Thriving in Today's Mortgage Market: Action Guide for Retail Originators
Reality check: The 2020 market isn't returning. Growth comes from leaning into challenges, not waiting for easier conditions! Here are some high impact activities for you to implement:
1. Referral Partner Engagement Strategy
Schedule 3-5 coffee meetings weekly with real estate agents
Start with past transaction partners (last 24 months)
Prepare 3-5 value-focused questions for each meeting
Position yourself as a transaction-saving backup option
2. Open House Domination System
Create mortgage coach presentations for local open houses
Use MBS Highway's Real Estate Report Card for market validation
Show multiple offer scenarios with payment differences
Demonstrate long-term appreciation trends (63-year history)
Convert "market crash" objections with data-driven responses
3. Database Mining Process
Implement systematic review of past clients
Look for refinance opportunities in 6.75%+ loans
Create quick-hit presentations showing payment savings
Monitor rate windows aggressively - opportunities appear/disappear quickly
Position yourself as a mortgage advisor, not just a transaction processor
4. Perspective Marketing Framework
Identify client fears/concerns before they voice them
Create marketing that speaks directly to those concerns
Develop materials that make prospects think "how did they know I was thinking that?"
Focus on payment differences rather than price differences
Show the cost of waiting in real dollars
Remember: "If you don't care, you won't close."
Focus on building genuine relationships with people you actually want to work with, and success will follow naturally.