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

OPED: CFPB Fines Prospect Mortgage $3.5M for Alleged Kickbacks

The following news was released at the end of 2016.  IMO when clients are given a choice, they will select value and get a better mortgage fit when allowed to apply with licensed mortgage originators that take the time to understand their client's needs and fit the mortgage product to those needs.  Keller Williams and Remax employ a lot of great Realtors and IMO the actions of a few should not define two super organizations.  Hopefully this action better defines what is acceptable in our industry.  IMO we should stay in our lanes and allow Realtors to do their job advising clients on homes that fit their need and Mortgage Originators should be selected based on Service and Competence.  If these lanes are respected its a win win.  Realtors will get more referrals due to a great Mortgage Experience and Clients win by getting their dream home and a mortgage that meets their needs today and into the future.

Please read the latest CFPB action below.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau hit Prospect Mortgage with a $3.5 million fine for allegedly paying kickbacks to two real estate brokers and a servicer for referrals of government backed mortgage loans. The bureau also took action against Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette and Remax Gold Coast, which were among more than 100 real estate brokers that had "improper arrangements" with the Sherman Oaks, Calif., firm, the CFPB said.

"Today's action sends a clear message that it is illegal to make or accept payments for mortgage referrals," CFPB Director Richard Cordray said in a press release. "We will hold both sides of these improper arrangements accountable for breaking the law, which skews the real estate market to the disadvantage of consumers and honest businesses."

The CFPB said that Prospect created marketing services agreements from 2011 to 2016 and made payments to various companiesthat were disguised as advertising and promotional services. Prospect paid real estate brokers from $200 to $20,000 a month inreturn for borrower referrals, the bureau said.  Prospect tracked the number of referrals made by each broker and also paid various real estate brokers to locate loan officers at Prospect using desk licensing agreements, the CFPB said. Additionally, Prospect allegedly paid brokers to "prequalify" home loan borrowers with Prospect and to "write in" the lender’s name for anyone seeking to purchase a listed property, the CFPB said. The company allegedly split fees with Planet Home Lending, a Connecticut mortgage servicer that it hired to identify and help persuade eligible consumers to refinance into a government-backed loan through Prospect.

Under the consent order, Prospect will pay $3.5 million to the CFPB’s civil penalty fund. Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette willpay $145,000 in disgorgement and $35,000 in penalties and Remax Gold Coast will pay $50,000 in civil money penalties, the CFPB stated. Planet Home Lending, a Meriden, Conn., mortgage servicer, will pay $265,000 in redress to harmed consumers for accepting illegal kickbacks for referrals in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which prohibits making payments or giving kickbacks to anyone in return for a referral to a real estate settlement service provider.

Prospect would not confirm or deny the CFPB's charges."Today's settlement with the CFPB regarding alleged origination practices initiated under the prior management team, closes an important chapter in the company's history," Prospect said in an emailed statement. "Under Prospect Mortgage's new leadership team, the company has rebuilt its legal, regulatory and compliance practices."

A manager at Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette in Corvalis, Ore., did not return a call seeking comment. The CFPB did not identify the specific office of Remax Gold Coast. Planet Home did not return a call seeking comment. Planet Home had ordered so-called trigger leads from a major consumer reporting agency to identify customers seeking to refinance, which is a prohibited use of credit reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  Prospect had run afoul of California regulators in 2015. The lender agreed to pay $10.1 million for inflating settlement service fees charged for more than 70,000 borrowers during a four-year period, according to California's Department of Business Oversight.
In November, Prospect, which is backed by the Chicago-based private equity firm Sterling Partners, sold its sales and operating assets, including 150 retail offices, to Homebridge Financial Services, an Iselin, N.J., lender. Many of the Prospect's executives, including Michael Williams, a former Fannie Mae president and CEO, joined HomeBridge.

Source:

http://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/compliance-regulat…ge-35m-for-alleged-kickbacks-1096061-1 

Be Awesome Today

www.southeastmortgage.com
770-279-0222

What Southeast Mortgage Clients say about us "Testimonials"

At Southeast Mortgage, we believe in 360 degree accountability on every loan to ensure we are providing fantastic service one client at a time.  Mortgage Originators provide feedback on Operations, Clients provide feed on Mortgage Originators, and Executive Management reviews the total experience and adapts as needed to continue our legacy of "best in class service".

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222

Money vs. Passion by Cal Haupt

Historical observation of my commercial clients and consumer clients as a banker and mortgage provider helped me refine my perception of what matters between chasing the money or following a passion.  The consistency of outcome for my clients with respect to the two methodologies is compelling as to which one accomplishes their longer term monetary goal. 

When I hear “xyz company is paying more” my next question is tell me about the company and the people who make the company what it is.  The typical response is “it’s about the money; I did not research their longevity, financial strength or long term goals”.  For money chasers, this is consistent across all industries.

When you look at monetarily successful people, they all started with a passion and followed a path that met a need in the market.  Most believed in a better widget, better service, or a faster way to accomplish a process.  They did not chase higher pay without a passion for the company or strategy.  They were all passionate about what they were doing, the people, and philosophy.  This is the path the majority of wealthy people take.  The money always follows over time when passion is in the forefront.  "Slow and steady wins the race" 

Most that focus on the best deal at the time without regard to passion or the team tend to have inconsistent outcomes and move to the next best deal without regard to the stability of the underlying foundation.  They tend to cycle monetarily up and down as clients adjust to the change rather than making a smooth trend higher as their referral leverage increases. 

A few observations:

> People are social and need to feel responsible for others to stay engaged long term.  The same reason families have such strong bonds. 

> One person does not possess all the skills necessary to push through certain paradigms or maintain all critical functions of a business.

> People get tired and life does not always follow a predictable path.  Having a team step in to maintain your revenue stream when the unthinkable happens is priceless. 

Look at the people you view as monetarily successful.  I use the term monetarily successful because I think there is variations of success.  Monetarily Successful, Great Family Success, Great Friends Success, etc.  Everyone has their own view of success and I can only hope everyone enjoys all the facets of success and you are that fortunate in life.  Back to my discussion. 

The majority of monetarily successful people achieved that goal through a passion facilitated by a group of trusted people who share a similar belief with them.  Each person in the group generally has a unique set of skills and capabilities that together make them better than they are apart.  Together, they make each other better and thus leverage the skills of all into greater monetary success for all. 

IMO "Money Chasers" tend to get by and miss the joy and sense of accomplishment shared among a trusted group that shares a passion and a common belief.  My career has always been team based and I have foregone many higher paid consulting opportunities that required only my skill set.  I would not trade the relationships and friends I have made over the many years for any dollar amount.  Money will never talk to you, Money will not visit you when you are sick, Money will not give you a hug when you need it, and Money will never brain storm with you to engineer a challenge.  Money derived from a passion supported by a team of like minded people creates a fulfilling experience and security for all.

Follow your passion, enjoy your team, enjoy the ride, and the money will follow over time….  It always does.

 

Cal Haupt

Chairman and CEO

Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

770-279-0222

 

Tips for a smooth Loan Approval and Closing

TIPS for a smooth loan approval and Closing

Here is a list of helpful tips to ensure an effortless loan process and on-time closing.  These “DO & DON’T” tips will help avoid any delay with your loan approval and closing your loan on time.

DO call us if you have any questions.

DO continue living at your current residence.
DO continue making your mortgage/rent/credit payments on time
DO make copies of all non-payroll checks that are deposited to your account during the loan process.
DO plan to provide updated pay stubs, bank statements, and other items requested after loan prequalification right up until the close.
DO let us know right away if you plan to use a gift.

DON’T apply for new credit (even if you are told you are pre-approved.) The best way to avoid this is don’t give your social security number to anyone (especially on line) until your loan is completely done & you have moved into your new home.

DON’T open a new credit card, take out any new loans, finance anything new, or co-sign for anything

DON’T join a new fitness club (they will most likely run your credit.)
DON’T make a major purchase (car, boat, fur, jewelry, etc.)
DON’T open a new cellular phone account (they run credit.)
DON’T pay off any loans, credit cards, or consolidate debt without discussing it with us
DON’T pay charge offs or collections (negative reporting) on your credit report without a discussion with us

Employment / Income:

DON’T change jobs. A verbal verification of employment will be done the day we close.          

Bank Accounts and money:

DON’T make any purchases that will lower the balance in your bank account.

DON’T deposit any cash into your bank account
DON’T open any new bank accounts
DON’T move/transfer money back and forth from different bank accounts
DON’T allow your balance to drop below what it was when you got prequalified
DON’T allow your checking account to have non-sufficient funds.

Before making an offer on a home:

All money used for your home purchase needs to have a paper trail. Make sure the earnest money and money required at closing comes from your own account you listed on your loan application.

 

Please call Southeast Mortgage at 770-279-0222 if you have ANY questions about this form.  A Licensed Mortgage Originator will explain the reasons these “Do’s and Don’ts” are very important.  We appreciate your business and are here to help your loan process go as smooth as possible.

www.southeastmortgage.com
770-279-0222

Behind the Mortgage Rate Curtain - by Cal Haupt

For the past twenty plus years I have stated Mortgage Rates are what they are and are set by the market.  There is only a market rate.  I.E. If you want to buy AT&T stock, there is one market for the public and the price is set by supply, demand, and valuation and sold by SEC licensed agents.  This holds true for Mortgage Rates except valuation is a little more complicated.  Focusing on client needs and matching the correct product to those needs is the path to organic revenue and a stability for Mortgage Loan Originators, MLOs, and Mortgage Companies.

Only Mortgage Lenders with access to secondary markets can provide true adjustments to market rates via dislocations in hedge activities.  This only lowers rates IF it is not reserved for the unfavorable consequence of the dislocation assuming the market moves to a less favorable level.

I constantly see rate focused MLOs moving from company to company.  The reason they cannot build a career is they are teased with lower unsustainable rates and then move when the company returns rates to sustainable levels.  Brokers and Correspondents cannot take advantage of secondary market dislocation so when they lower rates, the offsetting revenue has to come from somewhere or expenses must be lowered which can reduce MLO service needed for referrals.  In some cases, unsustainable rates are obtained from Wholesalers that sell servicing over and over and over which angers clients and potentially risks their credit rating if they cannot keep up with where their payment should go.

Mortgage Rates are set by the market and if a rate advertised is lower than market the company probably did not account properly and will not be able to balance the equation over time.  Time is not a friend to unsustainable low rate strategies.  Look at history and the names that used this strategy and are no longer in existence.  This is the primary reason companies fail over time or when the economy enters challenging periods.

My advice to MLOs and Clients is to work with the highest certified lender you can find.  The same logic applies to buying stock from an SEC licensed agent, choose a Licensed Mortgage Originator.  The higher the certification, the better access to efficient market rates due to the reduction of hands in the pot and benefits derived from hedging activities. 

This is the hierarchy of Mortgage Providers:

#1 Highest Certification - Direct Lender - Secondary Broker Dealer, Fannie & Freddie Seller Servicer (GSEs), with FHA
Direct Lender with full access to secondary markets and can trade between the GSEs- Can Service Production - Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc., operates in this category of certification

#2 Direct Lender - Fannie & Freddie Seller Servicer
Access to GSEs and considered a direct lender that can service production

#3 Fannie or Freddie Seller
Access to GSEs BUT not qualified or approved to service and will sell servicing rights
#4 Correspondent
Works on behalf of another Direct Lender.  Usually has small warehouse lines and servicing can be re-sold for higher yield by wholesalers 
#5 Broker (very few of these after 2009)
Middle person in the transaction - Works to put a consumer together with a Direct Lender.  Consumer pays the extra cost of the middle person even if the rate appears lower.  Servicing can be sold several times to account for the extra hand in the transaction.

Note: Banks (state-chartered, national banks, or federal thrift/savings banks) can operate in any of the categories above.  Most Georgia Community Banks engage as a correspondent or Fannie / Freddie variation.  Being an FDIC insured institution or Georgia State Bank only exempts their Loan Originators from Federal and State Licensing.  At Banks consumers work with Registered MLOs.  At Non-Bank Mortgage Companies consumers work with Licensed Mortgage Originators as set forth by the 2008 SAFE Act.  Click to learn more about the 2008 SAFE Act passed by our Government.

How can consumers or MLOs find the daily Mortgage Market Rate?  You have to average the daily par rate of Direct Lenders in your geographic area (50 mile circumference) with a sample size of at least 5.  Southeast Mortgage does this daily to keep our Referral partners and clients informed.

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

Visit Us 

Who we are Conversation - Cal Haupt, Jan Shell, Kathy Gyselinck, and JD Crowe

www.southeastmortgage.com
770-279-0222

MLOs always filter the noise to a clear path - MLOs want a strong foundation that can weather recessions and grow their referrals

Recently I was meeting with a Mortgage Loan Originator, MLO, candidate from a local competitor and he was impressed with what he saw at our Club Drive Operations Center and the Senior Officers he met.  He looked at me and said "a guy at a competitors barbecue said you were a #$@%*^#".  I simply asked, did he ever meet me.  He said "no".  I told him this is exactly why every MLO should form their own opinion of career alternatives and form it from first hand knowledge.  He signed with Southeast Mortgage the next day along with his very talented Sales Assistant.

Grapevine and malicious statements, slander, not formed from first hand knowledge but fabricated in dark corners and or prefaced by "don't tell anyone I said this" should be put in perspective by MLOs.  In the industry, we all know the negative recruiters and characters that use defamation (usually verbal "slander" and not "libel" written form) due to the legal consequences that could result.  They do this to make themselves or their company appear better or they harbor personal resentment due to some perceived wrong.  People using slander are masking their respect for the company referenced.  When a person uses this tactic be assured the company in focus is strong and tangible weakness is not present.  MLOs should get more interested and interview the targeted company when this occurs.  People only slander companies that matter and present a formidable strength that is capturing market share.  MLO's opportunity to grow their client base, referral sources, and weather the next recession may be based in the noise.  Growing careers and supporting families is the priority.

If you talk to anyone who knows or has worked with me at the banks or at Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc., SEM, they will tell you “Cal is not a politician.  He knows what he is doing, always does what he says, and always gets it done.  Most importantly he always keeps his word and you can trust him”.  The essence of a company generally incorporates its developer’s core beliefs.  The long tenure of my team is a testament to the trust and respect we have in each other.  The TEAM is SEM.

Back in 1993 when SEM began, you never heard about a 8-day close, “the street’s needs”, “MLO friendly”, great support for Realtors and MLOs, etc.  However, all were the basis for the formation and development of SEM processes before they were cool.  We understood in 1993 what clients and Realtors would demand and the facade around products would not last which ultimately was dismantled in 2009 along with many companies selling them.  Due to the financial crisis with its epicenter in the Mortgage industry, 80% of mortgage companies in Georgia closed their doors.  What we have today are companies formed less than 6 years ago and some less than that.  Most have operations in other states supporting a multi-state foot print. 

 

The 8-day close used to be a 7-day close at SEM prior to the law change in 2009.  Closing fast reduces rate fluctuation risk and reduces client uncertainty and stress. 

The Street’s Needs – Realtors and MLOs want to close more business.  SEM created the first vertically integrated Georgia Mortgage Client Relationship Management, CRM, TEAM which provides added value and visual marketing support to both Realtors and MLOs at no cost to them.  As a result, our CRM TEAM is like having your own marketing team for free and ensures your image stays in front of past clients and Realtors.  Networking Socials at our Max Centers at no cost ensures you connect on a personal level.  Closing fast and approving more deals is a given.

SEM Processing – Our process was developed based on efficiency and MLO need.  Although it is different than most companies who use the same processes, SEM’s process has a 98% pull through and frees up 30% of MLOs time while increasing their earnings by 26%.  This time savings can be applied to your family, hobbies, or generating more business.

Although there are many hard working good people in our industry, when you look around you will find the core beliefs of many stated on websites were part of SEM's DNA since 1993.  SEM created the most productive origination process in the industry by building an operations and origination process designed to close more faster which organically grows Realtor and Client relationships.  This earns our MLOs 26% more than their competition with the same effort.

From 2010 –2013, MLOs flocked to the internal bank refinance opportunity. 

Unfortunately, a 100% refinance strategy never lasts and just like the signs say at the marina “please do not feed the birds”, MLOs that are fed leads forget how to hunt in a normalized market.  In a typical 7 year economic cycle from recession to recovery top, only 2 years on average is related to rate dislocation and the other 71% or 5 years is Realtor or Life Cycle Client dependent. 

Which strategy has the better odds for an MLO?  Yes, Realtor and Repeat Client focus is 3 times as effective as refinance only.  An interesting data point, the current recession started in 2009, it is 2014 or 5 years down the road.  Also note the DOW is at 17,100 which is near an all-time high.  Can you sense the déjà vu?  Recession resistant companies with evolved strategies like SEM should be in the forefront of every MLOs mind considering the demographics of our Georgia MLO population.  Today, MLOs are now flocking from the banks to participate in the purchase recovery which started two years ago.  Recruiters and Company websites all pitch 8-day close, MLO friendly, “the street needs”, etc. 

 



Truck pictured Left - Pinto pictured Right

The only issue is you can put a Truck body on a Ford Pinto; however, it is still a Ford Pinto.  MLOs need to form their own opinion and meet future employers face to face. 

Due to our service focused team and security at Club Drive, seeing what we do requires MLO applicants visit us at Club Drive headquarters.  SEM built a large engine and truck to support our TEAM.  This engine absorbs volume fluctuations and efficiently creates organic referrals from Realtors and past Clients. This consistently great Realtor and Client experience is why we enjoy one of the highest growth rates among our peers and MLOs can have confidence that operations will be ready when their applications surge.  We simply underwrite more effectively, close faster, and support our MLOs with the best Realtor and client awareness programs.  This creates SEM’s organic growth and why we prospered through three recessions to become the largest local Georgia-based, Non-bank Lender.

I talk a lot about a Village, and I truly believe a TEAM is security and in today’s mortgage market every MLO needs a Village to support them.  The Village is proven and why MLOs make 26% more working with our team.  You owe it to yourself to better understand the companies that service the Georgia Mortgage Market.  When you run into that negative recruiter or the "green eyed monster" bashing a company, make a first hand opinion.  No matter who the company is that is being defamed, go visit them face to face and make your own opinion.  

If you are a professional MLO closing 3-4 deals a month and you want to create or grow your current Realtor and Client referrals, you owe it to yourself to hear directly from me why SEM is the most emulated company in Georgia.  I will guarantee confidentiality.  Meet with me for 10 minutes at my Club Drive Office and see first-hand why SEM can close faster.  See "Who we hire".

 

 

Cal Haupt

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
770-279-0222 (Just ask Admin to locate me and they will transfer you to my cell phone)

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

Lust vs. Love by Cal Haupt

In society the terms Lust and love are sometimes confused as being the same thing.  Lust is a personal inclination or longing with little basis for the future.  Love is the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.

The two are confused; however, have very different meanings.  The one most important difference in the terms is longevity.  Lust never lasts; however, Love survives the test of time because it is built on more than shallow cues or flash.

You might wonder why a financial expert would write about Lust and Love?

The reason is simple.  Every day I see mortgage professionals and consumers making life decisions based on Lust rather than Love.

Both mortgage professionals and consumers should make choices based on their fit versus an artificial inclination built on a sales pitch, fancy dinner, etc. and look deeper to the core of a long term fit.  Both mortgage professionals and consumers tend to make decisions about where they work or get important financial products to support their family based cues that are not aligned with core need or sustainability.  Love has a higher duty of care in the selection process.

Although you may Lust, always look deeper to find a company that truly puts its mortgage professionals first and its clients in the product that fits them the best.  The best choice may not have the bling but it will be there when the going gets tough.  There is a reason family gathers in tough times and everyone is your buddy during good times.  A key distinction between Lust and Love.

When I was about 5 years old in a small southern town, my two best friends at the time, the Tyson brothers, were smitten by the Sear’s Screamer Bicycle and were promised one for Christmas.  Needless to say, their enthusiasm and Lust transferred to my subconscious quickly.  As a result, I only had one item on my letter to Santa that year and dropped the appropriate hints to my parents to ensure success.  After all, everyone in my world "at that time my world was three houses in either direction due to Mother Law" wanted a Sears Screamer, it was so flashy, and I want to fit in with me best friends.

 

Sears Screamer (Left) Schwinn Apple Krate (Right)

On Christmas morning a woke up to the laughter of the Tysons riding their shiny new Sears Screamers in front my bedroom window.  I could not wait to run into the den to get mine.  As I slid into the den, my world ended as some red bicycle was sitting near the tree in place of my dream bike.  I yelled, how could you do this to me…..   I am ruined…. Etc.  Obviously my parents looked at me in disbelief.  Since I would not come out of the house, the Tysons came to my house around noon wondering why I was not riding with them.

I hung my head in shame and explained what happened to me that morning.  As good friends do, they rubbed in the fact their bikes where Sears Screamers and I just had to settle for what I got.  Peer pressure and the “green eyed monster affect” were in full force.

My mother and father tried to explain why I got a Schwinn Apple Krate over the Sears bike.  Due to Love, they only had concern for my well being and not social pressures.  Better quality, shock absorbers, better gears, reputation of the manufacturer etc.  They were providing me with the quality over fad speech and all I heard was blah blah blah due to the pre-programmed peer pressure already in place.  After all, I was 5.  How could they know more than me and the Tysons.

I came to grips with my fate and reluctantly headed out Christmas afternoon to ride my new bicycle.

During the next six months, I noticed my bike was a little faster and handled better than the Tyson’s Screamer.  I noticed they stopped more for repairs and after about seven months their bikes were rusting leaned against their house.  My Apple Krate retained it’s just like new qualities and became my steed for neighborhood adventures.

I rode that bike for another 6 years and then used the frame for a motocross jumping bike for another 3 years.  The best bike I ever had and I loved that bike due to the unbiased benevolent concern my parents had for my well being.  The lust for a Sears Screamer faded in short order as quality and fit came into focus.  Due to Love my needs were met with the best fit and the Lust I had for that in vogue shiny bike faded faster than the screamer’s paint job. 

I have told this story to my sales teams for as long as I remember.  In 2000, my Senior Officers at Southeast Mortgage presented me with another chance at childhood.  My own Schwinn Orange Krate Bicycle. 

 

Ride to Live

They could not find an Apple Krate; however, it was the best most thoughtful gift a person could get from friends.

 

Cal Haupt

Chief Executive Officer

Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

www.southeastmortgage.com

770-279-0222