An Important Lesson & Reminder About the Importance of Good Customer Service

An Important Lesson & Reminder About 

the Importance of Good Customer Service

     We've been having intermittent internet/cable problems at our home for quite some time now.  At first, they were nothing that seemed to warrant a call or complaint, but lately, they've worsened.  So we pursued our cable/internet provider.
 
     Now let me say, I'll be naming no names, but I'm sure you'd be familiar with this company, as it's one of the biggest in our nation.  And their name starts with a C .. and ends with a T.  Enough said?

     My wife handled contacting this company regarding the issues we've been experiencing.  There were the usual long waits during her phone calls (yes, I said multiple calls).  That didn't seem too alarming.  Funny how we've become so desensitized to that sort of service.

     But after talking to various people and trying various "fixes" via signal sending, the provider actually "taking over" my wife's computer, and etc., the problems never seemed to get better or go away.  So a few days ago we decided we needed to shift into higher gear and get a company tech out to see firsthand what is causing our issues.

     Once again, Marilyn made contact with our provider.  This time via the "chat" service online.  During that exchange, my wife was promised that a tech would visit our home within 24 hours of her contact. 

     Now if you guessed that no tech showed within that timeframe, you'd be right.  No show.  No call.  My wife called the company next for a follow-up.

     This is the part of the story that turns into nothing other than a debacle.  (My wife's term for it that I can repeat.)  During this "debacle" there were well over a dozen calls made to this provider.  

     Her calls were transferred multiple times.  To departments that couldn't even begin to help with the problems.  Once she was even transferred to a another (outside) company. 

     There were also multiple dropped calls.  (No one from the company called back, even though they say they're taking your number for that very reason.)  Finally ... finally ... someone promised (yet again) that a nearby local tech would call within the hour to let her know when they'd be stopping by ... that day.  A tracking number was also provided.

     Once again, if you guessed this company was a "no-show" you'd be right.  And of course, my very upset wife called the company back once again.  By this time she was like a dog-with-a-bone.

     Long-story-short, she was promised that a tech would be at our home before 9 pm last night to assess and fix our issues.

     Yep!  Strike 3!  No tech ...
    

     To top it off, this morning my wife had an email from this company awaiting her in her mailbox.  It confirmed her appointment for a tech on Saturday, somewhere between 3 pm and 5 pm that day.  

     Add that she's now also received a few phone call recordings telling her that company records shows her issue as "resolved".  That after no one has shown once again. Ohhhhhh man ... back up!  One very mad wife.

     I think it's amazing that you can be a customer of a company as long as we've been customers of this one ... pay the prices we pay each month for the service we get ... and still be treated so poorly when you have issues that arise.  If their treatment and service wasn't so darn infuriating and frustrating, it'd almost be laughable.  

     I said ... almost.

     When I said Strike 3, I meant it.  We'll be looking for a new provider for our cable and internet services.  This last bit of interaction with this company has pushed and motivated me to pursue what I should have pursued a long time ago.  

     In the end, this infuriating adventure will do us good.  Yes, I said good ...

     As it certainly reminds me to NOT take my past clients for granted.  To always provide timely service and solid information.  And to say what I mean and mean what I say ... follow-through on promises.  

     Because even the most loyal and long-term clients WILL move on when neglected or mistreated.  

     Thank you to the cable/internet provider that starts with a C ... and ends with a t ... for a the service lessons and important reminder about what's the most important element of your business.   Your customers ... 

     *  Hoping to Buy, Build, or Refinance a home in the Chicago area?  Contact Me Today!  I'll put my 37 years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.

     I can be easily found at:

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331

eFax:  815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

Click HERE for a FREE Mortgage Consultation!

             

                

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender, a Lender with 36 years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:  The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL.

              

The Reasons to Contact a Mortgage Originator ASAP When Buying a Home

The Reasons to Contact a Mortgage Originator 

ASAP When Buying a Home

     The following are statistics reflecting American's financial habits.  They're provided by the National Financial Educators Council:

• 60% of adults don't budget/keep close track of their spending
• 41% of young adults, ages 18 to 21, fail to pay their bills on time every month
• 69% of parents admit to feeling less prepared to give their teens guidance on investing than they do about sex

     I can tell you as a Mortgage Originator, that I'm not surprised by the numbers reported above.  I see/talk to clients on a daily basis that have little knowledge or comprehension regarding money, credit, or finances in general.  Even simple basics.

     Often, by the time I talk to clients, they've already started the home buying process.  They've been online looking at homes, have attended Open Houses, or even started working with an agent.  

     They may even have one specific home in mind for their purchase already.  If they have, time is of the essence and the clock is ticking ... as in some Chicago-area housing markets, competition for good homes is very steep.  

     Yet, often I find these hopeful home buyers' finances are less then perfect ... and their credit power is not at optimum levels.  They may be "approvable", but the Mortgage programs available to them are not as desirable as those available to those with better credit standings.  

     Or I find another scenario:  They'll need to do some real "clean-up" on their credit to get to the Closing table.  Clean-up that gobbles-up valuable time and raises the stress-level of all involved within the transaction to a higher level.

     So what's the answer to this dilemma?

     First, your finances and Credit Scores can be improved.  It takes:

• Education 
• Knowledge 
• Effort 
• Hard Work
• Time  
• Attention to Details on a Consistent Basis

     Admittedly ... I, as your Mortgage Originator, can't help you earn a larger salary.  But I CAN: 

• Guide you through organizing and optimizing your finances 
• Help you establish wise and useful Credit if need be
• Provide you information and guidance that will help raise your Credit Scores 
• Help you financially position yourself to maximize the options available to you for your Mortgage

     Again, I need time to accomplish that with you.  And the deeper your financial and credit issues?  The more time needed.

     Here's my advice ...

     Don't wait until you're hoping to view homes to seek-out a Mortgage Originator's services!  Starting 6-months to a full year ahead of when you hope to purchase is advised. 

     Credit-building ... Credit repair ... positioning you and your finances most advantageously ... takes time.  

     Don't get discouraged or overwhelmed by the thought of preparing.  

     And please keep in mind:  Sometimes even small improvements in Credit Scores and finances can have a big impact on the Interest Rate you receive ... and the types of Mortgage Programs available to you when you buy your home.  They can translate into savings ... big savings.

     So if you're hoping to buy a home now or in the future ... you're represented in any of the statistics shown above ... or if you just hope to wisely maximize the power of the money you have worked so hard to earn and save, contact me now.  The sooner you seek help and guidance, the better.

     In the Chicagoland, IL, and WI area, I can be easily reached at any of the following:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator  -  NMLS #216987  -  IL Lic. #031.0006220  -  WI Licensed

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

NMLS #175656

 

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331

www.genemundt.com

gmundt@goapmc.com

eFax:  1.815.514.2281 

             

         

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40+ years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans 
in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including: 

The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL and WI. 

Your Referrals are always Welcomed & Appreciated!

    

     

    

          

     

        

Downpayments: Sometimes It's Good to Find Out You're Wrong

Downpayments: Sometimes It's Good 

to Find Out You're Wrong

    

     An article featured in the MReport a while back reported that a large percentage of young, first-time potential home buyers believe they need a large down payment to buy a home.  

     The article said that the average first-time homebuyer surveyed in a Zelman & Associates research study incorrectly believed that Mortgage Lenders demanded minimum down payments of 11% to 15% to be made in order to obtain financing to purchase a home.  

     Now, this isn't the first time I've seen articles and stats of this nature.  Nor is this the first time I've written in response.  Admittedly, these stats and articles frustrate me.

     Why?  

     Because much of what these first-time, young potential home buyers believe is ...

Wrong!

Wrong!

 Wrong! 

   

      ...  regarding the monies needed for down payments.  

     It's just plain WRONG for homebuyers to think that lower down payment financing options don't exist.  They do! 

     One More Time.  Let Me Repeat ...

     It's WRONG ... if you're thinking there aren't options available for you to consider, should you have a smaller down payment saved.  There are!  (For more helpful first-time home buying info, read:  What are the Requirements to Qualify for a Home Loan Today?   and ...  Mortgage Anatomy 101 ... the Current Mortgage Process, Part 1.

     In some circumstances, there are even 0% downpayment programs (VA, USDA, etc.) available for consideration ... and down payment assistance programs available.  (State, County, local municipalities, etc., depending on current availability.  You must fulfill the requirements set forth under the guidelines of each program.)

     Please Take Note of this important info:  If you truly hope to buy in the Chicago-area/IL ... let's talk now.  Don't let 2nd-hand information or info that is WRONG deter you from making your simple inquiry.  Get the facts as they pertain to YOU.

     Make a call.  Email, contact me, text ... or stop by my office.  You may find that when it comes to down payments:  Sometimes it's good to find out you're wrong ... 

     *  Hoping to Buy or Refinance a home in the Chicago area?  Contact Me Today!  I'll put my 40+ years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.

     I'm easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator  -  NMLS #216987  -  IL Lic. #031.0006220  -  WI Licensed

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

NMLS #175656

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell/Text:  708.921.6331

eFax:  815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40+ years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:  
The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI.

Your Referrals are Always Welcomed & Appreciated!

   

     

      

     

     

     

    

     
      

    

     
     

   


     


     

There ARE Alternatives to FHA Financing. Ask Me About My "Home Possible" Mortgage Option!

There ARE Alternatives to FHA Financing.

Ask Me About My 

"Home Possible" Mortgage Option!    

     Although FHA perhaps remains the most reliable First-Time Homebuyer Program currently available, it may no longer be the only or best option for certain qualified Borrowers.  
    

     With the current costs of upfront Mortgage Insurance and the increased costs of Annual Mortgage Insurance, I have sought alternative options for my Borrowers in the Conventional Financing environment.  I currently have a great option available for my clients.  

     The chart below shows how I (via APMC) have applied this program ... known as "Home Possible" to the benefit of my clients.  (Freddie Mac's Flexible Underwriting Program)

     Here's where I used this Program ... and why:

                           FHA                               Mortgage                             Home

                                            Insurance                          Possible  

             

     In a nutshell ...

     Borrowers utilizing the "Home Possible" Mortgage Program will find it addressing a broader variety of their needs and offering them more flexible options.  They'll also find that in certain factors, Underwriting Guidelines are more favorable than those offered through FHA.  And generally speaking, Monthly Payments are typically lower when utilizing the "Home Possible" program.  

     The "Home Possible" Mortgage Program also offers: 

• Comparable out-of-pocket costs
• Allows for Borrower's Cash at Closing needs (typically included in a Conventional, Low-Down Payment Program)
• Flexible Down Payment Funds feature  
• Allows for flexible "Cash on Hand" too

     I must add that not all Borrowers qualify for this program.  Nor would their buying scenario, in certain cases.  

     The "Home Possible" Mortgage Program is an option to be considered and weighed, just like other Mortgage Program options ... not a guaranteed loan approval.  Median Income Limits Apply.  This program is NOT for Investors or those who own other Real Estate properties.

     The good news is this:  "Outside the Box" Mortgage financing opportunities DO exist.  The "Home Possible" Mortgage Program is just one example of that fact.  

     Hopeful Home Buyers shouldn't assume that they can't secure financing.  Head to my website.  Pick-up the phone .. email me ... text, etc.  Let's talk soon to discover if home buying and mortgage financing is possible for you ... and when ...

     *  Hoping to Buy, Build, or Refinance a home in New Lenox, another Lincoln-Way Community, Will County, or elsewhere in the Chicago area?  Contact Me Now!  I'll put my 37 years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I can be easily reached at:

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell:  708.921.6331

eFax:  815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

Click HERE for your FREE Mortgage Consultation!

             

                

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender, a Lender with 36 years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:  The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL.