Loan Officer Update
February 2005
 
"It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results."

–Warren Buffett, American Stock Investor
 

Welcome to the First 2005 Edition of the Loan Officer Update

As a member of the LendingTree frontline team, you are instrumental in our success! You are our face to the consumer and the embodiment of our brand.

We want to do our part to help you succeed! This monthly newsletter contains information about LendingTree initiatives, programs and events that are designed specifically for you – the LendingTree Network loan officer. In addition, we take the opportunity to recognize those of you who demonstrate superior customer service and performance.

We welcome your comments and suggestions for future topics and articles. Please send your feedback to loprograms@lendingtree.com.

Good luck for a successful 2005!


Register Today for the 2nd LendingTree Loan Officer Sales Rally!

Make plans to attend the 2nd LendingTree Loan Officer Sales Rally at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas April 7 – 10, 2005

LendingTree has worked diligently to build your vehicle to success through our lending Networks. Join us for the 2005 Loan Officer Sales Rally and grab the keys you need to get to victory lane! The Sales Rally is designed to give you the roadmap you need to accomplish your goals through LendingTree.com and GetSmart.com.

So buckle up - you’re in the driver’s seat heading towards success!

For more information and to register for the Sales Rally, please go to www.lendingtreesalesrally.com


2005 Loan Officer Certification Program

We continue to receive positive responses to the LendingTree Loan Officer Certification Program.

Started in 2002, this Gold Leaf Seal is the cornerstone of a program designed to recognize outstanding loan officers based on customer service feedback, adherence to LendingTree best practices, training requirements and above average production performance.

Previously, LendingTree has awarded the Gold Leaf Seal twice each year (in January and July). We are pleased to announce an expanded program for 2005 when we will begin awarding the Gold Leaf Seal on a quarterly basis. By expanding the certification process, we will recognize the efforts of outstanding loan officers on a more frequent basis.

For complete details about the LendingTree Certified Loan Officer Program and to see a list of all LendingTree Certified Loan Officers, please visit www.lendingtreetraining.com. If you have any questions regarding the LendingTree Certified Loan Officer Program, send your email to loprograms@lendingtree.com.


Sales Excellence Team Expansion

We are pleased to welcome two new certified LendingTree trainers to the Sales Excellence team.

Jack Robinson and George Gonzales have a passion for training and a dynamic style that will inspire and motivate you to take your business to the next level.

The Customized Sales Excellence Training Program is a comprehensive educational seminar designed to motivate loan officers and present them with strategies for success. Delivered in an interactive format and tailored to meet the needs of your individual shop, Jack and George will show you how to take control of the sales process and overcome objections while stressing the importance of staying motivated and setting goals.

Both Jack and George are highly experienced trainers who bring a wealth of knowledge and value to the Sales Excellence Program. If you are interested in learning more about the Sales Excellence Program, please visit www.lendingtreetraining.com or send an email to loprograms@lendingtree.com. We look forward to helping you achieve success in 2005!


New for 2005 – Ask the Trainer

Do you have a day-to-day sales challenge that you just can’t solve? Every challenge is an opportunity to learn.

If you have a challenge and would like simple advice on overcoming it, let us know. We’ll choose one sales challenge each month and ask George or Jack, the LendingTree certified trainers, to help you solve it.

Send your challenge to loprograms@lendingtree.com. If we publish your challenge, you’ll receive a LendingTree gift. Look for the first challenge and solution to be published next month!


Using the Consumer Education Center – Helping Customers Understand Their Loan Options

Buying a home – especially for the first time – can be scary and overwhelming for many people.

Though you may understand how a piggyback loan works, your customers often don’t. Help them navigate the sometimes-complex mortgage process, and you’ll be closer to closing that loan. The LendingTree Consumer Education Center is full of details on different types of loans, and you can use this information to help your customers structure their loan.

Some helpful articles you can use (click on the “e-mail a friend” icon at the top of the article to send it to your customers):

Providing this type of personal touch will help you win more business. The education center is updated monthly, so make sure you check back for new articles.

Also, let us know if you have ideas for future articles. Email loprograms@lendingtree.com.


Congratulations to 2004 Top Performing RealEstate.com Loan Officers

RealEstate.com would like to congratulate the top RealEstate.com loan officers for 2004. As a whole, the following loan officers averaged five "Find a REALTOR®" opt-ins per month and a 15% loan close rate as a result of using the "Find A REALTOR®" tool.

Thank you for your continued dedication to RealEstate.com.

100 or more "Find a REALTOR®" Opt-ins
NationPoint Martin Alvarado
Between 80 and 100 "Find a REALTOR®" Opt-ins
NationPoint Bryan Parsons
NationPoint Elie Fany
Between 50 and 80 "Find a REALTOR®" Opt-ins
NationPoint Manny Ruiz
NationPoint Ken Starks
HomeLoanCenter.com Greg Altemus
Mortgage Strategies Group Craig Witz
NationPoint Michelle Bridges
Between 30 and 50 "Find a REALTOR®" Opt-ins
Mortgage Strategies Group Jason Sarnowski
NationPoint Jeb Farber
NationPoint John Graass
Nationwide Lending Matthew Stasior
First Franklin Shea Pallante
Concorde Acceptance Corporation Ratrick Burkett
NationPoint Bryan Parsons
Concorde Acceptance Corporation Bryan Brush
Mortgage Warehouse Mark Scala
NationPoint Janine Garcia
NationPoint Tan D. Nguyen
Castle Point Mortgage Leslie Errera
NationPoint Cory Nielsen
Fieldstone Mortgage Judy Thomaides
E*TRADE Michael Rupp
Concorde Acceptance Corporation Tracy Barone
NationPoint Nichole Tomei
NationPoint Dennis Fisher
Aames Home Loan Kristy Davalos

Register Today for a LendingTree Webinar

In 2004, LendingTree introduced the Webinar Training Program as a resource for loan officers to learn more about LendingTree initiatives and programs in an effort to increase their performance on the Network. Conducted in an interactive learning environment, these programs are designed for both veterans and newcomers to the LendingTree Network. We currently offer the following programs (* denotes a new program for 2005):

  • "Find A REALTOR®" Training
  • LenderWeb APEX Basic Training
  • Building An Effective Email Campaign*
  • "Cracking The Purchase Code"*
  • "The LendingTree Consumer Education Toolkit"*

For course descriptions, dates and registration, simply visit www.lendingtree.com. Availability for each session is limited, so be sure to register early!

LendingTree is dedicated to developing and providing a diverse training program to our partners and will continue to expand this program in 2005. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the Webinar Training Program, please contact loprograms@lendingtree.com


Loan Officer Kudos – Where LendingTree Customers Say Thank You!

“This email is in regards to Michael Mali, his hard work, dedication and the will to help make dreams come true. In June of this year 2004, I went to LendingTree.com looking for a mortgage trying to find the best rate, and most of all, the most honest Mortgage Broker possible--someone who is experienced and also someone who can take the time and the patience to explain the outcome of the entire transaction. Multiple brokers replied to my request, only he took the time to properly introduce himself and explain to me that his company (Mortgage Strategies Group, LLC) specializes in so many different loan packages and that I'm dealing with the best mortgage firm in the country.

Michael Mali assisted me with the transactions and from beginning to the end there were no surprises. I know this is his job, but this is beyond the call of duty. Many times I call his office, and he's always there to answer all my questions. With Michael's help I was able to close on the property that I wanted, and most of all, he was able to get me the best possible rate for my situation. He did the math for me, explained to me what my advantages and my disadvantages are, what my monthly payments will be including taxes and insurance. There were no surprises. That kind of service should be greatly rewarded. I will definitely continue to do business with Mortgage Strategies Group, LLC.

I've also been telling friends and the people at work about Michael and his business ethics. I don't know where you found that guy, but please give him my regards.”

Jean C.
Refinance
Ridgewood, NY

“We recently used LendingTree to refinance our 1st and 2nd mortgages. Using LendingTree made the process a lot easier and quicker for us. Instead of us having to hunt different companies - you supplied us with the information we needed. Turn around was extremely quick and within two weeks we had closed. All the companies that contacted us were very courteous and assisted us greatly. We selected First Commonwealth Mortgage from Kentucky. Brian Poole, Mortgage Banker, from First Commonwealth handled our mortgage. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and friendly. He kept us informed and up-to-date. He worked to provide us with the best rate possible. We are very pleased with LendingTree and First Commonwealth. We will be referring both companies to others. Thanks!”

John D.
Refinance
Prattville, Alabama

“I found The Prime Financial Group (or rather they found me) on your Web site. My mortgage consultant, Jim Flumerfelt, was the absolute greatest. I not only got a good rate, but the service was above and beyond my expectations. Jim stayed connected with me almost on a daily basis to the end. My closing date is tomorrow, and I couldn't be more pleased at the service. Please rate them at the top of your list for customer satisfaction.”

Barbara M.
Purchase Mortgage
Ravenna, OH

Don't forget about the LendingTree Customer Care Partner Hotline! Call this toll-free number for assistance with any LendingTree customer issues, including Realty Services!

1-800-DIAL-TREE
(1-800-342-5873)
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. EST
Or via e-mail
partnerhotline@lendingtree.com

LendingTree Settlement Services (LTSS) Update

Since its July 2004 launch, LendingTree Settlement Services (LTSS) continues full steam ahead.

With an experienced leadership team, the accomplishments are impressive and key indicators of more success to come.

Highlights include:

  • 30 lenders live in 2004 and utilizing the services
  • Orders continue to increase month over month
  • More than 20,000 venders providing national coverage

As the LTSS team sets its sights on new milestones, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member - Kyla Rodriguez. Joining the team as Regional Vice President of Sales in Irvine, CA, Kyla’s goals include continued implementation of LTSS and new clientele expansion.

Located in the heart of the mortgage industry, Kyla is a firsthand resource for Lenders on the Network. She is available for on-site visits with southern California Lenders in order to learn more about each company’s unique operations and determine the best fit for LTSS. Kyla also plans to add to the LTSS foundation by reaching out to REALTORS®, builders, and contractors. Kyla is well positioned with strong industry relationships having worked with many industry leaders as an escrow officer for Escrow Direct and most recently at E*Trade as a loan officer.

For more information or to sign up with LTSS contact your account manager or a LTSS team member at 704-943-8638. To contact Kyla directly call 949-231-6349.


LenderWeb Apex Tip of the Month – What is the history tab?

This tab will display all the functions, tasks, etc. the QF has completed. The Task tab will show all the tasks still to be completed and the History tab will show all completed tasks.


Sales Tip of the Month – Always Be Prepared

The key to learning more about your customers and knowing if you can help them is to ask more open ended questions (questions that cannot be answered by a yes or no), and then listening. Let your customer respond. Do not lead them, do not prompt them and no matter how excited you are about your solution, do not interrupt them. By asking open ended questions and listening thoughtfully you will get a more thorough understanding of you customer’s needs and will be more prepared to offer them a comprehensive solution! (Reprinted from Sales Quotes by justsell.com)


LendingTree in the News

Check out these great articles on LendingTree!

 
  LendingTree is committed to providing lenders and loan officers with the training and education tools needed to be successful! Please send your successes, comments and suggestions to loprograms@lendingtree.com.