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Your Input

What matters most, really?

Jun. 11, 2008

Categorized in: Your Input

Tagged with: real estate, what matters most

By guest columnist, Nathan Parmelee from Residential Mortgage.

What matters most, really?

As the hard working new kid in the local mortgage lending scene, I’m all eyes and ears. I’m eager to learn all that I can and become the best. I learn quickly from observing the actions and outcomes of those around me and find listening is often the best expression that I understand the importance of good communication.

At this early stage in the game a fundamental motivator is being reinforced for me. I’m motivated and enjoy people tremendously and in this for the right reasons. Before I considered making the transition to mortgage lending from a successful advertising sales career, I asked myself: Do I bring something unique to those in the market for a home loan? Is this a way I can make a real difference in people’s lives? I have since learned that for me the answer is yes: I believe it’s because I genuinely care about the people I work with and for everyday.

Truly caring for the people you serve, is the most important component to achieving success. It establishes the right foundation upon which to build knowledge and experience. I believe that genuine concern for the client’s well being and protection is above all, what matters most.

In lending I take great pleasure in explaining the process through terms the borrower understands. I work to dispel any fear that stands in the way of those looking to purchase a home. I spend quality time with my clients so that I have an accurate understanding of where they are in the home buying process. This allows me to provide them with the solutions that will benefit them most right where they are.

Doing things for the right reasons brings long term success. I’m enjoying mortgage lending far more than I anticipated just over 9 months ago and love that I have the opportunity to help everyday people through one of the most important processes of their lives. The knowledge that I’ve gained and many people that I have already been able to help, keeps me grounded in the simple truth, that what really matters most, is them.

Proving everyday that people matter most,

Nathan Parmelee,

Residential Mortgage Consultant

Nathan Parmelee

Mortgage Consultant

Residential Mortgage, LLC

www.homeloanak.com

Direct 907.523.7110

Cell 907.723.8543

Toll Free 877.570.2329

Fax 907.789.3532

People Matter Most!

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working with homeowners who find themselves in trouble

Aug. 11, 2007

Categorized in: Your Input

Tagged with: agents, counseling, sellers

I was just interviewed for a segment of a program that will appear tomorrow (08/12/07) morning on FOX News Fox and Friends; the subject, helping home owners who find themselves upside down in regards to their home loan. I was able fairly quickly to go through some basic must dos with the reporter-- the reason? It was not that long ago (mid 1980's) when I was helping clients find ways to get on the right track, when our market went upside down.

It is time we all brush off our skills from the time the market was not as healthy as it has been, or get the skills necessary to help counsel home owners on their options when they start to run into trouble making payments.

Here are the basics I relayed to the reporter:

First - start some serious budgeting…RIGHT NOW. Look at what you spend and where it goes on a monthly basis; everything from the monthly payment to heat and lights, to other utilities and taxes, groceries, education, car payments, incidentals, discretionary purchases etc. What are your balances on your credit cards? Cut back or reduce expenses now. Get rid of credit cards! Banks, mortgage companies, credit card companies not only look at if payments are made on time (on the due date, not within the month they are due); they also note every single time a payment is late (not paid on the date due).
If you are in other than a fixed rate mortgage, find an institution to refinance your mortgage NOW. It is possible if you have high balances on your credit cards that the bank/mortgage companies will want to pay off those balances or at least somehow consolidate them. Fine – credit cards are too easy of a way to get yourself extended – fewer cards are better.
If you cannot dramatically adjust your budget and/or cannot refinance with a mortgage payment that you can live with within your new budget, then you should sell the home and move into another home where you are going to have to rent until you repair your credit rating and obtain enough money for a reasonable down payment for the future. At this point the current and future financial health of the family might only be saved if you get out from under this loan.
If you cannot sell your home after refinancing it, can you rent it out and then move into a smaller property you rent until you are either able to move back into your home or sell it?
From now on: live within the budget, buy only things that you can afford, pay bills on the date due. Pay by cash, not credit cards. Put aside at least 10% of your gross income every month into a savings account that you do not touch! It is time to get a grip on your financial situation and do what needs to be done to help nurse your finances into good health.

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Learning how to "counsel."

Aug. 7, 2007

Categorized in: Your Input

Tagged with: brokerage, buyers, sellers, service

In the middle of putting the finishing touches on a couple of continuing education courses I will be giving soon...it hit me...no one "teaches" new (or old) REALTORS® how to responsibly, professionally counsel buyers, sellers, tenants, or landlords about how to achieve their real estate goals, and your role in helping to achieve those goals! Amazing!

I was lucky enough to learn from the very first moment I when to work with my Broker, how and why to ask questions in order to really understand my customer's or my client's wants and needs, and how they wanted me to help them meet their goals in real estate.

I know from experience how important counselling is to being successful.

Do you agree?

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Questions - Seeking your Input

Jun. 21, 2007

Categorized in: Your Input

Tagged with: coaching, questions, real estate

I am curious. When you have a moment, I would love your honest input on the following:

What is your biggest day-to-day, day in and out, challenge as a REALTOR?
What are the top 3 gadgets you just can't do without?
What are the top 3 skills you know you must obtain or improve by the end of 2007?

Thank you in advance for your input and your candor! It is appreciated.

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