April 1, 2010
Press Release: HOM Announces (FIS) Foreclosure Intervention Specialist Training Underway in Charleston
January 5, 2010
Press Release: HOM Announces (FIS) Course in South Carolina
December 7, 2009
HOM Proud to Announce a New Class of (FIS) Graduates
December 14, 2009
...From the Desk of..."Are You Ready to Intervene?"
June 29, 2009
Loan Modification Specialist (LMS) Certification Offered in Florida
Dates: July 27, 28, 29, 2009
Times: 8:30-4:30 every day
Location: Perdido Bay Golf Resort
1 Doug Ford Drive
Pensacola, FL 32507
Sponsor: Home Ownership Matters Training Institute
Trainer: Mildred Wilkins, (FIS) Foreclosure Intervention Specialist
Former Fannie Mae Broker-Specialist
Get the training you need from someone who has:
1. Learned property valuation from Fannie Mae
2. Sold real estate/processed many successful short sales
3. Lost a home to foreclosure/I can teach you about deficiency judgment
4. Learn from a professional; TO BECOME MORE PROFESSIONAL
Registration: Early bird registration ends 4/25, so HURRY and register TODAY, seats are VERY LIMITED: ONLY TEN AVAILABLE! (Yes, ONLY 10)
Lodging: The Cottages at Perdido Bay (http://www.perdidocottages.com) (Lodging NOT included in the price of the certification)
Course Description:
This Loan Modification Specialist (LMS) certification program is comprehensive, rigorous 3 day training designed to prepare attendees to successfully facilitate loan modifications. Professional development is necessary to be competitive in this emerging field. This certification has been designed and is taught by a former Fannie Mae Broker-Specialist who has specialized in foreclosure intervention training since 2002.
Wilkins created the (FIS) Foreclosure Intervention Specialist certification program for REALTORS, the first such certification for real estate professionals in the nation in 2005. (FIS) for Housing Counselors was added in 2006. The (LMS) certification will set apart those who have taken substantive hands-on training and are truly prepared to call themselves ‘specialists’.
Let the (LMS) certification move you closer to transitioning into a whole new career. There is pent up demand for this service, a limited number of qualified providers and even less training available for those in the private sector who currently own or plan to open a for-profit business.
(LMS) certification. Your answer. Today. Register. NOW!!!!
Why offer certification?
HOM Training Institute is the training arm of Home Ownership Matters, LLC. Providing quality education to real estate professionals such as REALTORS, attorneys and housing counselors has been the focus of the institute for several years, with the goal of training professionals to be competent in the fight against foreclosure. The dramatic increase in the sheer number of modifications which are being utilized, along with the fact that most individuals or organizations which offer them have little to no training in the field has created a need for practical, comprehensive training in this area. HOM Training Institute is responding to that need with the (LMS) certification training. The consumer is the person who ultimately benefits from this program.
Is this training right for you?
This is a fast-paced, but comprehensive, look at the many details which need to be considered if you have concretely decided, OR you are contemplating opening, a business which specializes in providing loan modification services. You will not be taught how to create a database of consumers who have already received foreclosure notices from public records and do direct mailing to them to get business. You will, instead, be taught how to set up a professional office where you meet with clients who have been referred to you from sources such as local counseling agencies, your local foreclosure hotline, reputable non-profit organizations and others in the community who are looking for competent, professional loan modification service providers to meet the growing need as the housing crisis deepens. While there is a significant move across the country to provide training to housing counselors within non-profits who help low to moderate income borrowers, there is no corresponding training to meet that same need for middle to upper income borrowers who are simultaneously struggling.
What to expect:
As attendees, you will:
1. Receive clarity on the legal process of foreclosure (state specific) and the applications for a potential loan modification
2. Cover the components of the mortgage documents which specifically impact the possibility of workouts
3. Learn the elements necessary for a successful modification and the practical strategies for implementing such a workout
4. Receive instructions on how to successfully (LEGALLY) block foreclosure long enough to complete the modification process
5. Gain a thorough understanding of the inner workings of the Loss Mitigation shop and how to work effectively with them
6. Leave this training with a clear picture of the ethical and legal constraints which should (and must) govern your business in order to avoid lawsuits
(LMS) Loan Modification Specialist
Certification Training
Day 1: Practical and Professional Strategies
Session I: Understanding the Foreclosure Process
This session will cover the basic process for foreclosure, beginning with default and culminating in the particulars of the foreclosure process. Both judicial and non-judicial foreclosure will be discussed, since they are vastly different. It is impossible to help someone effectively with a modification without understanding the bigger picture of what the foreclosure process is for your state and where the consumer is in that process. The class will cover the differences between foreclosure with a note and foreclosure under a deed of trust. Additionally, such things as redemption rights will be covered with a general focus on what they are and the intention under the law (and the way they are abused by foreclosure intervention scam artists). Each attendee will have an opportunity to get clarity on the ‘specific law’ for your state in a timeframe tailored for this purpose.
Lunch—The Perdido Grill
Session II: Loan Modification—An Intervention Solution Whose Time Has Come
This session will provide clarity on the details of what exactly constitutes a modification, the components of a good, sustainable one and how to structure such a workout. Just as important, this session will cover the risk factors which can undermine a mod and cause the consumer to re-default. Learning to more accurately analyze the short term capacity of the borrower and the long term feasibility of the workout proposal, prior to an agreement being reached, are the keys to long term sustainability. Success should be measured not by whether or not you got someone to say yes, but by whether or not the workout is ‘working’. If the answer is no after a month, then it would fail the test of a workout. It was, in fact, just a band-aid. This training is designed to train you how to offer long-term, sustainable proposals for modification and get them accepted.
***********************************************************
Individual appointments for state law coverage
(filled on a 1st come, best choice basis)
Appt 1—5 until 6 p.m.
Appt 2—6 until 7 p.m.
Appt 3—7:15 until 8:15 p.m.
Day 2: First Thing’s First for a Successful Modification
Session III: “Buying TIME” – When the Money is Running Out
The focus of this session is worth the cost of the training, even if you failed to attend any other sessions. Time—or the lack thereof, is a major stumbling block to any successful workout—including a modification. This session will cover a highly successful strategy which combines strategic and legal restraints that will give you several extra months and a very strong negotiating position. When time is on my side—and I have your undivided attention—then we can work something out. Using the power of an under-utilized federal law will give you the time you NEED to get the attention REQUIRED for a successful workout. A team of foreclosure attorneys have put together a comprehensive list of all the possible ‘audit items’ you might use to challenge the servicing on a loan or the validity of the loan itself. This TOOL will be the focus of this session. Let’s say, “It gets a servicer’s attention.”
Lunch—The Perdido Grill
Session IV: Behind the Scenes of a Loan Servicer’s Shop
As a former Fannie Mae Broker-Specialist the trainer was introduced to the inner workings of the disposition department of the largest insurer of properties in the United States. That introduction to the mindset behind the scenes, as well as subsequent Fannie Mae training on servicing, has been invaluable in teaching students in other classes what to expect from the servicer’s shop. Once you understand the mindset, you are better prepared to GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT—to get what you need. It’s a basic negotiating concept—the trick is knowing what the other party wants (which is seldom what they ACTUALLY tell you they want) and then being able to provide it. A successful modification agreement—in truth, an agreement between two parties for anything—hinges on a meeting of the minds with whether or not the needs of both parties are being addressed. Crafting a modification which has the potential to be both accepted and sustainable for the consumer is possible when you understand what the servicer shop truly wants.
**********************************************************
Individual appointments for state law coverage
(filled on a 1st come, best choice basis)
Appt 1—5 until 6 p.m.
Appt 2—6 until 7 p.m.
Appt 3—7:15 until 8:15 p.m.
Day 3: Practical and Professional Strategies
Session V: Modification Stripped Down
We’ll cover the basics of modification during this session. How to determine what recommendation to make and what supporting documentation should be supplied in order to validate that recommendation. Would a combination of components work better for this borrower? Is the medication a permanent ‘fix’ to the borrower’s financial situation or must you consider some additional long term strategy? Does the modification agreement provide protection from onerous terms? Is your client protected with a provision for timely recording of the modification to avoid repercussions during a subsequent transfer to a new servicer? If you don’t already know how to do all of the above mentioned things, then sign up today so you can learn how to structure a modification which will provide immediate relief and long term sustainability for your client. Remember: “If it ain’t on the paper, it don’t exist.” Feel free to repeat that quote by HOM founder Mildred Wilkins.
Lunch—The Perdido Grill
Session VI: Ethical and Legal Constraints
This final session is, perhaps, the most important session. It will focus on the need for clearly understanding how critical it is not only that you operate a modification business in an ethical manner, but that you also avoid even the appearance of borderline behavior. A number of states have already enacted legislation which covers businesses and individuals who are “foreclosure intervention counselors”. Offering a modification for a fee would definitely put you in that category. Not only are you obligated to abide by Federal privacy laws and fair housing laws, but there is an assortment of other laws which are geared to protect consumers from unscrupulous providers of service. There is, and will continue to be, aggressive investigation and prosecution of organizations and individuals who seek to take advantage of consumers during this trying time. HOM is basically a consumer advocacy agency and is, therefore, strongly supportive of legal action against any modification service provider who uses their knowledge and influence to take advantage of a consumer who has trusted you to help them at this difficult time. HOM will not endorse nor condone any illegal or unscrupulous behavior as it relates to foreclosure intervention, including loan modifications. Attendees of all training sessions offered by the Institute will clearly recognize that behavior above board, at all times, is continually advocated and expected of HOM graduates. Completion of a HOM Institute training should not be used as a cover for unscrupulous behavior. Be forewarned that the reputation of the company will be fiercely and publicly defended if a graduate seeks to use the integrity of the company in order to validate themselves.
**Dinner option available: Class vote required!
REGISTER TODAY, it may be the only way you are able to reserve your spot! Remember, there are only TEN spots open for this training!
Other training dates: May 25-27 and June 8-10
Airports:
Pensacola; 17 Miles Away
Mobile; 55 Miles Away
Okaloosa Regional; 53 Miles Away
Ft.Walton Beach; 48 Miles Away
April 30, 2009
A: Until 2 years ago there was NO designation available, primarily they looked for experience. Within the past two years the Five Star conference, associated with dsnews (default servicing news) has been offering a certification program which is the national , elite certification for folks trained by the default industry—to serve the default industry.
The (FIS) Foreclosure Intervention Specialist certification is less well known (been around for 3 years) but is certainly excellent additonal training if you are interested in going after foreclosure related business.
I think the combination of BOTH would make you very well prepared to handle REO/BPO work if you are trying to break into that business. That is one of the few areas of real estate which has an abundance of activity right now and will continue to do so for the next 5-10 years.
Since the instructor worked for Fannie Mae as a Broker-specialist, I strongly urge you to take the FIS training and the Five Star training.
Copyright © 2008, Home Ownership Matters, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
(Please E-mail Heather at homeownershipmatters@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns you might have! We appreciate all comments and feedback, so please don't be shy.)
February 23, 2009
Fast Fact #9 and #10
Fact #10. You can be fairly competent to handle an upside down listing IF you take Day One and Day Two of the FIS training.
© Copyright 2007, Home Ownership Matters, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
(Please e-mail Heather at homeownershipmatters@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns you might have. We appreciate all feedback, comments, and especially your questions. Don't be shy!)
February 8, 2009
From the Desk of..."Is the Sky Really Falling?"
This is an excellent time to critically analyze whether real estate sales (or real estate period) is what you need to embrace as a career, at this time. Taking stock is always appropriate. Making changes requires self-awareness, recognition of shifts in your personal needs, changes in market dynamics and the courage to create a new road map. The major difference between an enthusiastic adventure into the future and devastating fear is whether you walked---or got pushed. Let’s assume you wish to be the master of your fate. Read on. . .
- dsnews.com (that’s default servicing news)—This is the trade magazine for lenders and servicers. (sign up for their FREE online newsletter)
- NeighborWorks America—nti.org (that’s National Training Institute) You specifically need to take their 3 day loan servicing class.
- Home Ownership Matters Training Institute—the source for this news article and (FIS) Foreclosure Intervention Specialist training and other specialized courses
- National Consumer Law Center—resource for invaluable materials and classes related predatory lending, bankruptcy and other legal options to challenge foreclosure
- Center for Responsible Lending—terrific resources on lawsuits and challenges to existing practices associated with lending which frequently increase the chances of default
- “Your Real Estate Advisor”—a real estate resource which will help you to understand the terms, laws and forms which are most frequently used in the practice of real estate. This educational book is written in easy to understand language so you’ll be able to apply the valuable knowledge it provides. It is available at www.DovePublishingHouse.com.
President and Founder of Home Ownership Matters, LLC.
(FIS) is a registered trademark of Home Ownership Matters, LLC.
March 26, 2010
So, you think you want to become an REO Broker?
January 18, 2010
Press Release: HOM Announces Loan Modification Specialist (LMS) Certification in Las Vegas
April 2, 2009
Your Real Estate Advisor: Deal or No Deal?
Common practices (seller concessions) are not part of this transaction. Local real estate agents negotiating with a distant third party who does not, in fact, own the real estate (lenders’ loss mitigation department) has become a new reality for many real estate professionals. This practice will continue and become more commonplace as more consumers find themselves in a position where they are unable to make their mortgage payments and the local market will not support the full amount needed to cover mortgage payoff and the expenses associated with the sale. It’s called a “short sale” and the rules of the transaction are markedly different from how you used to sell homes.
“DEAL” means yes, we will allow the closing to occur. You must close quickly or we will change our minds. Seldom will any seller concessions be allowed. Worse yet, seldom will full commission be allowed. Frequently, the lender will notify all parties of a counter offer only after an extended period of time of complete silence. Then you are basically in a “take it or leave it” situation. It is critical that you get an actual letter of confirmation which includes ALL terms of the transaction from a representative of the financial institution, so that you know that the deal can be finalized with a closing and exactly which terms are acceptable.
“NO DEAL” means the lender/servicer has determined that the offer(s) is not workable for them or their insurer. There are a number of reasons why this might be true, but in essence you have been told they will not allow the closing and will most likely move forward with completing foreclosure action against the current owner of the home. There are a few options for intervention, but unless you have been trained in foreclosure intervention this an excellent time to utilize a mutual release. “NO DEAL” usually means go home—whether you’re on a game show or trying to sell real estate.
Mildred Wilkins, founder and president of Home Ownership Matters, LLC. She is the trainer for the (FIS) Foreclosure Intervention Specialist certification program. Visit her website www.HomeOwnershipMatters.com or call toll free (866) 507-5105.
Copyright © 2007. HOM, LLC. All rights reserved.
(Please E-mail Heather at homeownershipmatters@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns you might have! We appreciate all comments and feedback, so please don't be shy.)
February 5, 2009
What's That Mean?! (A-N)
A.B.A.—American Bar Association
ALTA—American Land Title Association
A.P.R.—Annual Percentage Rate
ARM—Adjustable Rate Mortgage
BAPCPA—Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
BPO—Broker Price Opinion
CAIVRS—Credit Alert Investigation Verification Response Systems.
C.D.—Certificate of Deposit, see page
CDC—Community Development Corporation.
CMA—Comparative Market Analysis
C.P.M.—Certified Property Manager
C.T.A.—Cum Testamento Annexo (with the will attached. See Administrator C.T.A.)
CRV—Certificate of reasonable value.
DBA—Doing Business As.
DOM—Days on Market, see page #??
ECOA—Equal Credit Opportunity Act
EEM—Energy Efficient Mortgage
EIC—Earned Income Credit
EPA—Environmental Protection Agency.
ERTA—Economic Recovery Act of 1981.
FDC—Fair Debt Collection law
FDIC—Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FHA—Federal Housing Administration
FHLMC—Freddie Mac
FICO—See credit score.
FIS—Foreclosure Intervention Specialist
FSBO—“For Sale by Owner”
FTC—Federal Trade Commission
GFE—Good Faith Estimate
GNMA—Ginnie Mae
HECM—Home Equity Conversion Mortgage
HELOC—Home Equity Line of Credit
HOEPA—Home Owner Equity Protection Act--
HUD—Housing and Urban Development
HUD-1—See Settlement Statement.
IRA—Individual Retirement Account
LIHEAP—Low Income Home Energy Assistance
MERS—Mortgage Electronic Registration System
MIC—Mortgage Insurance Case Number
NAR—National Association of REALTORS
NSF Fee—Non-Sufficient Fund Fee. See Return check fee.
If you have any questions about these, you should always feel free to leave us a comment, or e-mail us.
You can find more helpful definitions of Acronyms and Abbreviations like these in Your Real Estate Advisor which can be purchased at www.DovePublishingHouse.com.
(Please E-mail Heather at homeownershipmatters@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns you might have! We appreciate all comments and feedback, so please don't be shy.)
