Grow Time
May 2022
News
Congrats to our winners!
We hid an easter egg in last month's edition of Grow Time, and the grand prize for finding it was a $100 gift certificate to the Armory.
Consumer Direct Loan Officer Brittner Smart was our first winner, and Scottsbluff Branch Manager Jennifer Urdialies was our second!
Continue browsing this publication every month (and check back often) for more chances to win.
Training tips from the desk of Dan Taylor
Getting Comfortable with ARMs (Again)
The market is changing and it's a great time to brush up on ARMs (and we don't mean push-ups).
On Wednesday, May 25, learn all about adjustable rate mortgages in a no-cost training session from one of our partners, MGIC.
Things gets started at noon, MT. In just 30 minutes, you get:
- ARM basics
- ARM qualification standards
- Product comparisons
- Agency guidelines and pricing
- Borrower considerations
This session is sure to fill up quickly, so sign up right away.
Time is of the essence!
But wait, there's more!
Each month, the training department publishes a comprehensive training calendar! It's full of a TON of amazing free trainings that are readily available to you.
The calendar includes both live trainings and webinars. Reach out to National Training Manager Dan Taylor or Loan Officer Concierge Manager Ali Carver if you need any help at all!
Closing gift update
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We've recently worked with our vendors to update the closing gifts we send out to clients after they close their loans with you.
As part of the update, you may have noticed your profile being updated in the background. But don't stress! You weren't being hacked, and you don't need to do anything extra.
If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your marketing account executive.
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New Content
Hidden Savings Account door hangers for cash out refinance Loans
Loan officers throughout the country have been finding new refinance business the old-fashioned way: pounding the pavement and distributing door hangers. These show you're local, you're serious, and you care about neighborhoods in your community.
They're also a great way to take advantage of the massive increases we're seeing in equity due to soaring home values.
Starting now, you can order a turnkey door hanger for your market! They're sized at 4.25 inches by 11 inches, and the cost is just $102 for 500!
Contact your account executive to put in an order.
Available social media posts
Flyer and Social Post: Credit score tips and tricks
Caption:
Keeping your credit in good shape can help a lot when it's time to buy a home. These tips are a good place to start, but seek the help of a licensed credit counselor if you need extra assistance. Then, when you're ready to explore financing options for a home, reach out to me! #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #FICO #credit
The social post is available here, and the flyer is available in the flyer gallery of the Forge.
Social Post: Throwback Thursday—Interest Rates
Caption:
It's true—mortgage rates are rising pretty fast lately. But let's roll the clock back 40 years. "Ebony and Ivory" was topping the charts, movie theaters were showing previews for "ET the Extra Terrestrial," and rates were a whopping 16.93%! #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #interestrates #mortgagehumor #throwbackthursday
The social post is available here.
Social Post: There's more to getting a home loan than doing this
Caption:
Tried working with a huge national lender, but missing the personal touch? When you choose us for your home loan needs, we'll help you uncover ALL your options, answer every question, and be at your side every step of the way. #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #mortgage #castleculture
The social post is available here.
Mortgage Meme: Live here but no wifi
Caption:
#castlecookemortgage #homloans #mortgagememes #mortgage #mortgagebroker #loanofficer #mortgagehumor #realestate #homeloans #mortgages #mortgageloanofficer #mortgagelife
The social post is available here.
Mortgage Meme: Qualify for more with us
Caption:
I think the answer is obvious. #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #mortgagememes #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgagehumor #realestate #homeloans #mortgages #mortgageloanofficer #mortgagelife
The social post is available here.
Mortgage Meme: You're telling me there's a chance
Caption:
Have a FICO of 580+? You may qualify for a home loan! #casltecookemortgage #homeloans #mortgagememes #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgagehumor #realestate #homeloan, #mortgages #mortgageloanofficer #mortgagelife
The social post is available here.
Scheduled posts
Social Post: Bike to Work Day, May 20
Caption:
Biking can improve heart health, muscle strength and flexibility, and even strengthen bones! If you've ever thought about trying a bike commute, today's the day!
Available in the Social Only subscription in the Forge.
Social Post: Memorial Day, May 30
Caption:
Wishing you a peaceful day of remembrance. #castlecookemortgage #memorialday #homeloans #usa #thankyou
Available in the Memorial Day subscription in the Forge.
Social Post: Donut Day, June 3
Caption:
You donut want to miss your chance to get into a home this summer! Contact your loan officer about pre-qualification so you can shop smart. Then, reward yourself with a tasty pastry! #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #homebuying #real estate #nationaldonutday #donutday #doughnutday
Available in the Social Only subscription in the Forge.
Social Post: Best Friends Day, June 8
Caption:
It's a day to celebrate our besties! Tag yours in the comments and let us know just what makes them so special. #bestfriendsday #friendship #castlecookemortgage #homeloans
Available in the Social Only subscription in the Forge.
Tuesday Tidbits
The Tuesday Tidbits subscription is live for all loan originators and their connected Facebook pages (unless you've specifically opted out), and it's a great way to cultivate your contacts and connect with them on a weekly basis. Here's what's your followers will see this month:
Tuesday Tidbit: Don't buy a lemon
Caption:
A home inspection protects you as a buyer by letting you know if there are any major problems or issues that could cost you down the line. #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #homebuying
Available as part of the Tuesday Tidbits subscription.
Tuesday Tidbit: Gift letter
Caption:
If you're getting money from family for your down payment, ask your home loan team about a gift letter. Having the right documentation can make the process quicker, smoother, and easier for everyone involved. #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #downpayment #firsttimehomebuyer
Available as part of the Tuesday Tidbits subscription.
Tuesday Tidbit: Trust your loan officer
Caption:
Available as part of the Tuesday Tidbits subscription.
Instagram posting instructions
Instagram is popular for loan originators company-wide, and we encourage you to use all the above assets on your own profile! Here's how:
- Right click on the image you want to use
- A menu will appear. Click Save Image as ...
- A new dialog box will pop up. Choose the filename and folder you prefer
- Open instagram.com in a browser and click the
button - Choose your photo and click Next in the top right corner of the dialog box, following instructions along the way
Note: You can find approved caption copy in the Forge (or next to each post above), or can write your own. We highly recommend using the following hashtags, and others as you see fit:
- #castlecookemortgage
- #homeloans
Additional CCM:Mobile video training
Watch this brief overview of using the site as a loan officer.
Watch this walkthrough of a borrower's application experience so you can better understand how you receive notifications about the app and the loan in your pipeline.
More training opportunities for your agents
- Adapt core real estate competencies and use new skills to serve clients who want to invest in single-family homes, condos, town homes, and small multi-family properties.
- Work with investors as they goal set, plan, evaluate, acquire, and manage properties
- Walk the talk and learn how to become real estate investors themselves
- May 13, 2022
- 9am-5pm
- Location: Online via Zoom
The Marketing Strategy & Lead Generation course takes a deep dive into how using proven networking, branding, and marketing strategies can build a real estate business.
After completion of this course, your industry contacts will be able to:
- Clearly communicate services and value based on the buyer’s needs and expectations
- Employ a creative and memorable marketing approach to generate leads
- Use social media and technology to effectively track and communicate with leads
- Successfully convert leads into loyal clients
- May 17, 2022
- 9am-5pm
- Location: Online via Zoom
New Home Construction Course—Live in Logan, UT
Are your agents unsure about the opportunities new-home construction offers? Representing clients in the purchase of new-home construction requires a significantly different set of skills. REBAC’s NEW-HOME CONSTRUCTION AND BUYER REPRESENTATION course is designed to help real estate professionals gain the product and transaction knowledge they need to guide clients through the processes for the purchase, construction, and customization of a new home. Along the way, they'll learn how to work with new home builders and sales representatives while ultimately protecting their clients’ interests.
- May 19, 2022
- 9am-5pm
- Cache Rich Association of Realtors, 1451 N 200 E #130A, Logan, UT
SRS Designation Training – Zoom – June 2022
This course provides a comprehensive foundation of skill development, training, and resources to help real estate professionals represent the interests of sellers in today’s marketplace. Students learn to increase listings and grow their business by effectively communicating their value to seller clients. You will explore and apply the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as well as comply with state license laws when representing sellers.
- June 2-3, 2022
- 9am–5pm MDT each day
- Online via Zoom
PSA Certification – Zoom – June 2022
The Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) certification is specifically designed to enhance your skills in pricing properties, creating CMAs, working with appraisers, and guiding clients through the anxieties and misperceptions they often have about home values.
- June 9, 2022
- 9am-5pm MDT
- Online Via Zoom
If you haven't already, send your real estate agents to our Business Development and Sales Training page to register. The classes are heavily discounted for your agents when they sign up using the code CCMROCKS.
Sweet SWAG for your crew
The Armory is your one-stop shop for branded Castle & Cooke Mortgage gear. Swag is a great way to share the love at events and stay top of mind in your community. These items also make for great team prizes!
Check out some of our ready-to-ship items here, and feel free to browse the full catalog!
We want to hear from you!
Your Culture Committee (a collaboration of executives, marketing, and HR representatives) has created a new email designed to receive feedback from the field, and you can access it at suggestions@castlecookemortgage.com.
Please send suggestions on:
- How to embody the Castle & Cooke Mortgage values as a company or team
- How to foster relationships with employees or communities
- How to save the company money
- How to help Castle & Cooke Mortgage be more efficient
Watch this space
Your Marketing team is hard at work creating new videos flyers, social posts, email campaigns, and more. When we have something new for the field, we'll update this section. Check back often!
Social Post: National Police Week, May 15–22
Caption:
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who serve and protect our great nation. The home of the free, because of the brave. #castlecookemortgage #2022policeweek #policeweek #lawenforcement #trueheroes
Available here in the Forge.
New Non-QM Collateral
Social Post: Put your past where it belongs...behind you!
Caption:
If you’ve had a bankruptcy, missed mortgage payments, or past debt problems, buying a home can seem impossible. But don’t lose hope! A new loan program from Castle & Cooke Mortgage could help. Contact me today so we can make a plan for your future. #castlecookemortgage #homeloans #badcredit #firsttimehomeowner
Available here, and the flyer is available in the flyer gallery of the Forge.
Social Post: Have you experienced financial injury? Don't lose hope.
Caption:
At Castle & Cooke Mortgage, we like to think of events like bankruptcy, missed mortgage payments, and past debts as financial injuries. Being credit-injured doesn't mean you can't get into a home, but you may need a little time to let your finances heal. To find out what your options are and what may be available—even if you've only had a year or two to recover–please reach out.
Available here.
An email to send to your agent partners is available here.
Social Post: No W-2? No problem!
Caption:
If you’re self-employed, there may be alternative ways to qualify for a home loan. Contact me before rates go any higher!
Available here, and the flyer is available in the flyer gallery of the Forge.
An email to share with your agent partners is available here.
Social Post: Self-employed myths
Caption:
If you’re self-employed, you may have heard some of these misconceptions about home loans. To get the whole story and learn about options for your situation, give me a call!
Available here.
Want to share on Instagram? Contact your Account Executive for an exclusive series of images!
Social Post: You chart your own path!
Caption:
You go it alone in business, but you don’t need to go it alone for a home loan. If you’re self-employed, I can help you explore your mortgage options—no strings attached.
Available here.
Social Post: Self-employed mortgage tips
Caption:
Entrepreneurship and the American Dream go hand in hand! When you’re ready to explore your home loan options, give me a call!
Available here, and the flyer is available in the flyer gallery of the Forge.
Want to share on Instagram? Contact your Account Executive for an exclusive series of images!
Social Post: Not everyone needs a 9-5
Caption:
You don't always need proof of income to buy a home. If you have significant funds at your disposal but no regular paycheck, let's talk! Our asset qualification loans were created for borrowers just like you.
Available here, and the flyer is available in the flyer gallery of the Forge.
An email to share with your agent partners is available here.
Social Post: Flexible loan options for non-permanent residents
Caption:
If you live in the U.S. but don’t have a green card, work visa, or Social Security number, homeownership can feel out of reach. But with a new loan type from Castle & Cooke Mortgage, you may have options! Contact me today to find out if you qualify.
Available here, and the flyer is available in the flyer gallery of the Forge.
New webpage for self-employed borrowers
See our new webpage for self-employed borrowers here.
Look below for instructions on how to brand the page with your contact info.
New videos
Four fun new videos are now ready for you! You can post them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other compliant social network of your choice. And we hope you do!
The Forge does not support video content, but you can post yourself in just a few clicks. Visit the video library in Sharepoint and download the video you choose. Then, use the approved captions below or write your own.
To ensure that your info shows up on the landing page when you post, be sure to add your unique #firstname_lastname snippet at the end of the URL. For example, if Tim Lewis were to link to the landing page below, his URL would be https://www.castlecookemortgage.com/customer-testimonial-lucia-home-loan#Tim_Lewis.
Click here to view our how-to training instructional video on how to download and share our video resources.
Caption:
Want to find out the real way to get money out of your home? Call or text me at (xxx-xxx-xxxx) or click https://www.castlecookemortgage.com/refinance#First_Last
#castlecookemortgage #homeloans #mortgage #refinance #mortgagememes
The social media-friendly version of this video is available for download here.
Video: Money Oven
Caption:
I wish my oven were full of money! If yours isn't either (but you still need to get cash out of your home), let's connect! Call or text me at (xxx-xxx-xxxx) or click https://www.castlecookemortgage.com/refinance#First_Last to learn more.
#castlecookemortgage #homeloans #mortgage #refinance #mortgagememes
The social media-friendly version of this video is available for download here.
Video: Carrie Potter
Caption:
There may be money in your home but hiding a wizard in the closet won't help. To find out how much equity you could access with a cash out refinance, call or text me at (xxx-xxx-xxxx) or click https://www.castlecookemortgage.com/refinance#First_Last to learn more.
#castlecookemortgage #homeloans #mortgage #refinance #mortgagememes
The social media-friendly version of this video is available for download here.
Video: Dog Discovery
Caption:
If pups really did know how to get money out of your home, they'd be doing my job for me! But in all seriousness, if you need cash for debt consolidation, repairs, or even higher ed, you may be able to find it by tapping your equity. Click https://www.castlecookemortgage.com/refinance#First_Last or shoot me a text at (xxx-xxx-xxxx) to get the process started.
#castlecookemortgage #homeloans #mortgage #refinance #mortgagememes
The social media-friendly version of this video is available for download here.
New flyer
Flyer: Home loans on the home front
The flyer is available in the flyer gallery of the Forge under our Veterans category.