January MSHL Newsletter

M IN STREET JANUARY 2024

In Case You Missed It Stay In the know

Holidays & Events You’ll want to mark your calendar!

A Few Reasons To Celebrate Birthdays & Work Anniversaries

Marketing Updates Main Street’s Finest Circle of Excellence and current Great 8 Qualifiers

Health & Wellness Facts & Recipe Highlights

MSHL | ISSUE 1

Mandatory ECOA Training Due 2/5 The mandatory Equal Credit Opportunity training must be completed by February 5, 2024. Training has been assigned to you in Paycom. Overdue trainings will result in system suspension.

The training is mandatory for all Sales and Processing positions

COMING SOON...

CHEERS TO 5 YEARS!

2024 is a special year for Main Street Home Loans, and we are so excited to celebrate with you. Throughout the year we will be celebrating 5 years of Main Street with fun swag, events and more!

As you may have followed in recent industry headlines, there have been significant pricing increases in credit services from FICO and the Bureaus for 2024. As a result, NFM has renegotiated the CIC contract with new pricing effective January 2nd, 2024.

Summary of changes: The cost of the closed loan bundle, which includes the single-bureau soft pull, tri-merge report, credit supplements, and UDN, will increase to $160.

The amount disclosed on the Loan Estimate will be updated to $175 to capture any additional acceptable fees incurred.

At the time of closing, the actual cost of the credit invoice will be reconciled on the Closing Disclosure (e.g., if no additional fees, the CD will reflect $160).

What-If / WayFinder continue to be included in our pricing – no additional costs for these services Exciting New Features Include: Single-bureau Soft Pulls are now included in the pricing; a soft pull report can be ordered from a single bureau at no additional cost!

Unlimited Supplementals! Rush fees still apply.

In addition to the increases in credit services, there are also annual increases in the Verification of Income and Employment Reports that will also be effective January 2nd. Specifically, The Work Number (TWN) reports will increase to $59.95 per report (TWN continues the 36month lookback - if there are multiple employers within 36 months, the cost will include an additional $59.95) Experian Verify Reports will increase to $49.00 per report

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Happy Birthday 01/04 - Laci Cummings 01/04 - Ramon Feliz 01/05 - Rachel Fontz 01/09 - Caren Keyes 01/12 - Paul Nagel 01/13 - Val Zaverucha

01/14 - Jennifer Wells 01/22 - Andrea Denault 01/22 - Joseph Travers 01/31 - Jay Stout

Happy Anniversary Karen Dulmage Kari Story Nathan Hartseil Brad Austin Michelle Roman

*Please note- store credits issued for birthdays expire each year so be sure to take advantage of them yearly!

MARKETING UPDATES Joy is out of office until Jan 13th, but be sure to wish her a big congrats on her engagement (in Japan!) when she returns!

Help @mainstreethomeloans get to 1000 followers on Tiktok! We’re currently at 904.

Be sure to engage with our posts after following! Be sure to tag @mainstreethomeloans on Tiktok/IG for us to follow you, repost your videos, and increase engagement.

Customizable Maple Cutting Board for Real Estate Agents and Homebuyers Personalize your cutting board with either your client's last name and home buying state or the state and last name of your real estate partner. LO information will be engraved on the back. This versatile board is perfect for display, serving charcuterie, or simply cutting food.

Special Holiday Discount: 15% off on All Orders Placed by January 31, 2024 Take advantage of our holiday sale! Get 15% off on all orders placed till January 31, 2024, with the promo code coupon code. Don't miss out on this fantastic deal! www.thesourcinggroup.com/mshl

ENCOURAGING IDEA SHARING: SUBMIT A WRIKE REQUEST WITH YOUR WITH A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WHAT YOU NEED HELP WITH.

CULTURE CORNER It was in 1903 that just over 100 Koreans first arrived in the United States. That number quickly grew and within two years a further 7,500 Korean immigrants had made the same journey. In the years that have passed, Korean-Americans have made a valuable contribution towards society, and it’s on Korean American day that we honor and celebrate their contribution.

There has been a lot to celebrate for Korean Americans over the past century or so. Sammy Lee was a two-time Olympic gold medalist in diving, Wendy Gramm served as U.S Commodity Futures Trading Commission chair under Presidents Reagan and Bush, David Hyun was the architect who revitalized Little Tokyo in LA, and Hines Ward Jr played for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As well as the impact of individuals, Korean culture, in general, has left a sizable footprint in the U.S. Korean food has become incredibly popular, and going for bibimbap with a side of kimchi is now commonplace, as is listening to a few K-Pop tunes on the drive home. Among the more Korean Americans In 2005, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed the resolution to consent for what Korean American Day stands for and its aspirations. Korean American Day is now enjoyed each year on January 13, which is the perfect excuse to snack on some kimchi.

2023 CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE Congraulations to our 2023 Circle of Excellence Honorees!

KAREN DULMAGE

DARRAN ANTHONY

DEREK EVANS

ASHBURN, VA

RICHMOND, VA

PINEHURST, NC

NEIL BOURDELAISE

KYNDLE QUINONES

SAL SAVASTANO

DEL RAY, FL

SEVERNA PARK, MD

WARWICK, RI

CLAY CARROLL

JON WALD

JOHN SAVASTANO

RICHMOND, VA

TIMONIUM, MD

WARWICK, RI

*in the event of a tie on the final standings for units, the LO with the largest volume closed will win

TESTIMONIAL HIGHLIGHT Jennifer Richetelli, Warwick, RI She went above and beyond what she was required to do with every step. This was my first home and at 55 and alone, this is a scary experience and I knew nothing. Thank you, Jen, for answering every call and text quickly, happily, and never once making me feel like a bother. Thank you for explaining every step and for getting just as excited with me as I was during this process. You allowed me to enjoy every minute of the experience! Thank you, again!

-Lisa, Lendaid

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Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month takes place throughout January. We’ve all dreamt of hitting the slopes like pros at some point. But it may have never happened. Sometimes, life gets in the way (too expensive, too much planning). The fear of winter sports can be terrifyingly real, too. And of course, there’s always the niggling matter of embarrassment (am I too old to try?). We automatically assume people will make fun of us.

The snow sports industry wants to help people overcome these challenges. All of January, different ski resorts around the country offer beginners the chance to take that first step. The idea is to experience the magic of winter sports in a fun and safe environment. If you’ve ever considered learning snowboarding or skiing but didn’t know where to start, this is the month to take the first step. Ski resorts around the country typically come on board. They offer special packages that make it easy and affordable for beginners.

Plus, there’s no place for judgment here. From first-timers to anyone looking to improve their skills — learn in a supportive and comfortable environment. The idea is for everyone to love these sports. Maybe people will love their first experience enough to make it a lifelong activity. Who knows.

January is the perfect month to start. It’s the beginning of winter sports season, which means ample time for everyone to practice or take on new lessons.

For perspective, picture an entire month of fun and learning outdoors. Challenging yourself in the new year, making new friends — now that’s what new beginnings are all about. Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month can completely transform our outlook on winter. Those days of winter dread may soon be things of the past.

Financial Wellness Month Financial Wellness Month is observed throughout January and was created to remind us to pay closer attention to our financial wellbeing. It comes right after the hustle, bustle, and spending that comes with the holiday season, to help us slow down and prepare our finances for the new year and our lives as a whole.

Your financial health is just as important as your physical + mental health! Take this month to prioritize budgeting and focus on financial stability to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Three essential steps to take now as we approach the upcoming spring season.

Review these tasks in March and make adjustments as needed: 1. Create a financial plan.

2. Set up a budget.

3. Evaluate your credit report.

MAIN STREET KITCHEN & BAR Oh soup, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways – chunky, clear, creamy, low-fat, with a dash of spice, or naturally sweet, served hot, sometimes cold. Oh, there are a million ways to enjoy soup! And now there is another reason to do so. January is National Soup Month.

Perfect isn’t it because nothing drives away those chilly winter blues like a hot bowl of your favorite soup. And it’s nutritious too! So, go ahead indulge and get souped-up this month and start by trying this recipe out:

AVGOLEMONO Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Serves: 4-5 | Time: ~ 35 minutes | Scan here for more information/video aid Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 white onion, diced 2 garlic gloves, sliced 1 large carrot, diced 1L 350ml good quality chicken broth 2 bay leaves Zest of 1/2 lemon 1 tsp black pepper 1 cup long grain rice, rinse first Juice of 1-2 lemons 2 eggs, white separated from yolk 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Directions: 1. Add the olive oil to a large pot on a medium heat followed by the onions and soften for 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and the carrots and saute for about 5 minutes.

2. Increase the heat and add the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer. Then reduce the heat back to medium.

3.Add the rice, bay leaves, lemon zest, salt and plenty of pepper. Give everything a stir and cover. Let the rice for about 8-10 minutes or until tender.

4. Make the egg mixture by whisking the egg whites until foamy. Then whisk in the yolks followed by the lemon juice.

5. Slowly whisk in 3 large spoonfuls of the broth into the egg mixture (make sure the broth isn’t boiling hot at this point). This will help bring it to temperature.

6. Stir the egg mixture into the pot when the rice is almost cooked and cook over a low heat, stirring constantly. Add the chicken and warm through for a couple of minutes until you reach the desired temperature. Do not simmer or bring to a boil as the soup may curdle.

7. Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, lots of black pepper and fresh dill (optional)

MAIN STREET KITCHEN & BAR Do you crave festive cocktails? Do you need to be warmed up? Then you’ll want to celebrate National Hot Toddy Day on January 11. The warm drink is created in a kettle with various kinds of alcohol (usually rum, brandy, or whiskey), along with honey, lemon, water, and a cinnamon stick. It’s best enjoyed by the fire — preferably with snow falling outside. This toasty drink is even rumored to relieve cold and flu symptoms, but we’ll leave that part up to you.

5 Type of Hot Toddies 1. Hot Scotch Toddy Switch out the traditional liquors with Scotch, but be warned — it's strong!

2. Hot Apple Toddy Mix the alcohol of your choice with some apple cider — we recommend whiskey.

3. Hot Ginger Toddy Mix the typical ingredients with some ginger-flavored liquor like Domane de Canton.

4. Hot Cinnamon Apple Toddy This just says cozy. Combine cinnamon schnapps with hot apple cider and cuddle up.

5. Hot Buttered Toddy For one of the most lavish versions of the hot toddy, combine the usual ingredients with a few tablespoons of butter. That's smooth.

DRY JANUARY? NO WORRIES! Did you know tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world? There are over 1,000 flavors. Hot Tea has influenced different countries’ cuisine for hundreds of years. Tea even plays a part in many countries culture and their representation on what is the best way to serve tea. Whether you follow the brewing traditions of the English or Chinese Customs, or you only microwave your tea, National Hot Tea Month is best celebrated with a cup.

Trivia: What is NOT a holiday this month? a. World Introvert Day b. National Hot Toddy Day c. National Orange Juice Day d. Data Privacy Day Win a prize by being the first to respond with your answer to marketing@mainstreethl.com!