[Gustan Cho]

Generating organic leads from search engines involves implementing effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies.Ravinder Sharma is an expert on SEO and it is his niche. I will talk about the general concept on a step by step guide which is an overview. I will then analyze the most recent updates on Google algorithm on the major changes they made and what this means in layman terms so people with non-technical backgrounds like myself can comprehend and understand. If you are reading about SEO, website design, and other technical topics, do not assume what it is if you do not understand. Sapna Sharma has created the eLearning center just for this purpose. Anything to do about training a loan officer, whether it is commercial or residential, it will be covered on the eLearning blog or the Loan Officer Training Blog. We will cover about how GOOGLE said that FORUMS will have more weight on SEO than websites and I will tell you why. Google’s number one priority is content. Content is King. Lets discuss briefly about blogs versus websites. Bloggers (writers) write articles, often referred to as blogs, that pertains to an area of expertise they have. Google wants the most up to date content on the search engines. To research, prepare, do a rough drafts, edit, and make the final copy of a blog may take several hours if not several days. At best, a quick on the go article will take one hour or more. Okay, so now the blog completed by a know expert in their field recognized by Google and the search engines is now pubished, posted, and live in a website. It can be owned and managed by the blogger, or the blogger can be a guest writer for a website, or the blogger can be a staff writer for a media or news network. Regardless, per Google, blogs are one-sided publications where the author is the only authority on what is said, how it is stated, and the final post and publication. The public has NO say so or right to talk back. Very important factors in all this is that once the blog is posted, the blog is on the clock. Once the article is live and posted, it becomes old content. As time passes, the older it gets. So if a blogger wrote a nice piece today, by tomorrow, it is aged content. Google will start downgrading older articles down the search engine optimization food chain.

Now let’s compare blog websites to online community message board or often referred to FORUMS. A FORUM is where members of the FORUM communicate back and forth. With a FORUM, members can ask a question and members will answer the member. Not every member of the online FORUM are experts or in the field they are giving advice. However, there are experts or members who know experts to request they join their online community message board. Anytime a member has a question, they can ask on the online community FORUM and within minutes, you will get an answer back not from one member but multiple members of the FORUM. Due to online community members consistently posting a topic, the FORUM is updated by the minute, by the hour, or by the day. Ya see the difference between a blog and a FORUM? A blog goes stale from the minute it get posted and it is only on-sided where the only voice is the author (blogger). The FORUM is two sided where the writer and the members of the FORUM (the public) interchange the topic in question (keyword) and that is what GOOGLE wants. To me it makes all the sense in the world. On the next segment on this topic, I will discuss how to capitalize on a online community message board (FORUM) where you can generate organic leads. I should be an expert on this topic because I knew Online FORUMs were a goldmine to generate organic leads. However, I got banned by most FORUMS I joined even for stating ” My team and have been helping homebuyers and homeowners qualify and approved for a mortgage with credit scores down to 500.” I did not get a warning or suspended for a few days or a few weeks. I got banned for life. WTF, right. I created Great Community Authority FORUM to cover anything and everything a homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor would possibly need. We do not shun anyone out especially the competition. What’s best for the community in 50 states and U.S. territories is what our FORUM is all about. If my team and I get into a hurdle due to the competition, so be it. Knowledge is KING and if you are my competitor and you got knowledge and want to share it with members of our community, you are more than welcomed at GCA FORUM with open arms. The content I am posting is considered confidential trade secrets but I am sharing my many years of trying to get to the finish line of perfecting getting organic leads but running into hurdles over and over again. I hope you all can do the same and share your experience both good and bad on our FORUM so we can all grow together. The United States has $300 plus million people. We had 160,000 loan officers and now we are down to 70,000. Plenty of people and not enough loan officers, I say. Below I am sharing an overview of what SEO is about and couple of screenshots that may help you in your journey of never paying a dime for a lead ever again.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you market and generate organic leads:

1. Keyword Research: Start by identifying relevant keywords that your target audience is likely to use when searching for products or services similar to yours. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to discover high-volume and low-competition keywords.
2. Optimize Your Website: Ensure that your website is optimized for search engines. This includes optimizing meta tags (title tags, meta descriptions), using keywords naturally within your content, improving website speed, and making your site mobile-friendly.
3. Create High-Quality Content: Develop informative, engaging, and valuable content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. Content could include blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, case studies, and more. Make sure your content is optimized for your chosen keywords.
4. On-Page SEO: Optimize each page of your website for SEO. This includes optimizing URL structures, headings (H1, H2, etc.), image alt text, and internal linking.
5. Off-Page SEO: Build backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites in your industry. This can be achieved through guest blogging, influencer outreach, and creating shareable content that naturally attracts links.
6. Local SEO: If your business serves a specific geographic area, optimize your website for local search. This involves creating a Google My Business profile, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) information across all online platforms, and obtaining positive reviews from satisfied customers.
7. Optimize for Voice Search: With the increasing popularity of voice search, optimize your content to answer common voice search queries. Focus on natural language and long-tail keywords.
8. Regularly Update and Maintain Your Content: Keep your website fresh and up-to-date by regularly publishing new content and updating existing pages. This shows search engines that your website is active and relevant.
9. Monitor and Analyze Your Performance: Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and identify areas for improvement. Analyze user behavior and adjust your strategies accordingly.
10. Stay Updated with SEO Trends: SEO is constantly evolving, so stay informed about the latest trends, algorithm updates, and best practices in the industry. Adapt your strategies to remain competitive in the search engine results pages (SERPs).

By following these steps and consistently implementing effective SEO strategies, you can improve your website’s visibility in search engines and generate organic leads over time. Remember that SEO is a long-term process that requires patience and ongoing effort.

See attached screenshots about the latest Google algorithms:

[Gustan Cho]

Nobody knows and can predict the future. When deciding between a 15-year and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, it’s essential to consider various factors to determine which option best suits your financial situation and long-term goals. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Monthly Payments:

15-Year Mortgage: Typically, monthly payments are higher with a 15-year mortgage because you’re paying off the loan in half the time.

30-Year Mortgage: Monthly payments are lower compared to a 15-year mortgage since the loan is spread out over a longer period.

Interest Rates:

15-Year Mortgage: Generally, interest rates for 15-year mortgages are lower than those for 30-year mortgages. This means you’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan.

30-Year Mortgage: Interest rates tend to be slightly higher than those for 15-year mortgages. However, since the loan term is longer, you’ll have more time to pay off the principal, which can mitigate the impact of higher interest rates.

Total Interest Paid:

15-Year Mortgage: You’ll pay significantly less interest over the life of the loan compared to a 30-year mortgage because the loan term is shorter.

30-Year Mortgage: While the monthly payments are lower, you’ll end up paying more interest over the life of the loan due to the extended term.

Loan Term:

15-Year Mortgage: The loan is paid off in 15 years, allowing you to become debt-free sooner and potentially save thousands of dollars in interest.

30-Year Mortgage: The loan is paid off in 30 years, providing more flexibility with lower monthly payments, but it takes longer to build equity and pay off the loan.

Affordability:

15-Year Mortgage: Requires higher monthly payments, which may strain your budget, but you’ll pay off your home faster and save on interest.

30-Year Mortgage: Offers lower monthly payments, making homeownership more affordable in the short term, but you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

Flexibility:

15-Year Mortgage: Less flexibility in terms of monthly payments since they’re higher and set to pay off the loan in a shorter timeframe.

30-Year Mortgage: Offers more flexibility with lower monthly payments, allowing you to allocate funds towards other investments or expenses.

Ultimately, the choice between a 15-year and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and current financial situation. If you can afford higher monthly payments and want to save on interest in the long run, a 15-year mortgage might be the better option. However, if you prefer lower monthly payments and more flexibility, a 30-year mortgage could be more suitable. It’s essential to carefully evaluate your options and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making a decision.

[Gustan Cho]

I will respond but I am trying to find a few supporting documents to share

[Gustan Cho]

Here is our feed of Gustan Cho Associates and GCA MORTGAGE GROUP on Google News

https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMLaHqQwwvOXtAg?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en

news.google.com

GCA - Google News

Read full articles from GCA and explore endless topics and more on your phone or tablet with Google News.

[Gustan Cho]

A mortgage net branch, also known simply as a net branch, is a business arrangement within the mortgage industry where a larger mortgage company or lender grants permission to an individual or another mortgage company to operate as a satellite branch under its license. This allows the smaller entity (the net branch) to originate mortgage loans under the larger company’s umbrella.

In this arrangement, the net branch typically handles loan origination activities, including marketing, sales, and customer service, while the larger company handles back-office functions such as underwriting, processing, and funding. The net branch may receive a portion of the commission or fees generated from the loans it originates, with the remainder going to the larger company.

Net branching can provide benefits for both parties involved. For the larger company, it allows for expansion of its business without the need for significant investment in new locations or personnel. For the net branch operator, it provides access to the larger company’s resources, infrastructure, and compliance support, which can help streamline operations and reduce regulatory risk.

However, it’s essential for both parties to carefully structure their agreements to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to clearly define the responsibilities and expectations of each party involved.

Many branch managers running their own mortgage net branch are former owners of their own mortgage brokerage companies and wanted to reduce their liabilities and costs therefore, closed down their mortgage broker company and became a net mortgage branch of a larger mortgage lender.

https://gustancho.com/starting-mortgage-net-branch/

gustancho.com

Starting Mortgage Net Branch For Producing Loan Officers

Mortgage Loan Officers can explore the idea on starting mortgage net branch and have the opportunity to open their own mortgage business

[Gustan Cho]

Starting your own mortgage broker company can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Owning a mortgage brokerage company is different than owning other types of businesses. You need to get your mortgage brokerage licensed as a company and the loan officers need to be sponsored by your mortgage brokerage company. The hard cost of opening your own mortgage broker company are the licensing fees for your company, branch licensing fees if you plan on having multiple branch offices, legal fees for licensing and compliance, quarterly and annual audits, surety bonds, and state licensing fees. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Research and Education: Make sure you thoroughly understand the mortgage industry, including regulations, licensing requirements, market trends, and competition. Consider taking courses or obtaining certifications in mortgage brokering.

2. Create a Business Plan: Outline your business goals, target market, services offered, marketing strategy, and financial projections. A solid business plan will help guide your efforts and attract potential investors or lenders.

3. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Registrations: Check the licensing requirements for mortgage brokers in your area. You may need to complete pre-licensing education, pass an exam, and undergo a background check. Additionally, you may need to register your business with state or federal authorities.

4. Secure Funding: Determine how much capital you’ll need to start and operate your mortgage broker company. This may include expenses such as office space, technology, marketing, and licensing fees. You may fund the business yourself, seek investors, or apply for loans.

5. Choose a Legal Structure: Decide on the legal structure for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Consider factors such as liability protection, tax implications, and ease of formation.

6. Set Up Your Office: Establish a physical or virtual office space equipped with the necessary tools and resources to conduct business efficiently. This may include computers, software, phone systems, and office furniture.

7. Build Relationships with Lenders: Develop partnerships with mortgage lenders who will provide the loans you’ll be brokering. Establishing strong relationships with reputable lenders will enhance your credibility and increase your access to loan products.

8. Develop a Marketing Strategy: Identify your target market and develop a marketing plan to reach potential clients. This may include online advertising, social media marketing, networking events, and partnerships with real estate agents.

9. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure that your business operations comply with relevant laws and regulations, including those related to consumer protection and privacy. Implement procedures for managing risk, such as thorough client screening and documentation.

10. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Reputation is crucial in the mortgage industry. Focus on providing exceptional service to your clients, including transparent communication, personalized assistance, and timely follow-up.

11. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay informed about changes in the mortgage industry, including regulatory updates, market trends, and technological advancements. Continuously seek opportunities to improve your services and adapt to evolving client needs.

Starting a mortgage broker company requires careful planning, dedication, and perseverance. By following these steps and staying focused on delivering value to your clients, you can build a successful business in this competitive industry. I suggest before you diving all in on opening your own mortgage brokerage company to explore opening a P and L mortgage net branch which far beats having your own mortgage company.

Here is a video about starting your own mortgage brokerage company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TKHRlvHNWc

[Gustan Cho]

Thank you, Ann. One of the most requested frequently asked questions is what is the guidelines for 90% LTV bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers. Can you explain the guidelines such as the minimum credit score requirements, how you guys come up with qualified income on business and personal bank statements, the number of credit tradelines, are credit disputes allowed, and other important factors for 10% down payment bank statement loans?

[Gustan Cho]

FHA and VA loans are the two only mortgage loan programs that allow homebuyers and homeowners eligible for a home purchase or a refinance mortgage loan while in a chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment term without the repayment being paid off. All other mortgage loan programs including non-QM loans require the Chapter 13 bankruptcy to have been discharged.

Some loan programs like conventional loans have waiting period after chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge or Chapter 13 bankruptcy dismissal date. HUD, the parent of FHA, and the veterans adminstration guidelines guidelines on Chapter 13 bankruptcy is almost identical with a few minor changes. Borrowers can qualify for an FHA and VA loan during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy one year after the filing date of the Chapter 13 bankruptcy with the bankruptcy trustee approval. The borrower cannot be on any payment while in Chapter 13 bankruptcy unless they was a death of the major wage earner or major illness such as stage four cancer or equivalent extentuating circumstances. Both HUD and VA require the file go through manual underwriting during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy because the mortgage loan application will not render an approve/eligible per automated underwriting system. Manual underwriting guidelines on FHA loans require two years timely payments of the borrower on all monthly payments. VA requires one year of timely payment on all monthly payments in the past 12 months. The best way to explain the HUD Chapter 13 Bankruptcy guidelines and VA Chapter 13 bankruptcy guidelines is by posting detail guides written by Gustan Cho Associates or its subsidiary publishers. Here is the FHA Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Guidelines on FHA Loans:

[Gustan Cho]

Thank you Aldiva. Can you please take a look at Jennifer’s Bk payment history to the trustee and see when the arrears occured and match it with the husband’s surgery and recovery period. There were two intances of health issues/hospitalization versus not timely payment. Extenuating circumstances are extremely difficult but works if it is major illness such as stage four cancer or death. The last extenuating circumstances we did with late payments during a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy repayment period was six months and got the extenuating circumstances approved and the deal closed. This deal where we got approved and closed was a situation where the major wage earner died and that was the reason. Everything crosschecked. We never had a problem with a Trustee writing a letter on the client’s behalf. Also, the payments to the trustee can be halted when the petitioner explains the temporary hardship such as being out of work due to major illness or hospitalization due to surgery and recovery. Not once have we ever had an issue for the a trustee not granting the motion. Jennifer reached out to the attorney and requested it but the response was she spoke with the trustee and it was denied. I do not believe that but something is up. Maybe you and Jennifer should get on the phone together and talk to the attorney and see what she has to say. I can have Angie or a member of my ops or support staff do this but I rather have a professional who is an expert and knows the legal system which is you. I will pay for your consultation services so that is not a problem. Email the Bill to Marga and copy Angie and the payment will be sent out from corporate. As soon as you have this letter of explanation and supporting documentation, I am going to have Angie prepare the package and submit the file as a TBA underwriting pre-approval which is a loan commitment. Once approved they can go and shop for another house. Thanks. Appreciate you @Ali