SoutheastGo - the AI future for fast accurate Closings and creating exponential Realtor Referrals

SoutheastGo - Realtor Referral Machine

Share SoutheastGo and create exponential warm referrals from viral word of mouth. If your referral partners are not helping, Turn the page and let us help you grow.

85% of SoutheastGo applications are auto approved and cleared once the button to submit is pressed.

www.southeastmortgage.com Phone: 770-279-0222

Culture is the lifeblood of a successful business. Putting our clients and Partners first is why we celebrate the longest tenure of any local mortgage company in Georgia.

www.southeastmortgage.com Phone: 770-279-0222

Largest Mortgage - Real Estate Partnership in Georgia History (2026)

Two similar Cultures Aligned

www.southeastmortgage.com Phone: 770-279-0222

If You Don’t Innovate, You Die - Proven Success Requires Innovation to Adapt

Jeff Brown, Senior Vice President at Southeast Mortgage and our lead Builder Relationship Development Officer, sent me this article.  Although Metro Atlanta is the most resilient housing market in the US, the article points out an important and fundamental "Hello" moment that Southeast Mortgage saw 4 years ago.

"All professions have to adapt to the current needs of their clients and partners.  We observed the patterns of our own millennial work force and realized Social Media and Other Practices were critical to driving sales to our partners and creating client awareness for our Licensed Loan Originators, MLO, Team.  Our other observation was organic clients are the key to the growth of a successful mortgage service provider like Southeast Mortgage.  Program oriented pitches to first time buyers that we see from a few seasoned mortgage personalities create unproductive activity and insignificant benefit to any participant.  

Following a client for life strategy supported by a co branded awareness program creates organic growth for our MLOs and Partners instead of the "program oriented pitch with no follow up after close".  Although someone has been successful for 20-30 years in this business, adaptation and the technology is essential to remain relevant and remain successful in the changing mortgage services market we are in.

If you look at the Permit Trend below, you can see a strong building cycle is coming online.  Loan Originators have to embrace the new normal and the "Exposure / Social Presence" Builders and Realtors need to drive their sales.  Simply posting a selfie video was a thing a year or two ago but has now evolved into Professional Movie Quality video presentations that project the image and quality Builders and Realtors need and want.  Southeast Mortgage made the large investment needed years ago to support the innovation required to be best in class for our TEAM.  The view is much better in the front of the pack than from rear."  Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.
www.southeastmortgage.com

Atlanta, the former No. 1 new-home market, remains a barometer for the nation. At 25,000 permits, Atlanta is still the third largest new home market in the U.S., but almost nine years into our “recovery,” we are still 50% below our pre-bubble normal

(Atlanta permit chart). This is in spite of nearly a decade of positive job growth, positive in-migration and population growth. All of MarketNsight’s 18 cities across the Southeast exhibit this trend. Most cities are still anywhere from 30% to 60% below pre-recession levels. Whom are we missing?

Old Normal versus New Normal
In our “Old Normal” before the 2003 to 2006 bubble, first-time buyers and first-move-up buyers made up 60% of all new home sales. In that old normal, people typically bought their

first home at the age of 25, started a family and moved to their second home (first move-up) by the age of 32. Currently, they account for less than 40% of new home sales. Today’s first-time buyer is 33-years-old and getting older! We are missing many of the 25- to 32-year-old buyers who previously accounted for 60% of all new home sales. We call that age group today...millennials. Moreover, we will never achieve our “Old Normal” sales numbers in this country without them.

If You Don’t Innovate, You Die
We can simply look to our retail sector to see the desperate need for innovation. We are witnessing a complete reset in that all-important industry, with some 8,600 brick and mortar locations closing last year[1] and that pace quickening this year. Changes in shopping habits, driven by technology and millennials, have caught many traditional retailers unprepared. We would do well to take note of this in our own industry.

Source:

Welcome to Housing's New Normal - Can we break our 10-year cycle of mediocrity?

By John Hunt

GooRu is here...

It has been 2 years in process to design and integrate the Mortgage Origination Game Changer we call GooRu.  One more roll out to our team and their families and its live for our Team, Partners, and Client's to enjoy!

Cal Haupt, Chairman & CEO

Loan Originators and Home Buyers will see what easy really means and our Clients, MLOs, and Partners will all be informed every step of the way.

If you buy your airline tickets online or book hotels online GooRu is your channel with the expertise of a Licensed Mortgage Originator to provide the trusted competent advice you need.

The future is now!

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222

Origination Game Changer is Coming....

Southeast Mortgage held its 13th annual Officer Luncheon and 2018 Strategic Plan Launch with its 32 Officers in attendance.

Cal Haupt, Kathy Gyselinck, JD Crowe

GooRu and the game changing MLO origination Platform supported by its best in class Mortgage Application Tracking App was the center of attention.

Taking Applications at Point of Sale, Instant Approvals, Asset Verification and Income Verification all without additional documentation in most cases.  SEM's best in class CRM that keeps MLOs in front of their clients for 5 years after the close is also incorporated in our one device solution.  Access your clients any time with unique messaging to develop business.  One click and you can update your client base with your message.

Clients, Partners, Realtors, and MLOs will stay informed real time via SEM's Award Winning mobile App. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/southeast-mortgage/id1115070771?mt=8

MLOs with these innovative automation tools will be the future.

"We have been developing this concept for two years.  I do not believe the MLO can be taken out of the equation like Quicken and a few other automation channels attempt to do; however, I do believe there are significant efficiencies we can pick up with automation.  Our task was to make the application process EASY for our MLOs and keep all parties updated on the progress of a file real time.  The Solution we are launching this month exceeded my expectation and will expedite the application process eliminating redundancy and uncertainty for all.  This will Amaze our MLOs, Partners, Clients, and will Change the Game in Mortgage Origination."  Cal Haupt, Chairman, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

Growth and Success is contagious at Southeast Mortgage

2016 Was Another Year of Opportunity for Our Talented and Loyal Family of Professionals.  Growth and Success is contagious at Southeast Mortgage.


ü51 New Employees Hired through November 2016

ü6 Internal Promotions

ü4 Officer Promotions

ü5 Vice President Promotions

ü2 Assistant Vice President Promotions

ü9 NEW Operations Shareholders

ü10 NEW MLO Shareholders

If you are a successful mortgage professional looking for a reciprocating relationship with your employer, Southeast Mortgage shares its success with the TEAM who creates it.
www.southeastmortgage.com
770-279-0222

Harness the Power of the 'Play' Button by Cal Haupt - Scotsman Guide March 2016

Click below to read full article. 
http://www.sg-resdigital.com/resdigital/201603re?pg=89#pg89

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222

SEM News - Highpointe at Vinings by The Providence Group

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222

SEM News - Crossing at Timberlands by Crown Communities

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222

SEM News - Silver Ridge by McKinley Homes

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222

Southeast Mortgage is taking service to the next level in 2016

On behalf of the Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc. shareholders and myself, I would like to thank our Clients, Builders, Realtors, Referral Sources, and Talented SEM TEAM for their TRUST in us and a great 2015.

SEM is implementing an exciting evolution of what service can be in the mortgage industry.  This means all of our clients and referral partners can expect even better service in 2016 which in turn creates more business from referrals and leveraged market expansion.
 
Awesome is the best way to describe it.

Sincerely yours,

Cal Haupt
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.
www.southeastmortgage.com

SEM News - Southern Crescent Association of Real Estate Professionals mixer

Southeast Mortgage had a successful launch of the Southern Crescent Association of Real Estate Professionals mixer. This monthly mixer, hosted by SEM, is a great way for both mortgage and real estate professionals to network together in the Henry County area. Here is a short video showcasing the event.

www.southeastmortgage.com
770-279-0222

Letter of Recommendation

Click Image for larger view

www.southeastmortgage.com
770-279-0222

I had to share this email. This is why we have been around for so many years.

I wrote an article a few days ago about Money vs. Passion.  The email below answers the question.  I get these emails from time to time and they truly warm my heart not just for me but knowing the great team that makes SEM what it gets the recognition they so deserve.  In the market you hear a few names but reality is the 40+ operations people at SEM Club Drive and their support make SEM what it is and provides the fantastic dependable closings that drive our organic growth.

Below is an actual email from Kim Arrington to Jeff and JD.  Kim is well known in the Atlanta mortgage industry and has worked at Large Banks, Correspondents, and other variations of Lenders.  Kim's background is what makes her statements moving to me since she fully understands what most MLOs at other company's experience and can make an expert comparison.

Our operations team and MLOs work hard to earn client's and when our MLO team realizes how it comes together with all facets of the team harmonizing, I get a beaming sense of pride for the people I have worked with for so many years.  Better than a big check because the memory and relationships last longer.

From: Kim Arrington
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2014 12:25 PM
To: JD Crowe; Jeff Brown
Subject: Re: XXXXXXX  MTG LTR MF

Jeff and JD,

… I am not being corny or smoozy … though I can be!   Truth is, it does make me cry and smile at the same time, but I have not found this much favor with clients before ???

I am working from that same place of wanting to give excellence and here at Southeast I find many more “gratitude moments”.  People love us and I am so very thankful.

I know you invested from day 1 - you did not have to share Lynne with me, but you did and I could not have achieved what I have to date without her smarts and ambition. Thank you!

JD, we spent many calls on whether to come over or not and at the end of the day, people feel like home here!  I am not doing half the advertising I’ve done in the past and then look again, an agent lovin’ our process, lovin’ our email notifications that I forward… It gives such an authentic sense of status that they know it’s not fluff… it’s date stamped... it’s great!  And so with that, I got this agent emailing “I want to refer you“ … Thank you and Jeff, ya’ll did not give up.

So, even when I am in the Diva drama mode over that dern QC timing,  know my heart - I am really happy that you offered me an opportunity to join the team.

… love ya’ll

Kim

Sincerely,

 

Kim Arrington
Sales Manager, Executive MLO

#218594, GA MLO#25861
Office:      (770) 279-0222 ext. 717  
Toll Free: (800) 344-8788 ext. 717
Cell:          (678) 644-6945
Fax:          (678) 840-0063
Email:       Kim.Arrington@SoutheastMortgage.com
Website:   www.SoutheastMortgage.com 

Qualified Mortgage (QM) - Lender Responsibility and Definition

Residential Mortgage Lenders primary purpose is to provide consumer loans secured by single family housing to facilitate acquisition for a consumer purpose.  Consumer purpose is housing the primary borrower, co-borrower, and or family.  Residential Mortgage Lenders have due care responsibility to ensure applicants can afford the loan for the term of the loan and it fits the applicants purpose.
 
Commercial Purpose loans secured by residential zoned property (Rental Properties, Industrial, and general purpose) should be handled by a small business lender that is tasked to originate this type of credit facility.
 

IMO: Just because a Residential Non-Qualified Mortgage product is offered for a residential consumer purposes is not a justification for a licensed or registered residential mortgage professional to sell it.  Licensed Mortgage Loan Originators (NMLS and State License Compliant Mortgage Loan Originators) and Registered Bank Mortgage Employees (Bank Employees whose job is to Originate Mortgages and is not Licensed) should be a fiduciary for the consumer and ensure they recommend the right product.  Mortgage product recommendations should only be made after understanding the client's needs through an interview process and ensuring the client can afford the loan today and for the term of the loan.  In the future all Bank and Non-Bank Mortgage Professionals will be licensed to the same standard which will ensure all consumers have consistent protection when shopping for their mortgage.
This trust and due care is the key to referrals and the key to longevity in this business. 
 

In its simplest form, Qualified Mortgages (QM) meet the following requirements:
> A loan that meets the requirements of GSEs, FHA, VA, or USDA and can be sold in the primary secondary market
> Consumer has a documented and verified ability to repay
 

Starting January 10, 2014, you must assess the borrower’s ability to repay all term residential mortgage loans. All QMs are presumed to comply with this requirement. As described below, a loan that meets the product feature requirements can be a QM under any of three main categories:

 

 

Mandatory product feature requirements for all QMs

1. Points and fees must be less than or equal to 3% of the loan amount (amounts less than $100k, higher % thresholds are allowed);
2. No negative amortization, interest-only, or balloon loans that increase risk (BUT NOTE: balloon loans originated until January 10, 2016 that meet the other product features are QMs if originated and held in portfolio by small creditors);
3. Maximum loan term is less than or = 30 years. 

Three main categories (CFPB Definition) 
1. General definition of QMs

Any loan that meets the product feature requirements with a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less is a QM

2. "GSE-eligible" category of QMs

 

Any loan that meets the product feature requirements and is eligible for purchase, guarantee, or insurance by a GSE, FHA, VA, or USDA is QM regardless of the debt-to-income ratio (this QM category applies for GSE loans as long as the GSEs are in FHFA conservatorship and for federal agency loans until an agency issues its own QM rules, or January 10, 2021, whichever occurs first).

 

3. Small creditor category of QMs  

 

If you have less than $2B in assets and originate 500 or fewer first mortgages per year, loans you make and hold in portfolio are QMs as long as you have considered and verified a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio (though no specific DTI limit applies).

I truly hope our industry learned from the last recession that mortgages are a cornerstone of the US economy.  We make a difference every day and should govern the products we offer consumers with due care at the fore front.  Today we are seeing a similar trend to 2006 - 2009 when the industry evolved product features to target a broader category of borrower to increase origination volume.  I believe there are some products that are needed for borrowers that are not currently participating in today's mortgage market; however, we need to ensure industry risk remains low.   

Cal Haupt
Chairman and CEO
Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.
770-279-0222
www.southeastmortgage.com

JD Crowe, MBAG President, Acceptance Speech 2014

JD Crowe, Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia President, Acceptance Speech at MBAG Conference in Destin, Florida May 17, 2014

 

 

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222

Lock and Shop Announced at Southeast Mortgage "Reduce your Rate Risk"

With the bias up in rates which will be a long term trend, Southeast Mortgage Capital Markets Group has provided our team with another tool to benefit our clients and referral partners.  The Lock & Shop program will allow client’s to reduce rate risk and focus on their home purchase.

 

Mortgage rates are a function of the financial markets and monetary policy.  For the economy to remain robust, the financial markets have to cycle up and down like an engine.  The cycles generally last 6 – 7 years from trough to peak.  The low rate “deflationary cycle” began to turn in January – February and ended its capitulation in July in a dramatic fashion.  The bias up is in full force and locking and closing fast is a critical component in today’s mortgage industry.

 

www.southeastmortgage.com

The "Secret" Key to Success in this phase of the Mortgage Cycle

The Mortgage Industry and Consumer Mortgage Demand follow definitive patterns that span 7 year periods.

If you are a Mortgage Professional who pays attention to this pattern, you will be prepared as opportunity presents itself.  Focusing on life cycle changes is the key to staying ahead of the pattern.  Great service and competent advice is what survives the test of time in the Mortgage Industry.  There are not short cuts that last.

Many in the industry think mortgage rates matter.  They do not.  Although clients want market rates, we sell a commodity that has limited variability.  Mortgages satisfy a need that is different for each client.  Lower rates make loans more accessible and give clients a sense of a better deal; however, everything in the economy holds certain relationships. 

When rates are at 4%, employment is low, housing valuations are low, consumer confidence is generally low.  When rates move higher as they are today, employment is generally improving, housing valuations are inflating, and consumer confidence is strong due to higher stock prices and rising wages.  Mortgages that meet a consumer’s need are always a great idea in any market.  Focus on the mortgage product and how it benefits your life. 

Work with a Licensed Mortgage Originator.  At Southeast Mortgage, we train our Originators to ask questions to determine the true client need so they can fit the product properly.  Although mortgage rates are rising, everything else is also.  If your expenses double and your income double, has anything changed?  Need matters.

Real Estate Agents and Realtors that want client referrals and clients throughout their life cycle choose Mortgage Service Providers like Southeast Mortgage to ensure the service is fast and pleasant with the client getting the right product for their need.  A great Client Relationship Management process that keeps Realtors in front of their past clients each year builds organic growth for Realtors and Mortgage Professionals.  As the cycle repeats, you will be prepared.

Cal Haupt
Chief Executive Officer
Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc. est. 1993

www.southeastmortgage.com
770-279-0222

Good article from CNBC discussing the surge in applications that results from this phase of the cycle.  Although rates are moving up, everything else is moving up faster thus mortgage volumes surge.  The issue is you have to be structured properly to support Real Estate Agents and Realtors in the purchase side of the mortgage industry.  90% of Southeast Mortgage's volume is purchase loans due to a structure that meets client need and helps Realtor's grow their business through great service and our free Client Relationship Manager.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100944993

Perimeter Social Max Tour with Jeff Brown

770-279-0222
www.southeastmortgage.com