Pawtucket, RI

Oh NO! Social Security surplus is GONE! First year this has happened. It is being attributed to the recession. With so many layoffs, employees have taken early retirement by accepting a "golden hand shake" or by having no choice.

This crisis was coming but it was rushed by the recession. So, the question is "now what"? A social security bail-out is inevitable. And they may raise the retirement age again. If medical technology can keep us alive an extra 10 years, we should be able to work an extra ten, right?

Where does all this bail-out end?

Ann Sabbagh

Vice-President

Seacoast Mortgage Corporation

401-305-6906 or 508-243-1190

Residential & Commercial Financing

MLO10920

"When you choose me as your mortgage consultant, you also choose a financial planner who cares about YOUR financial strength."

"I really do have to be the best me at all times because I just don't know who is watching my demonstration and taking notes." Steve Kolkmeyer

Who is watching YOU? WHO KNOWS? So, you best be on your best at all times when you step out the door, because your next buyer, seller, professional peer, competitor may be watching.

If you can NOT be your best, then take a break! Go for a walk; take a day (or two) off. We all need R & R to re-energize ourselves. Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to rev it up!

Ann Sabbagh

Vice-President

Seacoast Mortgage Corporation

401-305-6906 or 508-243-1190

Residential & Commercial Financing

MLO10920

"When you choose me as your mortgage consultant, you also choose a financial planner who cares about YOUR financial strength."

"You can't direct the wind - but you can adjust your sails." Anonymous

Had a tough 2009? 2008 was not a good year either? Well, then it is time to CHANGE what you are doing to attract business. Many agents conduct business the old traditional ways and continue to be successful. But times have changed and we need to adapt to those changes. It's time to "adjust your sails".

Becoming more internet savvy will increase your business. Take computer classes. Education can only help and not hurt you. Buyers search the net to purchase homes. So, you need to be able to understand the internet to attract those buyers.

Network in different circles and be SELECTIVE who you network with. I have learned through the years, we should not network with everyone. Anyone you associate with is a reflection of Y-O-U. Ask yourself, would YOU do business with this person? If the answer is "NO", then do not network with them. There are many quality networking professionals to conduct business. You choose your friends wisely. Why would you not choose your business associates wisely?

So, sail successfully into 2010.

Ann Sabbagh

Vice-President

Seacoast Mortgage Corporation

401-305-6906 or 508-243-1190

Residential & Commercial Financing

MLO10920

"When you choose me as your mortgage consultant, you also choose a financial planner who cares about YOUR financial strength."

Three out of ten loan officers are FAILING the national and state tests. So, now what? The banks are NOT requiring testing, at least as of this point in time. So, the failing loan officers are either 1) leaving the business 2) transferring over to banks. That is correct: Banks do NOT require testing. Just registration.

What is it about these tests that make 3 out 10 fail? I offer the following:

•1) 75 is passing: which university in the world makes 75 a passing score? Is this fair to the industry? Or are the "powers to be" in the mortgage industry trying to scale down the numbers of brokers?

•2) Many trick questions

•3) Knowledge of the laws: loan officers know how to originate, but have a lack of knowledge on the laws

•4) Feeling overconfident. Many have been in the business for years. They think: "this will be easy", but it is only easy if one studies.

So, where does all this leave us? The mortgage brokers are being blamed for the bulk of the mortgage mess. Now the broker will be viewed as the educated loan officer. Tables are turning.

Who would you rather do business with now? The mortgage broker or the banker?

Ann Sabbagh

Vice-President

Seacoast Mortgage Corporation

401-305-6906 or 508-243-1190

Residential & Commercial Financing

MLO10920

"When you choose me as your mortgage consultant, you also choose a financial planner who cares about YOUR financial strength."

Are there some Active Rain members who just want to collect points?

As I look around, I see some members who write about the same topic for about 7 -10 blogs and receive NO comments. But, yet, they continue to write about the same topic. Maybe they enjoy the topic and they are just having fun? Or maybe they wish to create a type of log for their thoughts? Or they just wish to fill the time? Or they just wish to collect points by blogging?

I enjoy writing blogs that inspire and provide insight and maybe even empower someone. Of course, the gaining of points is nice as a reward for my efforts, but it definitely is not my main focus. I view comments as the true sign of success on Active Rain. It shows others are interested in what I am saying and may, in fact, gain themselves from what I share.

Happy blogging!

Ann Sabbagh

Vice-President

Seacoast Mortgage Corporation

401-782-1012 or 508-243-1190

Residential & Commercial Financing

MLO10920

"When you choose me as your mortgage consultant, you also choose a financial planner who cares about YOUR financial strength."