You will be serving someone today!

So, I'm not sure if he's saying 

1.)  If you're not serving the customer then you will be serving your competitor, who is, because you're not, serving your customer, or

2.) If you're not serving the customer then you will be serving your superior, who is, because you're not, serving your customer.  

I think the point is clear, I'll will be serving someone and its up to me to decide who. 

-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

Becoming a Man! - If... by Rudyard Kipling

Perhaps, the greatest motivating poem in the world!

If—

BY RUDYARD KIPLING

    If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And—which is more—you'll be a Man my son!

   

Rudyard Kipling

Source: A Choice of Kipling's Verse (1943)

Courtesy of The Baldest Guy in Houston

Zeus Mortgage – Houston, Texas

Who's the Best Loan Officer in Houston?

We are proud to announce that Zeus Mortgage President, Steven Kaufman, has been included as an honorable mention in the December issue of National Mortgage Professional Magazine as one of the “40 Under 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals in the United States”. Mr. Kaufman was included on the prestigious list in 2010 and is the only mortgage professional from Houston included in 2011.

As printed: “There are those who are making serious waves in the industry who could not be overlooked. They, like those on the “40 Under 40” list are the leaders of this industry for years to come, so keep an eye out as well for the following innovators and originators as they continue to shape the industry.”  www.zeusmortgageblog.com

President Obama's Refinance Reform

Experts Say Obama Home Plan a Small Improvement: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

www.zeusmortgageblog.com

How does the credit rating of Fannie and Freddie impact mortgages

So, everyone wants to know... okay, not everyone, but many home owners/buyers want to know how the credit ratings of the United States and Fannie and Freddie will impact their purchase or refinance, or sale. Here's a clip from my interview with ABC News anchor Jeff Ehling on how interest rates, home prices, refinancing, fast home purchasing, credit scores, jumbo financing, and FHA financing will be impacted by the credit rating changes. Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints

The Coolest Non-Profit in Houston

The votes are in and there's no doubt who the coolest non-profit in Houston is the Fanatical Change Foundation. We just had our Hollywood Halloween Party and it was incredible. There were several obstacles in making event a huge success. Matt and Mark Smith were gentlemen with the Houston Motor Club. In the end we made it incredible. Thanks to great folks at The House of Blues, Verizon Theatre, and Houston Motor Club we rocked that venue unlike any party they've ever had.

The painting of Ali was something so incredible that I was inspired to paint! Okay, maybe not, but I was inspired. Martin is an incredible artist and his work is amazing. Everyone that came out loved the party and we raised enough money to help 6 families. I hope you'll check out the video below that was on Fox who was live at our event and the videos of us helping the families at our website at www.fanaticalchange.org. Thank you to every person who's ever supported this amazing cause. On behalf of the volunteers and the families... THANK YOU!



Keep the Change!
The Baldest Guy in Houston
The Coolest Guy in Houston

Zeus Mortgage Tattoo TV Spot (Ask Zeus)

If you're looking for FHA, VA, and below market interest rates on super jumbo mortgages, 203k, 203(k), cash out refinances, rehab or hard money loans then call the experts.

Ask Zeus. We're Smarter.

The Baldest Guy In Houston - The Steven Kaufman

Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints

CEO Declared One of the Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40

Zeus Mortgage CEO Declared One of the Most Influential Mortgage
Professionals Under 40

National Mortgage Professional Magazine names Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage, one of the 40 most influential mortgage professionals under the age of 40
Houston, TX. – Feb. 2, 2010 – Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, today announced National Mortgage Professional Magazine declared the companies’ CEO, Steven Kaufman, one of the top 40 mortgage professionals under the age of 40. Voted on by their peers, those included in the influential list of mortgage professionals exemplify professionalism and inspiration in today’s challenging housing market.

Steven Kaufman, CEO of Zeus Mortgage, has coordinated more than $1 billion in real estate financing for companies including American Express, Hewlett Packard and Exxon Mobil. Kaufman’s community involvement in grassroots organizations, and his resolute dedication to keeping team synergy as top priority of his organization have made him sought after by customers and competitors alike.

“Working in the housing market during uncertain economic times is a great challenge I welcome every day,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “I’m fortunate in that I’m surrounded by a team of highly-motivated professionals who are great reminders as to why I’m more motivated than ever to persevere through a difficult economic time, working to make a difference in the lives of others and impact the mortgage industry in whatever way possible.”

Additional information about the “40 Under 40” list can be found in the November 2009 print issue of National Mortgage Professional Magazine. More information about Zeus Mortgage can be found directly at AskZeus.com.


About Zeus Mortgage
Zeus Mortgage was founded in 2004, and is the leading mortgage lender in the United States. The company does not use a “one-size fits all” approach, but rather is committed to excellence in providing the right loan at the right time at the right price for its customers. Zeus offers every customer a “Free Instant Decision” on their home loan which gives their customers the information they need to make timely financing decisions. For more information about Zeus Mortgage please visit their Web site at www.AskZeus.com.
###

Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints

The Fanatical Change Foundation and Zeus Mortgage

Zeus Mortgage is proud to be a sponsor of The Fanatical Change Foundation.

I sit at the current President of Fanatical Change and it's been such an amazing organization to work with. The people who volunteer are very generous and the work we do for families that truly need it is amazing.

Check out Fox News clip from my interview today:
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/beads-for-deeds-fanatical-change

Our next event is this Thursday at the House of Blues at 6p to 10p. Check out www.fanaticalchange.org for more details.

Keep the change!

Steven
Zeus Mortgage

"The Baldest Guy in Houston"

Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints

Helping Seniors With their Home (Real Estate)

“Helping our Older Generation” - A topic provided to me by Greer Boyce with Fox News.

How do you help the senior in your life who owns real estate?

This topic is something I like to call “Seniornomics”. The economic impact of many common financial decisions is very different for seniors than a majority of the population.

Here are some of my key thoughts:

First, determine the current situation (e.g., is there an outstanding mortgage, can they afford it, do they need additional income)

Second, determine the best case scenario for the future (e.g., the home is out of the parents name for estate tax purposes, cash in the home is used to care for them as they age)

Third, bridge the gap between where you are today and where you want to be in the future by making AND executing plans. This always beats acting in reaction to some triggering event that will likely be filled with lots of emotion.

Some key questions that will determine how you proceed are:

o Is there a potential estate tax issue? (the current exemption amount is 3.5M)
o Will your parent possibly move back into the home?
o Can your parent pay for the assisted living and the home with their current income?
o Are there multiple children involved? (this often creates conflict so its best to workout a plan of action now versus waiting until emotions are very hot)

Reverse Mortgages Hyperbole. Reverse Mortgage are often seen as the “easy” answer to many senior’s financial problems. The most important fact about Reverse Mortgages is that they were designed as a “last resort” for seniors who had troubled credit or income issues that traditional alternatives could not overcome. It’s often the “first resort” many misinformed families take and the risks are serious, expensive, and difficult to reverse.

Below is a video of this presenatation for the local Fox affiliate. Zeus Mortgage Complaints & Reviews (Yahoo)(Google)

Zeus Mortgage Overcomes Recession Odds!

For Immediate Release

Zeus Mortgage Overcomes Recession Odds,

Secures Impressive Spot in Annual

“2009 Inc. 5000 List”

.

Inc. Magazine names Zeus Mortgage one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States in the reputable publication’s annual ranking list

.

Houston, TX. – Sept. 10, 2009 – Zeus Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender, today announced it has secured the ranking of 848th in the “2009 Inc. 5000” list, Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the 5,000 fastest growing privately held businesses in America. Zeus Mortgage also secured an impressive ranking as the 37th fastest growing privately held financial service firms in the United States in the reputable publication’s annual ranking list. The “2009 Inc. 5000” list can be found in the September 2009 issue of Inc. Magazine.  www.zeusmortgageblog.com

In the greatest recession since the depression, this mortgage company seems to be defying the odds. With national lenders such as Bank of America, Lending Tree and Wells Fargo all suffering catastrophic losses, this independent lender offers what homeowners are looking for.

“To be included in Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the fastest growing companies is not only an honor, but a reminder of what we set out to achieve when we first established our company,” stated Steven Kaufman, president, Zeus Mortgage. “We aren’t selling magic mortgages. We truly understand that each mortgage is significant in the lives of our customers. We’re helping families achieve the American dream of owning a home, saving for college and retirement, provide housing for their aging parents, and getting out of debt by refinancing. It’s more than just a mortgage for our customers, and we truly get that.” http://www.zeusmortgage.com

Additional information about the “2009 Inc. 5000” list can be found at Inc.com. More information about Zeus Mortgage can be found directly at AskZeus.com.

About Zeus Mortgage
Zeus Mortgage was founded in 2004, and is the leading mortgage lender in the United States. The company does not use a “one-size fits all” approach, but rather is committed to excellence in providing the right loan at the right time at the right price for its customers. Zeus offers every customer a “Free Instant Decision” on their home loan which gives their customers the information they need to make timely financing decisions. For more information about Zeus Mortgage please visit their Web site at http://www.askzeus.com/.

###

Zeus Mortgage Complaints and Reviews

Free Money!

What is the difference between the $7,500 and $8,000 Tax Credit?

In an effort to decrease the inventory of homes for sale in the United States, Congress passed legislation in July 2008 to provide first-time home buyers a $7,500 tax credit (which is more like an incentive versus a credit) if you purchased a home between April 9th, 2008 and before January 1st, 2009. Then, to really make things interesting, in February 2009 they passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which provided a true $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers who purchase a home between January 1st, 2009 and December 1st, 2009. That’s right… it says December 1st and not December 31st. There is no published information as to why the credit ended on the first of the month versus the end.

There is plenty of confusion as to who can use the credit, whether it has to be repaid, and how it’s collected. Here is chart that separates the key differences between the two credits.

Figure 1:

$8,000 $7,500

Required to be Repaid: No Yes

Term of Repayment: N/A 15 years

Interest Rate: N/A 0

When Repayment Begins: N/A 2010

Purchase Date to Qualify: 01/01/09 - 12/01/09 04/09/08 - 01/01/09

Tax Return to Claim the Credit: 2008 or 2009 2008

Income Limits to Qualify: Single: Up to 95k Single: Up to 95k
Married: Up to $170k Married: Up to $170k

Maximum Credit Calculation: 10% of Sales Price 10% of Sales Price
Up to $8,000 Up to $7,500

Property Types that Quality: New, Resale, Construction, New, Resale, Construction,
Townhomes, Condos, Townhomes, Condos,
Manufactured, Houseboats, Manufactured, Houseboats,
Mobile Homes Mobile Homes

IRS Form Used for Credit: Form 5405 Form 5405

Financing Restrictions: None Mortgage Bonds Ineligible

While this chart lays out the key differences between the two different credits, there are other key points that need to be addressed. If you’re purchasing a newly constructed house from a home builder then the purchase date will be determined by the settlement date and having this occur before December 1st, 2009 will be key to eligibility for this tax credit. In order to receive the maximum tax credit then your income must be below $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 if married.

The Baldest Guy In Houston

Zeus Mortgage Complaints and Reviewes

Your Closings Will Be Delayed!

New Rules Require at Least a 7 Day Delay before Closing… and Maybe 10

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently stated “It is often said that a home is a family’s most important asset, and it is the Federal Reserve’s responsibility to see that borrowers receive the information they need to protect that asset.” On July 30th, 2009 new Truth in Lending Act requirements, otherwise known as Regulation Z, became effective.

The biggest impact of the new guidelines is that consumers will be required to receive a 7 business day delay as a cooling off period before they close on transactions after July 30th. There are a few other provisions that are worth noting (see Figure 1), but this is significant because typically mortgage lenders and banks could, if necessary, close a home loan within a few days or even hours. The 7 days is calculated from the date the Initial Disclosures are personally given or mailed to the consumer. It doesn’t depend upon receipt.

As you know, a consumer must receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Truth in Lending (TIL) Disclosure within 3 business days of a completed application. This provision will remain the same. What is new is the 3 day requirement when there are any changes to the initial Truth in Lending Disclosure. If the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) increases by more than 0.125% from the previously disclosed APR, then a new Truth in Lending Disclosure (TIL) must be provided to the consumer AND the loan cannot close until 3 business days after the re-disclosure is received (with acknowledgment of receipt) by the consumer. In short, if the APR on a loan changes then the consumer can’t close on that loan until they’ve had an additional 3 day delay. According to Calvin C. Mann, a Partner with Black, Mann & Graham, L.L.P., you can expect this delay on most transactions which will put the total waiting period at 10 business days. Incidentally, business days include all days except Sundays and federal holidays.

The only other major point regarding these new provisions is that no upfront fees, other than reasonable credit report fees, can be charged to a consumer until after they’ve received the Initial Disclosures which is expected to reduce the amount of “bait-and-switch” type loans previously offered.

Here is a chart that I think will help and can be used for quick reference.

Figure 1:

Initial Disclosures
3 days from application
This requirement is currently in place

Cooling Off Period
7 day waiting period
Starts after the initial disclosures before the loan can close are sent to the consumer

Changes to the APR
3 day waiting period
The consumer must acknowledge before the loan can close receipt or add 3 more days

This may not be all that bad. With HVCC time delays running havoc on many transactions this new 7 day cooling off period and 3 day APR delay could allow buyers to work with less mortgage distractions during the contract Option Period and allow time for the appraisals to come back. Of course, consumers who purchase with cash, purchase commercial properties or use certain hard money loans may be exempt from this. This isn’t the end of the changes and it’s expected that additional changes will be here in the coming months. Stay tuned…s

The Baldest Guy In Houston

Zeus Mortgage Complaints. Zeus Mortgage Reviews

Enterprise Champion Award

So, Houston Business Journal says we made the "Houston Fast 100", but appearently we've also become a finalist in the "Enterprise Champion Award" which is based on community involvment. We have a live interview Thursday with 6 judges so wish us luck. This is probably because of our work with the Park to Park Fun Run and Fanatical Change. Check out details of the next Fanatical Change event at www.fanaticalchange.org.

The Baldest Guy In Houston and Zeus Mortgage Complaints and Reviews

Extra! Extra! - READ ALL ABOUT IT

The Houston Business Journal just named Zeus Mortgage to the "Houston Fast 100" list which are the fastest growing companies in the city. Our official ranking will be announced at the awards luncheon on September 11. Stay tuned for our offical ranking and other details. Thank you to our friends and Customers for making this possible. All my best!

Houston Mortgage Zeus Complaints Reviews

The Baldest Guy in Houston