An increased burden of regulations and poor internal operations are among the concerns that challenge mortgage bankers, according to the 3rd Annual Survey of Originator Opinions, conducted by Mission Viejo, Calif.-based Hammerhouse LLC.

In a national survey of more than 350 active mortgage loan originators, 50% of respondents said the greatest challenge facing originators was the next phase of regulation that was being implemented across the industry. Read More >

About 81% of mortgage originators have been lending for more than a decade, suggesting experience is the key to success and survival in the space.

This figure is the result of a survey conducted by mortgage staffing firm Hammerhouse.

The company conducted its annual survey, which asked originators for their opinions on issues facing the industry. Read More >

Tue, 2013-04-23 07:31 — NationalMortgag…

Hammerhouse LLC has released the results from its 3rd Annual Survey of Originator Opinions. The Annual Survey asked originators for their opinions on critical issues facing the mortgage industry and impacting their performance of their jobs. Of the significant sample of more than 350 active mortgage loan originators that responded, about 81 percent have been originating mortgage loans for more than 10 years. Key responses to survey questions included: Read More >

Experienced originators in demand and demanding operational excellence from lenders

Mid-sized, non-depository lenders becoming superior alternatives to large depositories

MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA – (April 23, 2013), Hammerhouse LLC, (Hammerhouse) an established and expanding national recruiting and strategic growth firm for the financial services industry, with mortgage sales and leadership placement at its core, released the results from its 3rd Annual Survey of Originator Opinions.  The annual survey asked originators for their opinions on critical issues facing the mortgage industry and impacting their performance of their jobs.  Of the significant sample of more than 350 active mortgage loan originators that responded, about 81 percent have been originating mortgage loans for more than 10 years.

To view the full survey results please visit Hammerhouse 2013 Survey Results Read More >

Mon, 2013-04-01 12:27 — Steve Rennie

Being the subject of recruitment by a competing firm is a sign of respect. It means that you have earned their awareness and that they covet your proven capabilities and results. In the mortgage origination industry it likely means that you have a sizable and sustainable book of business. And as the subject of desire, you have earned the right to encourage the advances of your admirers or to shut down their pursuit. There is power in being the object of desire—use it!

As the target of a competing firm in your chosen line of work, you are in the enviable position of being able to evaluate both your existing situation and the opportunity that potentially awaits you with the pursuing organization. We at Hammerhouse have previously written about how to evaluate your existing job and employer, as well as, how to evaluate a recruiting firm that has approached you to gauge your interest in making a move. Therefore it is appropriate to provide some insight and suggestions for how to evaluate the managers and leaders of the firms that are seeking for you to leave, an apparently successful situation, to join them on their journey and team.

Read More >

Only two weeks left to participate in our Hammerhouse, 3rd Annual Mortgage Industry Survey for Mortgage Producers and Leaders, here is the link 2013 Annual Survey. One lucky participant will win you an iPad. Input will help validate what is important to professionals and best in class of the mortgage industry.

Eric Levin

All individuals or groups that support the strategic growth of the production side of the mortgage banking industry must make an effort, daily, to put themselves in the shoes of the individuals where it all starts in this business–the originator. Sure, we can all point to facets of the business that exist prior to the originator’s effort–and by no means am I diminishing that value, but volume drives the bottom line and the originator drives the volume. In the Hammerhouse LLC 2012 Core Mortgage Lending Components Survey, we received responses that inform how an originator or leader of originators feels about six key topics that we refer to as “The Six Core Components” (Leadership, Culture, Business, Operations, Technology and Geography) in our industry. A snapshot of the results included: Read More >

Fri, 2013-03-22 16:11 — Steve Rennie

Being recruited by a company is commonplace in the mortgage industry. If you are reputable and successful with an established or growing business. Whether you were referred by a former colleague, previous manager, a referral partner may have said ‘nice things’ about you, being ‘recruited’ means your name found its way onto a contact list for an internal or external headhunter. The good news … you’re popular! The bad news is you’re popular!

The recruiting industry includes many respected, knowledgeable and competent leaders of the highest integrity. But, it also includes those with little training, expertise and self-serving motives. The purpose of this article is to give you some perspective and a framework to evaluate the question “Do they know me well enough to recruit me, or is this just another person saying what I want to hear.” Read More >

By George Yacik of National Mortgage News

Fri, 2013-03-01 16:51 — NationalMortgag…

Hammerhouse LLC has released its Third Annual Survey of Originator Opinion, which seeks out originators for their opinions on critical issues facing the mortgage industry and impacting their job performance. The Annual Survey of Originator Opinion has become a key indicator for mortgage lenders on what they need to focus on to attract, hire and retain talent with transferable books of business. Read More >