The Official Home Loan Lender of The Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Tech Athletics

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

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

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

Two similar Cultures Aligned

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

Start early and seize the day!

2023 - Be sure you have your bathing suit!

Recessions are a cleansing process. Although painful they rebalance business, clarify unsustainable thought processes, and reveals the integrity of your team’s belief in your mission. How you manage this period can set you up for the next chapter in your career.

Recessions aka Economic Downturns, are triggered by various actions. The action that triggers the downturn determines the harder hit industries. The impact spares no company, how you embrace the cycle will determine if you emerge the new leader or another name in the history books.

This process, as Warren Buffet puts it “low tide exposes those not wearing a swimsuit”: happens every 7 – 10 years. Today, we see who is wearing a swimsuit in the mortgage industry. The huge losses mortgage companies and banks are taking on their unbalanced business model is exposing unsustainable sales practices or flaws in modeling.

Nobody can swim in the mud or low tide. December 11, 2011 “Low Country View of Recessions”: Low Country View of Recessions . Sometimes it is best to follow history and focus on improving strategy and our align with those that weather the storm the best.

Understanding this historical reoccurrence is important if you want to emerge as the next market leader and avoid being another LLC failure in the history of the mortgage industry.

Cal Haupt

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

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

Eye Sight vs. Hindsight - Plan for a strong finish.

The mortgage industry is in the most challenging market of our lifetime. No matter what the industry does to you, or your company does, your worth remains intact. It’s up to you how you monetize it. Put yourself first and find a team that lets you participate in ownership. Be a shareholder!

If your CEO who represents the shareholders, or your LLC Owner who represents himself or herself, do not focus on the data balancing the equation, losses will mount crumbling the foundation of your path.

Prior to July 2022, I monitored accounting daily with no eyeglasses. Today, I need glasses to see the same screens due to the intensity and frequency needed to adapt and remain profitable for the last 11 months. Southeast Mortgage’s 62 Shareholders (1/2 Mortgage Originators 1/2 Operations Professionals), expect their fiduciary to steer carefully in storms. Huge value awaits those left to fill the voids of this cycle.

Do you know if your company is profitable? If it is not, put your career first and make your own choice to find a profitable company. When companies close, don’t let others make your choice.

One distress sale after another lately, employees post “happy to announce I have a new position with the company that bought what was left of their prior company.”

Put yourself in a position to prosper when the market turns north. Good deals are hard to find when a resume reflects poor choices.

Good profitable companies need competent good Mortgage Originators and Operations Professionals.
Since 1993, Same Name and Expanding Ownership.

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

Outcomes are derived from choice, Choose You.

Have you ever heard the phrase, "change your zip code"?  This means if your current actions create the same outcome time and time again, you have to change your zip code to get a different outcome.

I learned many lessons from my mentors during my Banking Career.  One of the most valuable lessons was the Bank always does what is in the best interest of its Shareholders.  It is the fundamental responsibility of a Corporation.  Early in my Bank career my mentor granted me stock based on performance and I quickly understood the generous recognition to be a Shareholder.  The wealth created by the sale of that stock was life changing and an experience and dynamic I wanted at the core of Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

One person cannot build a company, it takes a Village.  The Village should benefit.  This belief is part of your culture or not.  If its not, what is your longer term outcome?

Banks can sell many products if mortgage origination is determined not to be in the Shareholders best interest.  Read the News, its the trend.  Southeast Mortgage sells one product and evolves with media and technology.  We originate mortgages only and are all in and have been for 25 years.  Your career deserves a company that is all in on what your income is dependent on.

Over the past 25 years, I have seen a lot of Mortgage Operations go out of business and a few sell.  Poor judgment, poorly conceived plans, and unsustainable strategies were the cause and cost good employees their jobs and the valuable time they spent away from their family growing the company.  When it comes to taking care of your family or planning for retirement, you need proven leadership that can help you accomplish your goals long term and provide equality.  Change your zip code for a path to retirement.

When your Bank or Non-Bank sells and asks you to stay with the company they sold, who's best interest is it?  Yours or the New Shareholders?  You basically accept a new job (sometimes with pay cuts) without an interview and without comparing other opportunities.  The company being bought and the reasons you worked there ended with the purchase.  The new Bank or Non-Bank will do what is in their Shareholder's best interest in the manner they believe maximizes their Shareholder's value.  Its important to understand your new leadership works for their Shareholders not as your fiduciary.  Change your zip code and take a chance on a path to be a Shareholder.

When a Bank or Non-Bank sells you only hear about a few people that got a big check.  Search Google, Search Google2, Search Google3, SEC filings are public knowledge and show how many shares and how much each made on the sale and where the expense cuts come from to create efficiencies.  Mergers rely on expense cuts to leverage combined revenue into a higher net income for Shareholders.  IMO the Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from the sale should also benefit the employees that created the value.  The reality? The employees who created the Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in value do not share equitably in the sale.  After the close of the sale, employees at the company being bought have to find a new job or hope the new company they were sold to continues in a manner that allows them to make the same income.  No Bank operates the same nor has the same strategy.  There is a reason one Bank buys another and it is usually about Deposits and cutting non-interest expense to create a higher net income.  Expense is always cut from the company being bought.  Bank sales are SEC regulated and public knowledge.  Read the agreement. Merger

Loyalty is a two-way street.  If you are loyal, you should be rewarded when good things happen.  If your leader just moves you from company to company 2 - 3 times

with the same outcome, turn the page (Change your zip code) and try a better path.  You only have a few opportunities in life to make a better path.  Change your zip code to a path that makes you the owner.

What do your Shareholder's look like?  Do they represent you?  Do you have a path to become an owner?  Have you ever met your Shareholders or Board Members?

We work side by side daily.  At Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc., our shareholders are our Processors, Underwriters, Closers, Originators, and Administration.  Four of our Shareholders have retired comfortably.

This is what our SEM shareholders looks like.  Every year we add those that help us grow.  From 2 shareholders to 41 is equitable distribution of our success.

They all changed their zip code at some point in their career to make a better path for themselves and their family.

With change comes an opportunity for a better outcome.

#truth #respect #history

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

Shaun Graham Promoted to Executive Vice President

Shaun Graham has been promoted to Executive Vice President and added to Executive Management at Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc., SEM.  

Our last EVP is now our COO.  Since inception in 1993, SEM has had 6 Executives in this group with two retired.  Shaun joined SEM on 10/10/2005.  After a football career and graduating from the University of South Carolina, Shaun entered the Mortgage Industry as a Loan Officer in our call center and eventually worked his way through the ranks to Office Manager and then Senior Vice President.  With a fundamental understanding of our business and the respect from those around him, he took on our newest strategies with passion and commitment.  Shaun now works directly with Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO on SEM’s Social and Media Strategies including various projects with future innovation implications for our industry.

“Shaun is a testament to passion, smart work, and commitment to a common belief.  With SEM, Shaun has accomplished more than most in a 30-year career.  Instead of moving around like many in our industry, Shaun focused on learning and his skill set.  As a result, he made himself invaluable and a trustworthy teammate / large shareholder.  I look forward to sharing what I know so he can successfully take on more responsibility in the future.   Shaun is not just a smart charismatic guy, he is a good friend and a role model of how to evolve a fantastic career.” Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

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

Inflation: Your $1 matters, treat it wisely.

The equivalent of $1 in 1963 is $7.79 in 2018.  If you saved your $100 in cash under your mattress in 1963, you would $12.84 of relative cash left. 

If you invested $1 a day every day since 1963, you would have $842,416.

Owning a home is an inflation friendly activity.  Unlike cash that deteriorates due to inflation, home values rise.  With QE1, QE2, QE3 monetary policy since the last financial crisis, inflation should be in the forefront of your personal financial plan.

In today's economic environment, holding cash is no longer king.  A large cushion for the unexpected is always prudent; however, the QE waves heading our way has created an interesting portfolio consideration.

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

Note: This is my opinion based on the current economic data and my experience.  Any investment decisions should be discussed with your financial advisor.

Layoffs - Explained

Cal Haupt

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

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

Shareholders at Southeast Mortgage

"Shareholders at Southeast Mortgage are Quantitative Producers in both Sales and Operations, Loyal Teammates, and those who inspire us to be the best.  Taking care of our team during their work years and after is our fiduciary responsibility.  At the end of the day, I work for 34 of the best bosses a Chairman can have!"  Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

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

Reality of what is happening in the Economy Today - October 21, 2018

View the Economy this way.  

Does a boat run just as fast when its high tide as low tide?

The answer is yes if you pay attention and steer your boat watching your mapping and depth instruments with an experienced eye.  Like the tides, the Economy is Relative and steering is required no matter how big you think your boat is or how fast.  Without the medium in which a boat operates (water) and the medium a Mortgage Company Operates (Sustained Operating Capital) both can run a ground.  

Experience Matters because you do not know you hit ground until its too late.

Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc

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

Who Do You Work With?

2 or 33 - Put the odds in your favor

If you had to choose a TEAM to compete with that would give you the best chance to win and share in the rewards of success, what is your logical choice.

Choices (Click for Definition)
A.    2   LLC Members
B.         Family Owned Business
C.  33   Shareholders that Share a Common Vision

If it were a basketball game, who would probably win?
If it were a dodge ball game, who would probably win?
If it were a baseball game, who would probably win?
When you have to compete in the Mortgage Industry?

Employee ownership has its benefits.  It is hard to compete with a large team that possesses a diverse skill set that has a passion to be the best.

Can you join the LLC?  NO
Can you join the Family?  NO
If there is no path to ownership or being a part of ownership, what does that say about the value placed on your contribution to the LLC or somebody's family.  Are you really part of the TEAM? 

Choose you, Choose your Family, Choose

www.southeastmortgage.com

Best Career Advice: "I WILL GET IT DONE" Cal Haupt

In my career, I never said "I will do my best", I always said, "I will get it done".  

There is always a way to solve a problem, improve a process, or create an new opportunity.  

My Mentors never had to worry about a task assigned to me.  As a result, they assigned more tasks to me which created opportunity for advancement and monetary reward.  Be invaluable to your Mentor.

Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.
a shareholder "employee" owned corporation

www.southeastmortgage.com

Straight Talk - Video Series

Know what kind of company you work for

Why Companies grow themselves out of business

Helping others grow

Advantages of Non-Bank vs. Bank Mortgage Origination

www.southeastmortgage.com

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

Plan for Life NOT the MONTH

www.southeastmortgage.com

https://southeastmortgage.com/mymortgage/

Truth = Accurate Interpretation

Would you take a reporters opinion on your health or would you prefer to listen to a Credentialed Doctor who can interpret the various test data?

I am with you.  Reporters like to write about topics; however, the Mortgage Industry and the economic inputs that define the accurate path are complicated.  People with little else to offer forward biased and in some cases false interpretations of our true environment.

Did anyone see a family living under a tree on their way to work?  Does anyone know anyone having a baby?  Does anyone have kids in college or just graduated?

This is the organic growth of our industry that is exponential not cooling.  Cooling is a strange word with little to do with economics or social behavior.

The Reality is the Mortgage Industry is always growing and people will continually adjust their housing as their lifestyle changes.  Bigger, Smaller, Asset Allocation.  The available mortgage business just seeks the best providers that offer the best service and product fit.

"Cooling?" I suspect the reporter meant that consumers have had a great 2-3 years and are taking advantage of their good fortune and taking additional vacations thus shifting traditional perceptions of mortgage application behaviors.

Its your career and your life, get opinions from credentialed people with relevant experience.

Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

https://southeastmortgage.com/mymortgage/im-a-client/
www.southeastmortgage.com

Simple Path to Success

"Make yourself invaluable to a group of committed professionals that together are a formidable competitor with unique methodology.  This is the true path to success

from a financial and professional perspective.  This approach navigates all storms.

> Individual focus is a repetitive process with a short time horizon.  We all know people who move every year or two.  Does moving from one college to the next each year provide a clear message about your degree's relevance?  Learning how to hunt from a great hunter feeds a family for life.

> One person alone cannot and has never achieved more than a Village with Belief and Passion to be the best.

> Drama and Uncertainty is acid to the foundation of a productive TEAM."  

Cal Haupt, Chairman and CEO, Southeast Mortgage of Georgia, Inc.

www.southeastmortgage.com 

770-279-0222