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!

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!

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!

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.

There's a Salary/Wages Theme Here - How to earn more money?

This is a simply brilliant context for earning more wages! -Kaufman

How to Name your Child after your Profession!

How to Name your Child after your Profession! 

§  Lawyer's daughter:----------------------------Sue 

§  Thief's son:-------------------------------------Rob 

§  Lawyer's son:----------------------------------Will 

§  Doctor 's son:----------------------------------Bill 

§  Meteorologist's daughter:-------------------Haley 

§  Steam shovel operator's son:---------------Doug 

§  Hair Stylist's son:-----------------------------Bob 

§  Homeopathic doctor's son:--------------------Herb 

§  Justice of the peace's daughter:---------------Mary 

§  Sound stage technician's son:-----------------Mike 

§  Hot-dog vendor's son:--------------------------Frank 

§  Gambler's daughter:-----------------------------Bette 

§  Exercise guru's son:-----------------------------Jim 

§  Cattle Thief's son:-------------------------------Russell 

§  Painter's son:-------------------------------------Art 

§  Iron worker's son:-------------------------------Rusty 

§  TV show star's daughter:----------------------Emmy 

§  Movie star's son:--------------------------------Oscar

§  Barber's son:-------------------------------------Harry

Coach's daughter: ........Destiny
Realtor's son: .......Earnest
Electrical engineer's son: ......Kip
Structural engineer's nickname: ....Stud
Technical Engineer's son ..... Chip
Geneticist's son ...Gene
Lumberjack's son:..... Woody or chip
Real estate investor's son:.... flip


AND THE BEST FOR LAST!

§  Mortgage Professional’s boy dog:----------Zeus

§  Mortgage Professional’s boy cat:-----------Doc

§  Mortgage Professional’s fish:----------------HUD

§  Mortgage professional’s son:----------------Freddie

§  Mortgage Professional’s daughter:---------Fannie

§  Mortgage Professional’s 2^nd daughter:----Ginnie

Zeus Mortgage CEO, Steven Kaufman, Named "40 Under 40" by Houston Business Journal

For immediate release
 

Houston Business Journal Names Zeus Mortgage CEO 2013 “40 Under 40” Nominee

The fifth annual “40 Under 40” list honors Houston business executives who contribute to their companies, industries and community in an inspiring way

Houston, TX. – Oct. 29, 2013 – Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, today announced the Houston Business Journal has selected Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage, as one of its “40 Under 40” honorees in its annual listing.  The business journal’s “40 Under 40” class are comprised of various business leaders working towards a better future for the community of Houston through their business enterprises and philanthropic efforts.

Steven Kaufman has achieved top production within today’s housing market, coordinating more than $1 billion in real estate financing for companies including American Express, Hewlett Packard and Exxon Mobil.  Admired by customers and competitors throughout the Houston community, Kaufman remains an active member with various grassroots organizations, and is committed to maintaining resilient team synergy within his Houston-based organization.

                                                                                

“To share this recognition with the other nominees is a true honor in itself,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “Houston is comprised of people who are passionate about their careers, philanthropies, and truly making an impact on society.  I feel so fortunate to be a member of such an admirable community and will continue to do my part in keeping the Houston spirit alive for generations to come.”

The Houston Business Journal will profile the Class of 2013 in a special section on November 1, 2013, available in print and to digital subscribers.  In addition, the “40 Under 40” nominees will be honored at a cocktail party on October 30, 2013, from 4:30 to 7 pm at the Houston Zoo.

More information about the 2013 “40 Under 40” list can be found by visiting HoustonBusinessJournal.com.  Additional information about Zeus Mortgage can be found directly at AskZeus.com.

About Zeus Mortgage

Zeus Mortgage is widely known as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States, and is comprised of a team of world-class experts who are skilled at providing up-to-the-minute market information, offering valuable knowledge and insight to their customers.  With proactive communication and enthusiastic service, Zeus Mortgage delivers unsurpassed value to their customers, while making the mortgage process simple and smooth.  For more information about Zeus Mortgage please visit ASKZEUS.COM or call 800-ASK-ZEUS.

                                                                                                                  ###                                   

Press Contact:

Steven Kaufman

Zeus Mortgage

713-275-9387

pr@askzeus.com

Steven Kaufman, President of Houston's Zeus Mortgage, Houston's Premier Mortgage Lender

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 large 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. His unparalleled finance experience has made him the leading expert on mortgages and real estate financing. Steven's enthusiasm, energy, and insight provide a unique experience during his interviews and presentations. 

Steven has been a regular speaker for the University of Houston and various Chambers of Commerce. He has conducted several workshops for The Realty Investment Club of Houston (RICH), Lifestyles Unlimited, Southeast Texas Realty Investment Club, Clear Lake Investment Club, Alamo Investment Club, and The Texas City Investment Club. 

Steven is the author of the Financing Matters column of The Realty Investment Club of Houston's “EnRICHer” and the Jacksonville Real Estate Association's “Investor Insights”. 

A 1999 inductee into the business honorary Beta Gamma Sigma. A 2002 inductee into Who's Who in the United States, 2010 inductee into Who's Who for Executives, a 2006 National Leadership Award recipient, and a 2006 Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Steven is a 2007 recipient of the Business Leader of the Year Award by the NRCC.  Steven has sat as an officer of The RICH Club (The Realty Investment Club of Houston) Board of Directors since 2004, has been a Director for the Greater Houston Association of Mortgage Professionals, and sits on the Dean's Advisory Council for the University of Houston School of Business. National Mortgage Professional Magazine recently ranked Steven as one of the "Top 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals in the United States". Steven is co-author of the nationally acclaimed bestselling book “Off the Coast of Zanzibar”, he is a 5 time state bench press record holder, 2010 World Bench Press Champion, and 2011 and 2012 World Bench Press Champion Runner-up. Steven is a co-founder and current President of The Fanatical Change Foundation, and he is the Houston Astros August 2012 Hometown Hero. 

Steven can be reached at 800-ASK-ZEUS (275-9387) or log-on to WWW.ASKZEUS.COM.

The 2013 Golden Tiger Russian Powerlifting Invitation in Russia!!!

http://www.golden-tiger.ru/

Zeus Mortgage is Giving Back to the Houston Community - More than Mortgages

You Might be a Powerlifter if!

You Might be a Powerlifter if…

If you can't count above 5 but can multiply by 45 in your head.........You might be a Powerlifter.

If you think Babypowder on your thighs and chalk on your hands looks cool... You might be a Powerlifter.

If whenever a friend is moving you are the first person they call for help…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you hear people in the gym talking about someone who looks “very cut” means that there has been a terrible accident…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If most people in the gym don’t like you…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If the word "gear" refers to squat suits, bench shirts, wraps, belts, suit slippers, salts and chalk, not steroids…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you inhale ammonia instead of using it for cleaning…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If the amount of weight you lift is more important than how cleanly shaven your legs are or how dark your tan is…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you work at a desk all day and you still have 1/2 inch thick calluses on your hands. …. You might be a Powerlifter.

If the gym owner kicks you out for bending yet another bar while squatting…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you check squat depth when using the john…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If the doctor tells you that you need more iron in your diet so you throw in an extra set of lock-outs…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you use a 1 kg plate as a paper-weight on your desk at work…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you have baby powder in your gym bag…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If it takes 5 seconds for your spirit to re-enter your body after squatting…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you use the handicap stall for the handrails after your leg day…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you think of helping your neighbors move their piano as "a set".....You might be a powerlifter…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you drop something, and go into a sumo stance to pick it up…. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you dismount the toilet like doing box squats (to perfect that explosive power) …. You might be a Powerlifter.

If you get accused by bodybuilders or crossfitters of taking steroids because you're stronger than they are…. You might be a Powerlifter.

The Big Steve Kaufman (The Baldest Guy in Houston)