Loan Think

In reaction to the mortgage industry’s woes, and in some cases in spite of them, technology has marched on giving us new tools, techniques, and tactics that enhance our ability to be vigilant.

Mortgage brokers and bankers have been waiting anxiously for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue its loan officer compensation rule. This is the rule where the agency convened a ‘Small Business’ panel in the spring to weigh in on compensation and lender education issues. Needless to say, few in the industry came away happy with what was told to them by the agency.

Sometimes, your prospect is more interested in accepting your sales opportunity than you are in making the sale.

Most lenders have either developed an anti-money laundering policy or are in the process of doing so. What many have not thought about are some of the practical implications of AML compliance as it pertains to the actual business of selling loans to investors.

We all know that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is in business to help the little guy (the borrower, that is) but why isn’t it taking a close look at underwriting guideline ‘overlays’ being hoisted upon the industry by the megabanks?

On July 17, a 26-count indictment was unsealed charging Eliseo Jara Jr., Sergio Jara, Antonio Perez Marcial, Lucia Yolanda Chavez, Arlene Jeanette Jara, Candace Shantel Gonzales, Joseph Shawn Chavez Jr., Melissa Rochelle Jara and Ricardo Fabian Salinas in a mortgage fraud conspiracy. The indictment was returned on July 12 by a federal grand jury in Fresno and the defendants were arrested at their residences on July 17.

To be successful in the mortgage business, you need to remain healthy.

As we’ve reported before, private equity firms have been eyeing the mortgage market for the past two years – in particular MSRs. But here’s the catch: although there has been plenty of ‘talk,’ no household name PE firms (if there is such a thing) have taken the bait.

The next step in developing a warrior mindset.

LOS providers who offer, and lenders who select, an EDM product that’s crafted and maintained by a team of skilled craftsmen, not a “Jack of all trades” won’t be disappointed; even after the check is cashed.