learning from the past to improve the future...
TRANSCRIPT
Page 1
THE AFN
Learning from the Past to Improve the Future by John Sherman, President Featured Article | 1
Welcome to AFN | 2
Top Producers | 4
Top Processors | 5
Branch Relations | 6
Encompass Corner | 7
Scenario Desk | 9
AFN Props | 10
Marketing Updates | 12
Social Media Status | 13
AFN Fan Corner | 14
Compliance Matters | 16
Store Update | 17
contents
Edition 09 | SEPT 2015
I know you guys have all heard Einstein’s
definition of insanity as doing the same
thing over and over again and expecting
different results. This is a condition that I
think afflicts most of us in the mortgage
industry and within AFN. We hear stories
about a loan officer that keeps turning in
incomplete files to processing and gets
annoyed when they aren’t submitted to
underwriting within a week or a processor
keeps waiting for a funding stip sheet
when docs come back and complains
about missing a closing. There are tons
of examples like this throughout the
loan process and even beyond in other
departments. Whose responsibility is it to
fix these sticking points? Corporate tries
to identify them and put practices in place
to help everyone streamline the process,
but that’s a small group of people looking
at a lot of loans. Our company has grown
to 1,000 employees and could fund $3B
this year, but we still rely on individuals to
keep the gears turning.
Another relevant cliché here is that you’re
only as strong as your weakest link. My
article in the July newsletter was about
taking responsibility and identifying areas
where you can personally improve the
system. This article is reminding you
that we have tons of real life examples
every month of how a loan makes its
way through the system. Each time you
encounter a point where things don’t go
as smoothly as possible is an opportunity
for you to identify a way to avoid that on
most future files. This applies to everyone
who touches a loan.
The biggest opportunity I see for
improvement is in common conditions
from processors to loan officers,
underwriters to processors, funders to
processors, investors to post-closers, etc.
It’s easy to look at condition lists on the
last 10 loans that you worked on and see
if there are any conditions that pop up on
multiple files. (Continued on pg 8)
Page 2
We are always pleased to add to the AFN Team,
and want to welcome the following personnel, who
joined us in September 2015.
We’re so happy you are here!
Branch Managers
Joshua Felzer
Loan Officers
Alejandro Ramirez
Amanda Covington
Beatriz Vasallo
Craig Holmes
Deborah Rogers
Fernando Diaz
Gail Ishikawa
Gary Moore
Ivonne Jimenez
James Winger
Keith Nicholson
Marceline Angrand
Paul Berger
Ron Myers
Scott Feldman
Scott Johnston
Thomas Alexander
Zinia Gonzalez
Support and
Corporate Employees
Alyssa Hoogeveen, Receptionist
Amy Johnson, Funder
Anabell Little, Underwriter
Andrea Morandini, Underwriter
Andrew Hebenton, Transitional LO
Aurora Cosme, Post Closer
Bethann Heming, Processor
Brianna Killion, Underwriting Asst.
Brooke Clay, Loan Setup
Caroline Hernandez, Sr Processor
Catherine Brooks, Underwriter
Chris Ryan, Account Executive
Christiana Almont, Receptionist
Chuong Dao, Jr Processor
Crystal Silva, Business Development
Cynthia Travis, Post Closing Underwriter
Diane del Rosario, Processor
Gabriel Sanchez, Administrative Asst.
Gina Wagner, Processor
Janet Foster, Loan Officer Asst.
Jenna Lum, Loan Officer Asst.
Jenny Nguyen, Funder
John Fox, Transitional LO
Joseph Casey, Compliance Analyst
Josie Accola, Underwriter
Julian De La Rosa, Loan Officer Asst.
K-Lani Herbert, Jr Processor
Page 3
6 YearsAlejandro Ascencio
Alex Rosales
John Lane
Monica Schroeder
5 YearsDenise Campbell
Genaro Peralta
Matilde Chavira
Michael Vaverka
4 YearsDamu Riley
Judy Morales
Lucerito Martha Castro
3 YearsBrandon Castaneda
Edward Chang
Jonathan Hoffmann
Josh Vega
Juliana Contreras
Karina Sanchez
2 YearsJomari Mamaradlo
Joshua Montano
Kevin-James Gonzalez
Michael Dugan
1 YearAngela Thornton
Brad Patterson
Daniel Olea
David Lawver
Gabriela Godinez
Karla Balajadia
Kirsten Strickler
Larry Rollins
Michael Ladkani
Nakia Aguirre
Robert Coleman
Rose Coleman
Stephen Carbajal
We ask that you join us in wishing the following employees a
very Happy Anniversary in the month of September and thank
you for your years of Service!
Congratulations, and thank you for your dedication and
contributions to our success!
Kathlene Keppel-Colkitt, Transitional LO
Kathren Rosales, Transitional LO
Lisa Ramirez, Sr Processor
Lisa Townsend Sr Processor
Maria Delgado, Transitional LO
Michael Cray, Marketing Asst.
Michael Duran, Processor
Paige Gifford, Executive Asst.
Peter Demetros, Sr Underwriter
Ronda Manning, Transitional LO
Scott Malik, Processor
Sheila Lee, Loan Officer Asst.
Susan Akopoff, Accounting Clerk
Tatiana Rumi, Telemarketer
Tracey Eaton, Processor
Wilton Neville, Loan Officer Asst.
Yvette Anderson, Underwriter
Page 4
1.
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5.
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8.
9.
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13.
14.
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17.
18.
19.
20.
Sky Park Division
Chino Hills - Pipeline
Campbell
Parkmont Division
Palm Beach
Fresno
Lawver
Downey
Tustin Ranch Virtual
RC - Diaz
Congratulations and kudos to the AFN Sales Team!
Congratulations to the AFN Sales Team! We want to thank you all for your collective contributions as you continue to set and achieve production goals!
We funded 894 loans totaling $240,845,044 in the month of September. Keep up the great work!
We would like to recognize our top Setpember 2015 Loan Originators and Branches and applaud them for a job well done:
Top Loan Originators - September
Top Branches - September1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Michael VaVerka
Sam Rumi
Daniel Pinkous
Alejandro Araoz
Thomas Dugan
Alejandro Ascencio
Cory Miles
Jerry Shumard
Bill Bright
Lisa Cardoza
John Bash III
Maryanne Franzyshen
Joshua Ulmer
Robert VaVerka
Hector Estrada
Don Crozier
Stefanie Neale
Eric Winblad
Patrick Ladkani
Claudia Spaulding
Production
The AFN Birmingham, Alabama Branch attended
the 11th Annual Realtor®/Affiliate Trade Show at
the beginning of September. The team was able to
network with many Realtors® and potential partners
and build brand awareness in their local market.
We still love those handwritten notes - not every
accolade is given online! Check out these cards
written to Tim Prindle from our Cedar City branch.
Page 5
Funded Volume by # of Units
1. Tamara Mitchell
2. Michele Velasco
3. Jeremy Longman
4. Marie Eliasson
5. Kimber Shan
Swiftest TT from Decisioned to Funding (with more than 5 loans funded):
1. Maria Guillen
2. Courtney Torgerson
3. Don McCaskill
4. Beatrice Jackson
5. Denise Campbell
We would like to recognize the top Loan Processors by funded volume and swiftest turnaround. To all AFN Loan Processors, keep up the great work and know you are appreciated!
Branch Highlights
Have something to share? Send it to us at
Page 6
BranchTRID is now in full swing, and we are happy to report there have been no major hiccups in this early stage of the transition. We have recently released several TRID-related Encompass Newsflashes; in case you missed them, you can see all Encompass Newsflashes here (there is also a link on the Encompass home page under “Company Custom Links.”
We have an Intranet page dedicated to TRID, which you can find here. There is also a link to it on the Intranet Home Page. As always, if you have questions regarding TRID or anything work-related, feel free to contact the Branch Relations Department at 909-287-2890 or email us at [email protected].
Now, for a lighthearted approach to TRID training, here are the TRID 10 Commandments:
Thou shall not require verification documents from consumers before issuing an LE. 1Thou shall obtain consumers’ consent to receive electronic loan disclosures and documents, and have
contingency plans for alternative delivery methods. 2Thou shall provide an LE within three business days after receiving the six pieces of information constituting
an application. (consumer’s name, consumer’s income, consumer’s SSN, property address, estimated value
of the property, mortgage amount sought)3
Thou shall prepare the LE with reliable data and information collected based on good faith efforts (no
padding fees). 4Thou shall know the new 0% and 10% tolerance buckets.
• 0% = fees paid to the lender or an affiliate, transfer taxes, fees paid to an unaffiliated third party where
the borrower may not shop for the services (examples: appraisal, credit report, flood cert)
• 10% = recording fees, fees paid to an unaffiliated third party where the borrower may shop for services
but chooses a provider from the Written List of Providers provided by the lender
5
Thou shall issue revised versions of the LE within three WORKING business days of receiving information
constituting valid changes of circumstances in order to reset tolerance baselines. (Only fees associated
with the valid Change or Circumstance may change.)6
Thou shall not issue any revised LE after issuing the CD. 7Thou shall ensure that consumers receive the last revised LE and the CD at least 4 SPECIFIC business days
and 3 SPECIFIC business days before consummation, respectively. 8Thou shall communicate effectively with thy settlement agent, service providers, consumers, and any
party involved in any loan transaction to ensure all changes and revisions to the CD are timely and correctly
made before consummation. 9
Thou shall ensure the final CD is signed by all the required parties and that all errors on the final CD are
cured within the required deadline after consummation. 10
Page 7
CORNER
Page 7
TRID - eConsent Not Yet Received
It is required for the LO to receive eConsent from the borrower(s), before the
borrowers can eSign. The LO may send the eConsent before sending the
eDisclosures but it is not necessary.
Fortunately, you can send the eConsent and eDisclosures at the same time.
When you’re ready to send initial disclosures, click the eDisclose button, select
the appropriate loan program, and then you will get the Disclosure Audit prompt
below. You can proceed to send your eDisclosures by clicking the button with
the red box shown below.
The borrower(s) will be prompted to give eConsent before eSigning. The
borrower(s) will not be able to eSign until they eConsent to eSigning.
Helpful Links
TRID Information
TRID Basics
TRID Training Video Password: TRIDEX123
TRID LO Workflow
Encompass NewsflashesPlease read newsflashes as they
are released and refer to them for
questions you may have.
Page 8
Learning from the Past
to Improve our Future
You can identify when that condition will be required
going forward and then make sure you get it into the
file proactively on future files. It seems simple and it is.
Past breakdowns in communication also present an
opportunity going forward. Whether it’s promising
turn times to your realtors and clients or dealing
within the company, we are all guilty of insufficient
or inaccurate communication. While it’s typically
easier to say yes or quote a turn time that someone
wants to hear, setting realistic expectations up-front
is much easier than handling the battles that ensue
if you over-promise and under deliver. We’ve found
that people are more okay with the truth than you
might think. If you’re going to miss a scheduled COE,
the realtor and borrower are typically okay with that if
they have time to prepare.
Attitude is also another important part of
communication. Look at your past experience and
see how many times you got what you wanted
when you asked with a negative attitude compared
to being polite and professional. This is especially
important when dealing with other AFN employees.
It’s hard to say no to someone who asks nicely. One
of the goals of our Branch Manager conference next
month is to eliminate the gap between corporate
and the branches so that we’re all working together
toward the same goal. Attitude is probably the most
important aspect of that.
It’s easy to look back at past booms in the market
after they’re over and wish you had done more in
sales to capitalize on the good times. Just a heads
up...now is one of the good times. Rates are at or are
very close to the lowest you’ll see in the next decade
or more. We want all salespeople to look back
next year (when rates are 0.5% or 1% higher)
and say they did everything they could to
take advantage of this run. Marketing to your
past database is the easiest way to capitalize,
but hitting the streets and finding the clients
is where you see the difference between top
and average LOs. If there’s ever a time to work
harder to find buyers and help create that
sense of urgency to get more loans, it’s now. I
don’t anticipate doom and gloom as rates rise,
but the pickings won’t be quite as easy.
Page 8
Page 9
to Improve our Future
We’ve seen slowdowns in the past when new regulations
come out, like the 2010 GFE, LO comp rules, HVCC, etc.
People tend to be afraid of change and how it will affect
business, which is apparent in their origination volume
during those transition times. The latest change was TRID
going into effect last weekend. Don’t let this one affect
you like previous changes have. The new disclosures
are actually better than the ones they’re replacing for a
change and compliance is easy if you pay attention.
John ShermanPresident
Let’s all focus on learning
from the past to improve our
future together. There’s so
much we can do if we all work
together toward that goal.
Page 9Page 9
Scenario Desk by Susan Shelton-McLaughlin
Have you used the AFN Scenario
Desk? It’s an online tool you can use to
get answers to underwriting questions
that can’t be answered by referring to
underwriting and loan program matrices.
It’s a great resource to tap if you want to
know if a specific scenario is “doable.”
When completing the online form,
please be sure to complete every field.
The submission form was strategically
designed to ensure enough information
is provided for the Underwriter to analyze
and respond to the scenario query.
We received 250 scenario questions
in the month of September! Some
questions received, such as those that
were loan program-specific, could
have been answered by referring to our
reference materials. Please remember
we have program guides, matrices and
underwriting guidelines published on the
company Intranet in the “Loan Programs”
section. Also, income calculation
questions can often be answered by
referring to guidelines or asking your
Loan Processor (who can escalate the
question to the Branch Manager or
Underwriter if necessary).
Thanks for the submissions! Keep those
loans and scenario queries coming!
Continued from Page 1
We have had a great response to the new AFN Props program in
the month of September. Thank you for participating and sharing
your appreciation for your co-workers.
We encourage you to keep submitting props for your co-workers! Below are just a few that were
submitted in September. Give AFN Props here!
Page 10
AWARD
AFN PROPSIntroducing....
AFN Props!
Awarded to: Victor Ziringer, Underwriter
“Victor has been a team player on all UW files. Going above and beyond getting files done. It is nice to have an UW who cares about loans and that caring shows in their communication and hard work.”
Given by: Joey Pimentel, Branch Manager
Awarded to: Jade Rivera, Data Support Analyst
“Her dedication to the job goes above and beyond. She is committed to excellence, is responsive, and is a pleasure to work with.
She is an asset to the company.” voice. Her editorial Given by: Joshua Montano, Database Administrator
Awarded to: Everardo Navarro, Underwriter
“A file that we closed a short time ago was missing one last item, through continued effort and positive communications we were able to reach a resolution on the file that worked for everyone. I enjoyed working on a sensitive item with Everardo as he was patient, professional and always communicated on a positive note!“
Given by: Daniele Leong, Loan Officer
Top Props Winners
Grand Prize Winner! Jimmy Vuong
2nd Place Winner!Corey Trujillo
Top Props for September
*For this month ONLY we have included the AFN Props from August since the program started at the end of that month.
Top Dept. Processing
35 Props
3rd Place Winners
Diane Cisneros
Scott McGinely
Jade Rivera
Jessica Saucier
Ben Benavidez
Ashley Newman
Ashlee Shields
Page 11
Awarded to: Courtney Moore, Funder
“Courtney is wonderful to work with. She is there to answer your questions always picks up the phone or calls you back. If she does not know something she will ask and get you the answer. She is quick and on point with the HUD approvals, along with authorization to Disburse once she gets all that she needs back. She is truly a great Asset to AFN and I am thankful when she is the funder on our loans!!!!!
Given by: Gina Besignano, Loan Officer
Awarded to: Jessica Saucier, Jr. Processor
“Jessica jumped in and worked hard in helping us get a file to the closing table. Her effort and follow through was great and I appreciate it.”
Given by: Todd Probasco, Branch Manager
Awarded to: Kathleen Ryan, Funder
“Katie has done an awesome job helping with some challenging files. Getting instructions and docs to closing companies and being responsive to questions. She has been a great team player. Thanks for Everything.”
Given by: Joey Pimentel, Branch Manager
“Luis had a perfect loan submission
to underwriting with a spotless and well organized e-folder.”
Awarded to: Luis Morales,Sr. Processor
Given by: Kyle Malack, Jr. Underwriter
“Always an job processing. Files are
usually a one or 2 touch underwrite until DOCs. Thank-you
Nicole for your consistent excellent job processing!!!!”
Awarded to: Nicole LeFore, Processor
Given by: Liz Woltz, Underwriting Manager “Great training! Thanks
to you, Matt and Sean I feel a lot less worried about the
implementing of the new TRID forms.”
Awarded to: Jimmy Vuong, Corporate Trainer
Given by: Jason Smith, LO
excellent
LOAN PAYMENTSAt the closing, written instructions should have been provided with details for making your first loan payment. You should receive your loan coupon book before your first payment is due. If you don’t receive your book, or if you have questions about your tax and insurance escrows, please contact your closing agent or attorney.
PROPERTY TAXESAt the closing, property taxes were prorates between the buyer and the seller based on occupancy time in the home. You may not receive a tax statement for the current year on the home you buy, however, it is your obligation to make sure the taxes are paid when due. Check with AFN to find out if taxes are included with your payment and if the tax bill will be paid from escrowed funds.
RECORDED DEEDOnce recorded in the official county records, the original deed to your home will be mailed directly to you, generally within 4-6 weeks.
Call now to learn more!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CLOSINGIt is recommended you keep all records pertaining to your home together in a safe place, including all purchase documents,
insurance, maintenance and improvements.
KEYS TO HOMEYou have been supplied with a set of keys that unlocks the doors to your new home. To ensure security, change the locks upon moving in.
UTILITIESIf you have not already done so, contact the local service providers to make arrangements for electricity, gas, water, phone and cable. While some providers may need as little notice as a day to activate your services, it’s best to give them a few weeks’ notice.
OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE POLICYYou may have received an Owner’s Policy at closing. If this service is not available in your area, you should receive your policy by mail in 4-6 weeks.
POSTAL SERVICEYour local post office can provide the necessary Change of Address forms to expedite the delivery of mail to your new home. You can speed up the process by notifying everyone who sends you mail of your new address and the date of your move.
FILING FOR HOMESTEADIf the home you purchased is in a homestead state, you may be required to declare homestead or file homestead exemption. A homestead exemption reduces the value of a home for state-tax purposes. Please check with the local county recorder’s office to determine eligibility, filing requirements and deadlines.
DRIVERS LICENSE, VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND INSPECTIONYou are required by law to notify your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) after any relocation so a new driver’s license can be issued. You will also need to have your auto registration transferred to your new address and depending on your state, submit to a driving test and vehicle inspection. Check with your state DMV to determine requirements.
Call now to learn more!
Understanding the Integrated Mortgage Disclosure Rule
Changes apply to loan applications received after Oct. 3, 2015
This information is intended to assist Real Estate Brokers, Agents, and other Industry Professionals, and is not an advertisement for consumer credit as defined in 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(2). This information
is not intended for consumers and may not be duplicated or disseminated to the public.
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN APPLICATION?
1. Consumer’s Name
2. Consumer’s Income
3. Consumer Social Security #
4. A Property Address
5. An estimated Value of the
Property
6. The Mortgage Loan Amount
Sought
FORMSLoan Estimate Replaces
Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
Initial Truth-in-Lending Disclosure (TIL)
Closing Disclosure Replaces
HUD-1 Settlement Statement
Final Truth-in-Lending Disclosure (TIL)
VARIANCESFormally known as tolerances
Loan Estimate
3 Days - Lender ensures delivery or places
in the mail no later than the third working
business day after receiving the consumers
application
7 Days - The Loan Estimate must also be
disclosed no later the 7th specific business
day before consummation of the transaction
Closing Disclosure
3 Days - Lender ensures the consumer
receives the Closing Disclosure no later than 3
specific business days before consummation
of the loan
3 Days - Loans may not be consummated
less than 3 specific business days after the
Closing Disclosure received by the consumer.
3 Days - Changes made to the Closing
Disclosure prior to the loan consummation
requires a new Closing Disclosure form to be
issued by the lender and in a limited number
of stations including APR changes more than
1/8 of a % or 1/4 of a % of irregular loans,
the loan product changes or a pre-payment
penalty is added 12 CFR [1026.19(1)(2)(1)]., a
reset of the 3 day waiting period
No Limit Charges | 10% Aggregate Variance Charges | Zero Variance Charges
TIM
ING
NO LIMIT CHARGES
Charges such as prepaid interest, property
insurance, amounts placed into an escrow impound
or reserve account and services required by the
lender if the lender allows the consumer to shop and
the consumer actually selects a third-party service
not on the lender’s written list of service providers,
and fees paid to third party providers for services not
required by the lender.
Fees paid to third-party providers for services not
required by the lender may be paid to affiliates of the
lender.
10% AGGREGATE
VARIANCE CHARGES
Recording fees, charges for third-
party services where:
The charges are not paid to the
lender or the lenders’ affiliate
The consumer is permitted by the
lender to shop for the third-party
service but selects a provider
on the lender’s written list of
approved service providers
ZERO VARIANCE
Fees paid to the lender, mortgage
broker or an affiliate of the lender,
except that charges paid for a third-
party service not required by the
lender, may be paid to an affiliate of
the lender
Fees paid to an unaffiliated third-
party if the lender did not permit the
consumer to shop for third-party
service provider
Transfer taxes
Specific Business Days = Monday - Saturday (minus AFN Holidays) | Working Business Days = Monday - Friday (minus National Holidays)
Call now to learn more!
the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID)Key Points You Need to Know About
Sometimes referred to as the “know before you owe” rule, the new TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure, or
TRID, is set to rollout on Saturday, October 3, 2015. There is a lot to know about complying with this rule that
is being implemented by the CFPB. Some key points are discussed below.
The TRID is a consolidation of four existing documents:
The Truth-in-Lending (TIL) disclosure and the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) have been combined into a
single disclosure called the Loan Estimate (LE)
• Must be delivered or placed in the mail no later than the third business day after your receipt of a
loan application
The final TIL and HUD-1 Settlement Statement have been combined into a single disclosure called the
Closing Disclosure (CD)
• Must be provided to your client at least three business days prior to closing
• There is a minimum waiting/review period of 3 days after the initial CD is issued (if your client
e-signs or signs in person that they received it on the same day that it was sent, then the waiting
period will be 3 days).
While the intent of the Loan Estimate is to clarify initial estimates, and it is delivered within the same timeframe
as the documents it replaces, it is the Closing Disclosure’s three day timeframe that may potentially impact
closing and alter your clients’ home buying experience.
This information is intended to assist Real Estate Brokers, Agents, and other Industry Professionals, and is not an advertisement for consumer credit as defined in 12 CFR
1026.2(a)(2). This information is not intended for consumers and may not be duplicated or disseminated to the public.
in-person
e-delivery
Call now to learn more!
Loan Estimate
This information is intended to assist Real Estate Brokers, Agents, and other Industry Professionals, and is not an advertisement for consumer credit as defined in 12 CFR
1026.2(a)(2). This information is not intended for consumers and may not be duplicated or disseminated to the public.
New Lending Disclosure TimelineEffective for Loan Applications Received After Oct. 3, 2015
1
Meet with Lender
Revised Loan Estimate (if needed)
3 Working Business Days
(M-F)
LoanEstimate
Permitted Changes:• Rate Lock• New Information• Borrower
Requested Changes
3 Business Days(M-F)
33
4
ClosingDisclosure
2
Lender
Revised LoanEstimate
MUST be Received Min. 4 Specific Business
Days Before Closing
(Borrower must sign & date)
Borrower is presumed to have received the disclosure from 3rd
specifc business day from CD prep date.
Borrower must esign using
approved esign method/vendor
ConsummationChanges require a new Closing Disclosure:
Changes require a new 3 Business Day waiting period if:
1. APR changes beyong allowable limits2. Loan Product changes3. Prepayment penalty is added
Specific Business Days = Monday - Saturday | Working Business Days = Monday - Friday
SendClosing
Disclosure
3 Proof of Receipt Methods
Borrower must receive the CD at least 3 specific business
days before consummation
Call now to learn more!
TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID)Understanding the Changes Taking Affect Oct. 3, 2015
How To Count
WorkingBusiness Days:
Days that AFN is open to the public for carrying out substantially all of its business functions. • Generally, Monday through Friday excluding all AFN
holidays
SpecificBusiness Days:
All calendar days except Sundays and legal public holidays. • Rule of thumb, days that the United Postal Service is
open.
How ToCount Days:
The day the event occurs is day zero and every day after day zero is counted on. For example, application is taken on Monday, so the last day to prepare and send disclosures is Thursday.
Day 00Monday
Received App
Day 01Tuesday
Day 03 ThursdayLast day to prepare
and send initialdisclosure package
Day 02Wednesday
This information is intended to assist Real Estate Brokers, Agents, and other Industry Professionals, and is not an advertisement for consumer credit as defined in 12 CFR 1026.2(a)(2). This information is not intended for consumers and may not be duplicated or disseminated to the public.
Page 12
New FlyersNow available on iConnect. Download them in 3 easy steps. Learn how here: Flyer Tutorial
Marketing Library
New EmailsSend them in 3 easy steps. Learn how here: Email Tutorial
TRID Flyersare now
available.
View all emails and flyers available on iConnect.
TRID PresentationWant to educate your partners on the new TRID requirements? Download the TRID Basics Presentation
for Realtors here. Be sure to add your contact information and disclaimer to the last slide. If you need
your disclaimer, contact [email protected].
Page 13
Introducing...
Michael Fleming Social Media Coordinator
Michael has recently joined the AFN
Marketing Team as the Social Media
Coordinator. Michael is responsible
for social media development,
content, strategy and training.
Before joining the AFN team, he
studied at Queens University of
Charlotte, where he majored in
Communications.
Welcome, Michael!
Social Media Status
The Best Time for Social Media
Finding the best time to post on social media can be a mad
experiment, however, we have found some interesting
facts that could help you when posting. Now nothing is
concrete, but these times are recommended to help you
engage more with your audience.
For Facebook, the best days of the week to post are Thursday and Friday. People tend to be happier on those
days and more likely to like or share a post. Engagement
can actually dip Monday through Wednesday*.
The best time to post is early afternoon (in your time zone)
1pm has the most shares and 3pm has the most clicks.
LinkedIn is the opposite of Facebook. While most weekdays
are best for posting on LinkedIn, Tuesday- Thursdays have
higher views. Also try posting earlier in the day, between
10am – 11am. Avoid posting on the weekends at all*.
Google Plus is great Monday- Friday and you will often
get more likes or shares when you post between 9am and
11am.
Again, this is not an exact science and no guarantee that
your posts will see a large spike when posting at these
times. Always remember to play to your audience when
posting, and stick to the time zone most of your followers
are located in.
*Source: CoSchedule
Page 14
AFN Fan Corner
“Carrie was great and was so supportive throughout the entire process. She went the extra mile
to help us get qualified. We couldn’t have done it without her.“ - Allison D. for Carrie Blue, Skypark Branch
“MaryAnne went above and beyond. She
always was a help when I had questions
and made the process very easy. I would
recommend her in a heartbeat. Thanks again!”
- Jamie K. for MaryAnne Franzyshen Toms River Branch
“Cory and Josh kept the communication
open and frequent. There were several
hoops that we had to get through to close my
refinance but we got it all done. I am very satisfied.”
- Jeffrey W. for Cory Miles, Chino Hills Branch
“Bart goes above
and beyond to make the
transaction seamless and he
communicates with you Daily
so there is no confusion as to
what’s going on with each step
Bart is very personable and
extremely knowledgeable.” - Valerie R. for
Barton Prince, Boca Raton Branch
“He was very
proactive and easily
accessible. He was
friendly, very professional
and trustworthy. I would
recommend him to
anyone looking to buy a
home.” - Kimberly S.
for Victor Watford, Releigh Branch
“They were all professional in every way and very
helpful when I asked a question. If I called and
missed them when they were away from their
telephone, they would return my call when they
returned. I would recommend them too all my friends
now and in the future. They were A+++++++ in my book.”
- Tony G. for Adam C., Gilbert Branch
“Josh delivered on
everything he promised
and it was a great
experience working with him.” - James W. for
Joshua UlmerPalm Beach Branch
“Scott is so incredibly
knowledgeable about all
the product options available
and he’s tenacious about
servicing his clients - always
making them feel secure
during the entire loan
process.” - Sue C. for
Scott Johnson, ScottsdaleBranch
Page 15
Carrie BlueSkypark7 reviews. Average: 5
SOCIAL SURVEY
Joshua Ulmer Palm Beach7 reviews. Average: 4.71
MaryAnne Franzyshen Toms River5 reviews. Average: 4.666
Scott Johnson Scottsdale4 reviews. Average: 5
Cory MilesChino Hills4 reviews. Average: 5
AFNSOCIAL SURVEY STATS
Survey Score Over Last 90 Days
Total Surveys Sent Over Last 90 Days
Social Posts Over Last 90 Days
4.707
1K+
165
Have you set up your Social Survey account?It’s easy to set up and allows you to gain customer reviews and enhance your online reputation.
View Training Here
Page 16
Compliance Matters
TRID Training for Loan Originators and Loan Processors
By now, you should have taken the TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure (“TRID”) Training for Loan Originators
and Loan Processors. We heard from many of you that the training went well through our AFN Props program.
Material that was covered includes:
• Overview of TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID)• Deep Dive into Loan Estimates• Sending Initial Disclosures with TRID• Re-disclosing with TRID• Sending the Closing Disclosure
If you need a refresher or would like a quick reference tool, we have compiled a TRID Information
page on the Intranet where you can find helpful TRID documentation, such as:
• TRID Basics
• AFN/AllRegs TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosures Policy Manual
• TRID Workflow – Loan Originators
• ...and more!
TRID Information Page
Page 17
AFN StoreThe AFN Store is your one-stop-shop for print, promotional and event marketing. We have an assortment of pre-stocked items as well as items that can be custom ordered for your specific branch. Take a shopping trip today.
Don’t see an item that you want to order? Just email us at [email protected] and we will find it for you. Check out these fun promotional items that can be ordered on the AFN Store today!
Orders placed before 12pm PST typically ship the following day. Orders after 12 will be shipped within 24-48 hours.
Featured Item
House Swivel KeychainCost: $2.10 each!
There’s more to the swiveling house
keychain than a simple ornament.
The mirrored silver centerpiece spins
with a flick of the finger. What better
way to close a deal with your clients
than to present them their keys with
an AFN logo’d keychain?
Order Here!
BRANCH WIREContributors
Contributors
Chad WellsPayroll Administrator
Corey TrujilloVP of Marketing & Creative Services
Jimmy VuongBranch Relations Supervisor
John ShermanPresident
Jon GwinCOO and General Counsel
Kim (Bui) SkulavikMarketing Systems Manager
Michael FlemingSocial Media Coordinator
Nasim Tourigny Director of Processing
Susan Shelton-McLaughlinTeam Underwriting Manager
Yvette HidalgoHR Coordinator
Editor-In-Chief
Lisa PetrasDirector of Information
Designer
Ashlee ShieldsMarketing Creative Manager
Comments or Questions on the Newsletter?
Email [email protected].