NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE 12-10-18

NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE EDITION

TRY vs.

DO

TOP MORTGAGE LENDERS

How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions and Up Your Productivity

TERRY KRAVARIS MICHAEL CIORROCCO DANIELLE DAMIANOV JIM MARTIN ANTHONY PIPITONE JASON M. RUEDY JEREMY WORMLEY

COVER STORY

Andy Elder

NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE EDITION

MICHAEL CIORROCCO TERRY KRAVARIS

employees or the Realtors® that we work 20 helping people betwith, I just really enjoy ter themselves and their careers. go Senior Loan Officer, DanielleIf you Damianov la about life that way, helping other people, career in the world o Terry Kravaris leads a team everything works out better general.” and in lending more tha with Movement Mortgage years ago. Back in 200 in Philadelphia andHis is drive to help extends to the community the move from her nativ licensed in Pennsylvania, “My philosophy is based on helping people,” as well. “Our favorite organization to help and is beg setts to Florida, he says. “We really focus on that; we make called Believe in Tomorrowasina Ocean City,Broke New Jersey and Delaware.

Mortgage sure people know that when you get a mortMaryland. They have five facilities that to proshe decided move t gage or a homeANTHONY loan, it goes beyond just going vide beach getaways and mountain escapes area, where she opened PIPITONE JIM MARTIN ANDY DAMIANOV TERRY KRAVARIS to ELDER a computer and plug in your information MICHAEL CIORROCCO thatDANIELLE bring comfort and hopebrokerage to children andbatmortgage After workingworks for nine out. years as a litigation attoreducating customers of the tling nuances of the Anthony Pipitone his hoping longM. experiThat and isInand part ofhiswhat drives Anthony’s everything We make life-threatening illnesses.” he mastered says. And a collaborative effort business, I have truly ma did and Jason Ruedy become one become oneFor of the mostHow require deep knowledge of theaindustry. fact, Determined, hardworking knowledgeAfterwards, clien lending process. ney in NewaYork, Terry Kravaris wanted fresh mortgage ence in the mortgage industry especially incredible repeat and referral business.

“I 23lenders 24 27 31 suretrusted we keep the human touch, and that’s what Nations he manages to combine one of his recreational passions husband.

In 2008, Danielle was compelled her to start when he there moved backonly home38 to Philadelphia. n mortgage professionalsof the most currently are people in the country Jeremy Wormley istake ana experienced time togethe profession.

To stay intheir touch with pas intheable, Colorado?

“I say customer to approach “At that time, housing element crisis started in recovering, during the collapse hasabout: profoundly would about 60service-oriented percent ofapproach my past holistic to her work in response to the do is -all keeping the human the process of with his passion for service.

“We also like to participate 1987, Jim worked for 2008 a that hold both designations as Jim does.

In 2018, everyone through the process,” Terry says. and I thought it’d beindustry a good time toloan get started as a walking mortgage officer with Supreme “Jeremy was vert clients, Jason sends direct mailher Jason started inthe thebusimortgage his philosophy borrowers I’ve withandtwo, three nk. “During impacted management Jimofficer wasand named a Five Starbuyer’s Lender by “Buying Five Star she went full time into honing homeonloans.” inbegolf tournaments to raise money for real localestate, schools and a house worked can burdensome intimidating loan help first time home naviLending in Texas, focusing entire process. times, buthe withtells the right guidance, it can“We be a great gate the newly highly mortgage process,” through eachness. department Professional, anregulated independent organization that Seeing how the times atover,” Top Agent. arefor keep them apprised ofthe the services h when he commission-based, was only 23-years old after a Colleyville, skillset the next six years.

Two years ago, sh charities!” he explains. Today, he is a Senior Loan Officer with experience.” One-way Terry ensures the process is predominantly on the Fort Worth region. of things. he did ot to the mortgage departconducts market research to define and promote fee-orientedfriend natureencouraged ofBymost mortgage discount mortgage so obviher first love of mortgages and hasservices, sinceIfbuilt up — keeping theMovement human element Michael andofa his team smooth is by educating hiscompany, customer on what to expect Mortgage, LLC, and has a team his provides.

To market his h him to join the busiy comfortable and veryhad caused so professional excellence. own, including Jeremy a loan officer assistant and aously from time thathelp they theare mortgage process leads a team of people who get our questions, he companies muchemployees chaos and our the rates and ourbegin fees the track record, her reputation twenty in three branches — can propersonalize When he’s notalways supporting his fortifying team, his community andfor hisrespon so appears on television to share hi cessor. Licensed inindustry, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and until the day they will close on their new home, often ness. with 25 years in the into houses pain, and helping he knew it wasNow time for mortgages to lowest.

That’s part of why we get so many tion-oriented, and personalized client care. their clients towards their goals of homevery promptly. loans for each client. don’t somebody a loan customers, to spend time with his family… If Delaware,“We although most just of theirput business is in Phil- in there are no surprises along the way.Michael Throughout likes the sible for them!” he says.Jason Over county 80%The of clients are first-time homehe it’s keeps not in touch with all parties - includadelphia andJim’s the surrounding areas, The process, expertise with clients Realto his own company, Home be approached withhas a new attitude. referrals, but the only reason.

We to fit our needs,” Michael explains.

“We really a look and support them as well! “My wifeboth happens be and a Realownership.

“We’re a take direct lender, we offer heto would do his b gage industry ever since. buyers.

Passionate about helping to title ing the agents, companies, and attorneys - and Kravaris Lending Team has worked with buyers clients ®with customers are all hands on deck from Based in Estero, Florida, Danielle caters to clie partners.

Loan Arranger, a boutique mortgage as well,” he says.

“I always enjoy helping her advance at everything that’s going on with our customer, and not tor keeps them updated on all developments.

“I am very across New Jersey from Bergen County to Atlantic every loanofthat’s bank The application p m is a Branch Manager achieve their dream homeavailable ownership,including he upfront, involved andend. honest, whether not itthe is only good County.

“Five years ago I decided open up to mythe specific transaction they’re the beginning to the They’re region under the of Movement Mort her career and helping her market herbanner business.” just to inin regards at, gage, a national mortgagelender based attends most closings, which are joyful time statement loans andalooking loans for first time the approval was Denver.

He works as a news or bad news - keeping everyone in the loop own mortgage company, getting the discount aspect, they’re also spearheads her work with the support of fu JIM but MARTIN JASON M.process RUEDY JEREMY WORMLEY ANTHONY PIPITONE in Rockbottom general at finances and their life make sureso throughout the makes for a smoothshe and easy Terry serves all types clients, from investors to totheir celebrate.

“Toof go there and seeto my clients home buyers,” Jeremy explains.

Around wasprocessor, very What’s Jason’s favorite part profess of th soloa agent with the support of four assisMortgage, with uniquethat business model,” getting the customer service aspect.

People first time homebuyers.

He particularly enjoys the transaction.

Building trust with clients andofficer real estate assistant full-time excited get product intohome their firstachieve house Michaeleveryone and informed Nation’s Lendingand area looking towards theensuri we put them in thetobest available to—that them.really We stems from keeping and thrill of helping 95 first time buyers their partners percent of Jeremy’s clients come from In addition to fin Anthony “MyHe philosophy on origiare very comfortable with working with us of a transaction progress smoothly, from start to job?

“I love helping people get tants. offers a wide variety of loans Mortgage, Jim is ablesays. to provide his keeps me motivated!”

Jim also provides financing options for future with- that optimism. make sure it fitsgoaltheir needs andwho their homelarger ownership.

No matter he isentire work- life.” involved throughout the process is the key to “The market has been shifting and int agent referrals, which he attributes to the we have found a nating mortgages different, and I’mingclients. more because we walk sustaining thembusithrough entire process.

We any type ofthe business relationship.” with, hisoriented number one priority is customer service nationwide direct lender, she offers access to a d e array of solutions to including client’sisneeds commercial “A lot of clients are establishing a lot of companies are laying off, but been rate their dreampeople home, get we’ve a better Conventional, FHA, VA, sacrifice one for the other; towards customer service, low rates, and low fees aslike we are committed to priority he places onwhole relationship Jeremy!”

Anothe ofof products—from standard Fannie Mae and F e loan programs fora straightforward nesses or starting topeople expand,” hedon’t explains.

“To be ablepoint to go building. growing in terms employees, loan officers and branches,” For Michael helping that is the Copyright Top Agent Magazine or lower payments!” programs, he says. As To giv bank statement loans, opposed to Jumbo, commissions ontosales.” offering not the lowest also the to bank loans for those looking to purchase their business—be it anNo-Doc, ice cream or aonly trucking busi- rates and fees but options, excellent. he tells Top Agent. “We’ve been statement adding loan officers renovatio and soon of getting up in the morning.

“The store biggest thing that I ent Mortgages (EEMs)4) toand improve effiness—and see them fulfilling their dream is veryservice.” gratifying.” best customer other specialty offerings.

Likewise, has t back toYOUR theregion community, donate B paper loans who 22) MAKE TRY VS. “I really cultivate relationship with theTO we Jason were looking employees in the Mid-Atlantic especially.

WeDanielle intend look DO forwardfor to individuals everyday is helping otherthe people,” he HOW mes, and lowAnthony down-payment first-time keeps those rates and fees low by staying of her reputation on her ability to creatively generously toyears.” nonprofits that suppor struggle with lower credit scores. agent, it’s not aa member transactional relationship.

I truly tofor many us qualified for a specific typepro to continue that want growth explains.

“Whether that be the buyers work with, our COMMUTE . Through Movement, is aable To give to the community, Jim iswe of the Mt small. “WeJim have teamtoof just threeback people,” he says.

When he’s not getting his clients into PRODUCTIVE new loans homes, that haven’t yet found success. “Loan rescue know hethat person andto help them grow their business,” we Danielle didn’t qualify, that did underserved children andbuthelp “Up-front Underwrite” that gives his Lebanon Lionsour Club where helps with fundraisers for children’s “That’s part of the business model: keep overhead Anthony likes support charities like St.to fame,” claims says. “Client servicegiv has 13) HOW TO CUT DOWN ON dge when bidding on a home purchase. people with vision impairment and blindness.

He’s an assishe explains.

“I try to dissect and adapt to what they calling to see if they were as low as possible.

That way can pass on that Jude’s Children’s Hospital, autism charities extremely as well aimportant them better to education andcorewilli tool Dedicated toweeducating hissav- clients me and it’s at the of w tant Scout Leaderasfor his son’s Boy Scoutthan troop, the spends Chair oftime 25) 5himself MORNING HABITS TO DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS want.”

Rather acquainting His response was almo ings to our customers; we do high volume opposed as PETA. He also with hiswith wifehundreds and my kids, job to get tion. it done, while keepingtime clients informe of the loan application his business comes fromthroughout repeat clients each the Mtstep Lebanon Historic Preservation Board, process, and sings with they need to succeed. In his free time, Jason loves t to high margins.” sometimes serenading them with music.

“I play the MAKE SUPER AND UP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY of his agents, he focuses on a select groupYOUR of them, DAY sothe heprocess. can time we contacted Some p Clients remember that him. kind of person t clients, credit unions, attorneys, real- his church’s choir. He and Movement transaction.

Mortgage team also spend time with his wife and three children, trave Jason works hard to achieve a seamless banjo,” tellseach Topthem Agent.

“It’stheir my little hobby.” love workingsignatures with us, and coming back.” better focus onhehelping with business growth andkeep he always came PRODUCTIVE s, other banks and other loan officers. volunteer with a different nonprofit organization month.

Many of Anthony his clients use as ski a lender again run, that collect classics cars, and box attheof amarketplace local boxin volume, sure Jim totobring also differentiated herself as andahim “Icamp. just have we get along asked him ainton questions, ana professionalsEven eagerat tohigh refer clients to In hismakes freereturn time, loves tomarketing. travel, and “I enjoyagents 18) 3 MENTAL TRICKS THAT personal touch to each loan.

“Everybody’s situation’s a Growth is in the future for Rockbottom Mortgage… nuanced experience closing condo loans, with ao Recently, he received hishe license theout. state and again. “I’ve done two, three, four, loans t I’m responsive, very knowledgeable, having the opportunity to see whatIeven the restfive of the worldbonds.” is gym. with, and cultivate those Most of the agents answer would in find Abov little different,” he says.”Even with a conventional but careful growth.

“I have to find the right people with that places her at #14 companywide for condo loan experience for mybitclients.”

They also like,” he says.

28)to California.

WHEN IT’S FOR A he gotheto says WILL TAKE YOUR “I’m expanding West!” hi for some of my clients.BUSINESS I retain many of my clients,” Jeremy knows him other agents, andTIME that’s friendly, knowwith us as pe mortgage, situation the right introduce mindset,” he says. “Because we sacrifice a litwhile she has earned the impressive #2 spot regio corporates education intoevery his process so is different. Somebody may HOME OFFICE TO THE NEXT LEVEL how he continues to grow.

“I always ask them to coffee go you couldn’t ask for a better he explains.

Jason’s customers keep coming back smile. For the future, he hopes to conp self employed, somebody have asset issues, tle bittoofexpand income order to characteristic provide a better mortgage. just getting abemortgage, but also inforFormay the future, he’d love to continue hisinand business or lunch, and get to know as a expanding person and learn move again he and willspecialized be our len somebody may have credit issues.

It’s fun to solve that That means we make up intinue volume, so I need people m to become more informed consumers. so that he’s consistently helping or more families a month, Furthermore, she bringsand a unique referring their friends and family to20 him because ofitthem to otherto states, helping people tl ional designations from Nationaland grow his team, his team members sotheir they have problem for the the person put them in theand bestmentor mortwho work harder but are also dedicated to maintaining howmore they orchestrate businesses.” rience to her role, drawing upon her professional For information about Michael Ciorrocco , achieve the dream of home ownership, regardless o hisa experience and service-oriented the excellent service helevel provides. gage Professionals—he’s Certified thriving, careers.

Now those are of worthy goals service.” gage possible.” my high customer as a real estate agent.Jeremy “Havinglooks been an agent forthy When towards check him out on Facebook, visit his website at nationslending.com/michael-ciorrocco, and a Certified Residential Mortgage and ones will benefit both histhat clients and receive the economic past financial mistakes or credit.

Now that’s “They appreciate thethatlevel of When service they exactly what self my poor clients and agent referral it comes to the transactional side, Jeremy stays in continuing to grow andpartne hel ignations are difficult to acquire growth andhim of his community! or email him at michael.ciorrocco@nationslending.com call at of 443-235-9283 Phone |have Fax 310-751-7068 through on a daily basis,” Danielle says.

“Iclient was i and 888-461-3930 the and knowledge I stability the mortgage industry,” worthy goal and one that will surely benefit his touch constantly both with his clients and their agent. agents. It is something he will and I understand sides of the transaction. Be he says.To“With plusabout years in the economy hisboth community!

“I’m literally by mortgage my Pipitone, phone 24/7,and so ifhelp theythe want to call, oflove most is the reward at the en mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com find my out 20 more Anthony experience, I’m also able to helpMagazine newer agents a Copyright Top Agent ore about Jim Martin CMC, CRMS, Branch Manager | NMLS text, email, I’m 145336, there,” he says. Jeremy also adapts to ent that you never thought could what loan products are out there for their clients.” email him at anthony@rockbottommortgage.com, No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher.

Top Agent Magazine via email at jim.martin@movement.com or by phone at (412) 418-1536. whichever form of communication the client’sofprefer. get them the closing table. service to clients and to industry colleagues alikeI is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions taken to all ensure the accuracy materials, call him at 847-305-1164, or visit his website at “I’ve even completed a are transaction through Facebookof published the world who does not quit, an can also check him out online at movement.com/Jim.Martin.

Top Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. To subscribe or change messenger.” happy my clients are in the end.” rockbottommortgage.com Third Floor, Suite 303, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania 15102 | PA-36406, FL-LO21900, VA-MLO-11730VA, NY | Movement Mortgage, LLC , address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. Published in the U.S. Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by PA # 34374, For Michael Ciorrocco it’s vital that the home loan process7 retain a personal, human 16 touch.

As a branch manager at Nation’s Lending, Michael sees it as his mission to assist and nurture not only his clients, but the agents with whom he works.

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DANIELLE D

JASON M. RUEDY JEREMY WORMLEY

CONTENTS

https://

www.

To find out more about Jason M. Ruedy

and VA # MC-5112, “Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Banking Dept” #B500997. Interest rates and products are subject to change or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement ed trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Rd, Indian Land, SC 29707

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email him at Jason@thehomeloanarranger.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine Top Agent Magazine| NMLS information about Jeremy Wormley or by phoneForatmore (303) 862-4742.

call 817-637-6973 or email Jeremy.Wormley@suprem

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mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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Try vs Do

By Barry Eisen

“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda (1977) The day is done. It seems you’ve done a million things. Everything went well. You had loads of energy and you’re stoked. Clients listened to you and acknowledged the clarity and wisdom of your suggestions. Your kids paid attention. Even the dog obeyed. Great feelings!

Dawns a new day... You wake up groggy, you become a magnet for clients’ frustrations, you feel invisible, the dog spits up on the thick white rug, an associate points out a huge stain on your shirt, a selling appointment cancels and it’s not even 10:00 AM. Know what you are? Normal. Look around and you will find a lot of normal. Stuff happens to us all. To some, who seem to attract more stuff than the rest (something to be said about selffulfilling prophecies) the distractions feel overwhelming and continuous.

Some try their best to turn the tide. Trying doesn’t work. Doing does.

Effort is appreciated, but accomplishment creates the lifestyle and is a lot more satisfying.

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We use the word often and teach our kids to try hard. Think of what the concept of “trying” implies. We are telling ourselves to make the effort.

But how often do we confuse effort and activity with accomplishment? Is it not our egos protecting ourselves from the perceived agony of failure by saying...you don’t have to do what it takes, just appreciate the effort.

It’s kinda like the controversy raging on today about all kids getting trophies for participating in a competition, even if they came in last place. Maybe rewards for the little ones keep them engaged, but the reality of life for most adults is about accomplishing, not efforting.

Some try their best to turn the tide. One of the surest ways to become a victim is to try.

Trying doesn’t When we commit to trying something and fall short work. Doing oftoadosuccess, we can always claim “ I tried.” Even in failure does. we can claim victory as we achieved what we committed to... I tried! Be careful of the words you use as they become converted into action. As in sports, good effort is appreciated, but the ones who want it more generally prevail. They call it Scoreboard.

The “doer” is the person who takes the bigger risk of making the extra effort. Without the risk to continue and create a victory, you create “normal.” It’s safe but unsatisfying. And worse yet, this settling for the lazy way out develops into whining, excuse making, low energy, irritability and much more. Do what’s right, not what’s easy. The best of your intentions won’t create a better relationship, clean up the planet or make you more money.

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7 DO’s to make a difference:

1 2

Leave every part of your day with a positive accomplishment (even a small one).

In every endeavor, act AS IF you were already successful and capable. Show yourself what you CAN DO.

3

Do what’s right, not what’s easy.

Read or listen to positive books or recordings at least 30 minutes each day-spend as much time with personal development as you do growing your business. Look for and apply the lessons that feel right.

4

Write out your to-do list every night before you go to sleep, whether you feel like it or not and prioritize it. Let it guide you to better decisions during your day.

5

Create a Value Added mindset that allows you to under promise and over deliver. That unexpected extra personal touch, that personalized attention, that piece of humanity, the extra door you knock, the thank you, please, your welcome can put you over the top. It is usually the little things that make a difference.

6

Develop strong enough “whys” and the “hows” answer themselves.

Dig deeper than just an amount of money. Money doesn’t motivate.

Figure out what moves you and your focus will become laser-like.

7

Follow through and do it not because you “have to,” but because you “get to.” Play, have fun, lighten up and shine.

Barry Eisen teaches personal development seminars and coaches Southern California top producing REALTORS®. “Your business will never grow more than you do” is the theme; self hypnosis and behavior modification are the tools for playing a bigger game. barryeisen.com, barryeisen@LA.twcbc.com Copyright©, 2016 Barry Eisen. All rights reserved.

818-769-4300

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Andy Elder

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Andy Elder is principal of Hyper local Boutique Elder Finance Group/First Securities Mortgage Services in Dearborn and Bingham Farms.

Though the mortgage industry is primarily a numbers game, top mortgage banker Andy Elder brings to table a warm, sincere and personal touch. Andy Elder is principal of Hyper local Boutique Elder Finance Group/First Securities Mortgage Services in Dearborn andBingham Farms. He is a licensed mortgage professional with nearly two decades of mortgage banking experience. He specializes in a variety of loan options including 8 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

conventional, Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA), Jumbo, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He also has extensive expertise in a full suite of construction products, purchase money second mortgages, and portfolio financing.

Andy, who has been in the mortgage business since 1995, currently works with an Top Agent Magazine

equally-dedicated team of talented, seasoned and dedicated loan professionals. Collectively, the group possess over sixty years of combined experience. A significant portion of Andy’s business comes from referrals and repeat customers, though a large and ever-growing portion also comes from those who find him online at andyelder.net. Andy’s primary sources of referrals are his long time Realtor partners, insurance agents, financial advisors and Certified Public Accountants.

“They are all excellent lead generators for us,” says Andy. “Many of my professional relationships span my entire career.”

er’s needs, among them conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans, as well as a full suite of construction products and portfolio financing + purchase money seconds mortgage loans.

“We also have several unique products,” says Andy, “including a two-months bank statement loan for self-employed folks, where basically no tax returns are needed. We’ll calculate income from the bank statements and tell our clients what they qualify for.”

This as well as other niche portfolio loan products have positioned First Securities as the hyper-local preferred lender in Southeast Michigan.

Andy and First Securities offer a wide variety of loan products designed to fit any consum-

There are many factors that come into play when assessing Andy’s continuing success

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“I was mortgage rate shopping, I contacted all the big box major banks and Andy Elder BEAT all of them.

Not only did he beat them on my interest rate, he also was able to provide me a lender credit in the amount of $3,000.00 to help me with my closing costs.

Andy Elder will be my family’s lender for LIFE.” —Testimonial story. Among them is his reciprocal approach to referrals. “It’s not just about me,” he says, “it’s about us.” Another would be his almost old-fashioned, highly personable way of doing business. “I think I’ve been successful because of the personal attention I give each customer,” he says. “I deal with them 10Copyright Top Agent Magazine

directly; I don’t pass them on to anyone else.

I handle their transaction from A to Z, and I’m available to them at anytime, even on Sundays if they need me.”

The glowing reviews Andy has received for his services are perhaps the best evidence Top Agent Magazine

of a job well done. Among the raves he has garnered is this one from a Realtor partner: “Working in the luxury real estate market demands professionalism, extensive knowledge of the market and exceptional service.

I partner myself with industry professionals that I know will deliver this service to my cliTop Agent Magazine

ents. Andy Elder is my top choice Lender who I trust and I know will deliver. Andy Elder always provides my clients with top service, confidentiality and places them in the best mortgage product to suit their needs.”

Another, from one of his buyers, reads: “I was mortgage rate shopping, I contacted all Copyright Top Agent Magazine11

the big box major banks and Andy Elder BEAT all of them. Not only did he beat them on my interest rate, he also was able to provide me a lender credit in the amount of $3,000.00 to help me with my closing costs. Andy Elder will be my family’s lender for LIFE.” When he’s not working, Andy is an avid runner who enjoys keeping himself healthy, though he sheepishly admits to enjoying the occasional cigar.

Looking to the future, Andy’s plan is to continue growing his business, while sacrificing none of the exceptional, highly-personal service that has become his stock in trade. “I love working with people,” he says. “It’s a personal challenge to me to make sure that whatever situation a client is in, that I make it fit in the right box and get them approved for a mortgage loan.” In the end, it’s not about me, it is about the consumer & their needs, it’s their transaction and my job is to ensure 110% satisfaction!

For more information about Andy Elder, please call 248-252-2595 or 313-289-4444 or email AElder@ElderFinanceGroup.com 12Copyright Top Agent Magazine

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How to Cut Down on Digital Distractions

and Up Your Productivity As a real estate professional, staying tethered to your phone and computer are likely par for the course. When your office is on-the-go and you’re fielding round-the-clock questions from clients, it’s only natural that you’ll be drawn to your phone for professional updates. From refreshing your inbox and engaging with clients on social media, to drafting email blasts and coordinating with colleagues by text message— Top Agent Magazine

it can feel impossible to untangle yourself from the worldwide web.

As a professional, you may not be able to withdraw from the digital world completely, but there are a few techniques you can use to limit your extraneous digital distractions and streamline the time you spend online. After all, it’s entirely common to faithfully begin one task and then

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get unexpectedly drawn down the digital rabbit hole. To save yourself time and virtual burnout, here are a few ways to unplug, recharge, and make the most of your time online and off.

Focus on one digital task at a time.

While multi-tasking may seem like a sound approach to productivity, this method usually results in surface-level progress across a few tasks, rather than reaching the finish line on any.

Instead of opening multiple tabs and trying to do it all at once, hone in on one digital task at a time. Have emails to return? Allocate an hour to work exclusively on this to-do list item. Need to post a new blog entry? Pencil in a dedicated half hour. If you focus on one task a time and exclusively devote your energy and productivity to it for a set period, you’ll make a far bigger dent in your list of duties for the day.

Give yourself a curfew.

In the real estate business, the hours may seem never-ending, but if you don’t want to slow your productivity with fatigue, you’ve got to set some boundaries. Try setting up a digital curfew for yourself and put your phone away after a certain hour. Devote an hour or two before bedtime to time away from your computer and your phone—read a book, prep your lunch for the next day, or try a round of mindful meditation. Carve out space and time to disconnect from your technology and stick to the habit. By morning, you’ll be refreshed and ready to dive back in.

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Mute social media notifications and create dedicated check-in times instead.

Instead of taking a reactionary approach to social media—waiting for the dings and pings that lure you back to your screen—try muting some of your social media alerts and instead dedicate three timed windows per day to check-in on your timelines and engagement. If you’re constantly interrupted at unexpected intervals when someone likes a post or leaves a comment, your whole workflow can be derailed. Instead, unchain yourself from the instant gratification of responding to every buzz and beep your phone emits. Systematize your professional social media life and you’ll stay organized and on task.

Keep your inbox organized.

While it may take some time and effort to create a sorting system for your email inbox, it can go a long way to limiting distractions and stress. Create folders and an organizational flow and every communication will have a place and a priority.

That way, when you open up your inbox and have to go digging for old emails or exchanges with past clients, you won’t have to waste time sorting or feel overwhelmed by the clutter. If everything has its place, you’ll have an unobstructed, streamlined canvass to conduct business from.

Digital distractions don’t have to derail your day or sap your productivity. Email, internet, social media—all are tools to be commanded. With the right planning, understanding, and consistent execution, you’ll be able to wield the power of each without the downside of distraction.

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TERRY KRAVARIS

Senior Loan Officer, Terry Kravaris leads a team with Movement Mortgage in Philadelphia and is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

After working for nine years as a litigation attorney in New York, Terry Kravaris wanted a fresh start when he moved back home to Philadelphia.

“At that time, the housing crisis started recovering, and I thought it’d be a good time to get started as a loan officer and help first time home buyer’s navigate the newly highly regulated mortgage process,” he explains. Today, he is a Senior Loan Officer with Movement Mortgage, LLC, and has a team of his own, including a loan officer assistant and a processor. Licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, although most of their business is in Philadelphia county and the surrounding areas, The Kravaris Lending Team has worked with buyers across New Jersey from Bergen County to Atlantic County.

Terry serves all types of clients, from investors to first time homebuyers. He particularly enjoys the thrill of helping first time home buyers achieve their goal home ownership. No matter who he is working with, his number one priority is customer service 16

and educating his customers of the nuances of the mortgage lending process.

“I take a customer service-oriented approach to walking everyone through the process,” Terry says.

“Buying a house can be burdensome and intimidating at times, but with the right guidance, it can be a great experience.” One-way Terry ensures the process is smooth is by educating his customer on what to expect from the time that they begin the mortgage process until the day they will close on their new home, so there are no surprises along the way. Throughout the process, he keeps in touch with all parties - including the agents, title companies, and attorneys - and keeps them updated on all developments. “I am very upfront, involved and honest, whether it is good news or bad news - keeping everyone in the loop throughout the process makes for a smooth and easy transaction. Building trust with clients and real estate partners stems from keeping everyone informed and involved throughout the process - that is the key to sustaining any type of business relationship.”

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Terry stays in touch even after the transaction through phone calls or face-to-face meetings. “I meet with clients, whether it’s a telephone conference or a face-to-face meeting, for annual reviews to learn their financial goals and determine how I can help them.” He also hosts client appreciation nights and communicates frequently with his real estate agent partners.

we looked at. He also offered us the most straightforward products (fixed rate), which was what we were really interested in. I really liked that he was interested in giving us the product/experience that we really wanted. I would highly recommend Terry to anyone out there looking to obtain a mortgage.”

Terry was also named a 2018 Five Star Mortgage Professional.

Going above and beyond expectations, it is no surprise that Terry was names a 2018 Five Star Mortgage Professional. Terry has also accumulated dozens of five-star reviews about his work. One recently said, “My wife and I were first time home buyers. We already had a couple of pre-approvals under our belt, and our real estate agent referred us to Terry. He helped us both through the entire application/underwriting process. Although my wife and I are very financially savvy, we still had our own questions/concerns that popped up while going through the process. Any time that we had questions or needed to chat, Terry would respond promptly via e-mail or reach out over the phone.

Terry had the best rate out of any of the options that

During any free time, Terry is giving back to the community through charity work, or spending time with his family. He is also an avid sports fan (Philly teams only - of course), loves to travel, and enjoys checking out the Philadelphia restaurant scene.

As he looks towards the future, he is eager to increase his marketing efforts and continue growing his business. He has seen his business grow 20 percent from last year, and plans on keeping that growth steady. especially In the meantime, he will undoubtedly enjoy every minute of his work. “I just love the interaction with people. My favorite part about this career is developing relationships with my clients and real estate agent partners.”

For more information about TERRY KRAVARIS, call 718 -288 -8454 (m) or email Terry.Kravaris@movement.com

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3 Mental Tricks That Will Take Your Business to the Next Level It’s no secret that running a successful business requires careful planning and a tireless work ethic.

Beyond those obvious ideals, it also takes the right mindset in order to capitalize on professional opportunity. In the world of real estate and mortgage lending, mental fortitude is a major component to reaching the next level and achieving longevity in a sector that requires so much self-discipline. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few key mental tricks you can employ to reinvigorate your working philosophy. Incorporate these techniques into your daily mindfulness routine and your business will surely benefit.

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Visualization helps you work efficiently and keep your cool.

This may sound like one of the oldest tricks in the book, but there’s a reason why Olympic athletes and those serving in first-responder positions use visualization as a time-honored mental technique.

Not only does visualizing your daily tasks help you organize your mind, but it amps up your ability to focus on what’s important. Visualization also helps reduce stress in the moment, since you’ve already created a mental expectation of the task ahead.

Whether you’re preparing for a negotiation or a pitch to new a client—visualization primes your brain and affords you an extra sense of control as you tackle your day.

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Distill concepts into their simplest terms for ultimate understanding.

As an agent or loan officer, you’re likely juggling numerous clients and commitments on any given day. That’s why it helps to distill your responsibil18

ities in clear, definitive terms. Let’s say you have a meeting set with a client to outline a marketing approach for their property. You may understand the broad strokes, but beforehand, try verbalizing the exact takeaways you’d like to impart to your client. This may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to clarify your communication and ensure your complete understanding of a subject is to explain it aloud in its simplest terms. This crystallizes your main point and can come in handy if you drift off-topic or need to double-down on your message.

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Accept that mistakes will be made.

While it’s natural to fear failure, sometimes the dread of making an error can overwhelm your ability to perform. As the saying goes: don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

If you accept in advance that set-backs will occur, challenges will come, and things won’t always go accordingly to plan—you’ll be less confounded when hurdles do arise. What matters is keeping an even keel as you sort through unexpected delays or mishaps. Accepting that mistakes will happen allows you to shift your focus towards a solution or contingency plan. In other words, don’t spend your energy trying to achieve perfection. Aim high and work hard, but be in touch with reality: upsets are bound to occur. Accept this and you’ll be ready when they do.

The path to lasting success is ongoing, and there are bound to be challenges along the way. It takes mental fortitude to make it to the top, so keep these tricks in mind as you continue to grow as a person and a professional. Seeing situations in a new light can make all the difference as you adapt, evolve, and take your business to the next level.

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MICHAEL CIORROCCO For Michael Ciorrocco it’s vital that the home loan process retain a personal, human touch.

As a branch manager at Nation’s Lending, Michael sees it as his mission to assist and nurture not only his clients, but the agents with whom he works.

“My philosophy is based on helping people,” he says. “We really focus on that; we make sure people know that when you get a mortgage or a home loan, it goes beyond just going to a computer and plug in your information and hoping everything works out. We make sure we keep the human touch, and that’s what Nations is all about: keeping the human element in the process of home loans.”

By keeping the human element Michael and his team — twenty employees in three branches — can personalize loans for each client. “We don’t just put somebody in a loan to fit our needs,” Michael explains. “We really take a look at everything that’s going on with our customer, and not just in regards to the specific transaction they’re looking at, but in general at their finances and their life to make sure that we put them in the best product available to them. We make sure it fits their larger needs and their entire life.”

For Michael helping people like that is the whole point of getting up in the morning. “The biggest thing that I look forward to everyday is helping other people,” he explains. “Whether that be the buyers we work with, our

employees or the Realtors® that we work with, I just really enjoy helping people better themselves and their careers. If you go about life that way, helping other people, everything works out better in general.”

His drive to help extends to the community as well. “Our favorite organization to help is called Believe in Tomorrow in Ocean City, Maryland. They have five facilities that provide beach getaways and mountain escapes that bring comfort and hope to children battling life-threatening illnesses.” he says. And he manages to combine one of his recreational passions with his passion for service. “We also like to participate in golf tournaments to raise money for local schools and charities!”

When he’s not supporting his team, his community and his customers, Michael likes to spend time with his family… and support them as well! “My wife happens to be a Realtor® as well,” he says. “I always enjoy helping her advance her career and helping her market her business.”

Michael and Nation’s Lending are looking towards the future with optimism. “The market has been shifting and a lot of companies are laying people off, but we’ve been growing in terms of employees, loan officers and branches,” he tells Top Agent. “We’ve been adding loan officers and employees in the Mid-Atlantic region especially. We intend to continue that growth for many years.”

For more information about Michael Ciorrocco, check him out on Facebook, visit his website at nationslending.com/michael-ciorrocco, call him at 443-235-9283 or email him at michael.ciorrocco@nationslending.com https://

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DANIELLE DAMIANOV Danielle Damianov launched her career in the world of real estate and lending more than seventeen years ago. Back in 2001, she made the move from her native Massachusetts to Florida, and began her career as a Mortgage Broker. In 2004, she decided to move to the SWFL area, where she opened a real estate brokerage and mortgage company as a collaborative effort alongside her husband. In 2008, Danielle was compelled her to take a more holistic approach to her work in response to the downturn, and she went full time into real estate, honing her multifaceted skillset for the next six years. Two years ago, she returned to her first love of mortgages and has since built upon her solid track record, fortifying her reputation for responsive, education-oriented, and personalized client care.

Based in Estero, Florida, Danielle caters to clientele across the region under the banner of Movement Mortgage. There, she spearheads her work with the support of full-time loan officer assistant and a full-time processor, ensuring all details of a transaction progress smoothly, from start to finish. As a nationwide direct lender, she offers access to a diverse range of products—from standard Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac options, to bank statement programs, renovation loans, and other specialty offerings. Likewise, Danielle has staked much of her reputation on her ability to creatively problem solve loans that haven’t yet found success. “Loan rescue is one of my claims to fame,” Danielle says. “Client service has always been extremely important to me and it’s at the core of what I do. It’s my job to get it done, while keeping clients informed throughout the process. Clients remember that kind of personal attention, love working with us, and keep coming back.” Danielle has also differentiated herself in the marketplace as a lender with nuanced experience closing condo loans, with a track record that places her at #14 companywide for condo loan production, while she has earned the impressive #2 spot regionally.

Furthermore, she brings a unique and specialized level of experience to her role, drawing upon her professional background as a real estate agent. “Having been an agent for years, I know exactly what my clients and agent referral partners are going through on a daily basis,” Danielle says. “I was in their shoes and I understand both sides of the transaction. Because of that experience, I’m also able to help newer agents as they learn what loan products are out there for their clients.” In fact, being of service to clients and industry colleagues alike is a foremost 20

driver of Danielle’s working style and success. Beyond the resourcefulness she applies in putting together unconventional loans, she also is generous with her knowledge and experience.

“One of the things I enjoy most about what I do is being able to help my clients and creatively problem-solve to get deals closed where other lenders haven’t been able to get it done,” she says. “I also love being able to support agents on professional level by helping them understand all the different tools available to them to grow their business.”

Beyond the office, Danielle is an avid participant in her professional and local communities. In addition to teaching agent seminars and classes, she also supports two regional Board of Realtors chapters, as well as the Women’s Council of Realtors.

Through those organization, she makes it a point to give back and contribute to worthy causes. In her remaining free hours, Danielle enjoys time spent with family and loved ones—especially her husband and two kids—in addition to traveling, yoga, and exploring new restaurants about town.

As for the future, Danielle intends to continue her upward trajectory, with plans in place to double her production year-over-year and potentially expand her team in the process. For now, she is content to use her skillset in service of her community’s aspiring homebuyers. “In this business, I’ve learned that no doesn’t always mean no,” she explains. “A lot of people get denied for a mortgage and give up on the dream of owning a home, but I’m able to use my experience and knowledge to help people achieve those goals and help my clients make that transition.”

To learn more about Danielle Damianov email lendfla@gmail.com, call (786) 359–7976, visit lendfla.com, or her Facebook page here www.facebook.com/Lendfla www.

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How to Make Your Commute Productive The highest caliber business owners and entrepreneurs utilize every minute of their day.

Though this may be a lofty goal, there are certainly ways to make our daily routines more efficient and productive. Consider the morning and evening commute—time blocks that are accounted for every day. For some of us, daily commutes may mean a lengthy drive through gridlock traffic, or perhaps just a quick fifteen-minute crosstown excursion. However short or long your commute may be, there are ways to maximize this component of your daily routine and reap the rewards.

With that in mind, take a look at some ideas below to inject some energy and productivity into your daily commute.

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Listen to the latest industry-centric podcasts or audiobooks Whether you drive, bike, walk, or take public transportation, a commute is the perfect time to tune into an industry-oriented podcast or audiobook as a way of building your skills or getting into the zone for the day. Instead of letting your commute time be passive, you can process insights from leading industry professionals, or develop your skillset on a topic you haven’t yet made time for. Perhaps you’d like to develop your social media presence, or maybe you’d like to tap into the millennial homebuyer market—whatever the case may be, there is audio material out there suited to your interests. What’s more, podcasts are free and easy to incorporate on your smartphone or

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tablet, and there are ample audiobook subscription services out there that make regular listenership cost effective.

Create a mental to-do list to get a head-start on your day, or to prepare for tomorrow Getting your thoughts in order with a straightforward to-do list can help you dive in once you make it to your desk, or serve as a conclusive mental routine to end your work day.

If you drive to and from work and don’t have your hands free, don’t fret. Speaking your to-do list aloud can help you detangle your thoughts and tasks by vocalizing them. You can also try breaking down your to-do list by verbalizing the day’s goals, the week’s goals, and the month’s goals as a way of structuring priorities. If your commute is hands-free, you can incorporate a variety of apps that serve as custom-made todo lists that’ll organizationally map your duties for the day. In either case, use your commute window to identify and name the tasks ahead of you, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running when the time comes to perform.

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Tend to your personal commitments and planning A productive commute can boost your professional performance, but it can also serve your personal growth and out-of-the-office responsibilities, as well. Perhaps you can think out and plan your meals for the week so that you don’t come home burnt out and with nothing in mind for dinner. Maybe you check in with a relative or partner and catch up for a spare twenty minutes.

Not only does this eliminate a few items off of your personal to-do list, it can actually give you a more focused mind at the office. If your personal life is in good order, you’ll be able to devote your full attention to work tasks.

As the old saying goes, there are only so many hours in a day. If you added up all the minutes spent commuting around town, how many hours would amount? Though the trek to and from the office is an engrained part of professional life, it doesn’t have to be a drag. Account for those spare commute windows in productive ways, and in only a month you’ll have devoted a significant portion of your time to bettering yourself as a person and a professional.

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JIM MARTIN How did Jim Martin become one of the most trusted and well-known mortgage professionals in Pennsylvania? In 1987, Jim worked for a small commercial bank. “During management training, they put me through each department of the bank. When I got to the mortgage department, I just felt very comfortable and very happy getting clients into houses and helping make that dream possible for them!” he says.

He’s been in the mortgage industry ever since.

Thirty years later, Jim is a Branch Manager with Movement Mortgage, a national mortgage company.

Through Movement Mortgage, Jim is able to provide his clients with a diverse array of solutions to client’s needs including: competitive loan programs for straightforward purchases, renovation loans for those looking to purchase and fix, Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) to improve efficiencies to buyers’ homes, and low down-payment first-time homebuyer programs. Through Movement, Jim is able to provide a competitive “Up-front Underwrite” that gives his clients a competitive edge when bidding on a home purchase.

Impressively, most of his business comes from repeat clients and referrals from past clients, credit unions, attorneys, realtors, financial planners, other banks and other loan officers.

What keeps so many professionals eager to refer clients to Jim? “They enjoy that I’m responsive, very knowledgeable, and I provide a great experience for my clients.” They also appreciate that Jim incorporates education into his process so that his clients aren’t just getting a mortgage, but also information that allows them to become more informed consumers.

Jim has two professional designations from the National Association of Mortgage Professionals—he’s a Certified Mortgage Consultant and a Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist. Those designations are difficult to acquire and

require a deep knowledge of the industry. In fact, currently there are only 38 people in the country that hold both designations as Jim does. In 2018, Jim was named a Five Star Lender by Five Star Professional, an independent organization that conducts market research to define and promote professional excellence.

Over 80% of Jim’s clients are first-time homebuyers. Passionate about helping clients to achieve their dream of home ownership, he attends most closings, which are a joyful time to celebrate. “To go there and see my clients so excited to get into their first house —that really keeps me motivated!” Jim also provides financing options for commercial clients. “A lot of clients are establishing businesses or starting to expand,” he explains. “To be able to go to their business—be it an ice cream store or a trucking business—and see them fulfilling their dream is very gratifying.”

To give back to the community, Jim is a member of the Mt Lebanon Lions Club where he helps with fundraisers for people with vision impairment and blindness. He’s an assistant Scout Leader for his son’s Boy Scout troop, the Chair of the Mt Lebanon Historic Preservation Board, and sings with his church’s choir. He and his Movement Mortgage team also volunteer with a different nonprofit organization each month.

In his free time, Jim loves to travel, ski and camp. “I enjoy having the opportunity to see what the rest of the world is like,” he says.

For the future, he’d love to continue to expand his business so that he’s consistently helping 20 or more families a month, grow his team, and mentor his team members so they have thriving, service-oriented careers. Now those are worthy goals and ones that will benefit both his clients and the economic growth and stability of his community!

To learn more about Jim Martin CMC, CRMS, Branch Manager | NMLS 145336, contact him via email at jim.martin@movement.com or by phone at (412) 418-1536.

You can also check him out online at movement.com/Jim.Martin.

110 Fort Couch Road, Third Floor, Suite 303, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania 15102 | PA-36406, FL-LO21900, VA-MLO-11730VA, NY | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by PA # 34374, FL # MLD200 & MLD1360 and VA # MC-5112, “Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Banking Dept” #B500997. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Rd, Indian Land, SC 29707

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ANTHONY PIPITONE For Anthony Pipitone his long experience in the mortgage industry - especially during the 2008 collapse - has profoundly impacted his philosophy on the business. Seeing how the commission-based, fee-oriented nature of most mortgage companies had caused so much chaos and pain, he knew it was time for mortgages to be approached with a new attitude.

“Five years ago I decided to open up my own mortgage company, Rockbottom Mortgage, with a unique business model,” Anthony says. “My philosophy on originating mortgages is different, and I’m more oriented towards a customer service, low rates, and low fees as opposed to commissions on sales.”

Anthony keeps those rates and fees low by staying small. “We have a team of just three people,” he says.

“That’s part of the business model: keep our overhead as low as possible. That way we can pass on that savings to our customers; we do high volume as opposed to high margins.”

Even at high volume, Anthony makes sure to bring a personal touch to each loan. “Everybody’s situation’s a little bit different,” he says.”Even with a conventional mortgage, every situation is different. Somebody may be self employed, somebody may have asset issues, somebody may have credit issues. It’s fun to solve that problem for the person and put them in the best mortgage possible.”

That is part of what drives Anthony’s incredible repeat and referral business. “I would say about 60 percent of my past borrowers I’ve worked with two, three times over,” he tells Top Agent. “We are a discount mortgage company, so obviously our rates and our fees are always the lowest. That’s part of why we get so many referrals, but it’s not the only reason. We are all hands on deck with customers from the beginning to the end. They’re not only getting the discount aspect, they’re also getting the customer service aspect. People are very comfortable with working with us because we walk them through the entire process. We don’t sacrifice one for the other; we are committed to offering not only the lowest rates and fees but also the best customer service.”

When he’s not getting his clients into new homes, Anthony likes to support children’s charities like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, autism charities as well as PETA. He also spends time with his wife and kids, sometimes serenading them with music. “I play the banjo,” he tells Top Agent. “It’s my little hobby.”

Growth is in the future for Rockbottom Mortgage… but careful growth. “I have to find the right people with the right mindset,” he says. “Because we sacrifice a little bit of income in order to provide a better mortgage.

That means we make it up in volume, so I need people who work harder but are also dedicated to maintaining my high level of customer service.”

To find out more about Anthony Pipitone, email him at anthony@rockbottommortgage.com, call him at 847-305-1164, or visit his website at rockbottommortgage.com www.

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5 Morning Habits to Make Your Day Super Productive For many, most mornings begin with a rush—a rush to get dressed, a rush to find something edible for breakfast, a rush out the door and into rush hour. Likely you have heard articles advising you to set your

alarm early to give yourself some flexibility —which is sound advice, of course—but consider a few of these additional tweaks to your morning routine that can set a productive tone for your day at large.

1. Keep Screens Away Until Breakfast Oftentimes, our first instinct upon waking is to check-in on our phones, tablets, or computers, to scope out the latest social media updates and e-mail correspondence. While diving into the action might seem productive, studies show that waylaying screen time until you’re up and dressed, and have had a good breakfast, will actually make your first pass Top Agent Magazine

at all things digital more focused, clear, and efficient. Instead of answering a few e-mails, checking out a friend’s photos, and then hurrying to shower and dress, instead make a resolution to keep the online world at bay for the first half-hour to an hour after you rise, then you’ll approach the digital world with fresh eyes, energy, and adeptness.

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2. Meal Prep Sometimes hitting the snooze button is inevitable, but if you make prepping breakfast the night before a part of your routine, then grabbing something healthy on the go will be a snap—and your stomach will thank you for it. Load up your coffee machine ahead of time, so all you have to do

is hit brew. Or, chop up a fruit salad, mix a smoothie, or simply put a granola bar and a grapefruit in your lunch bag, ready to be grabbed on your way out the door. Even if it’s small or basic, keeping yourself fueled will keep distractions, inefficiency, and mood swings at bay.

3. Queue Up a Podcast on Your Commute Whether you’re driving, biking, or taking public transportation into the office, a podcast is a perfect way to brush up on industry knowledge. Try sourcing a podcast relative to your field and narrated by experts.

Not only will it get you thinking about the topics of your industry—while expanding

your professional vocabulary—it will also wake up your brain and get your head in the game as you prepare to launch your day. Use your commute time to bump up your knowledge and conversation points, and you’ll be ahead of the curve before you reach the office.

4. Begin with a To-Do List When work gets busy, sometimes just getting started is an overwhelming prospect.

Before you dive in to your e-mails and projects, take twenty minutes and be thoughtful as you assess your daily and weekly to-do

list items, then map them. By giving yourself a bullet point system of what you need to accomplish and by when, you can undo some of the anxiety that a busy schedule promotes.

5. Walk It Out, Even If You Missed the Gym While we often rely on coffee for our morning buzz, exercise provides a potent burst of energy that can supercharge your day. But, let’s say you’re running behind and skip the gym—all is not lost! Take fifteen minutes in

the early morning to take a walk around the block a few times. The fresh air and aerobic exercise will wake you up, get your blood moving, and provide your morning with a natural injection of motivation.

Everyone’s morning routine varies, but perhaps the first step is identifying aspects of your routine that could be improved, and tackling them from there. From waylaying

screen time distractions to getting in a little blood-pumping exercise, keep these tips in mind as you launch your most productive morning routine ever.

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JASON M. RUEDY How did Jason M. Ruedy become one of the most trusted lenders in Colorado?

Jason started in the mortgage industry when he was only 23-years old after a friend encouraged him to join the business. Now with 25 years in the industry, Jason has his own company, The Home Loan Arranger, a boutique mortgage lender based in Denver. He works as a solo agent with the support of four assistants. He offers a wide variety of loans including Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, bank statement loans, No-Doc, and B paper loans for individuals who struggle with lower credit scores.

Dedicated to educating his clients throughout each step of the loan application process, Jason works hard to achieve a seamless transaction.

Many of his clients return to use him as a lender again and again. “I’ve done two, three, four, even five loans for some of my clients. I retain many of my clients,” he explains. Jason’s customers keep coming back and referring their friends and family to him because of his experience and the excellent service he provides.

“They appreciate the level of service that they receive and the knowledge I have of the mortgage industry,” he says. “With my 20 plus years in the mortgage

business, I have truly mastered my profession. To stay in touch with past clients, Jason sends direct mail to keep them apprised of the services he provides. To market his services, he often appears on television to share his expertise with both clients and Realtor partners.

What’s Jason’s favorite part of the job? “I love helping people get into their dream home, get a better rate, or lower payments!” he says. To give back to the community, Jason donates generously to nonprofits that support underserved children and help give them a better education and tools they need to succeed. In his free time, Jason loves to spend time with his wife and three children, travel, run, collect classics cars, and box at a local boxing gym. Recently, he received his license in the state of California. “I’m expanding West!” he says with his characteristic smile. For the future, he hopes to continue expanding to other states, and helping people to achieve the dream of home ownership, regardless of past financial mistakes or poor credit. Now that’s a worthy goal and one that will surely benefit his clients and help the economy of his community!

To find out more about Jason M. Ruedy, email him at Jason@thehomeloanarranger.com or by phone at (303) 862-4742.

You can also check him out online at THEHOMELOANARRANGER.COM

WWW.

NMLS # 392188 – 269437 | Regulated by The Division of Real Estate

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When It’s Time for a Home Office

by Nancy Michaels

So, you’re tired of clearing your papers off the dining room table every time someone wants to eat (how dare they!). And you’re still recovering from the business call you were forced to take that time your 5-yearold pressed the phone into your hand just as you stepped from the shower (it’s amazing how professional one can sound while wrapped in a towel and dripping wet).

fairly easily for this purpose. Use bookcases, filing cabinets, plants, screens, even lighting to define your work space. It’s essential that you remain committed to your space as office space. Without this psychological distinction between home and work, the two areas of your life may slide into one another, causing you to lose focus, and thus, productivity.

Sounds like it’s time for a home Choose furnishings that are ergooffice. nomically correct, and which fit in with the decor of the rest of your Ideally, you’ll have a spare room to home. Lighting should come from turn into office space—preferably three sources: natural, ambient and one with a locking door. An extra direct. Give yourself enough storage bedroom, the basement, or attic can space to keep your work area all serve this purpose. If you don’t uncluttered. You may want to store have room for a dedicated office, your supplies in another part of the take a look around your house to see house, keeping just a week’s worth where you can carve yourself some in your office. And schedule a space. A closet, bedroom corner, weekly or biweekly cleanup where hallway alcove or even the area you go through your papers and files under a stairway can all be converted and either throw away or stow away 28

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anything that is not essential to the event of a power failure. An daily operation of your business. uninterruptable power source supply is also a must for the home office.

Almost every business requires a This will keep your computer runcomputer system. Don’t skimp. You ning during a power outage until want something with enough speed you’re able to safely shut it down. and memory capacity to last into the future. A good-quality inkjet, or Another essential component of the preferably, a laser printer is also home office is telecommunications, essential. Investigate the all-in-one meaning telephone, fax and Internet printer, fax, copier and scanners. access. An account through an These may save you money as well Internet service provider or online as precious office space. I also service shouldn’t cost more than $20 recommend a computer backup per month and it will give you the system, which will protect the ability to send and receive e-mail. contents of your hard drive in the Top Agent Magazine

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It’s essential that you remain committed to your space as office space.

You’ll probably want more than one phone line, three if you’re using one line for a fax and modem hookup.

It’s wise to invest in a business line, which allows you to list your business name and number in the phone book and with directory assistance. To keep costs down, use that line for incoming calls only. If you don’t want the expense of a business line, but can do without a repeat of the shower scene, order “distinct ring” service from your phone company. This is a separate phone number which rings into your home line, but sounds different from your normal ring. This alerts you and family members to incoming business calls. If you’re dishing up dinner or washing the dog, you’ll know to let your answering machine, or better yet, your electronic voice mail system, grab the call. If you’re in the shower, hopefully your 5year-old will know to do the same.

You may also want to order “call 30

answering” from your phone company. It’s just a few dollars a month and sounds more professional than an answering machine, and which won’t break down while you’re on vacation.

A home office can either improve productivity, or harm it. You may find yourself doing paperwork at 2 a.m. when you should be sleeping, or flipping to General Hospital at 3 p.m. when you should be working. It’s helpful to treat your home office as you would an outside office, complete with “starting” and “quitting” times.

This will help you stay focused, organized, and productive. And your family will appreciate having their dining room table back.

Nancy Michaels, of Impression Impact, works with companies that want to reach the small business community and with small business owners who want to sell more products and services. Copyright©, Nancy Michaels. All rights reserved.

Top Agent Magazine

JEREMY WORMLEY Determined, hardworking and knowledgeable, Jeremy Wormley is an experienced mortgage loan officer with Supreme Lending in Colleyville, Texas, focusing predominantly on the Fort Worth region.

Jeremy leads a team of people who help get their clients towards their goals of homeownership. “We’re a direct lender, we offer every loan that’s available including bank statement loans and loans for first time home buyers,” Jeremy explains. Around 95 percent of Jeremy’s clients come from agent referrals, which he attributes to the priority he places on relationship building.

“I really cultivate the relationship with the agent, it’s not a transactional relationship. I truly want to know that person and help them grow their business,” he explains. “I try to dissect and adapt to what they want.” Rather than acquainting himself with hundreds of agents, he focuses on a select group of them, so he can better focus on helping them with their business growth and marketing. “I just have agents that we get along with, and I cultivate those bonds.” Most of the agents Jeremy knows introduce him to other agents, and that’s how he continues to grow. “I always ask them to coffee or lunch, and get to know them as a person and learn how they orchestrate their businesses.”

When it comes to the transactional side, Jeremy stays in touch constantly both with his clients and their agent.

“I’m literally by my phone 24/7, so if they want to call, text, email, I’m there,” he says. Jeremy also adapts to whichever form of communication the client’s prefer.

“I’ve even completed a transaction all through Facebook messenger.”

Afterwards, clients leave reviews about their time together. One recently said, “Jeremy was very responsive through the entire process. He was always on top of things. If he didn’t have the answer to our questions, he would get back to us very promptly. If we had any concerns he would do his best to eliminate them.

The application process was very fast, the approval was just a quick. Jeremy was very professional the entire time.

In addition to finding a Loan Officer, we have found a new friend. Great job Jeremy!” Another said, “Jeremy was excellent. As soon as we explained what we were looking to buy, he tried getting us qualified for a specific type of loan. Unfortunately we didn’t qualify, but that didn’t stop Jeremy from calling to see if they were willing to make an exception. His response time was almost instantaneous every time we contacted him. Some paperwork needed ink signatures and he always came to me to get them. We asked him a ton of questions, and if he didn’t know the answer he would find out. Above all he is genuine & friendly, he got to know us as people. As far as lenders go you couldn’t ask for a better person. If we ever have to move again he will be our lender of choice!’

When Jeremy looks towards the future, he sees himself continuing to grow and helping more clients and agents. It is something he will never tire of. “What I love most is the reward at the end, when you see a client that you never thought could buy a house, and you get them to the closing table. I have the best team in the world who does not quit, and it’s great to see how happy my clients are in the end.”

For more information about Jeremy Wormley | NMLS #1059577 call 817-637-6973 or email Jeremy.Wormley@supremelending.com ADVERTISEMENT. EVERETT FINANCIAL, INC. D/B/A SUPREME LENDING NMLS ID #2129 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) 14801 Quorum Dr., #300, Dallas, TX 75254. 877-350-5225. Copyright © 2018. Not an offer or agreement. Information, rates, & programs are subject to change without prior notice. Not available in all states. Subject to credit & property approval.

Not affiliated with any government agency.

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