Unfortunately, most Americans still do not understand how home loans work and how to take advantage of the wide array of programs available. The way I see it, people are still confused about mortgages in general and real estate finance, in particular.

Just last week, a friend of mine told me he was buying a house. He was pre-approved for a loan, he said, and I was very happy for him. You see, he is young, just 25, and he is embarking on the American Dream of home ownership. So, I asked him about the type of mortgage he was getting. He said, “I don’t know. I was just approved, and I haven’t even signed any papers, yet.”

He did have the house picked out, though.
Although it is all too typical of a response, I found myself still surprised that my friend didn’t know anything about the loan he was being pre-approved for. As another acquaintance recently pointed out, the right loan program can make hundreds of dollars of difference in your monthly payment. This person will save $6,048 this year using an adjustable rate mortgage over that pesky fixed rate that so many people desire.

For some reason, home loan confusion continues to run rampant in America. Most likely because the average American is ignorant of how mortgages work. This is not an attack on American’s intelligence. It’s okay to be ignorant; it is not, however, okay to remain that way, when you know you are entering a complex financial transaction.

Avoid this

Readers often send me interesting and exciting e-mails about the op-ed pieces I write and manage to publish. As a writer, I get all sorts. Some are actually encouraging. Then there are those who say, “This is YOUR fantasy, not the reality I have seen.” Or, they ask, “Your point is?”

Alas and alack, it is the lot of professional writers to suffer these comments all in the name of trying to write something someone wants to read (and buy!).

In my latest piece on the Minuteman Project, some readers took offense at my attempt to link Chris Simcox, one of the co-founders, with groups run by gomers like Glenn Spencer. In fact, one lady wrote and said,

“Your attempt to tarnish the citizens of the Minuteman Project by linking it to Spencer and the ABP is about as honest and courageous as spreading the stench of MS-13 over the entire illegal population.”

And of course, everyone knows what “MS-13″ is!

So, I am thinking, perhaps I was not as clear as I could have been. Perhaps this lady has a (small) point and I need to restate my position.

Therefore, your humble columnist is here today to try to right a possible wrong. So here goes, and let me be perfectly clear:
What tainted this Minuteman Project from its beginning was that Chris Simcox was one of its co-founders. The evidence supports, in my view, that this man has another agenda.

I did not buy the “Observer and Report” goal of his Minuteman project because of the

What does MLM Success REALLY sound like?

Success basically in Network Marketing is a product of the right RESPONSE. It is all about getting people to respond to you in a manner that will help you obtain the outcome that you are looking for. (A sale or a recruit).

Most folks in Network Marketing REACT to what prospects say, not respond, and become defensive with a negative focus and words. And that is a problem many times in responding to what was actually said. And actually what you say back to them, is MORE important many times to your Success, than anything else said. What you say back to them paints a picture, and speaks volumes of who you are.

What would be the “Sounds of MLM Success” when you respond to what people say-especially negative people?

Here a a few examples:

1) “I understand.”

These two words carry a lot of weight when someone is not on the same page as you with this industry, anti aging, weight loss, skin care, internet shopping, legal services, nutrition, or whatever it is. Do not argue. Take the high road, and say “I understand”, and then move forward in letting them know that you appreciate their view, and ask. “Have you ever considered this?”

2) “Tell me about what happened.”

Many times people may have had a bad experience with this industry, or people in it, and as a Network Marketer, you may want to let them vent and tell you what happened. And after the ranting and raving, say