Many of us have been openly critical of NAMB over the past few years, and I’ve certainly been one of them. I’m about to tell you something that you likely are unaware of:
NAMB is out there busting their rear ends to keep you in business.
Did you know that NAMB President Marc Savitt conducted a one-on-one meeting with New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo this past week? Neither did I until yesterday – and it was mere coincidence that I learned of his meeting.
Are you a NAMB Basher?
I guess you could call me a card carrying NAMB Basher. After all, I’ve said more negative things about NAMB publicly than I’ve said positive things. In the process, I’ve figured something out: I am not doing anyone any favors by complaining unless I’m willing to become part of the solution. You see, NAMB is a volunteer organization. For it to be successful, it requires the involvement and participation of its constituents. Here are a few quick and easy steps on how you can get involved – and become part of the solution.
1) Are you a Member of your Trade Association?
It amazes me how many NAMB Bashers are out there that aren’t even dues paying members. As far as I’m concerned, you’re part of the problem and you need to do either one of two things:
a) Join NAMB today or
b) Shut up until you’ve satisfied point a). In my mind, you have no right to criticize an organization’s shortcomings when the greater shortcoming lies within. And if you’re a NAMB member, maybe you can go that extra step further and find out if your supply chain are NAMB members: appraisers, title companies, credit companies, etc. For NAMB to succeed, it needs our funds and our participation.
NAMB Has A Communication Problem That’s About To Be Solved.
Put yourself in Marc Savitt’s shoes for a minute. You’re a mortgage professional out of Martinsburg, WV with a primary responsibility to run a mortgage business and provide for your family. Oh, and by the way, you’re also responsible for representing an industry that the mainstream media single-handedly blames for the economic crisis we’re experiencing right now. So you spend half your life in an airplane touring the country. You get beat up by regulators one day and your constituents the next. And each day, you’re asked to put that smile on your face and dodge bullets. Just think about the life of Marc Savitt right now. Would you want his job?
My answer: hell no. I feel sorry for the guy. And today I’m officially becoming part of the solution.
Mr. Savitt, what can I do to help you?
Marc, welcome to the wonderful world of “Web 2.0″. It’s intimidating at first, and it takes time to find your style. But you won’t find a better platform to drum up awareness and support for a common cause. I’m asking you to embrace this medium and make it a small part of your day.
Help Me Help You!
When I think about the life of Marc Savitt, I always come back to this classic 20-second clip from the movie Jerry Maguire. It really says it all. If you’re out there reading this, let’s send a welcome message to Marc Savitt. Let him know you read this article and you’re appreciative of what he’s doing for you.
If you're wondering where the Video is, it appears we're having slight technical difficulties right now, but we'll get it embedded as soon as we can. Here's a link to it in the meantime:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-oHuogx6_Y
Great article – there is a lot of positive activity being done that we really don't hear about. This is perfect! MARC SAVITZ does to a lot that isn't known. Now, Mark Green, you are changing that. Thanks for being part of the solution. THANK YOU – Marc S. for all you do for our professiona. These are challenging times and we need to all stick together.
Thank you for your assertiveness and honesty where it concerns your previous hostility toward NAMB. Also, a hearty good wishes to Marc Savitt for being the under – appreciated foot soldier for all mortgage brokers.
Great post, Mark. I believe that most mortgage and real estate professionals mainly have a publishing and communication problem. Well, we also have a “paying attention” problem as well.
Madsen, you are right. It is a Paying Attention problem. Paying…..AND….Attention. Like Mark Green says, it is time for people to get involved for the sake of their jobs! (Scratch that – it's not a job. It is their CAREERs!!!!)
This is one of the most critical and historical moments in mortgage industry history. Unlike other more “natural” mortgage market cycle, this one is being met with radical changes and government action that will unquestionably reshape how borrowers get mortgages and how mortgage financing is delivered and serviced.
That all goes to say if we are not involved in the reshaping we will wake up one day and realize many of our business models no longer work in the new mortgage industry. That leaves us with two options: be ready to adjust our business models or help preserve the critical ones.
Either way it calls for being involved and supporting those fighting the good fight. Mark thanks for informing and motivating us to get involved in the success of our industry.
Marc Savitt, how can we help?
It is certainly difficult for NAMB members to get excited about what is going on for them if they don’t know what is going on. I would love to be more aware of what NAMB is doing for all of us; and the magic of web 2.0 can make that possible! If this article had never been posted I bet less than 50 people even knew about this meeting.
Marc Savitz, great job! Mark Green, thank you for pointing this out.
As more of us get involved in Web 2.0, let us know more of what we can do to help with the cause from your perspective, not just our own.
Jim
Well done Mark – but I have one question that I can't seem to wrap my brain around… Mark, are you Tom Cruise in this clip, or is Marc Savitt? =0)
Always here for levity.
Chris the implementer
Join your local chapter of NAMB and get involved…or don't bitch! We are more strong united than divided.
Participation is the key element to any type of cause or movement. Marc Savitt has been participating in a big way, he deserves not only a break from the negative comments, but a pick me up…..GREAT JOB MARC!!!!
Mr. Green, thank you for the message, this has been needed for a long time.
Mark Estermyer
Mark Green – your post along with Rhonda Porter's comment inspired me to finally join NAMB. Thank you.
Bill Rice – I agree with preserving the critical business models as we've all had to adjust over the past 2 years. Many of us 'woke up' in mid July 2007 and realized that what we were doing didn't work anymore. Either adjust or you go extinct. Those that have adjusted accordingly are thriving, that is until May 1, 2009. If we continue to adjust our business models there will be no end in sight. However, as professionals, we will all find our way back to the path we were on.
We must stand up for the foundations of our business, maintain focus and preserve our core beliefs.
I've signed every petition I know of for the reconsideration of HVCC. Have you? Please post any others you know of.
http://www.hvccpetition.com and http://www.petitiononline.com/hvcc/petition.html
Thank you Marc Savitz for all you do. Let us know how we can help!
About twenty years ago, a group of us sat in a restaurant in San Diego with Chris Salazar, (founder of CAMB), wholesalers, and brokers, with the goal and intent of creating an association that would give creditability, and create standards within our industry. Out of that meeting, was founded the San Diego Association of mortgage brokers, and, eventually the California association with an affiliation with NAMB. Unfortunately, I, like most of us long timers, got complacent. Chris has left us now, but, I wonder if he isn’t looking at us with dismay, at how we’ve failed to continue his legacy. Thank you Mark, for pointing this out, and, Mr. Savitt, while I do not know you, I applaud and thank you for the efforts on our behalf. Please do let us know how we might actively pick up the torch.
Just fuel for the fire. I've done 3 HVCC appraisals so far, and each has come in 25% higher in cost than previous appraisals ($410-430 compared to $325). This comes directly out of the consumers pocket. And my clients' opinions? “Why do I have to pay more money for an appraisal beacuse the government doesn't trust people?”
Just a thought…
I am with you Marc! Thanks for your commitment! This is a tough time, could be the toughest we have ever experienced in our industry. I will add you to the prayer list. take care.
Bill, I'm in.
I'm not a mortgage originator, just a former journalist that loves to write, but if I can help you guys in some way, I'll do it. I was the first editor of SourceMedia's Broker magazine (now part of Origination News) and I've been writing about this community for a long time. But if you guys really want to change minds, you need to be putting stories out there about your satisfied constituents.
When all the politicians here are the negative stories about some broker (or lender) ripping someone off, it reflects on all of you. Turn that around. Start getting the people that you serve to talk to a journalist or reporter about what you brought to the table. Tell some stories about how you guys make American Dreams come true.
You're exactly right, Bill. Leveraging Web 2.0 is the way to go. But once you set up the Facebook pages and the Twitter accounts and heat up the podcasting mics, you need to have some really great stories to share. I know this community has them. Now is the time to get them told.
At this point, if you like 'em or hate 'em; we all need to work together to move everything forward in the direction that we need.
Just to reiterate (Jonas_K's comment) other points of action: http://www.hvccpetition.com/
The number of homeowners that brokers have helped become homeowners may have dropped over recent years, but it is still a very high percentage. Brokers still represent a open and honest answers. Sure, we have taken heat for the meltdown, but it is by so-called professionals that are more interested in making sure the finger is not pointed at them.
The NAMB may have it's issues, but we as members are to be responsible to make sure that communicate and if you have an issue. At least, try to be a part of the solution. Mark Savitt feel free to give me a call, I will do what I can. Thanks for your hard work, I am not sure I would not wish your job on my enemies.
Keep up the hard work, we do appreciate it, Really we do
Jonas,
That's huge of you. Welcome aboard and thank you for stepping up like that. That in and of itself is inspiring.
Thanks for the great article and reminder that one person can make a difference. Keep up the good work.
Good point, Mark. Didn't our mothers all tell us, “If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all”. Part of the solution; count on my support for that idea!
My NAMB membership is due to renew… I need to get on that.
I am in Maryland, and I support Marc Savitt and the many voluteers that voluteer their time at NAMB. Many of whom I know very well as friends and colleagues. A couple of months ago, I had the privilege of attending the NAMB Convention held in Baltimore and listened to Marc Savitt speak about some of the things that they were doing behind the scene. It is certainly an uphill battle given the lack of resources and support that many in our industry fail to give. Join NAMB and and we can have a common voice.
I want to thank Marc Savitt, my boss and the many men and women who voluteer their time to represent us.
Mark,
Good article, it's good to spread light on a subject I know little about.
Most often you forget or dont even see those around you that are making a difference. Action like that should be praised. I know I couldn't do his job, I can barely juggle mine on an average day.
Thanks man.
Very well expressed opinions. I have not been a basher but I have not been a supporter and I need to step up.
If my small little voice can help, fantastic. I think we are at an inflection point in the business cycle of mortgages unlike any other — the public voice has caused government to act and a wave of regulatory changes is upon us with more to come.
Is this the best way to influence these changes?
Count me in.
Mark,
Great post and I will rejoin Namb. I had let it lapse last year. Thank you for getting the word out. This is not about just about the people who work in this industry but about the consumer who ends up being hurt the most.
As many posts below enumerate, today is the day to get involved if you are not already. We belong to an industry that has a target not only on its back but on its front as well. Thank you Mark Savitt and NAMB for continuing the fight. If you are not a member, please join today!
What other association is looking out for our best interests where the regulators are willing to hear our voice? NAMB is it, and as it has been said, “don't just tell me what the problems are, provide solutions.” NAMB is the most credible association, this industry has to offer, from a broker perspective. Try getting the CRMS designation…..it was as hard as anything I tried to achieve, educationally speaking, in this industry. ……which is one of the reasons I did not proceed with the CMC designation. They are doing everything they can, with the resources they have, with the support of its members, for the best interest of our industry, as well as the consumers. The Pros certainly outweigh the Cons. Keep up the great work and thanks for bringing this to the forefront.
What other association is looking out for our best interests where the regulators are willing to hear our voice? NAMB is it, and as it has been said, “don't just tell me what the problems are, provide solutions.” NAMB is the most credible association, this industry has to offer, from a broker perspective. Try getting the CRMS designation…..it was as hard as anything I tried to achieve, educationally speaking, in this industry. ……which is one of the reasons I did not proceed with the CMC designation. They are doing everything they can, with the resources they have, with the support of its members, for the best interest of our industry, as well as the consumers. The Pros certainly outweigh the Cons. Keep up the great work and thanks for bringing this to the forefront. Proud member of NAMB!
Great job.
NAMB cant do it all!
Mark:
Well put! As a GAMB/ NAMB member and volunteer I can honestly say that I hope more people will become as “enlightened” as you have become. You really can make a difference! Thank you for saying what so many have been thinking!
Thanks for posting this blog! I definitely think that we have to stand up and defend our profession as mortgage and be part of the solution. We need to communicate to the consumers about our industry and not let the reporters do it for us.
Mark-thanks for pointing this out. MARC SAVITZ-Thanks for all your effort!
Great article, we all need to make sure we do everything to have our voices be heard! the more Mortgage Professionals we can get to unite toward a common goal the more we will be listened to.
Thank you Mark for all your hard work and effort. The regulations that have come down on the last 12 months has made it very difficult to work in a business that means so much to our families and friends. To have a voice of reason out there goes a long way in sending the message that we are a united group of professionals that will not quit until there is a balance found that works for both sides. We are now fighting for a way of life that preserves our ability to make a decent living.
Thak you Mark for being that voice
First and foremost let me thank Marc Savitt and the countless other individuals at the NAMB and the local chapters for all of their time and efforts to support our industry. I have always said that the first step towards change and victory is simply DECIDE that you are in it to win it. You have to be sold out to the decision to be all in. You can not be half way pregnant.
Players get in the game. They don't sit back and watch from the sidelines or the bleachers. The bleachers are for the fair weather fans, but the players, well they get up early in the morning to prepare. The sweat, bleed, and ache in the early morning hours preparing for game day. No one is there cheering them on to do one more sit up, run one more lap, or do one more squat. No, they don't do it for fame, they do it to have the chance to play in the game. Not everyone gets to play on Sunday, but everyone on the team is critical to the victory.
Fans get to talk about the game. They get to analyze the plays on Monday morning at the water cooler. They get to say, “if it was me, this is what I would have done!”
It is simply time to decide are you a player or a fan. Mark Savitt is a player.
Thank you Marc!…and thank you Mark! …for helping to bring this to all of our attention.
” For it to be successful, it requires the involvement and participation of its constituents” Hello people….we are the constituents!
These words ring loud and clear. Unless you are involved, you have no right to complain.
If we were blue collar union members, wouldn't we be just as responsible and interested to stay involved with meetings, negotiations,etc? What affected our jobs? If not, shame on you.
Marc is taking an active role in looking out for our best interests and he deserves our support. Keep up the Good Work!
Everyone likes to sit back and complain about the industry and few are willing to step up and do something about it. Many times things get changed for the worse because people who sit behind desks all day that know nothing about our industry make laws toat govern us. If you are not willing to be part of the solution ten you get everyting that you deserve.
Marc thanking you for being our voice and for all the time you put into it. We have many in our company as members of NAMB and the ones that are, are better for it. Funny the biggest complainers are not part of it.
Great article Mark! As always, you are right on point calling it exactly as it is. I too have been a NAMB basher. I am a member of the association but I do little to help other than criticize. With that said, I am going to personally accept your call to action and do more to get involved. I am going to start by encouraging all my top vendors to join the NAMB. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. You are a true friend to all mortgage brokers.
Powerful pitch, Mark…and right on target. Thank you for opening the channels of communication and helping mortgage professionals realize that they can strengthen their voice and take part in changing the industry in a positive way by joining their state and national mortgage broker associations. If you are a Georgia mortgage professional or supporter, join or renew your membership with the Georgia Association of Mortgage Brokers (GAMB), which gives you an automatic membership in NAMB. Contact GAMB at (770) 698-0023 or gamb@bellsouth.net. Please do this today while it is on your mind!
I agree Mark. Think about the political pull NAR has. Most Realtors are all members of NAR. Not all mortgage brokers are members of NAMB. How the heck can the NAMB support us if we don't support them by being a member?
I would not want to be in Mark's shoes. Thank you Mark for fighting for the little guy. If you are not a member of NAMB, join today. Help fight the good fight!
I used to sit on the local chapter board and was on the State BOD for CAMB (California Assoc. of Mortgage Brokers). I lobbied for our causes in Sacramento and in D.C. while at my posts. I learned more about our government and the “system” than most people really care to know. Meaning…most of the people in charge are subject to legal bribery through the lobbying system and/or are complete idiots and not open to any rational debate. At the time, we were fighting all of the legislators that thought ALL loan brokers were crooks and frauds. Hey, we've got our share…but what industry doesn't? The point is, you can sit back in our profession and let an “idiot” legislate that you are a crook and a fraud by pure definition of your profession, or you can realize that there really are people operating within our existing system to fight the stigma that EACH and EVERY one of us is a fraud and a crook.
The thing that drove me away from the volunteer time I spent with 5 years in CAMB was the widespread apathy amongst my peers. I spent hours and hours as their advocate and they wouldn't spend $20 bucks for a dinner meeting to hear about how to protect their livlihoods. It's an ongoing issue. Not unusual in human nature, 20% do 80% of the work….but sooner or later there will only be 20% of us left in the industry if we don't figure out how to defend ourselves against the government.
What interestings is when you become a Realtor you also pay dues to the NAR that they can use for lobbying. When you become a Mortgage Broker most do nothing. Wonder why the NAR has such a large lobby fund? Step up mortgae poeple and fight the good fight.
I hope many more people read this article and respond. We can hardly get people to pay $25.00 to be a PAC Member in Georgia. The mortgage broker is going to be put out of business if we don't focus on the upcome legislation. My income is already down by half from just a few years ago and if PYS goes away, there goes the another 50% of the what was left. We need to ALL support NAMB with not only dues, but our time. We need to take a few minutes occaisionally to contact our representives locally and in DC and voice our concerns. We need to give them one real good reason that can be breifly explained as to why legislation is bad. We have to speak up!
Marc,
Keep up the good work. You make Martinsburg Loan professional Proud!
Eric Stenger
Lincoln Mortgage
Martinsburg WV
Keep up the good fight!!! HVCC is a “no win” for the consumer.
Keep up the good fight, HVCC is a “no win” for the consumer. Thanks for sharing this Mark.
Thank you Marc S! I've been so impressed with how eloquently you've represented our organization and created a more professional image for your industry. I've been happy to respond to your requests for support.