SEO

Apache is functioning normally

We have a job opportunity to share from a member of the GEM, Collabra Technology, data analytics and automated digital marketing solutions for the real estate industry: Chief Marketing Officer.

Job Description

The Chief Marketing Officer will focus on driving brand recognition, product adoption, use and revenue by building a well-known and respected industry brand, while executing on a comprehensive, omni-channel demand generation strategy, including email, paid and earned media, sales channel support, communications and website development/optimization.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Develop and implement the overall SphereBuilder marketing strategy and act as a strategic partner to the CEO by proactively identifying opportunities for marketing innovation, improvement, and growth.
  • Tell the SphereBuilder story by creating a narrative that amplifies the intersection of data analytics and real estate digital marketing and position SphereBuilder as the undisputed leader of this category.
  • Collaborate closely with the leadership team to establish and maintain a consistent and compelling brand vision, while aligning marketing efforts with the company’s overall strategic goals.
  • Recruit, build, and motivate a high-quality marketing organization. Empower the team to grow and thrive. Develop a winning culture that supports high-energy interaction, responsiveness, attentiveness, and high integrity.
  • Develop and manage SphereBuilder’s digital marketing programs that support ambitious pipeline and sales/revenue targets, optimizing these efforts through continuous A/B testing.
  • Own campaigns from end-to-end: managing creative processes, targeting and segmentation, planning, execution, and reporting.
  • Build out and optimize SphereBuilder’s website, including content strategy, navigation and UI, SEO strategies, and lead conversion tactics.
  • Establish paid media strategies to reach new audiences and generate leads, including SEM, content syndication and paid social.
  • Bring on new demand generation tactics such as webinars, virtual or live events, customer stories, podcasts and immersive demos.
  • Partner with Product Marketing to build and execute on email marketing strategies that span the full customer lifecycle and increases conversions at each stage of the funnel.
  • Collaborate with our Product team to understand product roadmap and release schedules so as to align marketing strategies with the future development of the platform.
  • Partner closely with the channel sales organization to ensure support for effective lead generation and conversion opportunities.
  • Work directly with our broker enterprise customers to drive awareness, use and adoption by their affiliated real estate professionals.
  • Manage the marketing budget, allocating resources efficiently to achieve optimal results across different marketing initiatives and channels.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with key industry partners, influencers, and media outlets to amplify SphereBuilder’s brand visibility and reputation.
  • Champion a data-driven approach to marketing decision-making, leveraging advanced analytics and insights to continuously optimize marketing investments and maximize ROI across all channels and initiatives. Analyze and report on marketing performance metrics while identifying opportunities for optimization and growth.
  • Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making within the marketing team, ensuring that all team members are proficient in using analytics tools and methodologies to track performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and make informed decisions about marketing investments.
  • Define and craft the vision, strategy and execution plan for the external and internal communications function supporting the launch and growth of SphereBuilder in alignment with the near-mid-long term objectives and priorities.
  • Develop and edit press releases, articles, success stories, technical articles and media pitches to further the visibility of SphereBuilder.
  • Coordinate media interviews and prepare media briefing documents, including key messages.
  • Responsible for overall strategic vision and planning of events to increase awareness of SphereBuilder and to help the company achieve growth goals. Manage all aspects of events from pre-planning, resources, marketing, on-site coordination and post-event follow-up.
  • Responsible for effective budget management while ensuring high-quality, high-impact events support that generate ROI. Analyze event ROI through post-event surveys and post-mortems to continuously identify areas of improvement.
  • Responsible for the development of the overall corporate event strategy, including conferences, webinars, road shows and tradeshows.
  • Lead the development and distribution of thought leadership content, such as whitepapers, case studies, video series, podcasts, and blog posts, to establish SphereBuilder as a leader in the intersection of digital marketing analytics and content creation.
  • Identify and pursue relevant industry awards and recognition opportunities to further elevate SphereBuilder’s brand reputation.

Qualifications, Experience And Skills.

  • 10-15 years’ experience and proven success as a marketing leader of a technology company serving the residential real estate industry.
  • Deep understanding of product-led growth strategies and demonstrated success in supporting subscription services with recurring revenue.
  • Demonstrated experience in creating world-class top of funnel demand generation strategies mapped to business goals.
  • A strong creative vision, with the capability to develop innovative marketing campaigns and initiatives that resonate with the target audience and drive engagement.
  • A team player who is not afraid of doing whatever is necessary to get the job done.
  • Insane analytical skills and data competency with a demonstrated experience using web analytics to make data-driven decisions that further business objectives and digital marketing strategy, including deep understanding of digital channels, new marketing technologies and industry best practices and benchmarks.
  • Strong experience with data-driven decision-making, including expertise in using analytics tools and methodologies to optimize marketing investments and maximize ROI.
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with the CEO, leadership team and external partners while ‘checking your ego at the door.’
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing marketing teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Values thought diversity and ensures all appropriate team member views have been raised and considered when making key decisions.
  • An understanding of real estate industry competitive landscape, best practices, platforms and tools.
  • Creative, growth mindset, speedy, innovative, fail-fast mentality.
  • Experience managing and optimizing marketing budgets, allocating resources effectively across various marketing initiatives and channels.
  • Experience managing a company’s website and driving improvements in user experience, lead generation, and brand representation.
  • Excellent writing skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives, thought leadership content, and marketing communications that effectively convey SphereBuilder’s brand message.
  • Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with key industry partners, influencers, and media outlets to amplify SphereBuilder’s brand visibility and reputation through PR and thought leadership opportunities.
  • A genuinely nice human who likes to smile, laugh and is generally fun to be around, even when business gets crazy.

Interested?

Learn more and Apply

Source: geekestateblog.com

Apache is functioning normally

Owning a real estate property is a significant investment that can be lucrative compared to other assets, such as owning stocks or bonds. One huge advantage is the concept of leveraging when you want to invest in real estate. One can pay a small portion of the total cost and pay the remaining together with interest over a long period.

For instance, most mortgages require an initial down payment of about 20% of the property and occasionally can be as low as 5%. With this arrangement, you can control. You can invest in different ways in real estate and start making money.

  1. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Real Estate Investments Trusts (REIT) are among the best vehicles for investors to get into real estate investment without following the traditional transactions. It is a regulated investment where a trust (corporation) uses finances from investors who pool their funds to buy and operate income-generating properties.

Typically, REIT uses the investor’s funds to build or purchase real estate property, which they sell or rent to gain profits. At the end of the financial year, the income generated is shared among the investors or the shareholders. Some of the real estate properties managed under the REIT may include apartments, shopping malls, office buildings, warehouses, and resorts, among many others. 

All along, real estate investment trusts have been among the best-performing set investment portfolios.

For instance, from 2010 to 2020, the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT index averaged 9.5% in annual returns. Between 2017 and 2020, the index stood at 11.25% and was higher than the S&P 500 or Russell 200 performance that averaged 9.07% and 6.45%. REITs can be bought and sold like any other stock in leading exchanges. Therefore, investors looking for returns on their investments and traditional assets should consider these real estate assets. Republic is a real estate company that can offer you more information on different investment assets in real estate.

There are different types of REITs one can invest in, and they include the following.

  • Mortgage REITs
  • Retail REITs
  • Healthcare REITs
  • Residential REITs
  • Office REITs

If you’re interested to know how to invest in any of the above types of REITs, you can get in touch with Republic for guidance and advice on what will suit you best. 

Any investor anticipating REITs needs to distinguish between mortgage REITs that offer to finance for properties and Equity REITs that own properties. 

  1. Real Estate Crowdfunding

What is real estate crowdfunding ? In many respects, real estate crowdfunding is almost similar to equity crowdfunding because the investors buy the property and become shareholders. It is a relatively new phenomenon in real estate, and like any equity investment, the investor does not have to buy the whole property, but instead, they earn part of the profits generated in the investment. Income obtained from building rentals or proceeds from the sale is shared among the investors.

Crowdfunding is a technique of raising funds for a business or venture capital. Its approach uses Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and other social media platforms to attract investors. 

The principle of crowdfunding is that many people can invest tiny amounts and because many people are involved, and substantial amounts of funds can be raised so fast. One advantage of real estate crowdfunding is that potential investors can become shareholders in real estate property with as little as $5000. 

Before the JOBS Act, investors in real estate could only invest in real estate through REITs or buying the property.

Now, crowdfunding has opened new ways of investing in real estate and will reduce the risks that come with an equity portfolio. This means that it allows the investor to diversify risks in their portfolio because all funds are not exposed to all equity markets’ risks.  

Some Regulations in Real Estate Crowdfunding

Like any other investment, a real estate crowdfunding investment comes with its risks. Initially, crowdfunding was only the preserve of the accredited investors. These are the investors such as pension funds, banks, insurance companies, and other large investors. An accredited investor means that one should have a net worth of more than $1million or needs to be earning $200,000. However, according to the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), non-accredited investors can participate in crowdfunding. There are specific limitations placed on non-accredited investors.

If you’re interested in real estate crowdfunding as an investor Republic can offer all the necessary information to participate in this lucrative industry.

Ben Shepardson is a Realty Biz News Contributing Writer and has a long track record of success in online marketing and web development. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, he worked doing enterprise-level SEO and started an online business offering web development services to small business customers.

Latest posts by Ben Shepardson (see all)

Source: realtybiznews.com

Apache is functioning normally

According to realtor.com, the March 2023 median listing home price in Lexington, KY was $339.9K. This shows an upward trend of 7.9% year-over-year, which is good news for homeowners concerned with the economic situation in the US. Redfin points out that the market there is still highly competitive, with the average home receiving at least 6 offers, and the average sale coming within 22 days. Judging from the list of agents we went through to select the four below, the region has above average professionals handling the deals as well. Here’s four of Lexington’s best.

Sandy Allnutt, of The Agency, has one of the nicest Facebook page’s we’ve seen in some time. A perfect mix of info/relevance and personality, this social channel should be a template for how agents operate their pages. Allnutt’s 319 perfect reviews on Zillow, and 120 stellar ones on Google cement her place in our list as one of the region’s top professionals. Throw in an effective Instagram channel, a useful (if mediocre looking) website, and you’ll quickly put Allnutt in the same category as the best agents in America. 

The well traveled agent has operated out of Lexington since 1989, and seems to have turned over every marketing rock for her firm’s clients. The group has a useful but sparse YouTube channel, and some media mentions locally. Where Allnutt really shines in on LinkedIn, where she’s networking with over 1,300 business professionals. One of these days we should quiz agents to see how many leads/sales come from LI. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-859-699-4663

Kymberly Clem – McCreary is the “mover” in this list of top agents. With her small team, she’s managed almost 80 sales in the past year. That may not sound like a lot, but for a professional woman who’s only been in real estate for just over 3 years, it’s an accomplishment. The former Lockheed Martin exec, has also put together a fairly impressive digital marketing scheme. 

Looking at her linktr.ee breakdown, I see she’s covered every base to let potential clients connect with all her profiles, bios, and listings. Facebook to LinkedIn, she’s engaged remarkably well during such a short span of time. One thing I find particularly telling is the fact this professional is already making use of TikTok. She’s got over 500 followers there already. The YouTube channel needs a lot more content and followers, but what she’s posted so far is very nice. 

A last note, Kymberly also opted to be a Premier Zillow Agent, and I would not be surprised to see Google Ads for he agency either. If this U.S. Army veteran’s efforts have one negative point, it’s that the website could use some more SEO attention (60% score) and aesthetics. Other than this, and more local media notice, she’s on track to be the leading agent in this part of Kentucky. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-859-248-1142

Nick Ratliff sold 102 homes in the past 12 months. On Zillow, he has over 200 perfect reviews. Even more impressively, he has received 273 perfect Google reviews. The former Better Homes & Gardens agent also has the best website in this group, SEO-wise at least, with a score of 70%. Functionally, his site is top notch too. 1,600 followers on Facebook, a useful YouTube channel, 1,100 followers on LinkedIn, etc. etc. etc.

Ratliff is doing all the right things, albeit maybe not as diligently/powerfully as he should. The agent seems to have devoted a lot of time and effort on Twitter, which would be better used on Facebook or doing media outreach to get mentions of his company. Twitter is a horrible conversion network, and will remain so unless Elon Musk gets creative. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-859-554-2075

Deborah Back’s team, The Brokerage, is one of Kentucky’s most successful real estate groups. The team has almost 280 perfect Zillow reviews, and ticks all the boxes in social media marketing. One thing that differentiates this broker from many others, is the fact her team has gotten the website/web billboard right. Their website is very nice aesthetically, even though it only scores 59% for SEO. 

Another plus in Back’s favor is the team’s effective Instagram channel, which could be a bit more creative. Also, The Brokerage business page on LinkedIn shows that the team is growing at a decent clip of almost 10% per year, with agents of 3.5 years tenure. This is a good sign of a healthy real estate entity. If Deborah and the team could rejuvenate her YouTube channel with some helpful videos, and work on SEO and boosting social a bit, the company would surely prosper even more.  

A last note on Back, it’s indicative of her role that there is not a single photograph of her alone anywhere on the web that we are allowed to use (copyright). So, I took this one on the right from her Twitter account. The caption reads “Rise and Shine.”

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-859-983-2717 

Special update: We were informed by a reader that the original photo of Nick Ratliff was incorrect. We have replaced it with a version from the agent’s website.

Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.

Latest posts by Phil Butler (see all)

Source: realtybiznews.com

Apache is functioning normally

According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price in Tempe, Arizona, in April of this year was $500K in April, a figure down by -2.9% year-over-year. The latest reports also show that the average listing sells within 31 days, which is up from this Summer’s figures in the 20-day range. The region’s tech boom in 2022 made prices and sales shoot through the roof, but the economic slump has hit this town like most others in the U.S. The downturn is all the more reason to get the best of the best for buying or selling. With this in mind, here’s a list of some of the top real estate professionals in the area.

George Laughton has an outstanding sales and review record on Zillow. Two thousand seven hundred seven clients gave the Tempe/Phoenix agent’s team 5-star reviews on the platform, and Laughton made 1194 sales in the past year. His “My Home Group” team also has excellent reviews and individually exceptional profiles, each to his or her’s efforts. 

The team’s website leaves much to be desired where SEO and aesthetics go. A score of 50/100 for an agency of this caliber is shocking. Likewise, Facebook is a bit of a surprise. Even though Laughton has over 3.8k followers, the team has not posted anything in over a month. 

At LinkedIn, we see the focus of Laughton’s leads effort digitally. His 3k plus network, his membership in the LI Social Media Management Group I belong to, his posts, and his endorsements tell the tale. Then there are the team’s YouTube efforts, including a top-rated (by me) channel, ads, and broadcasts on other real estate channels. Unfortunately, Laughton’s YouTube effort has dropped off in the past few years. However, his media outreach and Zillow Premier Agent efforts seem to be ramping up. Zillow recently included Laughton as an expert in a recent press release. Good work, George. This is how agents should get it done. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-623-266-3806

Right behind Laughton, Shawn Rogers and his West USA Realty have garnered over 1,000 five-star reviews from Zillow users. The group only has 92 sales in the past 12 months, however. Nevertheless, where Facebook is concerned, Rogers eclipses the competition with over 12k followers and timely, interesting postings nicely conveying the brand. 

Like Laughton, Rogers also has an impressive LinkedIn effort with over 2k followers and meaningful, contextual postings regularly. The West USA Realty boss also has a stunning YouTube channel with 1.25k subscribers. This is a massive number for a real estate agent, maybe the highest we’ve seen (I will have to check). Rogers is on gaining media mentions like his competitor above, as well. The only surprising thing about his super-professional effort is that his website has the worst SEO score we’ve ever mentioned. 13% out of 100% is horrific. And the site is pretty nice too. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-480-313-7031

Keller Williams Realty’s Katie Baccus has 1.7k Facebook followers, a great company and personal (private) Instagram effort, and the best website of all those in this group aesthetically and by search engine optimization (78/100 from Neil Patel). Baccus has almost 200 perfect Zillow reviews and sold nearly 60 properties in the past 12 months. Her team is in the top 1% of agencies in Arizona, according to their website. Baccus Group also gets its share of local media mentions. 

Baccus’ YouTube channel only has 80-something subscribers so far, but what’s presented is helpful and very professional. This channel should be pushed more because Baccus is superb on camera and offers like a top TV hostess. In addition, her company’s Instagram feed has some of the best real estate related videos we’ve seen. 

The blog on the website has not been updated in some years, but since the site gets so little traffic, this is a minor thing. Too bad some effort is not being made to make the domain a valuable part of the marketing funnel. Baccus also has an excellent Twitter feed, but it’s been abandoned for some time. Her LinkedIn effort could also drive more leads, but it’s in placeholder mode for now. This agency could beat the competition with more commitment to digital marketing reach. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-480-206-4336

Terri Witte, the team lead of The Jason Witte Team at eXp Realty, does not tick all the boxes for real estate digital marketing. However, she and her team have five-star reviews on Zillow and elsewhere, 1.6k Facebook fans, and a nice engagement by Jason Witte on LinkedIn. In addition, the team is also featured frequently in local and regional media. 

The team’s website has a 20/100 on-page SEO score. This is a shame because it’s one of the better-looking and functioning sites in the group. Plus, no social buttons are always negative. She made this list because of 88 sales in the past year. Jason Witte’s team could rise a lot in sales. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-480-286-1884  

Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.

Latest posts by Phil Butler (see all)

Source: realtybiznews.com

Apache is functioning normally

Reverse Point-of-Sale, Marketing and PR, TPO Products; Random TPO News; Ugly Insurance and Water News

<meta name="smartbanner:author" content="We now have a native iPhone
and Android app.
Download the NEW APP”>


This website requires Javascrip to run properly.

Reverse Point-of-Sale, Marketing and PR, TPO Products; Random TPO News; Ugly Insurance and Water News

By:
Rob Chrisman

4 Hours, 10 Min ago

While lenders are grappling with steadily increasing Agency repurchase requests, it’s National Donut Day! Someone had better offer those folks at State Farm Insurance a donut… maybe they’ll change their mind about cutting off insuring properties in California. Three thousand miles away, I wonder if Florida home owners should be happy of even having insurance despite it being four times cost of the national average. And good luck insuring anything built near the coast prior to 1992’s Hurricane Andrew. While we’re on the topic of Mother Nature and economics, it’s fine for the Biden Administration, or any politician, to call for more affordable housing, but what about where’s there’s no land or a community limiting development due to running out of water like in Phoenix!? (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Lenders One, one of the largest mortgage co-ops in the country with a diverse mix of 250+ member companies and providers of an end-to-end solution independent mortgage professionals trust to drive profitability and growth. Listen to an interview with nCino’s Ali Maquet and Brett Dooies on why experience-driven automation should matter to financial institutions.)

Lender and Broker Products, Software, and Services

It’s time to schedule your firm’s 2023 MERS Annual Review and e-Annual Report with TENA! Every MERS member is required to complete a MERS Annual Review. If on March 31, 2023, your firm’s count of active MINs was 1,000 or more, then the 2023 MERS Annual Review for your firm must be completed by an independent third party, with the results submitted to MERS not later than December 31st. For significant savings, sign up early for a MERS Annual Review and provide TENA with all of the necessary documentation by August 31st. Avoid the last-minute rush! To ensure that your firm is in compliance, contact TENA today to initiate your firm’s 2023 MERS Annual Review. TENA also offers a full range of MERS reviews, including MERS Data Reconciliation and MERS Document Reviews. TENA Companies, Inc. has been the mortgage industry’s trusted source for Mortgage Quality Control Audit Services and Software since 1982.

“Experience for yourself what NexBank’s Wholesale, Non-Delegated Correspondent, and Delegated Correspondent clients have to say: ‘Everyone from AE to Underwriter and in between is amazing to work with all around.” and “I have been doing this a long time and have done a ton of loans and I finally feel like I found a team that cares about my clients as much as I do.’ NexBank’s goal is to make our TPO clients successful as we continue to roll out new, competitive products –> Announcing NEW pricing improvements on low loan balances to further promote affordable homeownership (< $275K) by introducing a Loan Balance Adjuster on Agency Conforming 30- & 25-year products, with certain restrictions. Plus, Escrow Holdbacks are now Eligible with Conforming Conventional, Mortgage Connect Full Doc and Non-QM, allowing our clients to close more loans in a timely manner. Contact us today. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 672886.”

Looking for Marketing and PR Assistance? The Seroka team has you covered! Seroka Brand Development, the mortgage industry’s leading marketing and PR firm, is here to provide the extra resources you need. With over 30 years of industry experience and strong media relationships, Seroka offers a complete turnkey solution to support your marketing and PR efforts. Whether you need project work, a new campaign, or to outsource your whole marketing department, Seroka can help. Seroka’s specialties include content marketing, digital marketing, social media, strategic planning, public relations, and campaign measurement. Its goals are to optimize your marketing spending and drive the best ROI. Seroka excels in boosting SEO, improving engagement, and generating more leads from your target audiences. If you’re stretched thin and need to achieve more with fewer resources, let Seroka Brand Development assist. Contact Seroka today to schedule a call and explore how their team can help you!

“Lenderful Solutions is excited to announce our latest release, with the support of Joe Rinner at Watermark Capital Reverse, a POS Solution specifically to guide borrowers interested in a Reverse Mortgage. This solution gives convenience and control to borrowers interested. A borrower can learn about their options, shop displayed calculate benefits based on their situation, determine their preferred payment options, and apply for a reverse mortgage in minutes. Data is delivered to lenders reverse mortgage LOS systems. Lenderful Solutions adding to our ability to digitize the process, so Loan Officers can continue to humanize the experience. Use automation tools like AVM, VOE, VOA, VOI, and Credit Pull to offer borrowers insurance for Home or Auto… without ever leaving your website. Our strong lineup of solutions including Mortgage with PreQual Express, Home Equity/HELOC, HE Turbo, Construction, Commercial, Consumer and more… clicking here or contacting us at (313) 910-3070.”

Wholesale and TPO News

Sometimes news from third party investors falls into neat categories, like conventional conforming changes, or government (FHA &VA & USDA) updates. Sometimes the news doesn’t, so with that in mind, let’s see who is doing what regarding policy and procedure changes.

United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) announced PA+, a service that offers an additional level of loan processing support when needed. When an LO or processor orders PA+, they’ll get a dedicated UWM Loan Coordinator who will work with them and their borrower to help ease some of the most time-consuming parts of the loan process, from import to closing. UWM also announced UWM Portal, a bi-directional API that lets independent mortgage brokers who work with UWM seamlessly link their Loan Origination System (LOS) platform to UWM’s EASE system, further helping to streamline the entire loan process. This will allow brokers to sync their data to their LOS and eliminate the need to manually reconcile information during the loan.

On 5/25/2023, with Amendment No. 3 to DR-4699, FEMA granted individual assistance to Butte County impacted by California flooding.

After a thorough review of the most common reasons for the IRS rejection of the new Form 4506-C, AmeriHome provides some best practices and tips for successfully executing the new IRS Form 4506-C as another resource for its Sellers. See AmeriHome Product Announcement 20230503-CL for details.

Brokers, Kind Lending has extended CalHFA loan options to California homebuyers. Kind Lending offers CalHFA Conventional, Government and MyHome Assistance.

Rocket Pro TPO Partners have its new Home Equity Loan1 (HEL) product, helping clients achieve their financial goals. Clients can tap into their home equity without adjusting their first mortgage structure. Compare a Home Equity Loan to a cash-out refi with our HEL vs Cash-Out Calculators on PathfinderSM by Rocket.

Leverage another great tool from Rocket Pro TPO to win more business and potentially save clients thousands on their mortgage. Credit Upgrade, Rocket Pro’s free rapid rescore program, really works. In the first quarter of 2023, Credit Upgrade saved clients over $4 million on mortgage payments.

United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) announced the roll out of Six Fixed-Rate Jumbo Products. Brokers now have access to more competitive jumbo pricing, along with transparent investor guidelines and loan qualifications. Additionally, UWM expanded its Conventional 1 percent Down product to 80 percent AMI. UWM supports independent mortgage brokers with industry-leading training, technology, and service.

Pennymac Correspondent Group posted three new announcements: Announcement 23-37: Navigating Form 4506-C: Insights and Tips for Completing, and Announcement 23-38: Fannie Mae SEL 2023-02 Required Use of Condo Project Manager.

Citi Correspondent Lending implemented changes to the CRA Schedule, effective for Best Effort locks completed on/after Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Two changes are being made related to MSA 35004 – Nassau. Agency LMICT premium is increasing to 1.50 from 1.00. MSA 35004 is being added to the Non-Agency Best Efforts grid.

Capital Markets

We had a massive amount of data for markets to digest yesterday, which, along with news that the House and Senate passed the bill to raise the debt ceiling, pushed investor sentiment and ultimately price movement toward the third consecutive day of gains (rates down) in the bond markets. That comes as a welcomed relief considering that mortgage rates jumped again last week to hit new year-to-date highs, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac.

In terms of economic data, the May ISM Manufacturing Index fell further into contractionary territory, the seventh consecutive month of general contraction in manufacturing activity. The Production Index climbed back into expansionary territory, giving some hope for an improvement in the coming months. The ADP Employment Change Report for May showed an estimated 278k jobs were added to private-sector payrolls, well above 160k expectations on the heels of a downwardly revised 291k in April. Job growth is still strong, but pay growth is slowing. The weekly initial jobless and continuing claims report both corroborated the ongoing strength in the labor market as businesses overall remain reluctant to cut staff size in large numbers, leaving the level of initial jobless claims well below what is typically seen in a recession environment.

The Revised Q1 Productivity and Unit Labor Cost report showed productivity was weak in the first quarter (declining 2.1 percent, better than expected), and unit labor costs were up 4.2 percent versus the advance estimate of up 6.3 percent. Total construction spending increased 1.2 percent month-over-month in April, better than expected after increasing 0.3 percent in March. Continued weakness in new single-family construction was overshadowed by strength in private and public nonresidential spending. On a year-over-year basis, total construction spending was up 7.2 percent.

We are 50 percent through the Signature and Silicon Valley Bank portfolio liquidations, at least in specified pools, and according to BofA’s Bill Bekery, by nearly every metric these have been “a resounding success in terms of execution, clearing level, and both dealer and customer participation. Given the performance and execution of the last ‘reverse inquiry’ auction, we would expect that an announcement is imminent for round two of reverse inquiry, which will further bring us closer to the end date of this sell program. 20-year pools have stood out to us as a standout performer, with payups outperforming. There has been strong customer demand for pools such as 100 percent Florida, Texas, and low FICO pools.

However, many other specified sectors are trading less well: REIT demand generally has underwhelmed as of late, and $200-275k balance pools as well as FICO/LTV/investor have struggled to find footing in production coupons. Loan balance 6.5 percent pools remain somewhat of a no-mans-land sector. 70 percent of Agency MBS outstanding is held by the Fed and banks, both of which are net selling. That continues to be an area of concern for mortgages, as does impatience by monetary policymakers regarding the lagged effects of 500 basis points of rate hikes and/or a resumption of the banking crisis resulting in additional bank portfolio liquidations.”

Today brings the all-important May jobs report. Nonfarm Payrolls increased by 339k versus expectations of +230k, up from the prior month of +253k, while the unemployment rate jumped from 3.4 to 3.7 percent when it was seen ticking up to 3.5 percent. Hourly earnings were +.3 percent, as expected, year over year +4.3 percent. There are no other economic releases of note scheduled for today. Despite yesterday’s rally to open June, the 2-year U.S. Treasury yield increased by 33 basis points over the month of May and the 10-year yield increased by 19 basis points. After the solid employment data we begin the day with Agency MBS prices worse about .125, the 10-year yielding 3.64 after closing yesterday at 3.61 percent, and the 2-year up at 4.40.

Employment and Transitions

“Equity Resources is independent and family-owned mortgage banker that is very proudly celebrating our 30th anniversary this year! While many lenders are reducing staff and are uncertain about their future, we are creating opportunities for our award-winning loan officer team! We are actively seeking career-focused loan officers throughout our footprint states. Equity Resources is currently licensed in 19 states along the east coast and mid-west. We are an agency direct lender that offers an exceptional marketing platform for our loan officers, including a media and video production team. We offer a full suite of loan products and programs (including several specialty lending programs.) If you are frustrated with the direction of your mortgage banking career and not getting the support you deserve; or simply would like to have a conversation about “Why Equity Resources”, please contact Tom Piecenski, Executive Vice President of Sales and Development (614.327.5353).”

A Louisiana based full-service, independent mortgage banker averaging $1 billion in production annually is searching for a proven retail sales leader to run all business development initiatives. The Sales, Recruiting, and Marketing departments will report directly to this head of business development role, and the role will report directly to the CEO. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of hiring and managing multiple production offices across several states. The IMB is well capitalized, has agency direct approvals, offers niche products, significant technology advancements and a world-class operations team with experienced, tenured sales and fulfillment employees. For confidential consideration, please email confidential resume to Chrisman LLC’s Anjelica Nixt.

The Loan Store, Inc. announced that Phil Shoemaker has assumed the role of chief executive officer. Shoemaker was named incoming CEO on April 7 when it was announced that The Loan Store had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of Homepoint’s wholesale originations channel. Mark Lefanowicz, who has served as The Loan Store’s president and CEO since 2019, will continue as chairman of the board.

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

The Wall Street Journal recently ranked Springfield, Illinois #19 on its Housing Market Index. The town of just under 150,000 has also been rated as one of the most affordable places to buy a home in the U.S., as well as one of the best cities to live in. Springfield’s top agents are our focus this week. So, here’s a roundup of four of the best in the region.

Kyle Killebrew is a Zillow Premier Agent with 386 five-star reviews from clients who use that platform. In business for about two decades, Killebrew and his team have had an impressive sales record of more than 400 transactions in the past 12 months. On Facebook, Killebrew has almost 4,000 fans and an Instagram marketing effort. As for the agent’s website, it’s a 70% rating SEO-wise. 

Killebrew has also created a Youtube channel with only seven subscribers. The last video seems to have been made about six years ago, so it’s probable that the agent gave up on this marketing channel. One hundred twenty-two nearly perfect Google reviews tell us the people who use this agent’s services are almost always satisfied. Killebrew only has 191 LinkedIn connections, so this channel probably does not provide many leads either. The team has zero media mentions, according to Google News.

With such an impressive sales record, I feel Killebrew could bounce up and be one of America’s top agents with more time and resources spent on ads, marketing, and branding. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-217-321-8210

Right behind Killebrew, Jim Fulgenzi leverages three decades of experience and a team of Zillow rating stars. They have had almost 200 sales in the past year. The Re/Max agent has just over 2k Facebook fans, and the page is well-maintained. On Instagram, Killebrew’s effort is a bit half-hearted, as his YouTube channel has precisely the same number of subscribers as his competitor, Kyle Killebrew. Only Fulgenzi seems to have given up on the video marketing route about nine years ago. 

Fulgenzi has not one but two websites, neither of which is very good SEO-wise. The newest site is nice aesthetically and useful, so I linked to this one. This star Springfield agent outdoes even Killebrew with almost 300 near-perfect Google reviews. This Re/Max professional blasts past most area agents using LinkedIn with 500+ connections. Another feather in Fulgenzi’s cap is that he is mentioned several times in local media, a marketing funnel aspect many agents overlook. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-217-341-5393

Another top agent in Springfield, Debra Sarsany, made over 100 sales in the past year. According to Zillow, Sarsany has nine people on her team, with 5.0 Zillow user reviews. Debra is the most experienced agent in this roundup, with almost four decades in real estate. But she also has 500+ LinkedIn connections and posts frequently on the platform. 

About 3k people follow Sarsany on Facebook even though her team posts less frequently than other agencies. She also maintains an excellent blog and is a good writer, another skill/method often overlooked by agencies in the US. Unfortunately, the blog sits on a lonely website that only some people visit. The SEO ranking is 60%, but other metrics show that only some people see. This means the blog could be more readable. With some cross-posting and using groups on Facebook, this could be remedied. Sarsany also gets some light media coverage in the Springfield area. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-217-313-0580

Melissa Dowson Vorreyer rounds out this week’s list of top agents. Her 246 perfect Zillow reviews put her in our view space, and the fact she’s sold 121 properties this past year tells us she’s one of Springfrield’s most successful real estate pros. In addition, she has nearly 3k Facebook followers and two killer Instagram channels that differentiate this agent from most of her competitors. 

Vorreyer has a good website SEO-wise, but the Re/Max cookie-cutter sites are not extraordinary by anyone’s estimation. However, this Springfield agent makes up for it with over 1k LinkedIn followers and almost 100 endorsements. Unlike her contemporaries in the area, Vorreyer also operates a fairly robust Twitter account. Finally, I find it interesting that Vorreyer seems to be advertising with a YouTube user called “Gamer.” Other agents broadcast via this channel too, and I wonder if anyone is getting leads from it. 

Website, Facebook, Contact # 1-217-652-0875

Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.

Latest posts by Phil Butler (see all)

Source: realtybiznews.com