Since 1999, I have analyzed top originators’ practices and personality traits — that’s 22 years and counting! I have conducted numerous validation studies in collaboration with psychologists to pinpoint the innate competencies that drive individuals to succeed in mortgage sales. The simple reality is that mortgage origination is a hard business and not everyone […]
Once LOs reach a certain level of success, they will inevitably face the decision of whether to form a team or operate as an individual contributor in their lender’s organization. What success looks like for each originator is different. For some, it is generating over $20 million in annual loan volume. For others, it […]
The 100% commission pay structure has long been considered the gold standard in mortgage lending as the best way to motivate originators to generate more volume. Implicit in a 100% commission pay structure is that a large reward is available for sales professionals who do well. Lenders assume that originators who fail to perform will […]
Why do sales groups and originators fail? While there are many reasons for poor results, one that I see frequently in my sales consulting practice is the “I am different” rationale for not making necessary changes and adapting to a new environment. Yes, every lender has a distinct customer base and marketplace. But, the […]
In the last few weeks, I touched on the macro-selling strategies that lenders and originators will need to succeed in the new decade. Today, I want to go more in-depth and discuss emerging technology that could be a game-changer for salespeople: voice assistants. Yes, voice assistants! While artificial intelligence is often referenced in the media […]
When I am conducting sales training at lenders, it is clear that originators are asked to perform an inordinate number of duties that are not selling activities. The typical lender expects originators to generate their own business; put a file together; follow up with customers; and retain the customers once the loan has closed. If […]
In today’s ultra-competitive marketplace, being a good salesperson isn’t enough to generate new business. These originators meet expectations but don’t go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional customer experience. They tend to perform well during refinance markets but lose momentum in purchase money markets because they don’t stand out amid their competitors. Good […]
In just 39 days, 2020 will be here. For many in mortgage banking, 2019 was great; for others, not so much. In the year ahead, sales organizations will need to address the challenges inherent in a marketplace characterized by the resurgence of purchase money and the reduction of refinance volume. It seems like some originators […]
During my recent MBA webinar on increasing sales production, many participants raised questions about how to make loan officers more accountable. This has always been a hot topic for lenders and their managers but the issue is especially critical as we approach 2020 and the formidable challenges that lie ahead. Knowing what drives accountability and […]
Recently, the catchphrase “OK Boomer” has been trending in the media and on the Internet. The saying gained popularity when CNN showed a video of Chlöe Swarbrick speaking about the Zero Carbon Bill in New Zealand. When she was heckled by an older official, she casually dropped a sharp-tongued retort — “OK Boomer” — […]