With expected yet unknown changes to the HECM program, FHA may ‘move the cheese’. In today’s risk-adverse environment FHA is focusing on the fixed rate product. Publically they are concerned if it serves the HECM program’s original intent and purpose. But privately one could speculate that the full lump sum withdrawals of the fixed rate are seen as increasingly risky loans to an already underfunded MMI fund.
Continue readingAttitude Adjustment
What if it was as easy as ‘flipping a switch’? There are many things that can affect our attitude. Many have expressed to me their concern about future changes in our industry. Will the changes be tolerable? Will it decrease the pool of qualified reverse mortgage borrowers?, etc. etc. It can be tough if we become consumed with these things.
Continue readingNeeded but not always Loved
Needed but not always loved. It’s ironic and sometimes painful. The very homeowners who NEED our help are often times the ones who are the least excited to be speaking with us. We are primarily a mission-driven…
Continue readingHow not to hate meetings
Meetings. If you don’t like them here are some great ways to get the most from them in the future. Don’t have a meeting to plan a meeting is what some say and having attended hundreds of such…
Continue readingOvercoming Worry with Focus
“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” said Leo Buscaglia. So why the quote? FHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Charles Coulter said in a session that they are considering substantial changes in quote- short oder-. The financial assessment is one, the other and more disturbing for some attendees was the fixed rate HECM. HUD is concerned about the vast majority of borrowers taking a full draw for the fixed rate…
Continue readingAvoiding Giving the Cold Shoulder
We spoke earlier how to have good relationships but more specifically how do we avoid unintentionally blowing off those we have a close working relationship with. A look at five things to avoid doing that send the wrong message.
Continue readingSetting workplace boundaries
Boundaries. Seems like a negative word for some because it means saying no to someone at times. Perhaps, but each of us as reverse mortgage professionals have a full plate and little time to waste. I chuckled walking through an office last week where the administrator had…
Continue readingMaking a better connection
Build a better connection. Since we are in the relationship business I thought it appropriate to discuss how we can build stronger relationships. Ironically the quality of those we meet increases with the quantity or number of those we meet. Yes. The more prospects we have it seems…
Continue reading20 Inspirational Quotes
We need it as reverse mortgage professionals. Inspiration. Here are 20 amazing quotes from Sir Winston Churchill who inspired a generation faced with adversity and uncertainty enduring to final victory.
Continue readingAre you offended?
I can guarantee it will happen…you will be offended. Why? We are in the people business. It comes with the territory being a reverse mortgage professional. A borrower unhappy with a low appraisal or property condition, you upset with a loan condition, prospects who hang up or…
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