parent. I think buyers have grown quite weary and fairly complacent.
Low interest rates, such as we are seeing presently, should be news that sends home buyers (currently seeking and potential) all giddy. They should be doing a happy-dance.
But although rates remain a topic of interest for mortgage applicants I speak to, the rates we are seeing do NOT stimulate action in the housing market or number of inquiries for financing you would predict. So many potential buyers simply are doing nothing in response.
And I find that sad. That attitude translates into so much potential lost savings . So many opportunities simply being ignored.
I believe that many potential buyers falsely believe they cannot buy. That they will not be approved for loan. It's certainly the mantra repeated by the media. And it seems nowadays, everyone knows someone that knows someone that has an awful story to tell about the financing process. Heck, I even hear it within our own industry.
The truth of it is that there are many successes being celebrated out there. The majority (around 62%) of people that apply for a mortgage loan DO get financing and successfully
buy a home. (Remember, we've seen the result of and are suffering from no one being turned away.)
Now, do mortgage applicants have to work at finding their successes? Yes! Is it easy? No! Are
they frustrated at times throughout the process? H#*$ yes! Should the
process be like this? No! I'm a mortgage lender and I think it sucks that
buyers and those refinancing are put through the ringer like they are. But the
process is what it is ...
So if that is the truth ... and the process is what it is, at least at this point, I ask ... What are you, if a hopeful and/or potential home buyer, going to do? What's your reaction??
I've written some about this in the past ... my own personal experiences with rates, home buying, and financing over my 35+ years within the mortgage and real estate industry. It's been interesting, to say the least.
But over all those years, one thing has remained true for home buyers and those seeking mortgage financing: No matter how bad your financial situation. No matter your credit scores. The situation and your scores CAN be improved and turned around. Help is available.
Okay .. okay ... you're right. I need to add an asterik to those statements ...
- Asterik 1: With time, care, and patience.
- Asterik 2: If willing to do some hard work.
And therein, lies some of the current problem. Many people hate the asteriks. But taking that into consideration, my question becomes this:
If you ever hope to buy a home ... now or in the future ...
Are you going to let those asteriks scare you away from starting the process? Are you going to let the need for some hard work and patience intimidate you into foregoing inquiries about your home buying capabilities and options?
Are you going to let all those stories ... those asteriks ... steal REAL opportunity from you? REAL SAVINGS?? And yes, I said steal. I can talk to you all day and all night about what I think
is the right thing for you to do. And it
will be "yadda yadda yadda" ... just noise in
your ears. Or I can tell you this ...
I may not
be Yoda,
but I'm
darn close!
I'm a mortgage lender, yes. But more importantly, I'm a
husband, a dad, and now a grandfather too. And
that is where my message (and vast wisdom) to you springs from.
I've been there. I've stared-down
growing insurance costs. Rising taxes. Emergency repairs at the home. Health bills for braces, glasses, broken noses, emergency hospital
trips.
I've had to come-up with unexpected costs ... dues for
sports camps, traveling leagues. I've shelled-out extra for Size 15 Nikes.
I've looked college payments in the eye.
And I'll tell you ... your child you never thought you'd hear it from? Yep, even
MORE schooling ... LAW school! Then wedding
plans start. Times 2 ... within 6 months of
one another. Heart-tugging Grandchildren aren't far behind.
All of these expenditures and more might be in your
future as they were in mine, you just never know. So take it from someone that knows ... you need to look for, and take
advantage of, every savings when you can.
Listen to Yoda ...
The savings you
can and will reap by buying now and locking-in a historically low interest rate?? Cha-Ching!
The savings you can and will reap through the lower housing prices found in many
markets right now? Cha-Ching Cha-Ching!
Those savings WILL come in mighty handy later
... believe me.
Forget whatever negative you have heard. Take action.
Reach out. Pick-up a phone. Text.
Email. Whatever! Do it on your break. At lunch time. Before you head to bed.
Ask your questions. Don't just accept what you're hearing on the news ... or from others, no matter who they are. Fight for every option, work for every advantage, every opportunity you can
find. You owe it to yourself and your future.
Contact me. Even if you have challenging financial and credit
issues. Get started on bettering your finances and future. It costs you zippo ... absolutely nothing to talk to me.
You'll be glad we talked. I'll be glad to hear from you ...
* You can find me in several convenient ways: Direct: 815.277.4036Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 At Skype: 630.219.1316 Through Your Mobile Device:
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Credit Repair, Buying a Home, Credit Reports/Fico Scores, Financing, Mortgage Lender, Mortgages, Working with a Mortgage Professional, Credit and Financial Counseling, Announcements and News, Gene Mundt's Client Services, First-Time HomeBuyers, Money-saving Strategies, Savings Advice, Communication, Asking credit and mortgage questions, home buying, Right Time to Buy a Home, Home Ownership, Clients, Interest Rates, Cost of Living and Bills
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 10:45 AM
Timely and Important Mortgage Information for Those Wanting to Buy a Home
Carra Riley was such a great hostess during this interview. She knew exactly what home buyers want and need to know when entering the housing market and asked great questions.
She guided us through important details and timely financing topics ... topics and info that will help listeners navigate ... or "connect the dots" when buying a home and obtaining a mortgage.
I think you will find the information available of great assistance ... whether you are a first-time home buyer, someone refinancing, a move-up buyer, investor ... or an agent hoping to pass-on something of informational value to your clients.
If a question you have is not covered within this interview ... or if you are in need of mortgage guidance or assistance ... please do not hesitate to contact me. I'll be happy to hear from you, answer your questions, and assist you with your needs.
Thanks for listening. I look forward to connecting with you soon ...
Gene
Just "click" and listen!
I can be contacted through any of the following: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Email: gmundt@thefederalsavingsbank.com Skype: 630.219.1316
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Buying a Home, Credit Reports/Fico Scores, Importance of Credit, Mortgages, Refinance, Working with a Mortgage Professional, Condos and Townhomes, Gene Mundt's Client Services, First-Time HomeBuyers, Buying or Renting, Debt, Mortgage Closing Costs, Asking credit and mortgage questions, home buying, FHA Approval for Mortgage Lending, FHA Financing for Condominiums, FHA Mortgage Lending, Down Payment, Mortgage Costs, Closing Costs, Interest Rates, Pre-Qualification/Pre-Approval, Interest Rate Lock-In, Co-Signing Mortgages
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Monday, February 27, 2012 9:40 PM
Good News to Share Regarding My Services!
I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, I have transitioned my mortgage business to the sister company (same ownership) known as:
The Federal Savings Bank
Moving forward, I have all the same great products, processes, staff members, and Associates as I did prior to my transition.
Why the change? Being a loan originator for The Federal Savings Bank, allows me personally, the flexibility of having all the great loan products, interest rates, and services as before, PLUS the ability to lend in ALL 50 states. I am also now much more capable of providing “unique” loan products, personally “customized” to the needs of my clients than ever before.
In the ever-changing world of mortgage financing, I am confident that this change is positioning me to stay ahead of the challenges that arise in our industry. In just a short time, it has already proven beneficial to clients and those that I do business with … with absolutely no disruption to my services.
I sincerely thank you for being my valued client or referral partner. I look forward to being of service to you once again in the future through The Federal Savings Bank. I will continue to work hard, keep your confidence, and earn referrals of new clients.
Even though my contacts remain much the same as before, I have included them for your convenience below:
Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President The Federal Savings Bank 1823 Centre Point Circle, Naperville, IL 60563
My Best Regards,
Gene
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Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender - The Federal Savings Bank: Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 3:49 PM
"Connecting the Mortgage Dots in Today's
Real Estate Market"
Carra Riley, Cosmic Cow Pie, and
Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender Answer
YOUR Mortgage/Credit Questions
Looking for answers to your mortgage/credit questions?
Together, Carra and I will be discussing and answering mortgage questions, such as:
As someone with 35 years of mortgage experience, an
in-depth, multi-decades background as a licensed real estate appraiser, and as
a Certified Financial Planner, I have the extensive knowledge and expertise
needed to answer the questions you have ... and also provide the services you
need in Chicagoland and across the entire U.S.
It's easy to take part in this Cosmic Cow Pie session. Just dial (347) 994.1903 and ask us your
questions! If you can't join us during
the live blogtalkradio program, you can listen to a replay of this program at
any time. Just go to Carra Riley's
Cosmic Cow Pie blogtalkradio site and "click" to listen at your
convenience.
I can always answer your mortgage and credit questions at a
more convenient time for you through any of the following means: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text:
708.921.6331 Skype: 630.219.1316
See you then!
For more Cosmic Cow Pie and Carra Riley's insights ...
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Credit, Credit Repair, Buying a Home, Credit Reports/Fico Scores, Mortgages, Refinance, Working with a Mortgage Professional, Appraisals, Condos and Townhomes, Announcements and News, Gene Mundt's Client Services, First-Time HomeBuyers, Obtaining Mortgage Quotes, Pre-Approvals, & Info, Asset-Based Lending Program, Mortgage Closing Costs, home buying, Right Time to Buy a Home, Investors and Investments, HARP 2.0, FHA Approval for Mortgage Lending, FHA Mortgage Lending, Down Payment, Mortgage Costs, Closing Costs, Interest Rates, The Federal Savings Bank
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Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President - Chicago Bancorp: Posted on Thursday, February 02, 2012 1:12 PM
Answering Mortgage and Credit-Related Questions and Connecting the Dots ... How Can I Help??
Sometimes I wonder ...
Am I really getting through to my clients? My referral partners?
Now I know there are ways to measure some of that. Analytics are available and increasingly detailed for your website, social media, and more.
But I still sometimes wonder ... am I providing the information or answers to questions that are really on the minds of those finding and engaging me?
I remember having some heart-to-hearts with my kids when they were young. Giving them a fairly thorough explanation on some topic ... only to find out afterwards that I had just given them a bunch of info they really could have cared less about.
What they'd REALLY wanted to know was ..... (fill in the blanks). I in my zeal to help them or explain something had totally misinterpreted what they really were asking me. Or I had assumed I knew what they wanted to know ... or should know. Confused it or saw it through my own agenda.
I do believe the information I typically provide my clients or referral partners is very worthwhile and has value. It IS information they should have at some point in the process.
But I also think that it can sometimes have holes within it. Or miss the mark, if it's not thee information they want, need, seek, or are ready to digest at the time. I can still be leaving many dots unconnected for them.
Obviously implementing better and more thoughtful listening skills all the time improves this issue. But I also realize that nothing solves it like simply taking the time to ASK ... "What it is YOU want or need to know"? "What questions do you have"? Or ... Simply ASKING ... "Did I answer the questions you have or provide you the information you seek"?
I'm thinking I should provide some real opportunity. Give YOU that chance now.
So ... Put your "Thinking Caps" on!
What questions do YOU have regarding mortgage lending, mortgage processing, credit, appraisals, securing loan approvals, or more ...that you'd like answers to ... or informationon ... that haven't been addressed?? What dots haven't been connected for you? Here or elsewhere ...
Simply ... How can I assist you and answer your questions better?
I'll be taking the questions asked ... and the topics raised ... and addressing them in upcoming posts. Should you have need for a more timely or personal response ... I will contact you directly.
This will prove very educational and insightful for me ... so I thank you ahead of time for your participation and your questions. I hope it proves educational and beneficial for all that participate, as well ...
* Should you have more direct mortgage and credit needsor questions, please contact me at any of the following: Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331 Skype: 630.219.1316
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Credit, Buying a Home, Credit Reports/Fico Scores, Mortgages, Real Estate Advice, Gene Mundt's Client Services, Obtaining Mortgage Quotes, Pre-Approvals, & Info, Communication, Asking credit and mortgage questions, Education Opportunities, home buying
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