Monday, September 14, 2015

Zeus Mortgage OutSmart's Best Mortgage Company Finalist


Zeus Mortgage and its team of experts have been voted as a finalist for OutSmart Magazine's Gayest & Greatest Mortgage Company by its readers. Ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine and the Houston Business Journal, Zeus is proud to serve all communities in Houston and beyond.


Thursday, July 23, 2015

How To Spot The Cancerous Employee


When a body has a tumor, sometimes it’s simply an annoyance to remove. A quick surgery to return your body back to normal. Other times, it’s cancerous. If not dealt with promptly, it will grow and spread and infect healthy parts of your system. Office organizations, at times, will encounter one of these “cancerous” employees – someone who brings down office culture and infects their coworkers with negative vibes, therefore inhibiting productivity. But how do you spot one of these problem employees before it’s too late? Here are a few warning signs:
  1. Gossip – When a new hire is brought on and suddenly there’s a gossip train in the office, this may be a sign. Gossip is natural in many settings, but in the workplace it can be toxic.
  2. Excuses and blame-shifting – We all make mistakes, it’s natural. But to progress, we own up to them. If an employee can’t take the blame for their own mistakes and instead shifts it to other repeatedly, the team as a whole will suffer as trust slips away. An occasional excuse may be alright, but continuous scapegoating is cancerous.
  3. The anti-cheerleader – Occasional complaints are expected. But constant negativity about the company is a no-go. Your company may need to reevaluate its culture standards, but an anti-cheerleader who seems to discuss negative aspects of the company often will bring down your team, especially new hires.
  4. “That’s not my job” – Oh, really? If an employee isn’t willing to help out others, they won’t be good for the company long-term. Especially in small organizations, employees must realize that being a team-player means wearing several hats.
Once you’ve found the source of the cancer, it’s imperative to remove it quickly. You may be able to remedy the situation with a one-on-one talk. However, if the employee continues to not remedy their cancerous tendencies, it’s time to let them go. Have you dealt with a cancer employee recently? How did you handle it? Let me know in the comments!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Four Ways To Save On A Mortgage



With more individuals, families and businesses moving to Houston, it’s no surprise that the real estate market has boomed in recent years. However, the market can be fickle and unforeseen circumstances arise that sometimes make it hard for mortgages to be paid. The following four tips can help individuals and families save on a mortgage.
  1. Add an extra annual payment:
    By adding an extra payment to the principal balance of the loan, it helps to reduce the total amount owed quicker. If done regularly, this can shave years off the loan and reduce the amount spent in interest charges. However, this doesn’t mean a payment can be skipped.
  2. Modify the existing loan:
    If all mortgage payments have been made on time and are consistent, there is a possibility of a loan modification. Usually, a bank will contact the individual paying the loan with a potential loan modification, but there are also ways to pro-actively seek one. Contact the bank that oversees the loan and inquire about modification options. Be sure to ask if that particular bank still owns the mortgage loan. If they don’t they can’t modify the loan. Inform the bank (owner) of the loan of any financial hardships (if any). Assemble any financial documents the bank may need from you – including two pay stubs, latest W2, K-1s and any investment assets. If a bank puts off the request, don’t stop contacting them.
  3. Set-up a bi-weekly payment plan:
    Many lenders won’t accept partial payments, so instead, have half of the payment automatically transferred in a savings account every two weeks. At the end of the month, have the money transferred to the lender. At the end of the year, 13 payments would have been made instead of 12.
  4. Refinance to a lower interest rate:
    There are many reasons why a loan may be refinanced, so be sure to calculate all payments and potential savings before making this decision. A lower monthly payment comes with a higher interest rate, resulting in more spent. If an individual is planning to sell their home in a few years, it may not be worth refinancing. Getting a lower interest rate may not be the best decision for individuals well into paying back a mortgage because it will add more time for the payoff, but individuals who aren’t that far won’t see much of a change. 
These are just a few ways to save on your mortgage. Be sure to ask questions and not accept the first loan that comes along. Understanding the details of a major decision like this can make the difference between saving money and losing money.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Six Myths About The Mortgage Industry



It’s graduation season and now, more than ever, there is an increase in the amount of college graduates moving to metropolitan areas. Houston is near the top of the list of cities growing with these young professionals, and this age group is the main force behind the housing marketing in 2015. However, many of this new generation still believe old myths about mortgages, making the home buying process more difficult for them. The following are the six most common myths regarding mortgage lending.
  1. A 20% down payment is necessary.
    There are many options available for new homebuyers (or even those who have already gone through this process). There is no need for a large down payment, but keep in mind, the lower the amount offered beforehand, the higher your monthly mortgage payments will be. 
  2. It’s hard to find a lender.
    Many homebuyers believe lending requirements are tough. Your financial situation does play a part in the home buying process, but be sure to speak with a reputable lender about low payment options and always remember to get a second – and third – opinion.
  3. Buying is always better than renting.
    On average, it takes about 5-7 years to break even with the costs of buying a home in comparison to renting, so be sure the amount of time spent in a home with be at least this long. 
  4. The 36% total debt rule.
    Many lenders follow the 36% debt rule – if a potential buyer’s total debt is less than 36% of their total income, they can afford a mortgage payment. Instead of following this rule, track annual spending. Save at least this much toward a down payment to see if a mortgage payment is possible. 
  5. There’s no rush, because the rates will stay low.
    There is no one entity that controls mortgage rates. The rates change daily in response to various economic events both nationally and internationally. With the growth of the economy, mortgage rates may rise as well. Don’t be afraid to begin the buying process.
  6. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the best choice.
    The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the norm, but this doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for every buyer. It depends on how long a buyer plans to live in the home – sometimes this is five years or ten years. If a 30-year mortgage is agreed upon, buyers could loose money from higher interest rates.
As more young professionals move to Houston, the more potential buyers need to know truth from myth. Be sure to know the facts before agreeing to a mortgage that isn’t appropriate for your budget or too lengthy for your lifestyle and career. Lenders know buyers aren’t perfect and will help find mortgages tailored to your needs.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

30 Year vs. 15 Year Conundrum



Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions of your life. Knowing and understanding which home mortgage loan type to choose is critical.
The first step is choosing the right type of loan. Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages are the most common, but there are also Veteran Affairs, Federal Housing Administration, balloon, interest-only and reverse mortgages. Thus, the best choice will depend on your financial position, the state of the economy and your willingness to take a risk.
There are several questions you should ask yourself when deciding on a loan:
  1. How long do you plan to be living in that particular house?
  2. Are you willing to take financial risks?
  3. Are there restrictions associated with the loan options?
  4. Are there any penalties you will incur?
Below is a quick rundown of the mortgage options you will most likely see:
30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage
  1. Helps you purchase a more expensive home that meets the families real needs, and allows you to pay for it over time.
  2. Has an increased tax deduction because you’re paying more annual interest.
  3. Provides flexibility for families with fluctuating monthly income by allowing them to pay more or less based on their monthly cash-flow.
 15 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage
  1. Homeowners are able to pay off their home faster while also earning equity faster, which helps support their overall financial plan.
  2. Homeowners will be able to save interest, which adds up significantly over 30 years.
  3. A 15 year mortgage allows families to align their mortgage with significant life events such as retirement or a college education.
At Zeus, we offer a customized mortgage term, which allows families to pick their monthly payment first and their term second in order for the mortgage to fit your needs. Also, some homeowners have a fear of refinancing due to not wanting to start a 30-year term all over again. However, with our customizable terms, you can have a lower interest rate and a lower monthly payment. For example, a family who has already paid their 30-year mortgage for four years can simply use out automized mortgage to refinance for 26 years while lowering their monthly payment and/or interest rate.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

I Agree With Foreclosures: Buyers Should Pay Their Bills On Time



Life is a game of circumstance, chance and decisions. Let’s face it, people sometimes make irresponsible decisions and are then surprised or devastated when the consequences of those bad choices come to life. The most common bad decision I see is buyers signing up for mortgages they can’t afford or can afford in the beginning but then spend their money on trivial things. Who needs to pay their mortgage payment when they can dine at 5-star restaurants four days out of the week?
Foreclosures are no laughing matter – they ruin lives, lifestyles and livelihoods. The most important thing to remember in these situations is that a promise was broken. Many people know they can’t afford something, but sign anyways thinking that the odds will be ever in their favor. Nine times out of ten, it won’t be.
I can’t stress enough to do your research and evaluate every detail of your budget before agreeing on a mortgage loan and interest rate. If you know you’re a frivolous spender, do yourself a favor and think long and hard before entering a binding loan that can potentially destroy your life. A new wardrobe is not worth loosing your – and your family’s – home.
Buying a home, and with it entering a mortgage, is one of the most important financial decisions of your life. You may think you’re ready for the commitment – but are you?

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

3 Easy Ways to Pay-off a Mortgage Faster


The Houston real estate market has never been hotter! This is great news for families who have been able to earn more equity, get top dollar and maximize their profits from selling their homes. For families who want to keep their home, try using one of the following tips to pay-off a mortgage faster, help save thousands in interest expense and align home equity with significant life events such as retirement or college education.
1. Adding in an extra payment annually:A mortgage is a big undertaking - everyone dreads paying it each month. Homeowners could potentially save over $45,000 in interest and cut down the length of their mortgage payment by about 5 years if an extra payment is added in annually. Be ready to tighten budgets, and to spend an extra $100 a month on a mortgage payment. These extra $100 payments will be applied to the principal amount, and cut the loan little by little.
2. Set-up a bi-weekly payment plan:Many lenders don’t accept half payments, so try to set up a bi-weekly payment into another account. Put half of the payment in a savings account, then pay the mortgage lender from that account. This may sound a little crazy but by doing this, there are 13 full payments made instead of 12!
3. Refinancing to a lower interest rate:One of the most common ways to lower a mortgage payment is to refinance because it helps save on interest payments. There are usually fees that go along with doing this, but individuals can recover these after some time. By refinancing, especially in today’s economy, an interest rate can be lowered. Never forget to check if other companies can offer a better rate!
By using one of these simple tips, a family could save big on their mortgage by paying-off their mortgage faster, without sacrificing their lifestyle. Think about the type of mortgage currently being paid and how it can affect all financial aspects over time. These do not save everyone the same amount, but they do work for everyone.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Zeus Mortgage Awarded the 2015 BBB “Award for Excellence”

Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, announces the company has officially been awarded the “Award for Excellence” by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the third year in a row. The BBB Education Foundation will honor BBB Accredited Businesses and Charity Partners that maintain a superior commitment to ethics and overall excellence and quality in the workplace.

Zeus Mortgage is one of the fastest growing mortgage companies in Texas, comprised of a team of experts who are regularly interviewed by major television networks, such as ABC, SBC, FOX and CNN, for their extensive real estate market knowledge. In addition, Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage has been featured two consecutive years in the National Professional Magazine as one of the top 40 most influential mortgage professionals under 40.

“Receiving recognition for our efforts is a true honor, as we strive to provide the best service we can for our clients,” stated Steven Kaufman, CEO, Zeus Mortgage. “Being named a finalist in such a respectable awards program lets us know we are on the right track and we will use this incredible honor as a stepping stone in our future endeavors.”

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Houston’s Top 5 Outer Loop Neighborhoods


At a certain point in our lives, it’s time for some of us to leave the city behind. We trade the bustling streets of downtown for quieter communities outside the 610 loop. While suburbs have long been thought of as havens for soccer moms and bored teens, Houston’s outer loop communities have grown in atmosphere and amenities.

Many outer loop neighborhoods have become top spots for prime real estate and for good reasons. These growing communities often offer small-city life with only a half-hour drive from the excitement within the loop.
  1. Cinco Ranch, a master-planned community known for its top-notch schools, used to be a suburb of another suburb, Katy. Now, it boasts a city center, La Ceterra, that hints at city life with bars, a Torchy’s Tacos and Trader Joe’s grocery store and a growing string of businesses off of I-99. As for the homes themselves, they’re often custom-built and on large lots - and are snapping up quickly.
  2. Houston may be the energy capital of the world, but many of its oil and gas headquarters are well outside the loop. The Energy Corridor is home to many of these companies and their employees. The area has homes in a wider price range and lot size.
  3. Looking for something a little more on the posh side? Try Bay Oaks. Further out than most, it’s located in Clear Lake and consists of large, luxury homes around a plush green golf course and country club.
  4. Sedona Lakes and its 900 homes were designed to provide a small-town atmosphere not too far from the city. It prides itself on its “Arizona ambience,” derived from the natural stone imported from the region.
  5. Meyerland is right on the outskirts of the loop. Just 15 minutes from spots like the Texas Medical Center and Downtown, it offers city living at somewhat lower housing prices and family-oriented neighborhoods. 
City life isn’t for everyone, but the suburbs can be just as exciting, especially with the rate of greater Houston’s growth. Do you live outside the loop and love your community? Tell me where and why in the comments!

Friday, June 26, 2015

Falling Oil Prices and Its Impact On the Mortgage Industry




The current environment surrounding falling oil prices has affected consumers and producers around the globe, with fear that the recent plunges could cause the home prices to fall as well. However, that’s not the case.
Energy stocks are being compared to the housing market in the U.S. after the subprime mortgage crisis. Triggered by a large decline in the prices of homes, this lead to mortgage felonies, foreclosures and deflation. 
Real estate economists are predicting that mortgage rates will rise in 2015 and investors are buying now instead or waiting for oil and gas companies to regain strength, unlike the housing market during the energy crisis of 1980s.
Still unsure if it’s the right time for you to buy a home? Zeus Mortgage is here to answer your mortgage questions. Let me know your current mortgage concerns in the comments!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Top 5 Neighborhoods To Watch: Houston’s Inner Loop



Houston’s inner loop properties have long been sought after, but there are a few areas in particular that are quickly bought off the market. If you’re in the market for a new home, take a look at these five hot spots:
  1. Braeswood Place, a little piece of livable luxury in the southwest loop, is mainly single-family homes. With close proximity to the Medical Center, it may just be the last and best bang-for-your-buck in the loop. Large lot sizes and well-constructed homes are abound – but they’re snapped up quickly by eager buyers.
  2. Originally an independent city, Cottage Grove is now home to many young professionals and empty nesters. It’s close to Memorial Park, offering up a natural landscape against the expanding business community in the Memorial area.
  3. Just east of the oh-so-popular Heights and north of Downtown, Lindale Parkis one of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods. With much thanks to its active, community-oriented civic club, it remains a hidden gem filled with 1940’s bungalows and families young and old.
  4. The First Ward is in the midst of a transition – with no real end destination in sight. Newly constructed townhomes make this a popular destination for young professionals, but it still fights to maintain its historical factor with its older, industrial buildings.
  5. Between the lofts, new yoga studios and fusion restaurants, EaDo (East Downtown) is hip and filling up fast. You won’t find many single-family homes here, but townhomes and contemporary mid-rise condos are plentiful.
Which neighborhoods are you looking at for your next home? Inner or outer loop? Trendy or traditional? Let me know in the comments!

Monday, June 22, 2015

Three Ways To Motivate Your Employees



Summer is here and with it comes a lack of concentration and possibly even the summertime blues in the office. It’s hard not to think about European escapes, a weekend getaway to Galveston for a quick beach trip or even just a day off for a staycation. When employees spend most of their time longing to get away from the office, it hurts productivity and workplace morale – but there’s still hope 
Here are three ways to motivate employees to come to work excited and ready to get their work done during those lazy summer days.
  1. Team bonding:
    This may seem like a given, but many companies don’t know how to execute this well. Zeus Mortgage implements a new team exercise every month. On Friday afternoon, their team participates in a specific challenge chosen for that month. For example, one month focused on yoga and another month they sampled various types of coffee from around the world. It doesn’t have to be big, and there doesn’t necessarily need to be money spent, but when people know they are apart of a team, it makes them feel more connected and promotes a positive atmosphere. 
  2. Open environment:
    An open environment doesn’t necessarily mean having an open floor plan, but focuses on encouraging open communication. If employees feel like they can’t join a conversation or are too afraid to voice their ideas, opinions or grievances, there is a problem. It may sound cliché, but having a team that works in harmony can never lead to disrupt in the work place. This is something that helps not only during summer, but all year long. 
  3. Summer hours:
    Many businesses already incorporate this, but it can be a successful tactic if done correctly. Hours may vary – half day Fridays, no working on Fridays at all, etc. – but if employees can look forward to an incentive, they will work harder during the week to finish projects on time and produce great work.
It doesn’t take too much to encourage employees to stay in the work frame of mind, but remember they aren’t machines – everyone needs a break. Plus, there’s plenty to do in Houston during the summer, and no one wants to be left out!

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Open Carry in the Workplace is Bad for Business



I’ve said it before, this is nothing but continued self-fulfilling negative PR, and unfortunately for everyone in Baltimore, perception is reality. Just when I was hoping “open carry” wouldn’t get to the goal line in Texas the internet begins to use the Baltimore riots as an example of why we “need” open carry – but they’re wrong.
“You can’t get ahead when you’re trying to get even.” – Unknown
Q: What’s open carry in Texas have to do with Baltimore?
A: Nothing directly, but showing young black men rioting in the streets is all the PR you need to get such a counterproductive and silly bill, put forth by another minority and then voted into a law. There was a sliver of hope that the governor wouldn’t sign before the Baltimore riots. Now it’s just justification for the proponents.
Q: Why the opposition to open carry?A: There are a lot of good people that carry openly. You cannot tell from looking at someone if they are currently carrying a concealed weapon. This is helpful because the element of surprise is better than potentially becoming a target.
If you currently have a CHL, then you can carry your gun (concealed) in most places during your daily routine (gas station, restaurant, etc.). When a bunch of idiots of any race start to show off their guns at those places, that leads to these establishments prohibiting ALL guns. This basically eliminates the advantage and privilege given to current CHL holders.
Have you noticed who gets shot first in movies and even actual robberies? The guy with the gun – because he’s the obvious threat. If you want to rob someone then you identify and eliminate the threats first, so I suspect many more unassuming open carry citizens to get into unnecessary situations that will be dangerous for themselves and others.
I don’t want my daughters at a toy store standing next to an idiot with his 45 on his hip. A lot of CHL holders do not carry because it’s hard for the to conceal their preferred carry weapon, but with open carry we will see much larger, much more dangerous weapons in public.
You cannot identify a real-life situation where an open carry scenario would be better than a concealed carry scenario.
Q: Are you defending the criminals that are rioting and not the law abiding citizens that want to protect their families and businesses?A: No, I’m not.
Q: Why not support open carry? I’d feel more comfortable seeing other open carriers in my midst.A: Police and military practice open carry for access, not as a deterrent. For example, many detectives and federal positions do not open carry since they do not need access the same way as a soldier or police officer does. It’s a small business owner’s right to not alienate a majority of their customers for the preferences of the few, and I’ll unfortunately be lumped in with that group. I do not and will not feel comfortable with open carry in the midst of my daughters. There is more safety in concealment. Like I said above, there are almost no real-life scenarios where an open carry would be more beneficial to a concealed carry.
All of the questions and answers I’ve stated can be applied to the workplace. I would not feel comfortable letting my employees open carry – let alone would I want to alienate an employee who feels the same way.
Join the discussion! Let me know what you think of open carry in the workplace policies.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Presenting Real Estate Tech On Great Day Houston


Real estate apps have made searching for real estate easier than ever.  On May 20, I was on Great Day Houston to show how you can search for real estate right from the palm of your hand. Watch the video here to see how!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Customize What? Your Houston and Dallas Texas Mortgage Can Be Customized...


As you may already know, most mortgages are done on 15 or 30 year terms with most mortgage companies offering a 10 and 20 year term as well.  We have found that a lot of times those options are not the best for our clients, and more importantly, is not what they truly want as they are unable to customize their mortgage payment to fit their financial goals and objectives. 
For example, you may want your mortgage payment at a certain amount or a particular term, by taking advantage of our Customizable Mortgage Program you can customize your mortgage term anywhere between 8 – 30 years.  
If you are purchasing a home, you will love this because you set your term (length of time) to match your desired monthly payment. 
If you are refinancing your home, you will love this because you do not have to restart or lower your term (length of time) when you refinance, you can stay on the same timeline for paying off your mortgage, lower your monthly payment ,and still pay it off on time!
Check out our "Customizable Zeus Mortgage Program" at www.askzeus.com 

Monday, May 11, 2015

How to avoid P.M.I. (Private Mortgage Insurance)



What is Private Mortgage Insurance (P.M.I.):
Private Mortgage Insurance reimburses the lender if you default on your home loan. You, the borrower, pay the premiums.
You may have heard that you need to put as much as 20% down to avoid paying PMI, this can cost you thousands upfront and throughout your loan as well as really drain your bank account. 
Well, with our Zeus Mortgage PMI Prevention Program we can offer you options with as little as 3% down without PMI! 
This saves you both money upfront by not having to put down a large payment and allows you to avoid spending money each month that does go towards your loan balance!
You can also avoid a forced escrow and pay your property taxes and Home Owners Insurance on your own schedule!
So, if your buying a home to live in or as investment real estate in Texas, check out a mortgage bank program to prevent or remove P.M.I. 
Log-on to www.askzeus.com for more details.  

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Houston Business Journal Recognizes New York Mutual Investor Lender!

Today the Houston Business Journal recognized New York Mutual president, Steven Kaufman, for his work with Zeus Mortgage and New York Mutual for being one of the fastest growing real estate investor lenders in Houston, Texas.



http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/potmsearch/detail/submission/4570701/Steven_Kaufman?l=&time=&ind=&type=&ro=13

The Baldest Guy in Houston!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

How to Buy 10 Homes in 10 Months with only $10,000


How to Buy 10 Homes in 10 Months with only $10,000

On April 14th and 15th I will be leading a course at the Realty Investment Club of Houston (The RICH Club) in Houston, Texas.
This course is designed for new and experienced real estate investors who desire rapid acquisition with limited capital resources. We spend six hours over two nights exploring the strategies investors need to purchase 10 homes in 10 months with only $10,000.
The course is designed to allow investors to purchase more or less homes in more or less time depending upon their specific investment objectives. An investor does not need the $10,000 to start, but they do need access to these funds. A fundamental rule of real estate investing is "conservation of capital". We encourage investors to have available cash reserves when they start investing, but many start without this.
Cash is King! Or is it? This course teaches you strategies to fund your real estate portfolio. Whether you are flipping, buying and holding or considering niche opportunities like Notes, owner-financing, multifamily, commercial or other, knowing how to leverage your money is key.  
-Steven Kaufman, president of New York Mutual and Zeus Mortgage
By the end of this class you will be able to:
1. Develop a personalized strategy to fund your preferred method of investing.
2. Calculate Return on Investment (ROI), cash-on-cash returns, and other formulas for investors.
3. Locate traditional and non-traditional funding sources such as; self-directed IRAs, private money, hard money, banks & credit cards.
The RICH Club (The Realty Investment Club of Houston) is the oldest and largest non-profit trade association for real estate investors in the United States. By the way, you don't have to be rich to attend The RICH Club. You come to The RICH Club to educate yourself on real estate investing. www.RICHclub.org



To register for this course visit this link:
Members of RICH only pay $199 | Non-Members only pay $249
This is the highest attended, paid course, that The RICH Club offers.
Houston Hard Money Lenders for Houston Real Estate Investor Lenders. 

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Houston Mortgage Interest Rate Update


Question: Can you offer me any feedback to what interest rates are doing right now?
Answer: Mortgage interest rates are continuing to rise, but at a slower pace than previously predicted, and occasionally a week or more goes by without an increase in rates. There are even brief periods when rates decline. At this writing, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 3.78 percent - reflecting a slight decrease over the last couple of weeks.

Many home buyers and those who want to refinance their existing mortgage are taking action now to avoid higher rates and monthly payments in the future. The strong pace of home sales this year will combine with very strong home price appreciation to propel new purchase mortgages to much higher levels.

Another interesting development in the current mortgage market is the spread in interest rates between the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). That's making ARM loans much more attractive and popular with today's mortgage applicants.
For current long-term interest rates visit: www.askzeus.com
For short-term alternative lending rates visit:  www.nymutual.com  
Future Houston hard money lenders and alternative lending updates are coming!  

Monday, March 16, 2015

The Five Qualitative Approaches to Inquiry - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Kaufman

A quick look at the similarities and differences between the Five Qualitative Approaches to Inquiry in qualitative research.  

I created this as a quick reference guide to understanding the qualitative research approaches.  



Narrative Research
Phenomenological Research
Grounded Theory Research
Ethnographic Research
Case Study Research


Reference:  

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.  

The Baldest Guy in Houston!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Kaufman


Friday, February 27, 2015

Magic Marketing Tricks for Realtors!


Magic Marketing Tricks for Realtors

Here is what you will learn:

- The 6 Marketing Statistics that Every TOP PRODUCER Uses!  

- When AND How to Ask for Referrals, including the script! 

AND

- How to Increase your Production by 300% in 2015!   


BONUS MATERIAL:

1.)How to leave a Voicemail to get the Most Returned Calls.

2.)How Trust and Communication are Directly Related and what to do about it. 

3.)The 3 Reasons why Every Client Says “Yes” or “No” when deciding to use you!  


WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING:


WOW!  What a great training session!  Thank you to Steven Kaufman from Zeus Mortgage for hosting us as well the awesome marketing tips for increasing our referral base.

Gary Bisha - Owner/Broker
My Castle Realty/TexasFSBO.com Magazine



SEND BOOKING INFORMATION TO:

RSVP@ASKZEUS.COM


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Kaufman
THE BALDEST GUY IN HOUSTON

Sunday, February 8, 2015

How To Invest in Real Estate with Little or No Money Down?

"How to Fund 10 Deals in 10 Months with 10K"
Instructor:  Steven Kaufman, Zeus Mortgage
February 10 & 12 at 6:30pm
Cash is King!  Or is it?  This class teaches you strategies to fund your real estate portfolio.  Whether you are flipping, buying and holding or considering niche opportunities like Notes, owner-financing, multifamily, commercial or other, knowing how to leverage your money is key.  
By the end of this class you will be able to:
1.    Develop a personalized strategy to fund your preferred method of investing.
2.   Calculate Return on Investment (ROI), cash-on-cash returns, and other formulas for investors.
3.   Locate traditional and non-traditional funding sources such as; self-directed IRAs, private money, hard money, banks & credit cards.
This Foundation  class is 6 hours in duration and will be taught on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the RICH headquarters on 4220 Lockfield Street.  
PRICING:  TWO Day, 6 Hours (CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED TO 30 Attendees)
Members: $199 Advance / $229 On the Day

Guests: $229 Advance / $249 On the Day 
Steven Kaufman, CPA, MsEDE, is a principal in Zeus Mortgage where he has coordinated over a billion dollars in real estate financing for companies like American Express, Hewlett Packard, and Exxon Mobil. Zeus Mortgage is the 37th fastest growing private financial service firms in the US according to Inc. Magazine. Steven is frequently interviewed by local and national news organizations like FOX, ABC, CBS, CNN, and Bloomberg on the current financial markets. Steven has personally acquired dozens of investment properties and has been involved in several commercial real estate projects. Steven completed the Strategic Marketing Management Program at Harvard Business School and has a Masters Degree in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston. He currently pursuing his PHD in organizational leadership.  His unparalleled finance experience has made him the leading expert on mortgages and real estate financing. 

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