Austin Mortgage | Austin Home Loan | Austin Real Estate

Texas Credit Repair

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:03:00 +0000

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Brad CullipherMortgage Banker
American Capital Home Loans
Phone: 512-852-8883
Fax: 512-590-7119
License: NMLS ID 257458
brad@amcaphomeloan.com
www.amcaphomeloan.com

Credit Scoring
Part I: Good Credit Translates into Lower Rates for the Consumer

In the 1960s, Fair Isaac Corporation started working on a system lenders could use to evaluate the likelihood of receiving repayment on loans. Prior to that, it was really a matter of trusting an individual to be a "man of his word," so to speak. Fair Isaac sought to take human error out of the equation with a reliable system that could determine whether or not consumers were truly worthy of credit, and thus FICO was born. This evolved to become the standard for lenders by the 1980s.

Credit scoring has an enormous impact on a borrower's ability to purchase a home. It can mean the difference between getting a good interest rate and the home of their dreams, or whether they even qualify at all. For this reason, it is important for borrowers to understand the credit scoring process, and to know what their credit score is when they look to obtain mortgage financing.

What the credit scoring model seeks to quantify is how likely the consumer is to pay off their debt without being more than 90 days late on a payment at any time in the future. Credit scores can range between a low score of 350 and a high of 850. The higher the client's score is, the less likely they are to default on their loan. Only a rare one out of approximately 1,300 people in the United States have a credit score above 800. These are the slam-dunk clients that walk away with the best interest rates. On the other hand, one out of eight prospective home buyers are faced with the possibility that they may not qualify for the loan they want because they have a score between 500 and 600.

Stay tuned for Credit Scoring, Part II: The Five Factors of Credit Scoring

The Short Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:54:00 +0000

While a short sale may be a last resort for many homeowners facing foreclosure, it also represents a great opportunity for potential home buyers and real estate investors. This article is designed to help answer a few basic questions about the substantial risk and reward involved in this extremely complex and often drawn out process. What is a Short Sale? A short sale is a legally-binding agreement to allow a home to be sold for less than the amount that is owed. And, while short sales are not by any means common or easy, because of increasing inventory levels and foreclosures in some parts of the country, lenders are much more eager to negotiate with borrowers who are having trouble paying their mortgages. For potential home buyers and real estate investors, a short sale also offers a great opportunity to purchase property at a significant discount. However, don't expect a lot of help from the lender without first providing a sales contract from a qualified buyer and all the information required by the lender's loss mitigation department. Of course, lenders are not looking to bail out "flippers" or other borrowers who simply overextended themselves. In most cases, a borrower must have suffered a serious financial hardship that directly caused him or her to default on the mortgage: the loss of a job, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one. A written declaration and supporting documentation demonstrating financial hardship will definitely be required by the lender. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, and liquid asset statements, among other documentation. Key Considerations to Keep in Mind It's important to note that the difference between what is owed on a mortgage and the final amount the lender collects after the costs of the sale, including real estate commissions and possibly other charges don't simply disappear in a short sale. The difference is called a deficiency, and the lender determines if they will be forgiving this deficiency, continuing with a payment plan on some portion of the loss, or pursuing the Seller for the full deficiency. In the past, if this deficiency was forgiven it was considered taxable income to the borrower. However, thanks to the Mortgage Forgiveness Act of 2007, the tax burden for qualifying canceled mortgage debt (as high as 35%) for primary residences only has been temporarily waived. The federal timeline has been extended to 2012 although states are not required to follow it for state income. So while deficiencies may not be taxable currently, they could be come taxable in the future and the seller in a short sale could still be liable for the deficiency balance. If there are multiple liens against the property, all lien holders will have to be involved in the negotiation process, not just the first lien holder. Therefore, communication and patience are essential components of any short sale. This is why an experienced real estate agent and mortgage professional become so valuable to this process.

Call me. Let's discuss how we can market short sales and other foreclosure alternatives to potential buyers

Higher Fees Coming From Fannie and Freddie!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 04:22:00 +0000

Brad Cullipher
Mortgage Banker
American Capital Home Loans
Phone: 512-852-8883
Fax: 512-590-7119
License: NMLS ID 257458
brad@amcaphomeloan.com
www.amcaphomeloan.com

Higher Fees Coming From Fannie and Freddie!
What Will This Mean to You?

Do you have less than 25% down to put on a home?

Do you need a loan-term longer than fifteen years?

Is your credit score less than exceptional?

If you answered yes to these questions, you could soon be paying more to get a mortgage.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are raising risk fees that are charged to lenders for the first time since 2009, and these increases will affect most loans sent to Freddie Mac (beginning March 1) and Fannie Mae (beginning April 1).

Here's an example: Say you are purchasing a $250,000 home, putting 20% down, and your credit score is 720. Your risk fee will now be $1,000 (versus $500 before). And if your credit score is 680, the fee will now be $3,500 (versus $3,000 before).

If you want to find out what these fees could mean to your situation, give me a call today. Home loan rates are still at historically low levels and if you're looking to purchase or refinance a home, now is the perfect time to act...before it will cost you even more to do so.

Sincerely,

Brad Cullipher
American Capital Home Loans

brad@amcaphomeloan.com

The Art of Database Management Part I: Working Smarter

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:11:00 +0000

The relationship you develop with your customers, combined with the personal information you are constantly collecting, can be a goldmine for future business. The fact is most business professionals spend a significant amount of money marketing to people they don't know in an effort to procure new business.

Wouldn't it make more sense to go deeper with your existing clients – to really understand their needs – and spend your marketing dollars on people you already have a relationship with?

In Bill Gates' book, Business at the Speed of Thought,* he states:

"How you gather, manage and use information to serve the needs of your customer will determine whether you win or lose in your business."

This is a terrific definition of database management. Database management is about gathering information about your customers so you have an understanding of their relevant needs. From there, you can proactively structure a plan to give them exactly what they want.

Have you ever provided excellent service to clients only to have them turn around and use the services of one of your competitors without even giving you the opportunity to make a bid for their business? When this happens, it happens for a reason. The fact is, your client had a need and you weren't there to fulfill it for them, probably because you didn't even know they had a need.

We now have the ability to run reports and analyze the information you have about your customers. You can then use that information to put yourself a step ahead of the competition. By proactively serving your clients' needs and interests, you will no doubt become more successful.

Look for more Business Boosters about efficient methods I use to manage my business and provide stellar customer service!

Interest Rates When is the Best Time to Lock?

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:03:00 +0000


When it comes to mortgage loans and interest rates, it's never a good idea to gamble. That's why I typically advise my clients to lock in an interest rate at the earliest opportunity. This is just one step of the standardized system we have put in place to ensure the best possible loan experience for each borrower that we work with. A mortgage loan cannot be closed without a locked-in rate, and there are three main elements to take into consideration: Interest Rate Points or fees Length of the lock Locking in a rate does not obligate the borrower to commit to the loan until the loan is actually closed. The lock is merely a security measure designed to eliminate the risk of market volatility throughout the duration of the purchase or refinance transaction. As long as the loan is approved and funded before the end of the lock period, the borrower will receive the interest rate quoted.

When a lender permits an extended lock-in period, the borrower will likely face a higher interest rate or additional fees that could be quoted as points. In other words, the borrower pays for the lender to take on the extended risk of being exposed to potential changes in the market.

For example, let's say a 30-day rate lock commitment costs the borrower one-half point, while a 60-day rate lock commitment costs one full point. If the borrower in this scenario needed the extended lock period, but did not want to pay points, then an alternative would be to accept a slightly higher interest rate. In this case, a 60-day lock would typically have a higher interest rate than a 30-day lock.

Our standard procedure is to lock in a rate as quickly as possible. My team and I want our clients to know that while interest rates fluctuate daily, most lenders do not want to lose any business because of it. If a significant rally causes interest rates to drop 0.25% or more, we know that we can most likely renegotiate the rate. In many cases, lenders prefer this option over losing the loan to another lender. On the other hand, if we'd allowed our clients to sit on the fence and not lock in their rate, we would have exposed them to market volatility without a safety net. Then, if rates were to increase, the borrower might no longer qualify for the loan they want - a situation that we want to avoid at all costs.

By knowing our clients' needs and working intimately with them to make the right decisions early on, my team and I are proud to say that we have helped them to achieve their home ownership dreams.

If you'd like to learn more about the loan programs we have available, please call me!

Credit Scores: Why Should I Care?

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:14:00 +0000

It's not just banks and lenders that rely on credit scores to help make important credit decisions. Landlords, employers, insurance companies, and even cell phone and other utility companies all reportedly utilize credit scores to help determine their business and credit relationships with consumers. This means that your credit is the most important component of your entire financial portfolio. Because of this, monitoring and managing your FICO score is vital, especially if you're looking to buy or refinance a home anytime in the near future.

The FICO scoring system was created in the 1950s by Fair Isaac Corporation and has been the standard for lenders since the 1980s. FICO credit scores typically range between a low score of 300 and a high score of 850. Under the FICO system, securing credit becomes less expensive for borrowers with higher scores (those who represent the least risk) and more expensive for borrowers with lower scores (those who represent the most risk). In fact, when it comes to a mortgage, a lower credit score could easily cost a consumer hundreds or even thousands of dollars more in interest every month and throughout the life of the loan, compared to the same loan with a higher score.

FICO Scores	APR	Monthly Payment	Total Interest Paid
720-850	5.038%	$1,617	$282,278
700-719	5.163%	$1,640	$290,574
675-699	5.700%	$1,741	$326,832
620-674	6.850%	$1.966	$407,680
Below 620	N/A (1)

Source: Myfico.com (30 year fixed-rate mortgage on $300,000) as of March 11, 2009
(1) People with these scores aren't usually accepted for this type of loan.

The above chart from MyFico.com clearly reveals the relationship between higher FICO scores and lower interest rates and monthly mortgage payments. Of course, interest rates are determined by many factors but the bottom line is that individuals with low credit scores will pay nearly three times more in interest than those with strong credit scores.

Now You Will Also Be Subject To Loan Level Price Adjustment Fees (LLPA’s) when applying for a conventional mortgage.

In addition to higher interest rates, having less than a 720 in today's credit environment can also cost you up to 3% in points or an increase in your interest rate! Here’s the chart based on an 80% LTV:

FICO Score	LLPA You Will Pay
Below 640	3.000%
640-659	2.750%
660-679	2.250%
680-699	1.000%
700-719	0.500%

LLPAs are mandatory surcharges based strictly on credit scores. They are additional fees paid to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, not your mortgage professional. Analysts suggest that imposing these "penalties" is a blatant effort to recoup - and to help lessen further losses - on foreclosures. The surcharge could mean thousands of dollars for borrowers who do not monitor and maintain a good credit rating.

For people experiencing the worst-case scenario, carrying a middle credit score of less than 620 could cost you an extra $9,000 upfront on a $300,000 loan amount.

If you're thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing a home, you have to be credit ready. Give us a call today for a free credit consultation. We'll pull your credit and see where you stand. Remember, effective credit repair, if necessary, could take up to 3-6 months, so act now and be credit ready in no time.

Stay tuned for more great credit tips!

Avoid Changes to Your Financial Profile During the Loan Process

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:09:00 +0000

Once your loan package has been sent to the lender, there are a number of things you should avoid doing that will change your financial picture. Remember, the lender is looking for stability and consistency. If you want the best interest rate, keep that in mind. Here are a few things to consider:

The lender is looking to see what your source of down payment is.

Your lender will most likely ask you to provide proof of your liquid assets. This includes bank statements for checking and savings accounts, verification of investments, and any other liquid assets. Some of the things they ask for may seem trivial, but keep in mind, if you are planning a move to a new home, it's important to have all documentation readily available. If the lender asks for cancelled checks or deposit receipts to meet certain conditions, you want to be able to find these things quickly to avoid delaying the closing of your loan. Make sure your paper trail is easy to document, and don't move money from one account to another.

Major purchases tip the scales against your favor.

Avoid making any major purchases. You might be thinking about purchasing new appliances for the new home. This is not the time to do it. Avoid making any major purchases on jewelry, appliances, furniture, vacations, or anything with a significant price tag.

Buying or leasing a car can make a negative impact on the way the lender views your financial status. This is a big ticket item that dramatically affects your debt-to-income ratio. You may feel you have room in your budget to purchase a new car, and think this is a worthy investment if you are looking for a home that will mean a longer commute for you on a daily basis. But by tacking a car payment onto your existing debt, you reduce the amount that you will qualify for in a home loan. A $400 a month car payment can reduce your approved loan limit by as much as $50,000. Think about doing this after your loan is approved if you really need it.

If you have to change jobs, you may be asked to document why this change occurred.

If you are changing jobs to increase your income, that's a no-brainer for the lender. If you have an erratic work history to start with, another job change may make it look worse for you.

If you are an hourly wage employee, most likely a job change will have no effect on your ability to qualify for a loan. If you have a track record of a consistent amount of overtime or consistent bonuses over the last two years, the lender views this favorably. If you change jobs, there is no way of knowing if the new employer will pay overtime. Many do not! If you work on a salary + commission or straight commission basis, it has a dramatic effect on your stability. If you are considering starting your own business, again, this is something to consider after your loan is funded.

Foreclosures make up 25 percent of new home purchases in third quarter

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:24:00 +0000

Foreclosures make up 25 percent of new home purchases in third quarter

By: American Capital Home Loans

Price reduced foreclosures comprised 25 percent of all the home sales in the United States during the third quarter of 2010, according to the U.S. Foreclosure Sales Report.

But with the homeowners' tax credit ending in June, there was still an overall drop – also 25 percent – in the number of foreclosures sold to third parties.

However, the number of homes sales is not the only metric for which to measure foreclosures' impact on the housing market. For instance, this quarter, distressed homes sold at an average of 32 percent lower from the sales price of homes not listed as foreclosure. In other words, non-foreclosures were being sold at a higher price (and not necessarily foreclosures at lower prices), thus possibly demonstrating that the non-foreclosure housing market is on the rise. While it would be wrong to assume such a thing, it is nevertheless a possibility.

"The expiration of the homebuyer tax credit in the second quarter created a substantial dip in overall buyer demand in the third quarter," said James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac."Demand for foreclosures also dipped in the third quarter, but those who did purchase a short sale or REO during the quarter were able to get an average discount of more than 32 percent — the highest average foreclosure discount we've seen since the fourth quarter of 2005."

In Saccacio's opinion, that drop will continue through the fourth quarter.

But the bottom line is that there are indicators that the overall housing market is moving forward inch by inch and, at this point, those are victories within themselves.

About the Author

American Capital Home Loans, LLC, has been a trusted source for the best mortgage rates and service for nearly 8 years. Located in Austin, Texas, they've helped thousands of clients get a new home or refinance their current one. American Capital is your expert for Austin, Texas purchase loans, refinance, FHA, VA and more. Visit them online at http://www.amcaphomeloan.com

(ArticlesBase SC #3775571)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Foreclosures make up 25 percent of new home purchases in third quarter

Learning from your success

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Learn from Your Success
Focus On Strengths Rather Than Weaknesses

Our culture teaches us to focus on our weaknesses and then improve upon them. While practice is critical to improvement in some areas, author Benson Smith of the Gallup Organization believes it is more important to focus on your strengths. By turning your strengths into super-strengths, your valuable time can be spent in areas where you feel more comfortable.

Over the course of 40 years, the Gallup Organization studied 250,000 sales representatives and 25,000 managers. The results were published in the best-selling book, Discover Your Sales Strengths: How the World's Greatest Sales People Develop Winning Careers.*

According to Smith, "You do learn from your failures, but you learn an awful lot more from your successes." For the same reason, we use the phrase, "Keep your eye on the ball," rather than "Keep your eye on the strike zone." By focusing your attention on the ball, you greatly improve your chances of hitting it.

The bottom line is there are more ways to do something wrong than solutions to do it right. When success is achieved, the sales person must recognize the techniques that brought out his/her best qualities and use them as a foundation for a business model.

Consider some of these questions as you plan new sales strategies:

Am I more comfortable in front of a group, or am I better one-on-one?

Am I a better communicator verbally or in writing?

Am I a better communicator on the phone or in person?

Which makes me feel more pressured: prospects who just saw an ad and responded to it, or referrals who expect more?

Are my presentations well-received when I work as part of a team, or do I get a better response from my audience when I'm presenting alone?

There are infinite ways to highlight your strengths once you stop focusing on your weaknesses. By defining your sales strengths and gearing your marketing efforts toward those assets, you can build a dynamic business model. Always begin with this objective in mind: Building a turnkey system for success!

The Short Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:29:00 +0000

The Short Sale
A Unique Selling Proposition for Real Estate Agents

While a short sale may be a last resort for many homeowners facing foreclosure, it also represents a great opportunity for potential home buyers and real estate investors. This article is designed to help answer a few basic questions about the substantial risk and reward involved in this extremely complex and often drawn out process.

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale is a legally-binding agreement to allow a home to be sold for less than the amount that is owed. And, while short sales are not by any means common or easy, because of increasing inventory levels and foreclosures in some parts of the country, lenders are much more eager to negotiate with borrowers who are having trouble paying their mortgages. For potential home buyers and real estate investors, a short sale also offers a great opportunity to purchase property at a significant discount.

However, don't expect a lot of help from the lender without first providing a sales contract from a qualified buyer and all the information required by the lender's loss mitigation department.

Of course, lenders are not looking to bail out "flippers" or other borrowers who simply overextended themselves. In most cases, a borrower must have suffered a serious financial hardship that directly caused him or her to default on the mortgage: the loss of a job, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one.

A written declaration and supporting documentation demonstrating financial hardship will definitely be required by the lender. This may include pay stubs, tax returns, and liquid asset statements, among other documentation.

Key Considerations to Keep in Mind

It's important to note that the difference between what is owed on a mortgage and the final amount the lender collects after the costs of the sale, including real estate commissions and possibly other charges don't simply disappear in a short sale. In the past, this deficiency or "canceled mortgage debt" was considered taxable income to the borrower. However, thanks to the Mortgage Forgiveness Act of 2007, the tax burden for qualifying canceled mortgage debt (as high as 35%) for primary residences only has been temporarily waived. The federal timeline has been extended to 2012 although states are not required to follow it for state income.

If there are multiple liens against the property, all lien holders will have to be involved in the negotiation process, not just the first lien holder. Therefore, communication and patience are essential components of any short sale. This is why an experienced real estate agent and mortgage professional become so valuable to this process.

Call me. Let's discuss how we can market short sales and other foreclosure alternatives to potential buyers and sellers as a unique selling proposition that clearly separates us from the competition.

Master Networkers: Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Master Networkers, Part 1Ivan Misner, Ph.D.

Networking is more than shaking hands and passing around business cards. Based on a survey I conducted of more than 2,000 people throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, it's about building your "social capital". The highest-rated traits in the survey are the ones related to developing and maintaining good relationships. For years I've been teaching people that this process is more about "farming" than it is about "hunting". It's about cultivating relationships with other business professionals. It's about realizing the capital that comes from building social relationships.

The chart included here shows which traits were ranked in order of perceived importance to networking. They are the traits that will make you a "master networker". Here are details on the first five traits. Visit Master Networkers, Part 2, for details on traits 6-10.

1. Follows up on Referrals. This was ranked as the NUMBER ONE trait of successful networkers. If you present an opportunity, whether it is a simple piece of information, a special contact, or a qualified business referral, to someone who consistently fails to follow up successfully, it's no secret that you'll eventually stop wasting your time with this person.
2. Positive Attitude. A consistently negative attitude makes people dislike being around you and drives away referrals; a positive attitude makes people want to associate and cooperate with you. Positive business professionals are like magnets. Others want to be around them and will send their friends, family, and associates to them.
3. Enthusiastic/Motivated. Think about the people you know. Who gets the most referrals? People who show the most motivation, right? It has been said that the best sales characteristic is enthusiasm. To be respected within our networks, we at least need to sell ourselves with enthusiasm. Once we've done an effective job in selling ourselves, we will be able to reap the reward of seeing our contacts sell us to others! That is motivation in and of itself!
4. Trustworthy. When you refer one person to another, you are putting your reputation on the line. You have to be able to trust your referral partner and be trusted in return. Neither you nor anyone else will refer a contact or valuable information to someone who can't be trusted to handle it well.
5. Good Listening Skills. Our success as networkers depends on how well we can listen and learn. The faster you and your networking partner learn what you need to know about each other, the faster you'll establish a valuable relationship. Communicate well, and listen well.
Called the "father of modern networking" by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author. He is the Founder and Chairman ofBNI, the world's largest business networking organization. His newest book, Networking Like a Pro, can be viewed at www.IvanMisner.com. Dr. Misner is also the Sr. Partner for theReferral Institute, an international referral training company.

The Federal Reserve and Inflation

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:14:00 +0000

The Federal Reserve and Inflation
Guiding the US Economy

President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the Federal Reserve Act in 1913, creating the Federal Reserve, the nation's central banking system. The Federal Reserve, or Fed, has also been called "the gatekeeper of the US economy" because of its unique power to influence US financial and credit markets.

Comprised of seven presidentially-appointed Board of Governors; the Federal Open Market Committee; 12 Federal Reserve Banks; and private U.S. banks and advisory councils, the Fed's mandate is "to promote sustainable growth, high levels of employment, stability of prices to help preserve the purchasing power of the dollar, and moderate long-term interest rates." In other words, the Fed's job is to regulate the nation's financial institutions while simultaneously keeping inflation in check.

To accomplish this important yet difficult task, the Fed studies economic indicators, creates, and then implements monetary policy - its specific plan of action or "target" for the economy - based on its findings. And while there are many tools at its disposal, the Fed has three main instruments of monetary policy: open market operations, interest rates, and reserve requirements, all of which can impact the mortgage industry.

Open market operations, the principal tool used by the Fed in its monetary policy, consist of the buying and selling of U.S. government and mortgage-backed securities (treasury bonds, notes, and bills) on the "open market." Basically, the Fed buys when it wants to increase the flow of money and credit, and sells when it wants to reduce it.

The Fed also controls two important interest rates: the discount rate and the fed funds rate. The discount rate is the interest rate charged by Federal Reserve Banks to commercial banks and other eligible financial institutions on short-term loans. The Federal Reserve Banks offer three discount window programs to depository institutions: primary credit, secondary credit, and seasonal credit, each with its own interest rate. Experts say that changes in the discount rate can serve as a clear announcement of a change in the Fed's monetary policy. These changes are important because they can impact lending rates for banks and interest rates for the open market.

According to the Federal Reserve, the fed funds rate is the interest rate at which depository institutions lend balances at the Federal Reserve to other depository institutions overnight. Like the federal discount rate, the fed funds rate is another tool the Fed can use to control inflation and other interest rates. This interest rate is often a source of intense speculation whenever the Federal Open Market Committee meets, creating uncertainty that can move the financial markets as well.

Finally, think of reserve requirements, the last of the Fed's main monetary policy instruments, as the cash deposit requirement for a secured credit card. Reserve requirements represent the specific portion of deposits that banks are obligated by law to keep in non-interest-bearing funds at a Federal Reserve Bank, typically 10%. Consequently, as banks attempt to stay as near to the reserve limit as possible without dropping below, they constantly lend money back and forth to each other. The Fed, interpreting signs of inflation in its economic indicators, may choose to reduce the amount of reserves available to banks by slowing the selling of securities. Generally, this causes interest rates to rise, the economy to slow, and inflation to slow with it. The reverse is generally true when indicators suggest a slowing economy or deflation.

If you or your clients have any questions about the Federal Reserve, inflation, interest rates, or any of the topics discussed in this piece, please don't hesitate to give me a call. The Fed's monetary policy is not only fascinating, your clients would benefit greatly from understanding its impact on the financial and credit markets.

The Art of Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:49:00 +0000

The Art of Happiness
Making Each Day Your Best

In The Art of Happiness*, the Dalai Lama shares this powerful insight into life:

"I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. [Regardless of religion], we are all seeking something better in life. So I think the very motion of our life is toward happiness."

But how are we to achieve this happiness that we all seek? What common factor can we rely upon, regardless of our health, wealth, appearance, family, etc? The Dalai Lama goes on to discuss how the mind can be trained for happiness, despite a lack of material wealth and success. It's that whole idea of "wanting what you have versus having what you want."

Stephen Covey refers to this as "responsibility," or the ability to choose your response. Tony Robbins calls it "reframing your perspective". James Allen simply calls it "self-control." Whatever name it goes by, the principle is the same: We all have the power to think positive thoughts, and to react positively to every "negative" thing that happens in our lives.

Why, then, is it so hard to do?

Because like anything of any worth, it takes effort. It takes practice. It takes time. And like most skills, the sooner you begin, the sooner it gets easy. But no matter how old we are, we can all start practicing positive thinking today, and begin being happier immediately.

It's very easy to get out of practice, however, so it's best to surround yourself with triggers for happiness. Music is one of the best triggers. Just think how happy we get when we hear Little Orphan Annie singing, "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow," or Bobby McFerrin crooning, "Don't Worry, Be Happy." We can also remind ourselves with little incantations such as "look on the bright side" when things aren't going as planned.

I hope this tip brightens up your day!

How to Stand Out from the Crowd

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:02:00 +0000

How to Stand Out from the Crowd
Marketing 101

The purpose of marketing is to obtain mental real estate. Competition is fierce these days, as consumers are bombarded with distractions from every direction. How can you make sure that your message is heard and remembered?

Communication is Key
Whether it's a company brochure, a newsletter, or a flyer, the idea is the same. You are trying to attract the reader's attention!

When you create a company brochure, produce something that's compelling. Remember, your brochure will be competing with a mountain of magazines in the waiting room. Don't hand out a standard overview of your company, with a look and feel that mirrors everything else in your industry. Create something that will "wow" the reader and help you stand out from the crowd.

Newsletters are a popular marketing tool, but their effectiveness depends upon their content. Rather than producing a lengthy piece that prattles on about your business, try to provide brief bits of interesting information. Give the reader general news and tips they can use, or at least share with co-workers around the water cooler. Success stories are an especially useful communication device. Select a difficult transaction you've completed which had a great outcome, and use it to indirectly illustrate your talents to your customers.

Utilize Your Database
Your client database is the most valuable resource you have. Do you use it to its full potential or is it merely a repository for data from past transactions?

Each contact within your database should be classified as either an active or passive lead.

Active leads are those who are about to make a decision, and they should be contacted frequently. Rather than calling a client to ask if they're ready to commit, try calling to provide them with information instead. Tell them about an additional feature of the item you've discussed, or bring up a different product for their consideration. Perhaps you have a special offer that might interest them. By contributing something of value to the conversation, you're able to touch base and further establish your worth as a resource.

Passive leads include past clients and prospects who wriggled off the hook and wound up working with someone else. These individuals should be contacted at least every thirty days. Your perseverance will impress former prospects and even assist you in winning some back! Regular communication will also ensure that past clients remember you the next time they, or their associates, need the services you provide.

Marketing has never been more challenging than it is today. Make the most of the communication opportunities you have, and you'll reap the benefits for years to come.

If you would like to discuss additional marketing strategies, please call me!

Meetings that Pack a Punch

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:28:00 +0000

Meetings that Pack a Punch
Turn Prospects into Clients with an Effective Presentation!

Dynamic business meetings, those that accomplish a set goal, rely on mutual respect. Yes, it sounds cliché, but respect really is a "two-way street." In order to obtain that respect from clients or potential clients, it's crucial to understand the dynamics of business relationships. Everyone wants to feel important, that his or her time is valuable, and the person who set up the meeting has taken this into consideration.

For that reason, punctuality matters. Never keep a prospect waiting. And brevity also counts. Move your presentation from point to point in a clear and concise manner, but without appearing rushed. Don't elaborate or belabor a point unless asked for further explanation. And never make your prospects yawn!

Kim T. Gordon, president of the National Marketing Federation, Inc. and a noted speaker, elaborated on business meeting etiquette in an article on Entrepreneur.com entitled, "10 Steps for Successful Sales Meetings".

"Many entrepreneurs face a common challenge as they launch and grow their companies - their first meetings with prospects." Here are some of Gordon's recommendations:

Gather background information. A pre-qualifying telephone call helps determine prospects' needs.

Set a realistic goal. Your ultimate goal is to turn the prospect into a client. At the very least, set up the next meeting date, and establish the interim objectives.

Prepare quality materials. Make sure your print collateral has eye appeal and holds interest.

Rehearse your presentation. Nothing looks more unprofessional than a sales presentation where the speaker fumbles and is all-thumbs with charts or graphs.

Observe your prospects carefully. Take clues from body language. Are your prospects sitting forward in their chairs, hanging on your every word and nodding with interest? Or, are they sitting back, nearly reclining, with arms crossed and a look of boredom and disbelief? In the latter case, switch gears before you lose them.

As you uncover the needs of the prospect, be ready to provide viable solutions and present case history examples to support your statements. Above all, remember that prospects are people. Be professional, but also be people friendly, and turn each prospect meeting into a home run.

Call me to discuss the presentations and seminars I can provide!

It's Your Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:13:00 +0000

It's Your Choice...

Albert Einstein noted, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." And part of achieving greater success in your business is making different choices. Below are eight ideas to consider.

Idea #1: Increase your responsibility and you will improve your results.
     · Why have you made wrong choices in the past?
     · Where are you not taking full responsibility for your choices?
     · What choices are you putting off that need to be made?
     · What new choices are a must for the quality of your life to improve?

Idea #2: Expand your knowledge and you will enlarge your options.
     · What is your plan for continual learning?
     · What is your annual budget for gaining knowledge?
     · At what pace will you read books for the rest of your life?
     · Of the following: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, what is your best learning method?

Idea #3: Take small steps at the start; create large success at the end.
     · What are your life's big goals?
     · What are the smallest steps leading to those goals?
     · When will you begin?

Idea #4: Learn from your mistakes and you will leverage your momentum.
     · What mistakes have not become lessons?
     · In what area of your life would you like to see increased momentum?
     · What can you do now to not make the same mistakes again?

Idea #5: Stop thinking small, start thinking big.
     · Where have your dreams died?
     · Where do you want to grow?
     · What could the end of your life actually look like if you made new choices?
     · Where are you settling for mediocrity?

Idea #6: Don't be idle; be intense.
     · Where is "moss" gathering in your life?
     · Where should your intensity increase?

Idea #7: Eliminate the emotion and you'll elevate the execution.
     · Where are you prone to make purely emotional choices?
     · Which of your emotions are strongest? Anger? Pride? Love? Fear?
     · Where can you be more balanced in making choices?

Idea #8: Investigate your intuition and you'll invigorate your implementation.
     · Where would following your heart help you in balancing choices you make with your head?
     · Are you making the decisions your heart is telling you to?
     · In what area(s) of your life would listening to your heart help you?

Ideas about Failure, Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Ideas about Failure, Part 2

Author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, "Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." Here are four more ideas to help you keep failure from turning into a dead-end.

Idea 4: Be big picture oriented. See every failure as temporary. Every road to success will pass through the land of failure. Make it one of your commitments to continually strive after something worth failing for.

Idea 5: Commit to never give up. The only failure in life is to allow mistakes to keep you from your goals and dreams. Remember that action always reduces fear.

Idea 6: Understand that you are never a failure, only your strategy is. You are never a failure so long as you keep trying. But if you continue to fail on your way to achieving a goal, it’s probably time to rethink your success strategy.

Idea 7: Mistakes should motivate you and give you new momentum towards the direction of your dreams. It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it. Instead of making excuses, make progress. Take responsibility and move forward in a better direction.

Final Thoughts: Even the most experienced, most gifted, and most successful people, make mistakes. They are an inevitable part of life. Letting mistakes keep you from your dreams is not. As success philosopher Napoleon Hill once noted, "Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure."

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Ideas about Failure, Part 1

Let's face it: while no one likes to fail, it's something all of us have had to deal with at one time or another. But failure doesn't have to be a negative aspect of life. Here are some ideas to help you change your mind about failure.

Idea 1: Change your attitude toward failure and you will change your interpretation of failure. Don't fear failure. Change your self-talk: never see failure as the end but rather as an opportunity to…

Reject mediocrity

Improve your sense of humor

Increase your expectations

Temporarily regroup

Take a skills inventory

Jettison a bad strategy

Successfully figure out what doesn't work

Take one more step

Idea 2: Determine your failure strategy. Never expect failure, but predetermine what your course of action will be when a failure occurs.

Idea 3: Train for failure. In life, the question is not whether you will fail, but rather how prepared you are to deal with failure when it occurs. Get in the habit of making the most of your mistakes. The more times you fail, the more efficient you become at turning failures into successes.

See Ideas about Failure, Part 2 for more ideas to help you turn failure into success.

Six Ways to Get People to Like You

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Six Ways to Make People Like You
Start by Liking Them!

The book, How to Win Friends & Influence People*, consistently makes the top five whenever there is a survey of most influential or inspiring books, and is often second only to the Bible. Dale Carnegie outlines - in very simple steps and examples - how to be nice without letting yourself get walked on.

The section titled, Six Ways to Make People Like You, reveals six traits kind people of the world share:

Become interested in other people. Note that he doesn't say "show interest," but rather "become interested" - change yourself for real, rather than practicing handy habits. Especially in business, it's critical that we learn to see prospects as people rather than as sales.

Smile. There's probably nothing so positive and contagious as a simple smile. If you have trouble smiling sincerely, get your mind out of the dumps and think about something that will make you smile.

Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. If you are not a pro at remembering people's names, become one. If your mind is dividing people into "important" and "not as important", remembering only those names you value, you're at an enormous disadvantage - in addition to being a snob.

Be a good listener and encourage people to talk about themselves. Most folks don't need much encouragement, but those who do will likely thank you for such a great conversation.

Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Reignite your childhood curiosity, and ask questions! When possible, learn in advance what their interests are and spend a few minutes each day researching those topics so you have something to discuss the next time you chat.

Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely. Notice the talents and abilities of others. Show gratitude to the grocer for not smashing your bread. Admire the speed of the clerk at the DMV. If you can't find something complimentary about another person, you're not looking hard enough.

I hope Carnegie's tips serve as a reminder for how you can make the world a better place.

Call me to discuss additional ways to create raving fans and clients for life!

Creating Team Loyalty

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:15:00 +0000

Creating Team Loyalty
Lead By Example

Do you suffer from high turnover in the workplace? One issue that is greatly underestimated by most managers is that of employee turnover. It can literally wreck your organization and your continuity.

The longer you have a consistent team in place, the more you learn to become an extension of each other. Your productivity and efficiency skyrockets when you have a team that works well together. For this reason, it is incredibly important that you create a working environment that allows your team to flourish, a place where your employees want to be on a long-term basis. Remember, your employees spend more of their waking hours in the workplace than anywhere else. You need to strive to make it an enjoyable environment.

Lead by example. Create clarity within the job descriptions you provide. Make sure the organization's vision and Mission Statement are crystal clear and embodied in the actions of each and every member of your team.

Create loyalty by tending to special needs. It helps to show your appreciation for your team members and make sure you are building loyalty with them. For example, many employees are working parents. One of the most difficult times of the year for them is during the summer. The children are not in school, and the parent is wishing he or she didn't have to work and wants to be with his or her children. This is a great time to do something special for them.

Pay a housekeeper to handle their housecleaning responsibilities a couple of times a month. This is a way to let that valued employee know that you don't want them to be home on a Saturday morning cleaning the house when they could be out doing something exciting with their children. During the holidays you can offer to have their car washed or their houses cleaned so they can focus on their holiday gift shopping and spend time with their family. These are little things that add up to big results.

Get to know your employees' "other half." Remember, your employees' spouse can be your advocate or your enemy. This is the person your employee goes home to every night after a long day of work, and it is quite possible this is the person they will vent their frustrations to. If you have this spouse as your advocate, the spouse will defend you and remind your employee that they have a lot going for them with this job.

If you haven't taken the time to get to know your employees' significant others through occasional group functions, you are putting yourself in a position where this person, who could have been your advocate, is now someone who is suggesting the best solution is to look for another job! Keep in mind that the success of a great team is greatly dependent on your ability to keep key individuals as long as possible.

Look for more Business Boosters coming your way!

The FSBO Assistant

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 21:50:00 +0000

The FSBO Assistant
Giving to Receive

One nice thing about For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes is that the owners advertise to the general populace, which makes them easy to find! You have their address in any ad they put out, which means you can do some extremely targeted marketing.

Another important thing to know about these "do-it-yourself" types is that most of them fail in trying to sell their own homes, and end up needing the services of a Real Estate Agent. You just need to make sure you're the first agent on their mind!

To that end, I recommend giving the FSBOs in your area a small kit you can label the "FSBO Assistant." There is actually a two-fold reason to give out these kits. The first one is obvious: You have to give in order to receive. By presenting value up front, you are earning the trust of the homeowner, and making it much more likely that they will choose you should they decide to use an Agent.

The second reason is a bit more subtle: By introducing them to the piles of paperwork and material that FSBOs need to understand, you show them what you get paid for, and why it's worth it to use you rather than try to do it themselves!

Here is an abbreviated list of some of the documents I would include:

A Generic Purchase Agreement

Escrow, Settlement, or Closing Instructions

Title Insurance Policy

Settlement or Closing Statement

General Warranty Deed

Special Warranty Deed

Bargain and Sale Deed

Lead-based Paint Seller Disclosure

A List of Other Documents They'll Need

Your Personal Brochure

Most importantly, include an offer to help them should they feel overwhelmed! This will give you more opportunities to sell them on your service later on. Be sincere in your desire to help them, and they'll be more receptive to you becoming their agent.

Let me know how this helps you as you pursue FSBO clients!

Call me when you have a client who needs special assistance in obtaining a home loan.

Congress Makes PMI Tax Deductible

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:04:00 +0000

Congress Makes PMI Tax Deductible
Millions of Borrowers Will Benefit

The federal government's Private Mortgage Insurance legislation is great news for the real estate industry! Enacted on January 1st, 2007, the bill makes Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) tax deductible for borrowers whose personal adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less. For millions of home buyers, the bill creates an amazing opportunity to finance a more expensive home or potentially obtain a lower payment for the same-priced home, while reducing annual income taxes by hundreds of dollars.

What is PMI?
Designed to protect lenders from defaults and foreclosures, Private Mortgage Insurance is required for loans exceeding 80% of the property's value or sale price. Prior to the legislation, PMI was generally viewed with contempt by home buyers because of its perceived high cost and the fact that it was not tax deductible. For many borrowers, PMI was the only means available for financing their mortgage.

It wasn't until the 1990s, when lenders began allowing "piggyback" financing, that homeowners and home buyers had an opportunity to finance a home without PMI. Under this scenario, buyers would take out two loans to cover the total amount borrowed. The first mortgage accounted for 80% or less of the purchase price or appraised value of the home; and the second mortgage, or "piggyback", covered the remaining amount required to fund the transaction.

Reconsidering PMI
Now, thanks to Congress, potential borrowers may want to reconsider their aversion to PMI. After all, PMI makes it easier for some borrowers to qualify for a loan. Consumers should be aware that when the primary loan is accompanied by a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), the approval of the first loan is contingent upon the approval of the second. In most cases, the approval requirements for the second loan are more stringent than those for the first. Alleviating this obstacle may enable buyers to consider a more expensive home or the purchase of preferred upgrades today rather than years from now.

It's also important to remember that PMI doesn't last forever. If a home appreciates at a rate of 4% annually, borrowers will be in a position to remove PMI within four years, resulting in an automatic reduction in the mortgage payment.

What to Do Now
Whether consumers are considering purchasing a new home or restructuring their finances, the first thing they should do is call a mortgage professional. There is a wide variety of options to consider, beyond those that have been presented here, and a mortgage professional will help them to determine which scenario best fits their needs.

If you would like to discuss how your clients can take advantage of the benefits of PMI, please call me! I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Strategic Financing: The Solution to Today's Changing Market

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Strategic Financing:
The Solution to Today's Changing Market

Interpreting one of the main challenges of today's mortgage market isn't as difficult as it might seem. With interest rates steadily on the rise, a lot of consumers are extremely troubled by the negative effects of increasing interest rates on their adjustable rate mortgages. Each month, they are forced to watch hopelessly as their monthly payments increase and interest rates climb closer and closer to the lifetime caps of their loans. For these homeowners who are struggling, refinancing into a 30-year fixed mortgage won't help them right now. In fact, doing so would only increase their monthly payment and further strain their finances.

So, what's the solution for homeowners who are stuck with an ARM they don't want or can no longer afford? And, what can real estate agents, builders, and other professionals do to move more inventory in today's changing market?

Solution for Homeowners:
One solution to this dilemma is a special tiered-rate mortgage program which was extremely successful back in the much more challenging mortgage market of 1994. This special program has no margin and no index associated with it at all. For the first year of the loan, the borrower simply pays a rate 2 full percentage points below the current prevailing rate, saving money and addressing monthly cash flow needs. The second year of the mortgage, the buyer then pays a rate 1 full percentage point below today's rate, saving even more money. From years 3 to 30, the loan caps out at a rate much lower than their current cap rate. This helps to create stability and frees the borrower from having to wait for an unpredictable turn in market conditions. In addition, it's possible to roll exorbitant credit card balances into this special loan, allowing the consumer to now calmly wait out the market for the next refi boom.

Solution for Home Sellers:
Special tiered-rate programs can also offer a unique advantage when selling a home in today's tough real estate market. By attaching an exclusive financing program to a specific property for a limited time, the seller provides added incentive along with a sense of urgency, making marketing a breeze. Obviously, the financial element of any purchase transaction has a substantial impact on a borrower's ability to qualify for and buy a home. However, with a tiered-rate mortgage program attached to a property, consumers will discover a financial benefit that's not offered anywhere else. Believe me, your competition won't even know what hit them.

If you'd like to learn more about exclusive strategic financing programs, call me today!

5 Investments You Can Make In YOur Future

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Five Investments You Can Make In Your Future

When you invest in yourself and in your business, you reap a new life – a more abundant life than you had before, maybe than you've ever had. With that in mind, here are five investments you can make to reap a more secure and successful business, as well as a more abundant life.

1. Invest in a long-term personal development program. You are your business' greatest asset. Earning a customer's trust begins with you. The growth of your business will always be proportionate to your ability to maximize your personal potential. If you remain as you are, your business will never flourish. Grow yourself on a regular basis and if your employer won't pay for your ongoing development, pay for it out of your own pocket. Consider the money a tax-deductible investment in the future success of your business.

2. Invest in a long-term sales development program. If you want to be a great business person who earns trust with confidence, then you have to become an expert in your field. One book doesn't do it. A twelve-month subscription to a magazine doesn't do it. Even one seminar a year isn't enough. The greatest professionals do all these, and more, regularly.

3. Invest in a competent right-hand assistant. More than likely, you are overqualified for the majority of the tasks you perform. To run a business effectively, you must learn to delegate effectively. If you're thinking, "I can't afford to hire an assistant," then you need to remember that we are talking about investing, not spending. The real question to ask yourself is, "Can I afford not to have an assistant?" The fact is, you will never be able to climb to the next level until you free up more time to do what brings your business the greatest profits.

4. Invest in a personal financial plan. The long-term success of your business depends on your ability to re-invest money wisely while maintaining financial growth. That's a given for any enduring business. To go one step further, your long-term satisfaction with your career depends in part on your ability to maintain financial stability. Don't get trapped by debt. Invest in a meeting with a qualified, trustworthy financial advisor who can help you map out a path to financial stability and freedom. A financial plan will reduce the stress of personal day-to-day finances and allow you to predetermine an amount to be reinvested in your business each month so that your lifestyle can remain consistent.

5. Invest in a client retention program. To be a successful business person, you must do more than provide customer service; you must provide client loyalty. Investing in a program that ensures that those you do business with will always return for more is the greatest dollar-for-dollar investment you can make in your business. Focus your investment dollars on four items that will help you create clients for life: (1) creative marketing tools, (2) innovative follow-up procedures, (3) value-adding gifts, and (4) client feedback.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

noreply@blogger.com (Brad Cullipher) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:54:00 +0000

Should I Stay or Should I Go?
5 Reasons Why Employees Leave

Did you know that replacing an employee could cost you up to three times that employee's annual salary? That's according to isquare.com. Recent studies cite productivity, recruitment, and training costs associated with hiring new employees as major contributors to this surprisingly expensive statistic. More importantly, employees take knowledge, experience, and contacts with them to their next company, often a direct competitor, as most people tend to stay in the same or similar field.

And while many companies are implementing retention programs to recognize and limit the cost of employee turnover, research reveals that few companies truly understand why employees leave in the first place. According to Leigh Branham, author of The 7 Hidden Reasons Employees Leave, 90% are directly linked, not simply to money issues, but to issues involving their job, manager, culture, or work environment.

The following are a few of the top reasons why people quit their jobs, according to research from the Harvard Business Review, HR Magazine, and other recent studies. Use it as a guide to recognize signs of unhappy employees and to cut down on the major expense associated with employee turnover:

1) Stress: Departing employees reported that stress from overwork or a work-life imbalance is a big reason for calling it quits. They might smile through it all, but if employees are consistently working late, working through lunch or on weekends, you may have a stressed out employee on your hands. Combine this with a personal crisis at home, and the pressure can be overwhelming.

2) Unrecognized: Many employees quit their jobs because they perceive, whether it's real or not, that their work is unappreciated. Causes include being paid the same as or less than poor performers or new employees with less experience; hiring or promoting outsiders instead of from within the company; and even an inkling of favoritism could create tensions that drive some employees to quit.

3) Money: Many employees don't just quit, they move on to what they perceive as a better opportunity – which may or may not be true. Either way, you can lose great employees who do not see advancement opportunities within your company. By knowing your employees' career goals, you may find that the best path for long-term growth is in another area of your company.

4) Motivation: People don't quit jobs, right? They quit managers. You've heard it before. Well, it turns out that it's actually true. According to studies, employees seek feedback, not just criticism. They want coaching and direction, assistance and communication. When they don't get it, they leave. Think about it this way: Have you ever sat down with an employee and asked what motivates him or her? Do you know why they come to work every day? These are much easier questions to ask than, "Why are you quitting?"

5) Company Culture: Former employees often describe their previous job as a "bad fit," a code word for a number of problems that are often difficult to recognize until it's too late. Studies suggest that by establishing clear job descriptions and utilizing personality assessment tools (such as DiSC® profiling), you can better match an employee's specific skills and talents to his or her job.

If you'd like more information about DiSC® profiling or would like to discuss more about this fascinating topic, give me a call. I'm always looking for ways we can improve our businesses together and be more successful.