The mortgage crisis has had a negative impact on everyone, not just homeowners. Elected officials are working hard to pass legislation that is designed to prevent future banking debacles. Unfortunately, history has proven that when legislators over-regulate banks that it tightens the reins on lending. This is done by raising the bar on what it takes to qualify for a mortgage or installment loan. Predictably, it's the middle class that will feel...more
The three most frequently used methods to resolve foreclosure are loan reinstatement, forbearance agreement, or loan modification. While there are numerous other specific ways to stop foreclosures, these three are used most frequently.1.) Loan reinstatement is where a lender has started the foreclosure process and the homeowner finds a way to pay back or "reinstate" the entire deficiency owed. The deficiency amount includes back loan principal...more
When a foreclosure is finished and the home is sold or assessed by an appraisal, for the loss on the mortgage, the deficit amount the bank will not get back from the mortgage balance and expenses due, is called a deficiency. In most states, the lender has an option to get a judgment in this amount against the borrower and this is called a "deficiency judgment". In addition to the loss of the homeowner’s home he also has the potential of having to repay this judgment in the future. Even if the bank accepts a "deed in lieu of foreclosure" they can still get a deficiency judgment against the borrower. The borrower is the one responsible for the mortgage or deed of trust payments and he may or may not be the homeowner. If the homeowner has a co-signer, the co-signer will be as legally responsible as the borrower to pay back the deficit due. Depending on whether the foreclosure is judicial or non-judicial, and the specific terms of the mortgage, the bank may not be able to seek a deficiency judgment. These laws vary state-by-state and should be reviewed carefully to determine which applies to the reader.The bank doesn’t just have the amount of the unpaid loan balance due but...more
This article is a plea for something I call Creangelism, or creative evangelism. Let me explain.I speak at the coolest creativity conferences in the world.* It's incredible fun speaking and being with people who believe in the power of creativity and creative problem solving. Walking around the meetings I am empowered by the lack of judgment, the...more
I remember attending a meditation workshop with Mark Epstein, a well-known 'Buddhist psychologist.' He told a story about a meeting he had with Ram Dass, spiritual teacher and author, where Ram Dass had asked Mark Epstein about his work with his patients. As Mark talked about his work, Ram Dass interrupted him and asked, "Do you see them as already...more
You want more revenue and you want it fast. The marketing experts tell you to "create a compelling offer." You immediately think "Sale." You wonder how big the sale should be. How much can I afford to give away before the sale starts costing me money? How will I word the sale materials so customers don't take advantage of me? The worries start and you realize you have a huge task to pull off this sale and generate real revenue.Unfortunately, in our crowded market place, a compelling offer has become synonymous with a "sale." There are other, better alternatives to motivate customers to buy from you.This article will show you six options that will accomplish your goal of getting more revenues. These options will build a stronger relationship with your customers that the sale will not accomplish.The Limitations of the "Sale"The fundamental problem with most sales is that they are good for the business but not necessarily good for the customer. A sale usually starts with a business problem you want your customers to solve for you. You need more cash. You have excess inventory. You need to meet sales quotas. You want to get ready for new merchandise. Your sale is asking the customer to...more
Many companies and their decision-makers require written proposals, and if you are like many sales people, you probably shudder at the thought of this request. However, writing a good proposal doesn't have to be painful providing you keep a few...more
In any business endeavor, a win-win outcome is always the most satisfying and productive. It certainly beats the alternatives - win-lose, lose-win, or (heaven forbid!) lose-lose - in which one or both parties walks away feeling an assortment of...more
I could make up a terrific story about this, but I won't lie - I had avoided (as in postponed, side-stepped, procrastinated) having a board of directors until now. Frankly, I had visions of having a group of old, cranky, humorless men telling me what...more
Have you ever been asked that question?I was! Back in 1979 while doing a "pressure cooker" course on selling with an insurance company!I wondered how relevant that question was, considering my personal and financial situation at the time.No wife! No...more
Sales turnover and net profits may follow a rollercoaster pattern familiar to most business but when the cash flow dries up the game is over. Urgent attention to the management of working capital can provide every business with the cash resources to...more
There are 4 parts to a UFOC:* Cover Page* Table of Contents* Items 1-23* ExhibitsThe format for each of these sections is very specific and covers the following:Cover Page The Cover Page identifies the franchise business, including the name under...more