Archive for December, 2009

Happy New Year!

December 31st, 2009

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What a year!  2009 was another year of rapid change in the mortgage industry.  We saw all-time low interest rates (thanks Ben Bernanke), a first-time home buyer tax credit (extended until April 2010 – YEAH!) and an increase in compliance and regulation like no other year I have seen in my 10 years in the profession.  I want to thank ALL of my clients for their trust and referrals this past year, and thank many of you for just hanging in there when things got a little tough.  Mortgages are not quite as easy as they used to be.

I wish you all a great 2010, and one of my resolutions is to post frequently on this blog so please check back often.

Exciting News

December 4th, 2009

THE LENDING COMPANY BECOMES OPES ADVISORS AND PROVIDES ADDITIONAL VALUE DURING MORTGAGE ORIGINATION PROCESS

Mortgage Banking Capability Offers Best Selection of Loan Products at Competitive Rates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2009, Eugene, OR: The Lending Company announced today that it has become a part of Opes Advisors, a financial advisory firm specializing in wealth management and mortgage banking. With this unique blend of expertise, Opes Advisors works with clients to think through how much home they can afford to buy and how the mortgage they obtain will support their overall financial strategy and maximize their tax efficiencies.

“We are excited The Lending Company has become a part of Opes Advisors,” said Susan McHan, Co-founder, President and CEO of Opes Advisors.  “Industry veterans, their team brings their expertise in FHA to our organization, giving options to those that are often marginalized when it comes to buying a home.”

“We are excited to be a part of the Opes Advisors team,” said John Leach, Co-Branch Manager of Opes Advisors’ Eugene branch.  “And, now that we are a Mortgage Bank, we underwrite, process and fund all of our loans in our local branch which keeps our cost of funds lower and allows us to remain extremely competitive. It also allows us to maintain complete control over the loan process, enabling us to remain responsive, reliable, close quickly and better serve our clients and Realtor® partners.”

A major distinction with Opes Advisors, is that many of their Mortgage Advisors are licensed Series 65 Investment Advisor Representatives (a securities license required for individuals that act as investment advisors).  This education and licensing, combined with their Mortgage expertise, allows them to advise their clients, not just on the specific mortgage tailored to their client, but also how that mortgage affects their overall financial and investment concerns. Mortgage Advisors at Opes Advisors utilize Opes’ proprietary software to create personalized financial forecasts for clients and show the impact those decisions can have on their specific goals for the future. They then review the details with Opes’ Wealth Management group which gives the Chartered Financial Analysts™ and Certified Financial Planners® the information they need to determine effective investment strategies to help clients build their wealth.

About Opes Advisors

Opes Advisors is a wealth management firm specializing in Investment Management and Residential Mortgage Banking with expertise that encompasses stocks, bonds, real estate and real estate financing.  Opes provides comprehensive advisory services in personal finance management including investment management, real estate financing and strategic tax and financial planning.  Locations include Eugene, Los Gatos, Marin, Palo Alto, San Diego and San Mateo. http://www.opesadvisors.com