Mount Laurel Township, NJ

What Realtors Can Learn From Soulja Boy Tell Em

Give me 90 seconds and you will see where I am going with this one J

Readers of my blog know that I am a musician and a music fan. My wife and family know that I am a HUGE music fan. From day to day, my Ipod plays classic rock, rap, gospel, classical, r&b, blues, jazz, salsa, etc. I have written and played music for the past 30 years. My second love in life is real estate. I love the practice of real estate. In what other field can you help someone acquire an asset that will appreciate in value and provide a higher standard of living?

That being said, it is not unusual that my eclectic taste in music and my love of real estate would collide.

On to the lesson:

Prior to March 2007, almost no one had heard of a rapper with the stage name Soulja Boy Tell Em (Soulja Boy for short). That year, he recorded and produced (in his bedroom) a song titled Crank That. I am not here to debate the greatness of the song. Even though it was very popular, I thought it was cheesy and amateurish. But here is what Realtors can learn from Soulja Boy.

1. Attitude Is Key. Even though no one had ever heard of Soulja Boy, he displayed the attitude of a seasoned veteran. In his mind, he was the best rapper alive. He displayed that attitude wherever he traveled. When talking about his music, it was the best ever made (according to him). Realtors should also display that same attitude. Do you act as if you are a SUPER REALTOR, or do you act like someone who is a realtor because you have nothing else better to do? Are you a Realtor because you like to look at houses? Is being a Realtor a hobby to you? If you do not display an attitude of confidence, why should a client hire you?

2. Marketing is King. Soulja Boy says his name 49 times in this song which lasts less than 5 minutes. Forty Nine Times. If you didn't know who wrote the song, by the end of it, you would have a good clue. In addition, he released this song to the internet using YouTube & MySpace. Soulja Boy was everywhere. You may not like Soulja Boy or his music, but he is known. Realtors....Are You Everywhere? Are you known? If your name is Googled, do you show up? When you do show up, do your potential clients know that you are a Realtor? Do your potential who you are and what you stand for?

3. You Need To Say Affirmations. Soulja Boy talked with confidence about his ability to rap. He talked about his empire before it came into existence. What he was doing was using positive affirmations. Soulja Boy is good, Soulja Boy is the best, Soulja Boy has money, etc, etc, etc. Realtors, you need to say affirmations daily. I am the best Realtor. My clients gladly refer others to me. I am comfortable being uncomfortable. I am a money magnate, I am the best realtor, etc, etc, etc. Your unconscious mind does not know the difference between fiction and reality. So rather than fill your mind with negative thoughts, fill it with positive thoughts.

That's the end of the lesson.

If you read this far, congratulations. Maybe you will pick up a point or two that will help your career. You will certainly be much better off than those who stopped reading once they read the word rapper. May you have much success and make lots of money.

Have a Great Day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Follow Me on Twitter @leemack912

Free Admission - Pre-registration is NOT required

Something for Every Woman!

Door Prizes & Give-Aways!

November 14, 2009
9 am - 3 pm
Hartford School
397 Hartford Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ

This free expo will feature exhibits, seminars, shopping, pampering, makeovers, hands-on demonstrations, health screenings, authors' forum, samples from local caterers and chefs, and live entertainment

In addition, my friend Jill Banks, Owner of Happily Ever After, Room Designing and Home Staging will be demonstrating her services.

Join Happily Better After at this FREE expo to see live room makeovers at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, sample some great food, do a little shopping, and get helpful info while you're there!

Women's Expo Exhibitors:

AAA Mid-Atlantic • Advantage Therapy Centers • AFLAC • Always There in Home Health Care • Ameriprise Financial • Arbonne • Associates in Hearing HealthCare • Avon • Bath Fitter • Beeluxe • Bidwell Chiropractic • Brendenwood • ByNatureProducts.com • Cadbury at Cherry Hill CCRC • Camp Bow Wow, Cherry Hill • Capital Wealth Advisors, LLC • Cathy Ann's Domestic Service • Center for Specialized Gynecology: Susan Kaufman, D.O. • Christine Foster Photography • Collingswood Manor • Compassionate Care Hospice • Comprehensive Cancer & Hematology Specialists, P.C. • Cookie Lee Jewelry • Crossroads Programs • Culinary Express • Diet-To-Go • Donna Vitale Tax Preparation, LLC • Dr. Insana's Wellness Center, LLC • Drop 10 Fitness • Emerald 2000 Salon & Hair Replacement Center • Esio Beverage System • Family Service Specialized Foster Care & Treatment Homes • Fessenden Hall Incorporated • Future Fitness Centers • Garden State Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates a Division of Regional Women's Health Group, LLC • Genesis Healthcare • Good Foods To Go! • GSPP - Penn Therapy & Fitness • Happily Better After Room Redesign & Home Staging • Healthy You, Healthier Planet • Holy Redeemer Home Care & Hospice • HomeStyleBoarding.com • H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Evolve) • Karen S. Harkaway, M.D. - The Center for Skin Refinement • Kuzina by Sofia • Lakewood of Voorhees • Lia Sophia • Lighthouse Hospice, Inc. • Lourdes Medical Associates • Lutheran Care at Moorestown • MacKenzie's Family Karate • Mary Kay • Masonic Hospice Services • Metzler DeSantis, LLP • Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association • NJ MENTOR • Omega Institute: School of Medical Careers • Organized Jewelry • Pasta Pomodoro • Performance Health & Chiropractic • Premier OB/GYN of South Jersey, LLC • Primerica Financial Services • Princeton House Behavioral Health • Protocall Homecare • Providence House Domestic Violence Services • Prudential Financial • Rizzieri Salons & Spas • Rooms in Bloom Interior Re-Design & Real Estate Staging • Samaritan Hospice • Scarlette's Infrared Bodywraps • Scent-sations, Inc. • Sciacca's Upholstering & Design Center • Scotch Bonnets Catering • SeniorWise Care Management • Sensational Host Caterers • Silpada • Slumber Parties • Snapple Beverage Corp. • South Jersey Health & Wellness Center • Sun National Bank • Take Shape for Life • Tastefully Simple • Teal Talk on Tour 2009 • The Court Reporting Program at Orleans Technical Institute • The Cove Bridal Dress Salon • The Manor at St. Mary's • The Mona Leeza Spa • The New Leaf Tea Room & Gift Shop • TLC HomeCare Services • Transformations Holistic Learning Center • Upright MRI of Cherry Hill • Vemma • Women's Opportunity Center • Visiting Angels of Central Burlington & Mercer Counties • and more!

November 14, 2009
9 am - 3 pm
Hartford School
397 Hartford Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ

Directions to Hartford School:
Hartford School is located at 397 Hartford Road in Mount Laurel.

From Route 295 North - Take Exit for Route 38 East towards Mt. Holly.

From Route 295 South - Take Exit for Route 38 West towards Moorestown. Stay to right; take jug-handle for Route 38 East.

From Route 38 East - Right on Hartford Road. Left into Hartford School.

Route 38 West - Take jug-handle for Hainesport-Mount Laurel Road (from Mt. Holly area).Go behind Wolfington Bus Company. Left on Hainesport-Mount Laurel Road. Right on Hartford Road. Right into Hartford School.

For further information, please call 877-403-4334

Have a Great Day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Books I Am Currently Reading

Search Houses For Sale

Follow Me on Twitter @leemack912

Dressing up in costume and going door to door asking "Trick or Treats!" is a night of fun for your children. In this day and age we need to be more vigilant and careful. We need to take some precautions to make sure that are children are safe. Perhaps you can get together with your neighbors ahead of time. Talk about keeping an eye out for the children to make sure they are safe and staying out of trouble. Before your children step out of the house you should go over a set of rules with them. Make sure that they understand them. With just a little preparation Halloween can be safe and fun!

Here are some safety tips:

•· Children should go out during daylight hours only unless accompanied by a responsible adult.

•· Young children should not go out alone; they should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling.

•· Plan a safe route and check in with your older children via cell phone. Set up check points along the route with neighbors. Have a set time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves.

•· Teach your children to stay in well lit and well populated areas.

•· Stop familiar homes in your neighborhood.

•· Children should eat any treats until it is inspected by you!

•· Costumes should have reflective tape or your child should carry a flashlight or glow stick.

•· Teach your children never to go into a home or car of a stranger!

Happy Halloween!

HUD released a new mortgagee letter on September 18th, 2009, mortgagee letter 2009-28, that is titled Appraiser Independence. HUD wanted to clarify a few things in regards to FHA loans and adopt some of the guidelines from the HVCC guidelines for conventional loans. HVCC - Home Valuation Code of Conduct

FYI – I read a blog from Friday that was title, FHA is adopting HVCC as of January 1^st.

This is misleading and I wanted to clarify this. HUD is adopting some of the rules & guidelines set within the HVCC. In the new FHA mortgagee letter, it specifically stated this :

"FHA does not require the use of AMCs or other third party organizations for appraisal ordering, but recognizes that some lenders use AMCs and/or other third party organizations to help ensure appraiser independence."

This came directly from page 2 of mortgagee letter 2009-28.

What are some of the key changes or things to keep in mind from the mortgagee letters mentioned? -

• Mortgage Brokers & commissioned lender staff - Hence the mortgagee letter, Appraiser Independence, "FHA approved lenders are now prohibited from accepting appraisals prepared by FHA roster appraisals who are selected, retained or compensated in any manner by a mortgage broker or any member of a lender's staff who is compensated on a commission basis tied to the successful completion of a loan." - directly from mortgagee letter 2009-28 - My opinion, many lenders will just order FHA appraisals through AMC companies. (appraisal management companies) - This will ensure any confusion and or finger pointing.
  

• Appraiser Engagement - An appraiser should or must have knowledge of the area or type of properties that they are appraising. The lender should not assume such knowledge and it's also the lenders responsibility to ensure accuracy and quality, along with that FHA appraiser. This is on page 4.

• Prevention of Improper Influences on Appraisers - This has been addressed in mortgagee letter 1996-26. HUD wanted to reaffirm that no member of the lender's staff or anyone commissioned that oversees the completion of that loan, be allowed to have such communications that would have any impact of the valuation, to include having the ability to order or manage the appraisal assignment. The DE underwriter is allowed to request clarifications and discuss with the appraiser components of that appraisal that influence its quality. Bottom of page 2.

• Appraisal Portability - FHA appraisals were always allowed to be transferred to another lender, when the FHA case number was assigned.. This new mortgagee letter, mortgagee letter 2009-29, is clarifying that it is allowed, but adding some new rules if the first lender is delaying the transfer of the original appraisal. It just says that a second appraisal can be ordered under certain circumstances, which is listed on page 1 of mortgagee letter 2009-29.

• Appraisal Validity Periods - Mentioned in mortgagee letter 2009-30, it states that the appraisal is only valid for 4 months from the date of the appraisal, no matter if it is an existing property, proposed property, and even under construction.
  

My opinion : I know how many realtors are in an uproar about the HVCC issues and how they are affecting the conventional loans. Even though it's not mandatory that FHA loans are done the same way, HUD is just implementing safe guards. I think many of the HVCC issues stem from brokers that have to rely on the banking institution that they are passing the loan to and those larger banks that are just so busy, that they just pass it to a management company that might not be organized. As a mid-sized banker, I have not seen any problems from neither side, even if I have ordered my appraisals through the AMC company. Yes, we started to implement this already on the FHA loans, in fear of some issues. But it has not slowed down the process of my loans one bit. Just food for thought.

On another note, most things mentioned in mortgagee letter 2009-28, are just repeated from prior mortgagee letters from over 12-14 years ago. If any new changes, it was the appraisal validity period and the appraisal portablity, which were mentioned in 2 new mortgagee letters, mortgagee letters 2009-29 & 2009-30.

All guidelines/rules go into effect for all FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 01, 2010.

DISCLOSURE : I am not a certified appraiser. The information that I obtained came directly from HUD's new mortgagee letter. Being the first out there with any new changes, is not always the best, especially when it's misleading or not correct.

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2009 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger of Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc

Mount Laurel, New Jersey Single Family Home Sales for July 2009

# of Single Family Homes Available = 265

# of Single Family Homes Sold = 33

Supply Available = 7 months

Market Type = Buyers

 

address	subdivision	bedrooms	bathrooms	sold_price	days on market	seller concessions
222 Amberfield Dr, Mount Laurel, NJ	Amberfield	4	2.5	$470,000	37
21 Rose Ct, Mount Laurel, NJ	Birchfield	3	2.5	$269,900	11	$5,000
34 Edinburgh Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Cambridge Estates	3	2.5	$420,000	28
261 Mount Laurel Rd, Mount Laurel, NJ	Country Estate	4	3.5	$425,000	14
104 Schoolhouse Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Countryside Farms	4	1.5	$270,000	24	$5,000
5 Lancelot Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Devonshire	4	2.5	$385,000	14
33 Lancelot Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Devonshire	4	2.5	$350,000	41
6 Foxcroft Way, Mount Laurel, NJ	Grande At Springvill	4	3.5	$708,940	41
3 Foxcroft Way, Mount Laurel, NJ	Grande At Springvill	4	3.5	$675,000	175
22 Autumnwood Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Hidden Lake	4	3.5	$659,000	89
113 Bastian Dr, Mount Laurel, NJ	Holiday Village	2	2	$187,500	14
11 Bastian Dr, Mount Laurel, NJ	Holiday Village	2	2	$184,000	63
50 Falmouth Dr, Mount Laurel, NJ	Holiday Village	2	2	$212,500	126
144 Peppergrass Dr S, Mount Laurel, NJ	Holiday Village E	2	2	$245,000	70
504 Violet Ct, Mount Laurel, NJ	Holiday Village E	2	2	$230,000	426
4 Hartzel Ct, Mount Laurel, NJ	Ivy Ridge	4	2.5	$307,000	138
31 Sheffield Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Larchmont Estates	3	2	$305,000	26
11 Whitechapel Ct, Mount Laurel, NJ	Larchmont Estates	4	2.5	$332,000	277	$7,000
39 Teddington Way, Mount Laurel, NJ	Laurel Creek	4	2.5	$375,000	371
13 Teddington Way, Mount Laurel, NJ	Laurel Creek Estates	4	2.5	$415,000	22	$5,000
6 Union Mill Ct, Mount Laurel, NJ	Longwood	4	2.5	$342,000	71	$500
2 Jerrick Ct, Mount Laurel, NJ	None Available	4	3.5	$550,000	182
505 Walton Ave, Mount Laurel, NJ	None Available	4	3	$589,000	207
105 Harvey Pl, Mount Laurel, NJ	Ramblewood	4	2.5	$315,000	8	$300
109 Brentwood Dr, Mount Laurel, NJ	Ramblewood	4	2.5	$325,000	16
163 Ramblewood Pkwy, Mount Laurel, NJ	Ramblewood	4	2.5	$295,000	73	$3,000
348 Larch Rd, Mount Laurel, NJ	Rancocas Woods	3	1	$196,000	110	$6,000
174 Woolmans Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Rancocas Woods	3	1	$229,000	238	$5,000
108 Hillside Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Saybrooke Estates	4	2.5	$475,000	236
28 Wood View Dr, Mount Laurel, NJ	Saybrooke Place	4	2.5	$410,000	65
32 Barton Way, Mount Laurel, NJ	Stonegate	5	2.5	$345,000	72
314 Candlewood Ln, Mount Laurel, NJ	Timbercrest	3	2.5	$313,978	99
53 Stanwyck Rd, Mount Laurel, NJ	Wellesley Hunt	5	4.5	$660,000	31

Have a great day

Make This YOUR Best Year Ever

Leander McClain, Burlington /Camden County, NJ Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty, 1814 Route 70 E Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 856-685-1677 Direct

Search NJ & PA Home Listings @ www.NJSouthRealEstate.com

Leander McClain's Profile

Recent Posts

How To Buy A Home Part 1

Economic Stimulus $8,000 Tax Credit

Twitter Revolution

Always Have A Dream

Search Houses For Sale