balance

Apache is functioning normally

Designing high-end homes is a multi-layered process rooted in a deep understanding of the homeowner’s lifestyle and personality. While infusing creative distinction and achieving harmonious fusion are the fundamental principles of designing a personalised space, architectural elements such as dynamic scaling, tailored circulation and curated spaces that showcase the occupant’s unique style and personality are essential in transforming a liminal space into a unique yet authentic reflection.

Interior decor tips to design a high-end home (Photo by Pixabay)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Vineeta Singhania Sharma, Founder Partner and Principal Architect at Confluence, highlighted that the fundamental design principle in creating spaces that not only cater to the user’s needs but also reflect their individuality and celeb-like charisma is defining the balance between the unique lifestyle and personality of the client. She elaborated –

Stay tuned with breaking news on HT Channel on Facebook. Join Now
  • Defining the Style: The first step is to define the purpose of the home. Is it a maximalist paradise, a minimalist retreat, or does it embrace the latest trends, or perhaps something more timeless and established? While some clients opt for an inward-looking design that creates a sanctuary within, like Kendall Jenner’s 6,625-square-foot Spanish-style Malibu mansion, others prefer merging indoors and outdoors seamlessly, blurring the lines between nature and luxury—similar to Dakota Jonhson’s serene getaway estate in LA, designed by architect Carl Maston. It is essential to understand the occupant’s taste by pinpointing the critical elements that shape near-ordinary spaces into exceptional homes.
  • Scale and Dynamic Design: High-end homes are not just about opulence; they are dynamic and engaging. We must design with scale in mind. Whether a cosy reading nook or a grand dining hall, each room should tell a distinct, engaging story that amplifies the space’s dynamism and contributes to the narrative.
  • Circulation for Lifestyle: The layout and circulation within the home should be tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle. High-end homes demand distinction. However, such homes require privacy but often require accessibility for staff and guests as well. This balance is essential to ensure the space is functional and comfortable.
  • Creative Distinction: High-end homes are designed to stand out. To achieve the delicate balance between privacy and accessibility, featured spaces with iconic pieces as placeholders are encouraged. This could be a unique sculpture, a one-of-a-kind chandelier, or even a custom-designed piece of furniture, creating multiple focal points within a space that define the ubiquitousness of a high-end celebrity.
  • Harmonious Fusion: What makes these homes exceptional is combining an unusual mix of interior elements—furniture, lighting, art and rugs—into an eclectic blend of exclusivity while maintaining harmony. Each piece contributes to a unified, intriguing atmosphere. The challenge lies in selecting pieces that may seem unrelated at first glance but, when brought together, create a cohesive and intriguing atmosphere that resonates with the user’s dynamic personality.
  • The Art of Layering: High-end homes are a canvas for artistry. Every space is carefully layered with art, statement pieces, textures, and other objects that reflect the client’s personality. Whether it’s a collection of vintage photographs, a gallery of contemporary art, or a display of cherished memorabilia, these layers add depth and character to the living spaces. Each corner must be strategically curated with carefully selected art, statement pieces, textures, and objects that mirror the overall statement and purpose of the home, imparting depth and character to the omnipresent lifestyle of a celebrity.

According to Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, Founder and Design Head at Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio, luxury decor is all about the finer details. He shared, “It begins with meticulous craftsmanship using premium materials like fine woods, metals, and textiles, often employing artisanal techniques such as hand-carving and hand embroidery. Elaborate ornamentation, including decorative mouldings and intricate carvings, adds a sense of grandeur and sophistication. Luxury is further heightened by the inclusion of rare materials like marble, onyx, precious metals, and gemstones, seamlessly integrated into various elements of the space. Customisation is essential, allowing for unique and exclusive designs through custom-made furniture, bespoke cabinetry and personalised finishes.”

The interior decor expert added, “Luxury extends to textiles and fabrics, with high-quality materials like silk, velvet, cashmere, and fine wool, adding visual richness and tactile comfort. Fine art pieces, antiques, and collectables are thoughtfully curated to enhance the decor’s cultural and historical significance. Lighting is carefully considered, with crystal chandeliers and hand-blown glass fixtures creating a beautiful ambience. Achieving symmetry and balance in the design contributes to a harmonious and visually pleasing environment. Modern technology seamlessly integrates into luxury decor, offering convenience through hidden audiovisual systems and automated climate control while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Significantly, luxury decor is balanced with comfort, with plush furnishings, ergonomic designs, and thoughtful layouts, ensuring that these spaces are inviting and relaxing.”

She recommended –

  1. Limitless luxe decor: Space is a defining element of luxury decor. It encompasses several aspects that influence the perception of luxury. Luxury often entails generous space, with open floor plans and high ceilings exuding grandeur. Uncluttered designs and minimalism convey sophistication, while functionality and organisation are vital, achieved through custom storage solutions.

Abundant natural light, premium materials, and architectural details like columns enhance the perception of luxury. The seamless spatial flow between rooms and custom designs tailored to homeowners’ preferences add exclusivity. Integrating outdoor spaces and maximising views contribute to luxury and cutting-edge technology for convenience and entertainment. In summary, luxury decor involves lavish materials and thoughtful, spacious, and well-designed interiors that radiate sophistication and opulence.

2. Integrated home automation: Automation is a defining aspect of luxury decor, infusing convenience, efficiency, and a futuristic feel into living spaces. It embodies modernity and sophistication, meeting the expectations of a luxurious lifestyle. Automation’s contributions to luxury decor include –

⦁ Smart Lighting: Customizable lighting scenes, adjustable intensity, and voice control create a luxurious ambience while saving energy.

⦁ Climate Control: Automated HVAC systems allow personalised temperature control for each room, optimising comfort and energy efficiency.

⦁ Home Security: Advanced security systems with intelligent doorbells and sensors enhance safety and convenience.

⦁ Integrated Audiovisual Systems: Home theatres with automated screens and sound systems provide cinematic experiences.

⦁ Motorized Window Treatments: Remote control of blinds and shades enhances natural light control and privacy.

⦁ Smart Home Control: Centralized automation hubs and voice-controlled assistants offer hands-free management.

⦁ Customizable Scenes: Automation systems enable mood-setting scenes for various occasions.

⦁ Energy Efficiency: Automation features like smart thermostats and lighting controls reduce energy consumption.

⦁ Home Integration: Seamlessly integrated systems enhance user-friendliness.

⦁ Customization: Tailored automation adds exclusivity to decor.

⦁ Future-Proofing: Forward-thinking automation solutions ensure ongoing technological relevance.

Automation defines luxury decor by blending convenience, comfort, and control into living spaces, elevating their functionality and enjoyment.

3. Geographic directions and energies: They play a significant role in defining luxury decor, mainly through feng shui principles and cultural influences. Feng shui considers the orientation of a space, elemental balance, energy flow, natural light, colour choices, materials, and outdoor areas to create a harmonious environment. Luxury decor often aligns with these principles, using favourable orientations, balanced elements, unobstructed energy flow, abundant natural light, and colour associations to evoke opulence.

The choice of materials and textures, personalised spaces, and environmental sustainability further enhance the sense of luxury and well-being. In summary, geography and energy, guided by feng shui and cultural insights, define luxury decor by fostering balance, positive energy flow, and tranquillity, promoting a visually pleasing and harmonious living environment.

4. Meaningful and unique artwork: High-quality artwork is pivotal in defining luxury decor and infusing sophistication, cultural richness, and aesthetic value into a space. Luxury decor prioritises aesthetics, and art serves as a captivating focal point. Artwork with cultural or historical significance adds depth, while exclusivity is achieved through original pieces or limited editions by renowned artists. Art becomes a means of personal expression, allowing homeowners to showcase individuality. It also showcases artistic mastery and can be an investment.

Art influences a room’s atmosphere, scale, and balance, serving as conversation starters and intellectual engagement. Expert curatorial integration ensures seamless and sophisticated incorporation, making art an integral aspect of luxury living environments.

Source: hindustantimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

Bulk Sales, Best-Ex, Accounting Outsourcing, Verification Tools; FHA and Ginnie News; STRATMOR Tech Survey

<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.

Bulk Sales, Best-Ex, Accounting Outsourcing, Verification Tools; FHA and Ginnie News; STRATMOR Tech Survey

By:
Rob Chrisman

Thu, Dec 7 2023, 10:58 AM

Time flies (see joke at bottom), and here we are at Pearl Harbor Day already. “I’m a multitasker. I can listen, ignore, and forget all at the same time!” Occasionally someone will accuse me of having a sense of humor. If true, it can be traced back to my parents, but a portion of it came from watching Norman Lear’s shows like All in the Family, Sanford and Son, Maude, The Jeffersons, and movies like The Princess Bride (“as you wish”). Mr. Lear died yesterday, but his impact will be long felt. Audiences loved his shows. Does your customer love you, no matter the price? That’s the case with Coke. The average price of a 12-ounce can of Diet Coke in a package of 12 was 34 cents in 2018 but hit 56 cents per can in October 2023, a 65 percent increase. In general, Diet or regular, prices have shot up: The average price of a Diet Coke at a restaurant hopped up from $2.05 to $2.77. Inflation at many levels is impacting rates, including Treasury and mortgage-backed securities: STRATMOR’s current blog is titled, “How Treasury Auctions Influence Mortgage Rates”. (Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is sponsored by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite for the modern mortgage lender. nCino Mortgage Suite’s three core products, nCino Mortgage, nCino Incentive Compensation, and nCino Mortgage Analytics, unite the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process. Hear an interview with United One’s Sean Higgins on the vendor status of full-service mortgage, credit reporting, fraud solutions, appraisals, title insurance, and loan closing support.)

Lender and Broker Products, and Services

Revolution Mortgage estimates that they can save up to $20,000 in cost on verifications with TRUV over competitors. Femi Ayi, EVP Operations shares how he estimates he is saving 80 percent on his verification costs with Truv in this recorded event. Let’s talk about our documentation costs and those giant monopolies that are out there laughing at customers and increasing prices because they have a particular monopoly. You want to lower your manufacturing costs. Contact TRUV today to discuss how we can help you with your income, employment, insurance, and asset verifications.

“Are you struggling with declining production volumes and increasing costs per loan? Look no further. Outsourcing accounting is the elegant answer to this common challenge faced by independent mortgage banks. Whether you lack accounting expertise in-house or have a new team with no mortgage experience, the Richey May Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) team is here to provide the support you need. Our team consists of industry experts who can customize a solution to meet your specific needs in this volatile time, without requiring any additional training. Whether you need help transitioning to loan level accounting, a fully outsourced function, or industry training for your controller, we’ve got you covered. Contact Richey May today!”

Missed the chance to meet with Planet at IMN’s SFR Forum West? Connect with Planet’s commercial team to explore how our expertise enhances Single-Family Rental investments. Managing $100B+ in assets, we offer top-tier service, savings-focused strategies, and complimentary access to proprietary tools. Unlock the full potential of your investments: schedule your meeting now or call (585) 512-1030. Discover the Planet difference today!

Chief Sales Officer at Deephaven Tom Davis will join Rob Chrisman on a webinar you won’t want to miss. In today’s market, originators need Non-QM to fully serve borrowers and to stay competitive. Learning how to utilize and market Non-QM isn’t difficult when you partner with the right lender. Please find out how easy it is by attending the webinar on December 12th! Register now.

Nobody wants to be sold, they want to be served. Serve every homeowner in your database and get busy investing in relationships. Eric Spottswood, Regional Market Manager at Prosperity Home Mortgage did. Here’s what he had to say: “Recognizing that staying top of mind is crucial for securing repeat business, Milestones provides an excellent opportunity to consistently engage with our clients and reinforce those valuable connections with a one-stop home management platform. The bonus of having my team and our partners prominently featured in the portals is the icing on the cake. It’s not just a product I endorse – I actively use my own hub, and I’m thoroughly impressed with it! Milestones delivers the client engagement tools you need to retain every client you have. Book a demo today.

STRAMOR Tech Survey

Lenders, there’s still time to participate in the Digital Innovations Survey of STRATMOR Group’s Technology Insight® Study. Whether you are well on your way with your digital plans or are thinking through what to do in 2024, you’ll want the data that is only available from this study. This survey takes less than 10 minutes and participating lenders receive the survey report for free. Don’t miss your chance to have data on the key digital capabilities and the benefits and barriers to the digital technology available in the mortgage market today: take the Digital Innovations Survey now!

FHA and Ginnie Mae News

FHA announced new loan limits for calendar year 2024 its Single Family Title II forward and Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) insurance programs. FHA published Mortgagee Letter 2023-21, 2024 Nationwide Forward Mortgage Limits, which provides the maximum mortgage limits for FHA-insured Title II forward mortgages. These new loan limits are effective for case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2024. Mortgagees may view the list of areas at the “ceiling” and areas with limits between the “floor” and “ceiling” along with lists that can be sorted by state, county, or Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or by calendar year on the Maximum Mortgage Limits web page.

Mortgagee Letter 2023-22, 2024 Nationwide Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Limits, which provides the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 maximum claim amount for FHA-insured traditional HECM, HECM for purchase, and HECM-to-HECM refinances. The maximum claim amount for FHA-insured HECMs for all areas, including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in CY 2024 will be $1,149,825; 150 percent of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation’s (Freddie Mac) national conforming limit of $766,550. This new maximum claim amount applies to case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2024.

FHA published Mortgage Letter (ML) 2023-23, Updates to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program. This ML updates and streamlines Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) servicing policy to enhance the program’s financial stability and improve overall performance. These changes reinforce FHA’s commitment to serving seniors choosing to age in place in their own homes through the HECM program. Loan officers and down payment assistance program providers can visit the DPA One website for more information and to request a demo.

In Multiclass Participants Memorandum (MPM) 23-03, Ginnie Mae announced an optional early closing date for multiclass transactions beginning in December 2023. This option will allow sponsors to close transactions either on the Closing Date specified on the Ginnie Mae REMIC monthly calendar available on Ginnie Mae’s website or on the Business Day immediately preceding such specified Closing Date (an “early Closing Date”). Those sponsors choosing an early Closing Date must notify Ginnie Mae no later than the Final Structure Date and be aware that document delivery requirements outlined in the Ginnie Mae Multiclass Securities Guide (the “Guide”) will apply equally to the early Closing Date. All other transaction dates on the REMIC calendar will remain the same, regardless of the type of Closing Date chosen. For information on capitalized terms used herein, but not defined, refer to the Guide currently in effect, found on the Ginnie Mae website.

In All Participants Memorandum (APM) 23-13, Ginnie Mae announced revisions to its definition of High Balance Loans. These revisions align with the increased conforming loan limits recently announced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

PRMG TPO Resource Center Updates 23-12 includes updates to Training/Instructional Material, VA Forms, Appraisal Forms, Second Mortgage Product Forms and Information, Non-QM Product Forms and Information, Updates on Bond/Housing Authority/DPA Products, Compliance and Quality Control Information.

Capital Markets

In any market scenario, it is crucial for lenders to analyze the best execution options to maximize profitability when selling loans in the secondary market. Determining what execution is most efficient and profitable will have a big impact on the bottom line. In MCT’s latest whitepaper, Optimizing your Best Execution Loan Sale Analysis, they provide insight into determining your company strategy, delivery options, retain release decisions, and more. Download the whitepaper or join MCT’s newsletter to stay up to date on the latest educational content.

MAXEX is now offering daily mandatory bids on bulk pools of Agency-eligible NOO and second home loans. Like our industry leading MAXEX Conforming flow program, get competitive pricing from five leading institutional buyers and avoid costly Agency LLPAs, all through a single contract and a single, standardized clearinghouse. MAXEX buys to agency guidelines via your existing bulk trading process. Visit here to learn more.

Taking a look at rates, which have improved, as the debate rages over when next year the U.S. Federal Reserve will begin cutting rates we learned yesterday that American employers unexpectedly cut back hiring in November, according to data from ADP. It’s yet another sign of the labor market softening, but don’t read too much into it before tomorrow’s payrolls number, history shows it’s a very bad guide. Despite pullbacks in hiring and spending, the service sector expanded at a faster pace last month on improved business activity.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. tells us that U.S.-based employers announced 45,510 cuts in November, a 24 percent increase from the 36,836 cuts announced one month prior but 41 percent lower than the 76,835 cuts announced in the same month in 2022 and marks the first time cuts were lower than the corresponding month a year ago since July. So far this year, companies have announced plans to cut 687k jobs, a 115 percent increase from the 320k cuts announced in the same period last year. The job market is loosening, and employers are not as quick to hire. The labor market appears to be stabilizing with a more normal “churn.”

Today’s economic calendar also includes weekly jobless claims (220k; continuing claims 1.86 million), and wholesale inventories and sales for October. The U.S. Treasury will then announce the details of next week’s mini-Refunding package, estimated to be consisting of $50 billion 3-years, $37 billion reopened 10-years, and $21 billion reopened 30-years. And Freddie Mac will release its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices worse than Wednesday night by .125-.250 and the 10-year yielding 4.17 after closing yesterday at 4.12 percent; the 2-year is at 4.61.

Employment

Did you know that Houston, TX is the top area for TSAHC down payment assistance loans? Also, did you know that Mortgage Financial Services TPO (MFStpo) is the only wholesaler both TSAHC and TDHCA down payment and closing cost assistance programs to the mortgage broker community. MFStpo pioneered TSAHC for brokers and until recently, TDHCA was only available to retail LO’s. Brokers are growing with MFStpo by serving more families and referral partners and adding LO’s by recruiting with these programs. MFStpo is actively seeking to enhance support for brokers in the Houston market by hiring an experienced Account Executive. By making TSAHC and TDHCA DPA easy for brokers, MFStpo presents a compelling opportunity for AEs today. Notably, MFStpo also excels in non-DPA loans with great rates and a strong support team. Reach out to EVP John Hudson at 817.247.4766 for more info on this exciting opportunity in Houston!

“PrimeLending LOs have an exciting new mortgage solution to offer their customers looking to save money, increase home value and protect the planet: Green Home Loans from PrimeLending. It’s clear that energy efficiency is not just a trend; it’s a priority for the modern homeowner. According to a 2023 study by Thumbtack, 71 percent of homeowners consider sustainability a top priority, yet only one-third can afford the upgrades. Green Home Loans from PrimeLending is here to bridge the gap by helping borrowers finance green improvements immediately. With more than 400 mortgage solutions in our arsenal, including eco-friendly programs, we’re committed to helping our LOs not only beat the competition, but lead the way in offering the latest mortgage alternatives. If you’re looking for a sustainable career, your future may be at PrimeLending. Contact Nic Hartke for more information.”

“If you ask 50 people for their outlook on the Mortgage and Housing market in 2024, you’ll get 50 different responses (and we can attest to that!). Regardless of market conditions, our team at Pezian Search Group wants to make sure that YOUR organization is properly prepared for what’s next. Since 2010, we’ve spent much of December consulting and partnering with new and existing clients to discuss their outlook, upcoming needs, and to strategize ways to ensure ongoing success. We also take the time to uncover our candidates career goals and prepare them for growth, and we’d love to do the same for you. Reach out to us directly and let us show you how we can be a value add for your organization and in your career search. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn, and view all of our current openings here.”

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

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

It’s no secret that student loan debt in the U.S. is soaring. A quick internet search will return countless headlines noting the rising debt total—now over $1.7 trillion.

In search of a possible remedy, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) was created in 2007 when Congress passed the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

What Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

Public Service Loan Forgiveness was developed to encourage graduates with federal student loans to pursue relatively low-paying jobs in public service, like teachers, nurses, or public interest lawyers, by helping them with their student loan debt — which may be higher than what their salary could allow them to repay.

At its core, the idea seems relatively simple. After 10 years of qualifying student loan payments while working in a qualified public service job, the remaining balance on a borrower’s student loans would be forgiven by the government.

But when the first batch of students became eligible for PSLF in 2017, 10 years after the program’s inception, it became clear that the guidelines were a little murkier than originally thought.

Data showed that nearly 99% of applicants were denied loan forgiveness. According to the Department of Education, 70% of the approximately 29,000 applicants that have been processed were denied because they failed to meet program requirements.

So, if you plan to pursue PSLF, it could be worth taking a few minutes to double check the program requirements and make sure you meet them all.

PSLF: The Requirements

In order to be considered for loan forgiveness, there are a few program requirements to meet. You can see all the requirements on the Federal Student Aid website , but here’s our high-level look.

Firstly, the borrower has to work for a qualifying employer — like a government agency or certain types of nonprofits.

They’d also have to work full-time. If they happen to be working a few jobs that all qualify for the program, it’s possible to work a cumulative total of 30 hours a week to meet the full-time employment qualification.

PSLF requires applicants to have a Direct Loan or a Direct Consolidation Loan and the loan cannot be in default. Also, 120 qualifying payments would have to be made on an income-driven repayment plan or the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

What Is a Qualifying Payment for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

While it may seem easy to make qualifying payments for loan forgiveness, the process can be confusing at times and requires attention to detail from the borrower pursuing loan forgiveness.

Part of making PSLF qualifying payments is working for an employer who qualifies for the program. To confirm whether an employer qualifies, borrowers need to fill out the employment certification form. As borrowers work toward loan forgiveness in the program, they should fill out the employment certification form every year and every time they switch jobs.

If you’re considering applying to the program, double check the type of loans you hold and make sure they qualify for the program. To check, you can log into the Federal Student Aid website. For example, federal loans such as Perkins Loans or Family Federal Education Loans (FFEL) don’t qualify for PSLF.

However, if they are consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan, they may. Note that when loans are consolidated, any payments made prior to consolidation will not count toward the total of the 120 qualified payments required by the PSLF program.

You’ll also likely want to take a look at the repayment plan. In order to make a qualifying payment, the loan should be enrolled in a qualifying repayment plan, typically one of the income-driven repayment plans.

While the standard 10-year repayment plan does qualify for PSLF, by the time 120 payments have been made, the loan should be repaid, so there likely won’t be a balance left to forgive.

Don’t qualify for PSLF?
See if refinancing your
student loans is right for you.

Once program requirements are being met, making qualifying payments requires continued diligence. Qualifying payments must have been made after October 2007, when the program started.

Payments should also be for the “full amount due as shown on your monthly bill” and should be made no later than 15 days after the payment due date. Many loan servicers offer the option to enroll in automatic payments, which could potentially make it easier to pay on-time every month.

Another thing to note is that payments only count toward PSLF if they are “required payments.” This means that any payments made while a borrower has in-school status, during the grace period, or during periods of nonpayment like deferment or forbearance, won’t count as a qualifying payment for the PSLF program.

However, payments that were paused due to COVID-19 will count as though you made those payments.

A borrower will only receive credit for one payment per month. Making payments larger than the monthly minimum or making multiple payments a month doesn’t translate into reaching PSLF faster.

If a borrower pursuing PSLF plans to make an overpayment, it can be worth contacting the loan servicer to confirm the additional payment isn’t being applied to future payments.

A payment will only qualify toward PSLF if there is a payment due, so if a borrower has paid ahead, they may be unable to make a qualifying payment for that month.

For those volunteering with AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps, there are separate rules that make it possible for volunteers to use their Segal Education Award or Peace Corps transition payment toward their student loans.

In certain situations, volunteers in these programs are able to make a lump-sum payment that could count for as many as 12 PSLF qualifying payments.

Student loan qualifying payments don’t need to be made consecutively. For instance, if you had made a series of payments while employed with a qualifying employer, but then switch jobs and no longer work with a qualifying employer, you won’t lose credit for the PSLF qualifying payments you’ve already made.

After making 120 qualifying payments, borrowers can apply for loan forgiveness by filling out an application manually or digitally. After years of hard work, they’ll (hopefully) be able to celebrate the sweet victory of achieving student loan forgiveness.

Buyer Beware: Looking Out for Scams

There are many boxes to check as you pursue loan forgiveness and it can be tricky to navigate the intricacies of the program. But, there is help out there.

The Department of Education offers an online help tool for borrowers pursuing PSLF. It can give borrowers an idea of where they stand and assist them through the process of pursuing PSLF.

An important note, there is no fee associated with filing paperwork for PSLF. If you’ve been contacted by a service that offers to provide assistance for a fee, they’re likely not affiliated with the Department of Education. In a worst case scenario, it could be one of the many scams that prey on confusion and have grown in number as student loan debt increases.

Recommended: 7 Tips to Avoid Student Loan Scams

What If You Don’t Qualify for PSLF?

If pursuing loan forgiveness through PSLF isn’t an option for you, you can explore some alternatives to manage your student loans. One option available is student loan refinancing, which could give borrowers the ability to lower their interest rate or shorten their repayment term. Terms will vary based on personal financial situations.

Refinancing federal loans would eliminate eligibility for programs like PSLF and income-driven repayment plans, so it won’t be right for everyone. To see what refinancing could do for your student loans, take a look at SoFi’s student loan refinancing calculator.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOSL1123016

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Incenter Mortgage Advisors (IMA) has rebranded and changed its leadership to reflect the offering of a broader set of capital markets services. 

The company, which helped organize over $2 trillion in mortgage-servicing rights (MSRs), changed its brand name to Incenter Capital Advisors. It will emphasize corporate strategy and capital markets activities in different asset classes, institutions and balance sheet types.

Amid the changes, founder Tom Piercy will take the chief growth officer role. JB Long, who joined parent company Incenter Lender Services in July as chief revenue officer, will be the company’s president. 

Before Incenter, Long spent 26 years at EverBank/TIAA Bank, where he was one of the earliest executives at the financial institution. He was also an executive vice president of capital markets at Ocwen Financial Corporation.

“Our clients are turning to the capital markets to proactively seek out broader customer offerings, pricing dislocations, higher-yielding assets, and portfolio growth,” Long said in a statement. “These markets also offer protections against today’s headwinds, including interest rate risk, capital and liquidity requirements, and stringent regulations.” 

Bruno Pasceri, the president of parent company Incenter Lender Services, said Incenter Capital Advisors provides clients a “new competitive advantage.”  

The company’s solutions include transactions such as structured hedging and M&As; analytics and reporting on dashboards and key performance indicators; advisory solutions on product and service development; and specialty solutions such as lending as a service. 

In May, HousingWire reported that Incenter launched a new digital MSR exchange, known as eMSR Exchange, which connects buyers and sellers of co-issue flow offerings online and provides pricing 24/7.   

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you’re considering pursuing a career as a veterinarian, you probably have tremendous affection and compassion for animals and want to help them via medical training. That probably means you’re considering attending veterinary school. Among the questions you may be wondering about are, How long is vet school? How do I apply? How much will vet school cost, and how can I afford it?

This guide will help you understand the process for how to become a vet and how you might afford this fulfilling career.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Veterinarian?

The cost for a four-year veterinary school for in-state residents is over $200,000 while students with out-of-state tuition may pay more than $275,000, depending on the school, according to the VIN Foundation Student Debt Center.

While that’s a lot of money, getting a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM) can lead to a median salary of $103,260 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A vet’s salary depends on what kind of practice they go into and where they are located.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Veterinarian?

The path to becoming a vet can vary, and the length of time it takes to become a vet can vary as well. In general, most vet schools are four-year programs for a DVM. Some, however, have accelerated programs and semesters and get the work done in three years.

Those pursuing a veterinary career path might also want to factor in how long it takes to complete the prerequisites. In general, that will require students to have a bachelor’s degree, which also takes around four years to complete. If you have already completed your bachelor’s degree but didn’t take the courses required for vet school, then you may need to pick up those credits as well before you start your applications.

That said, what follows are six key steps if you are wondering how to be a veterinarian.
💡 Quick Tip: Some student loan refinance lenders offer no fees, saving borrowers money.

6 Steps to Become a Veterinarian

The steps to becoming a veterinarian are often as follows:

Step 1: Check Off The Prerequisites

These points can help you move towards your degree as a veterinarian:

•   The Veterinary Medical College Application Service resource will show you the list of prerequisite college courses that are generally required for students applying for veterinary school. Required courses for most veterinary schools include biology, chemistry, animal sciences, and advanced math.

•   Students interested in pursuing vet school who are currently enrolled in undergrad may want to review their current course of study to be sure they are on track for vet school prerequisites.

•   Another tip is to volunteer, get an internship, or do part-time work with an animal hospital, local business, or charitable organization that helps animals. See if your college has a prevet extracurricular club that could broaden your experience and help you learn more about the field.

Getting a lot of hands-on animal experience can help build your resume and help you make sure that you’re pursuing a career path that appeals to you.

Also, know that to file your vet school application, you’ll most likely be required to submit your undergraduate transcripts and provide a reference from a college professor or professional in the animal sciences.

Step 2: Determine How to Pay for School

Before you decide on which veterinary school you want to attend, consider evaluating what savings you have to put toward vet school and estimate what you may need to borrow in student loans or fund with grants and scholarships.

It’s important to think about veterinary school costs as you begin researching schools so you have a good idea of what your veterinary school debts may look like.

According to the most recent data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average educational debt among the 82% of US veterinary college graduates who take on debt was $179,505. While vets do earn a good salary once they find employment, that is a significant sum to consider.

Working a part-time job while attending school might help offset some of the vet school costs or the amount you have to take out in loans in order to cover living expenses, but it might be challenging to balance work and school, especially as your schoolwork increases.

Recommended: Why Your Student Loan Balance Never Seems to Decrease

Step 3: Research Veterinary Schools

Once you have an idea of how much money you have to pay for vet school, research the veterinary schools in the country. You’ll likely consider the location, costs, and the types of programs offered if you’re pursuing a specialty veterinary degree.

This step can be an important part of the journey on how to become a veterinarian. As you read above, it may be more affordable to attend a vet school in your state.

Also, check that the vet school(s) you are applying to are suited to the type of vet medicine you want to practice. For example, if you’d like to pursue a career working with horses, research schools that offer equine programs.

If you plan to pursue a general DVM degree, find an accredited veterinary program that fits the criteria most important to you, such as your budget or where you want to live.

Step 4: Apply to Veterinary Schools

Check out the schools’ admissions website to determine the specific graduate school application requirements. Some pointers:

•   Most vet schools require students to submit scores for either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Some schools may also require applicants to take the Biology GRE.

•   You also might need a letter of recommendation or two, as noted above.

•   Some applications may also require a personal essay.

•   Once your application is received, there may also be an in-person interview.

Yes, the vet school application process can be involved and long. It can get expensive, too. Vet schools often charge a non-refundable application fee; many schools follow the fee structure set by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, which sets the first application fee at $227, and then each additional application fee is $124.
💡 Quick Tip: Federal parent PLUS loans might be a good candidate for refinancing to a lower rate.

Step 5: Attend Veterinary School

A three- to four-year vet med school degree often involves a few semesters of coursework, followed by clinical training and intense clinical training to gain hands-on training at one of the college’s affiliates.

Students can apply for scholarships and grants to help alleviate some of the costs of a veterinary degree. By managing your budget and minimizing extraneous expenses, you may also lower the amount of student debt you end up borrowing.

In order to practice veterinary medicine and become a veterinary, students will also need to study for and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Generally, vet students take the exam during their senior year.

Step 6: Begin The Job Search

The experiences you had during clinical rotations can help you determine which area of veterinary medicine you want to go in. Options include private veterinary practice, vet hospital, research, education, diagnostics, or even public health with a DVM degree.

In general, it can be helpful to start looking for a job in veterinary medicine before graduating from vet school. After passing the NAVLE and graduating from school, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running if you have a job in place.

Having a job secured before you graduate may also provide peace of mind as you start thinking about student loan repayment.

The Takeaway

A career in veterinary medicine can be a rewarding one. You’re helping sick or injured animals heal, providing preventative care, and getting to interact with animals all day long. When it comes to discovering how to become a veterinarian, the process takes planning, dedication, and hard work.

Attending veterinary school can be a challenging but fulfilling journey. It’s also typically an expensive one. After graduating, refinancing student loans may be an option that can lower the loan’s interest rate, and potentially reduce the cost of borrowing in the long term. However, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term. Also, refinancing federal student loans means you forfeit some borrower protections, such as loan forgiveness and deferment.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Where do veterinarians work?

Veterinarians work across the country and around the world in a variety of settings, such a s private clinics, animal hospitals, and zoos, or they may operate out of an office and then visit homes or ranches.

What does a veterinarian do?

A veterinarian cares for the health of animals, whether pets, livestock, or other animals. They diagnose and work to heal issues animals endure and may protect public health by doing so.

What’s the salary and job outlook for a veterinarian?

The median salary for a veterinarian is currently $103,260 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The need for vets is seen as increasing, with a projected growth of 19.4% between 2021 and 2031.

What hours do vets work?

The hours a vet will work can vary tremendously depending on a specific job, type of employment, and location. Most vets work four to five days a week, eight to 10 hours a day.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOSL1123003

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

LO Technology, Broker PPE Products; Training and Webinars This Week; 3.7% Unemployment

<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.

LO Technology, Broker PPE Products; Training and Webinars This Week; 3.7% Unemployment

By:
Rob Chrisman

7 Hours, 19 Min ago

“What do you call James Bond having a bath? Bubble 07.” In different bond matters, mortgage rates will always be higher than Treasury rates, in part because of the prepayment risk in mortgages that doesn’t exist with Treasury bonds. With the drop in rates, sales management personnel at lenders are busy figuring out how best to remind the staff about EPO (early payoff) penalties levied by investors while at the same time working on ways to save money besides furloughing, cutting staff, outsourcing, and re-doing vendor contracts. The recent decline in rates and increase in applications is welcome: According to Curinos, November 2023 funded mortgage volume decreased 11 percent YoY and 10 percent MoM. In the Retail channel, funded volume was down 22 percent YoY and 10% MoM. The average 30-year conforming retail funded rate in November was 7.45 percent, 25bps higher than October and 85bps higher than the same month last year. (Curinos sources a statistically significant data set directly from lenders to produce these benchmark figures, and drills into this data further here.) Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is sponsored by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite for the modern mortgage lender. nCino Mortgage Suite’s three core products, nCino Mortgage, nCino Incentive Compensation, and nCino Mortgage Analytics, unite the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process. Hear an Interview with nCino’s Ben Miller on incentive compensation data and origination cost reductions that are separating profitable from unprofitable companies in the mortgage industry.

Lender and Broker Products, Programs, and Services

Loan Vision exclusively serves the mortgage industry by providing software built by the mortgage industry for the mortgage industry. With Loan Vision, customers see improvements of 30%+ decrease in days to close the books, 20%+ reduction in accounting headcount, complete LOS to G/L automation, and improved reporting and visibility. Interested in learning how Loan Vision can help you run a more efficient and profitable company? Contact Carl Wooloff to schedule a call today.

When Encompass Lending Group set out to reimagine its borrower experience, it chose LiteSpeed by LenderLogix. “We understand every borrower is different. Our services are custom-tailored to every borrower, and we thought our technology should reflect that,” said Encompass Lending Group’s Paul Marsh, EVP of National Sales. Read more about their implementation here.

Seems like there is “AI” everything now. Washing machines, clothing, cookie dough? One place you should deploy AI is in helping your customers find their best opportunity. LoanCraft now offers its ViLO technology via an API (patent pending). ViLO is a virtual loan officer technology that asks your customers questions about their goals and needs, and provides offers along with tailored English-language recommendations. The API lets you easily incorporate this into your consumer facing technology, or LoanCraft will build your front end for you. Regents Financial is using ViLO, so you can see how it works here. Contact Jessica West at LoanCraft for more information.

In this market, hustle is everything. You can’t afford to waste a single deal, or a single minute. That’s why ReadyPrice has launched Shop, Lock, Deliver, an innovative platform designed to help independent mortgage brokers and their lenders save time and money. Now you can shop competitive loan offerings from multiple lenders, get rate lock guarantees in real time, receive underwriting findings, and deliver the borrower’s complete loan file to lenders, all on a single platform, at no cost to brokers. It’s already helping brokers around the country thrive and compete in the toughest market. Multiple lenders. One platform. Zero b.s. Come check us out today. ReadyPrice gives you the ability to manage your lenders, search loan product pricing across the wholesale channel, and deliver loans to the lender of your choice.

Events, Training, and Webinars

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “events” for conferences in the future.

Today, December 8, is the next episode of The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET, in “The Rundown”. Listen to Rich Kuegler with Stewart Title!

Chief Sales Officer at Deephaven Tom Davis will join Rob Chrisman on a webinar you won’t want to miss. In today’s market, originators need Non-QM to fully serve borrowers and to stay competitive. Learning how to utilize and market Non-QM isn’t difficult when you partner with the right lender. Please find out how easy it is by joining the webinar on December 12th! Register now.

Tuesday, 12/12, is the next Mortgages with Millennials with Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman. Tune in every Tuesday at 1PM ET to the weekly video show designed to empower mortgage professionals to tap into the millennial market. This show demystifies the psychology of first-time homebuyers and offers strategies to win more market share with a key segment of the market. Sign up for a weekly reminder with the link to join and a sneak peek into the next episode. Next week’s guest is Catalina Kaiyoorawongs, Founder and CEO of LoanSense.

Have you registered yet for LIRC23? Discover the newest developments in legal and regulatory compliance for residential lenders. Join California MBA at the Irvine Marriott Hotel on December 11 – 12 for the 2023 Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference. This is your opportunity to hear from some of the nation’s top industry experts and learn about the hottest topics. You’ll be informed and empowered, don’t miss out.

What are the forces that will shape the 2024 economy and real estate market? Find out at the Real Estate Forecast Summit: The Year Ahead on December 12, 1-2 p.m. ET. NAR’s Dr. Lawrence Yun and Dr. Jessica Lautz are teaming with expert economists and thought leaders to review 2023 and discuss their expectations for 2024. They will cover the residential and commercial markets, plus demographic and market outlook data. There is no cost to attend, but you must register in advance.

“As 2023 comes to a close, empower your financial strategy with insights tailored for lenders. Join CWDL for a webinar on Tuesday, December 12 as we recap the year in accounting and tax and identify what action you need to take before the year ends. Our mortgage banking experts will review tax legislation passed in 2023 and what’s coming for 2024, share tips to get year-end financials closed accurately and efficiently, discuss preparing for your audit, review HUD and GNMA reporting requirements, address going concern analysis, and more. Reach out to Kasey English to register for this free webinar, and emerge with actionable insights to take advantage of these last few weeks of 2023.”

Vince Furey, SVP of Sales for MeridianLink, has some valuable market insights and strategies that can help your credit union not only survive but also thrive in this changing landscape. Don’t miss the upcoming ACUMA Inside Track webinar on December 12th at 1 pm CST, where you can learn how to capture and serve this important market segment and take your mortgage loan program to new heights.

Wednesday the 13th, looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for “Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One. Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PT is a dive into a range of mortgage-related topics, including market trends, interest rate fluctuations, innovative mortgage products, and industry advancements. Listen to a unique mix of age perspective, expertise, and charisma to the screen, ensuring that the information is not only educational but also entertaining. Next week’s guest is.

Dec 13, at 12:00 PM PT, will be a webinar to learn about innovative approaches to recruiting loan officers in the mortgage industry. Heidi Iverson and NAMBA’s Tony Thompson will explore data-driven recruitment strategies with Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a powerful tool for Mortgage Lenders.

Join Curinos home equity experts Richard Martin, Ken Flaherty and Kinley Hicks on December 13th as they debut their new national home equity market forecast and discuss how home equity could impact growth initiatives and balance sheets in 2024. Register now.

Our very own MBA has some webinars, including California’s Corporate Climate Data Accountability Act, MBA on December 14.

For a deeper dive into Pennymac TPO’s new product and how to position it with your borrowers, contact your Account Executive, and register for their Power Your Business Webinar, “Home Equity Seconds Product Overview,” on December 14 at 10am PT/1 pm ET.

The Knowledge Coop’s new membership platform offers all state and federal Continuing Education courses in an engaging and exciting video format that you’re sure to actually enjoy. Want to give yourself a sharper competitive edge? They also offer in-depth training on specific topics like VA Loans and FHA within their Coop Academy. Get access to industry experts and connect with other mortgage professionals all in one space. Use Code Chrisman10 for 10 percent off your first year of membership here.

Join in for “Hot Topics” with the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. Free, Live, virtual training for all USDA lenders and real estate agents. Don’t pass up the opportunity to say YES to more potential clients. Embrace the GUS recommendation, Thursday, December 14, 2-3 PM ET.

National MI posted its upcoming December 2023 webinar sessions. December options include the following: Income Case Studies ​​​​​with Marianne Collins – December 12th at 1pm ET. 2024 Business Planning for Purchase Business with Bruce Lund – December 13th at 2pm ET. Maximize Your Relationships: The Art of Annual Mortgage Reviews with Rebecca Lorenz – December 14th at 1pm ET.

This month, catch up on the latest underwriting and processing trends at your convenience with Arch MI’s online videos and podcasts. Choose Arch MI’s wide range of course offerings that cover the essentials for mortgage professionals. On the 14th, the co-authors of HaMMR Digest, Arch Chief Economist Parker Ross, and Director of Real Estate Economics Leonidas Mourelatos, present their assessment of the market environment, where rates and home prices are heading, and the implications for mortgage professionals in the new year. Register for Arch MI Housing Update Webinar on December 14 at 1 p.m. ET.

Friday, December 15th, is next week’s episode of The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET, in “The Rundown”. Hear from MGIC’s Terry Aikin!

Capital Markets

As job markets loosen and employers are not as quick to hire, investors are betting on when central banks across the globe will begin rate cutting cycles. Yesterday’s private payrolls from ADP printed lower than analyst expectations ahead of today’s release of the November jobs report. Thoughts that the Fed is done tightening helped mortgage rates drop closer to 7 percent, the lowest level since August, according to this week’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac. 30-year fixed mortgage rates have fallen 76 basis points since the end of October.

Today brought the November payrolls report where forecasts didn’t see all that much variability from October. November nonfarm payrolls registered 199k versus 186k expectations. The unemployment rate came in at 3.7 percent when it was seen holding steady at 3.9 percent. Average hourly earnings were when the number was seen increasing 0.4 percent month-over-month and 4.1 percent year-over-year versus 0.2 percent and 4.1 percent previously. Later today brings preliminary December Michigan sentiment, which is expected to tick up modestly. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices and the 10-year yielding 4.25 after closing yesterday at 4.13 percent (the 2-year is up to 4.71) after the employment numbers.

Employment

“Freedom Mortgage is seeking the best Account Executives nationwide. We understand the best are not just product experts but, also relationship builders. We seek industry leaders. Freedom Mortgage Wholesale believes Account Executives are vital to our success. Freedom Mortgage has been creating success for 30 years. Our people and processes are time-tested giving us trusted stability, no matter market conditions. Our deep roots throughout the mortgage industry provide confidence for the future. Freedom Mortgage is 4EVER Wholesale. Join our strong group of Account Executives who average 15 years in industry and 10+ years at Freedom Mortgage. If you are the best and want to work with a financially stable company to build your future, contact us.”

Newrez Wholesale is thrilled to announce the appointment of Divisional Vice President John McElhone to the Inaugural Corporate Board of Directors for NAMB (National Association of Mortgage Brokers®). “For 50 years NAMB has been the leading voice for the mortgage industry, and I am proud of the organization for creating its corporate board of governors as it will increase NAMB’s impact on the industry,” said McElhone. “Thank you to NAMB for inviting me to join the board and I am eager to bring my decades of experience I’ve obtained in my professional career to each and every day.” Way to go, John! Learn more about the new corporate board.

“Are you a go-getter who embraces hustle and strives for growth? Are you passionate about helping others on the path to success? If you answered yes, we want you! Kind Lending is seeking knowledgeable Wholesale Account Executives with experience in the mortgage lending space. As one of the fastest growing mortgage lenders in the country, we’re building an upbeat and collaborative team that strives to put people first in everything we do, infusing happiness around every corner. Our people believe kindness matters and a client’s positive experience is everything. Join the #kindmovemovement and come grow your business with an expanded product offering and best in class operational experience! Contact: Delfino Aguilar, SVP TPO Production, 619.726.0377.”

JMAC Lending, an industry-leading TPO lender for more than 25 years, has hired Eric Yang as Executive Vice-President of TPO Sales. Formerly VP of TPO Sales at Pennymac, Yang will lead JMAC’s team of Account Executives for both wholesale and correspondent. “Eric’s business approach aligns with our company mission and values: trust, teamwork and integrity,” JMAC Lending’s President Christina Pham said. “We are excited to have Eric lead our growing sales team, where we will continue to provide excellent support to our lender partners, especially in this unique market environment.” “Eric can navigate complex market landscapes and deliver results,” Pham says. “He has a deep understanding of the industry, and we are confident that his expertise will elevate our sales operations.” Start lending with JMAC today! Click here join JMAC and sign up for marketing and rates, or contact sales. Let’s grow your business and fund more loans in 2024.

Thank you to Julie Cooper who reminded me that, in the Northwest, “State Departments of Commerce Housing Divisions or Housing Departments are hiring folks versed in mortgage, title, escrow and real estate. County and Municipal Departments of Community Development and non-profit housing developers in Washington State are hiring in record numbers, as well, developing affordable multifamily, single-family housing for ownership and rental. Julie observed, “I think one way forward for our industry is private/public partnership. These developments, acquisition and construction projects need mortgage companies to help with homeownership, especially those who can do community land trusts and every transaction needs a title insurance policy and escrow provider. Ultimately, we are all stakeholders in housing and it’s really cool to be part of these innovative programs.”

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

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

There’s no universally right or wrong way to dress for an interview. It’s all about wearing crisp, clean clothing that matches the employer’s dress code and expectations, experts say.

Below, we’ll discuss how to pick your interview attire, the different types of professional dress codes and what to avoid wearing to an interview.

What to wear to an interview

Check the company’s dress code when deciding what to wear to an interview, recommends Purdue Global, an online university in the Purdue University system.

Look for photos of employees, either in the office or in a company photo, on the company’s website or LinkedIn page. Note how they’re dressed and whether they’re posing formally or casually.

Unless its employees wear a uniform, most companies adhere to one of these three dress codes: smart casual, business casual or business professional.

Consider the industry you’re interviewing in. Companies in law, finance or politics tend to adhere to more traditional dress codes. Tech or media companies tend to have more casual dress codes.

If you’re interviewing for a job that would require a uniform, including in a retail, restaurant, gym or medical setting, opt for business casual for those job interviews, recommends Coursera, a company that hosts open courses from universities and organizations online.

Dress for a position one level higher than the job you’re interviewing for, experts recommend. So, if most employees wear chinos and a casual button-down shirt, for example, go for slacks, a tucked-in shirt and a blazer.

Ask your interviewer about the company’s dress code if you’re still unsure of what to wear. If you’re working with a recruiter, you can plainly ask for advice on what to wear to an interview.

If you’d be asking the company’s hiring manager, consider asking, “How do employees dress in the office?” or “What kind of clothing is appropriate for this workplace?”

What is a smart casual dress code?

Smart casual is the most informal of the three professional dress codes. It emerged in recent years as more companies loosened their dress codes, per the Society for Human Resource Management.

Smart casual is relaxed but polished. You could wear trendier clothing and accessories from your personal wardrobe as long as they’re fit for a professional environment.

Companies in newer or creative industries — such as tech, media or advertising — may adhere to this dress code. Examples of smart casual workwear include:

  • Well-fitting pants — chinos, pleated pants or linen pants.

  • Dark blue or black jeans.

  • Sweaters, henleys, button-up shirts, or trendy blouses.

  • Loafers, flats or clean tennis shoes.

  • A clean, ironed T-shirt under a blazer.

  • Solid colors or stylish patterns.

What is a business casual dress code?

Business casual is more formal and conservative than smart casual but still doesn’t require you to wear a full suit.

Businesses across many different industries adhere to this dress code. It’s a popular dress code among employers and is considered appropriate for job fairs, networking events or professional meetings.

Business casual workwear can look like:

  • Chinos, khakis or dress pants and a belt. 

  • A clean button-up, dress shirt, formal blouse or tucked-in polo shirt.

  • Closed-toe shoes, like Oxfords, brogues, loafers or flats.

  • A blazer. 

  • Solid, neutral colors with minimal patterns.

What is a business professional dress code?

Business professional is the dressiest of the professional dress codes.

Older, more traditional industries — such as law, finance, professional services or politics — tend to adopt a business professional dress code. Executives and other high-ranking employees may also adhere to this dress code.

Some examples of business professional workwear include:

  • A suit and dress shirt.

  • Tailored pants, a dress shirt and a tie.

  • A dressy business skirt and formal blouse.

  • Heels, dress shoes or formal loafers.

  • Conservative, non-distracting jewelry and accessories.

  • Dark, solid colors, such as blue, black or gray. 

What not to wear to an interview

Unless you’re interviewing at a beachside surf shop, avoid these items of clothing, according to Zippia, an online recruiting and careers platform:

  • Graphic T-shirts. 

  • Casual sandals or flip flops.

  • Tank tops or sleeveless shirts.

  • Athleisure, sweats or pajamas.

  • Ripped jeans or pants.

The quality of your clothing is also important. Don’t wear items that:

  • Are stained or soiled.

  • Have holes or tears. 

  • Are unwashed or dirty. 

  • Are visibly old, faded or worn.

Outside of your clothing, pay close attention to your personal grooming. Career experts recommend you run through this checklist list before you leave for the interview:

  • Hair is brushed or neatly combed and styled.

  • Fingernails are clean.

  • Deodorant has been applied. 

  • Shoes are clean and free of mud or dirt.

One more tip

It’s important to wear clothing that aligns with the employer’s dress code, but that’s not the only thing that matters.

What you wear can help you feel comfortable and confident. And wearing clothing that shows off your personality can help people at the company get to know you.

So, if you feel a yellow blouse mirrors your sunny disposition, go for a shade that’s cheery but not neon. Striking that right balance can be tricky but it’s worth the effort. It’s like the old saying goes: look good, feel good.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Hear how to convert more contacts into clients on today’s Real Estate Rockstars with Eric Perez! Eric is the COO of a top real estate team and has identified what matters most when it comes to boosting conversion rate. In addition to sharing these metrics with listeners, Eric outlines strategies for improving each and every one of them. Plus, he offers recommendations for CRMs, content-creation tools, and more. Don’t miss it!

Listen to today’s show and learn:

  • “Big ticket syndrome” and measuring agent efficiency [3:08]
  • Focusing on the metric that matters most: conversion [5:16]
  • How to start tracking your conversion rate [7:11]
  • The best time to connect with potential clients [9:50]
  • Tips for increasing your talk time with prospects [12:23]
  • Leading with value [16:52]
  • Average contacts per closed deal in 2023 [18:38]
  • CRM recommendations [22:00]
  • The consumer journey [23:28]
  • AI tools for help with content creation [29:58]
  • Where to find virtual assistants [31:43]
  • What you must do as a team leader [36:07]
  • The type of person best suited for a real estate career [40:22]
  • Where to find and follow Eric Perez [44:58]

Eric Perez

Eric Perez is a seasoned professional in the realm of business operations, currently holding the position of Chief Operations Officer for the Figueroa Team. His academic journey took root in the field of computer science at the University of Central Florida, where he honed his expertise in understanding the intricate interplay between data analytics and agent behavior within the dynamic landscape of hospitality enterprises.

Eric’s academic pursuits culminated in a specialized focus on the impact of agent behavior on sales performance, shedding light on the pivotal role that finely tuned operational strategies play in achieving sustained success.

Beyond the office setting, Eric’s dedication to excellence finds expression in his passion for jiu jitsu. In his leisure moments, he invests his time in mastering this intricate martial art, showcasing a commitment to discipline and continuous improvement that seamlessly aligns with his professional ethos.

In addition to his professional and athletic pursuits, Eric finds solace and joy in the companionship of his Siberian companion, Leonidas. This bond symbolizes his appreciation for loyalty, companionship, and the balance that life’s multifaceted journey demands.

With a blend of strategic acumen, a thirst for mastery, and a penchant for cultivating meaningful connections, Eric Perez exemplifies the convergence of dedication and proficiency in both the corporate and personal spheres of life.

Related Links and Resources:

It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.

-Aaron Amuchastegui

Source: realestaterockstarsnetwork.com