Mark Afman Will Be Available to Dispense FHA Wisdom at REBC Denver

Mark Afman is a fixture in Denver Real Estate.  He is visible at the board, online and a constant volunteer.  As a subscriber to Mark’s newsletter, I often find valuable information in it for my consumers.  Mark is always willing to let me pass his words of mortgage wisdom along to my readers. For that I’m very appreciative.

Please join me in welcoming Mark Afman to Real Estate Bar Camp Denver…

Tell us a little about yourself, are you a Denver native, if not where did you come from?

I am a Denver Native as is my father. I grew up on the southest side of Denver near University Hills. I attended Denver Christian High School and Graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan. I have two college age daughters who are also attending Calvin College. My Dad has been a Realtor in Denver since the early 70′s. He says I went to the dark side when I became a mortgage lender…

What company do you work for?  What services do you offer the real estate industry?

I work for Universal Lending Corporation. We are a Denver based, Residential Mortgage Banker that has been in business since 1981. I started here in 2006. I have been in the mortgage business since 2003. Although I have a wealth of experience on all loan programs, I tend to specialize in FHA and first time buyer programs like CHFA. I also offer training to Realtors in these kind of programs as updates or to teach them the basics.

What do you feel is our biggest challenge right now in real estate?

The pendulum for loan qualification has swung too far the other way towards tighter guidelines and oversight regulations. With the new regulations on disclosures and the much tighter underwriting guidelines, it is harder to get good buyers qualified. The new regulations cause turn times to be extended and that increases the costs to get a loan done. These costs will be passed on to consumers. I’m not advocating the “if you’re breathing, you get a loan” approach but it would seem that we have gone a little too far.

How can we overcome this challenge?

As the industry moves forward, I hope that we will see a more common sense approach to oversight and underwriting. The National Association Of Realtors has a very powerful lobby and I would like to see that as an issue that they look at.

How are you using social media in your business?

I have a personal Facebook account and a Facebook page that is titled Afman Home Loans where I share specific information about the Real Estate and Mortgage world. I also have an account on LinkedIn and Plaxo. I have a twitter account but I need help in understanding how to use this tool better. I also have my own blog at www.markafman.com that I use to post thoughts and updates on the Real Estate and Mortgage industry.

Would you like to present a topic?  If so topic do you think is the most compelling for us to discuss at Real Estate Bar Camp?

As I mentioned, I provide training to help keep Realtors up to date on all things in the mortgage industry but I tend to focus on FHA and related issues. That world is changing daily and I would be happy to do a presentation to keep people up to date.

Mark Afman

Senior Residential Mortgage Specialist

Universal Lending Corporation

I want to earn your respect first and your business after that.

Colorado Mortgage Brokers License #100017352

Direct: 303-759-7392

Cell: 303-905-2488

Fax: 866-896-9240

Dave Smith…The Man Who Rocks WordPress is Coming to REBC Denver!

Dave Smith is not a stranger to Real Estate Bar Camp.  He’s attended and presented at many.  In fact I first met Dave at REBlogWorld Las Vegas two years ago when he was speaking there.  Many might know Dave if they are readers of the Real Estate Blog Lab where he tests WordPress plugins and writes about his results.  Anyone who has their own WordPress blog should follow the Blog Lab.  I know I do.  It’s always better to read about someone’s else’s goof before you make your own, at the Lab I learn how to avoid being the goofer!

In addition to being a WP geek, Dave is also a photographer.  Last year at REBC Denver he did a presentation on HDR photography.  I’m hoping we get him to do it again, humm maybe we’ll just give Dave his own corner and let him talk all day…

It’s with great pleasure I introduce Dave Smith (aka @DaveInTucson)

Tell us a little bit about yourself, are you a Colorado native or what brought  you to Colorado?

I’m not a native of Colorado, but I’ve always wanted to be.  A friend of mine invited me to CO about a year ago to do a presentation on HDR photo processing.  I’ve been in CO many times over the course of 3 score years.  I was there in April for the first REWordCamp and I’m really looking forward to getting out of the desert heat of Tucson for REBarCamp again this  year.

Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?

I have the fortunate opportunity to work for myself.  My boss is a great guy and we love working together. He gives me a lot of leeway when it comes to projects.  I wear many hats.  I’m in charge of marketing my wife’s RE business online.  I author the Real Estate Blog Lab for RE Bloggers primarily using the WordPress self hosted Platform.  I help small businesses located all across the country to build an online presence and help them provide a better customer experience.  If that sounded like a “tag” line, it is.  I love what I do.  Helping small businesses use the tools of the web to enhance their business is a passion of mine.

What is your favorite tech tool for business?  Why is it your favorite?

My favorite toolbox is WordPress.  It is a great toolbox for almost everything I do in our personal business and the businesses I help.  Many have spent between 10 and 20 thousand dollars for an online presence only to find the only thing they get from their site is developer bills and hosting expenses, but no customers.  WordPress is flexible, scaleable, and in-expensive to setup and maintain.

What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?

I never come to a bar camp with a pre defined goal of learning.  I might have a question I’ll ask around about at the time, but I always learn more when I’m open to finding topics that at the moment peek my interest.  Mostly, I meet new people which honestly are the most rewarding part of the experience.

Do you plan to present a topic?  If so what would you like to talk about?

I’m running into a lot of small businesses trying to get online but are either burned by the experience as mentioned above or feel it will cost them too much to do in the current economy.  It is a false perception.  Now is an amazing time to be online.  And it doesn’t have to be expensive.  WordPress is blogging platform, but many of the businesses I work with don’t have blogs.  No one is writing blog posts.  WordPress is a great Website platform whether you blog or not.  I think answering questions about WP as a platform for onine marketing and how to do it on a budget would be a good session.

Contact Dave Smith

Dave Smith
Webmaster, Blogger, Photographer, Realtor
Tucson AZ Real Estate
Oro Valley Real Estate
The Real Estate Blog Lab
The ReImaging Lab

Inman Innovator Award Winner Pat Kitano to Attend REBC Denver

Rob Lang is Flying in from Kansas

Welcoming people from outside of Colorado is always fun.  Rob Lang isn’t that far away in Kansas City. Hopefully Rob will be arriving via airplane and not on the tail of a tornado! (Sorry I couldn’t resist a little Dorothy & Toto humor!)

Rob was one of the first people to sign up to attend REBC, he did so with faith we would pull this event together.     Thanks to people like Rob REBC is coming together and it’s going to be a great one!

I’m pleased to introduce Rob Lang to you virtually and soon in person, let’s give him a warm Colorado welcome…

Tell us a little bit about yourself, where are you from?

I was born and raised in Davenport Iowa.  22 moves later my family has settled in Kansas (lived in Iowa, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Washington, and Kansas).

Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?

Working to take care of my family (wife, 4 kids, 3 more kids married in, and 9 grandchildren).  Helping people buy and sell real estate and making their housing dreams come true is very rewarding.  I have my own brokerage called At Home Kansas which best allows me to meet my clients’ needs on a very individualized and personalized basis.

What is your favorite tech tool for business?  Why is it your favorite?  HP TouchSmart Laptop and my iPhone.  I can touch the screens of these devices which is so much faster than scrolling with a mouse or a touch pad.  Using my iPhone to connect to my laptop remotely is a big plus to get the information needed when I am away from my office.

What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?

1) The latest in tech tools.  2) New work apps for my iPhone.  3) Electronic signature software options.

Do you plan to present a topic?  If so what would you like to talk about?
I really am coming just to learn but if you are short of presenters and really need someone, just ask.

Contact Rob Lang, ABR, CRS, ePro, GRI, CFPS, REALTOR®:

MLSPlease
Ask RobLang

785-393-2274

Steve Beam Plans to Attend REBarCamp with an Open Mind

Steve Beam is a worthy competitor in my market. Most people would find that intimidating, but Steve is a cool guy and a very good Dad.  I met him, because as a joke I used FourSquare to check into one of his listings.  Typically I don’t do this, but I knew Steve was on my “friend list” on FourSquare and he would be watching.

He didn’t disappointment.  In fact he messaged me telling me to sell his listing and he would take be out to lunch anywhere I wanted to go!  Well I sold that listing and Steve made good on his promise.  We’ve been friends ever since.

It’s with pleasure I introduce Steve Beam…

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what brought  you to Colorado?

My wife Jen and I moved to Colorado after 3 back, to back to back hurricanes in Wrightsville Beach, NC. We just couldn’t handle the continuous clean up plus we felt like our luck was running out since we never received any damage or flooding. We wanted to live in Jackson Hole, WY but flat out couldn’t afford it and the cold lasted too long up there. Beside I took here there for skiing one Valentine’s Day and when we got off the plane it was -42 and she said her nose hairs were frozen. That was the end of WY. We moved to Colorado as newlyweds, started a family and have never looked back. We love it and actually try to take advantage of all this great state has to offer.

Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?

I work for my family under the RE/MAX name.  The best part of this job really has two sides. I can work my ass off and make a lot of money plus I get a huge satisfaction from doing transactions. Watching people at the closing table get the home of their dreams is cool no matter how many times you have done it.  I also have the ability to drop off and pick up my kids every day of the week for school. I know my kids and they know who I am and honestly that is all that really matters to me. Freedom to do my job but also have a family life. It’s a pretty hard thing to do in this business for a lot of people.

What is your favorite tech tool for business?  Why is it your favorite?

iPhone tops them all. It does everything and then some. I’m so thrilled with the easy syncing with all the google apps. The iPhone just keeps my life and business in order and that is 50% of the battle in this business. (Systems & Order). What else can I say … it does everything.  I’m never bored in a Doctor’s office anymore either.

What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?

What are the search engines looking for now has anything changed lately with SEO?  I want to learn about any new tech tools or tricks. Ways to spruce up your blog posts. What’s the best video and regular cameras to buy since I’m in the market. I would also like to revisit some of the basics like how to build the perfect post including TAGS, Titles, Body, Text and so on. My #1 issue is how to manage all this? How do people keep it all together and make it look so good and so easy. Do they not sleep? What’s the trick?

I try to walk in the door at REBarCamp with an open mind and listen as much in the hallway during break as I do in the discussion groups. Eavesdropping at BarCamp is supposed to be an OK thing to do.

Contact Steve at:

RE/MAX Alliance Parker  303-941-4663

@stevebeam

Real Estate Yak

Dena Stevens Plans to Come to REBC Denver to Connect with Friends

Dena Stevens from Pueblo has been an online friend for years.  On Active Rain I watch her write about Southern Colorado Real Estate and take some great photos of the area.  Dena will be heading north on REBC Denver Day more to hook up with old friends and meet some new ones.  Be sure to meet Dena, you can’t miss her because her sunny smile will be lighting up the room!

Let’s hear from Dena…

Tell us a little bit about yourself, are you a Colorado native or what brought  you to Colorado?

I moved from Los Angeles to Denver in the early 1980′s and have never regretted it. Since 1999 I’ve lived in Southern Colorado, I can’t imagine ever living anyplace else but Colorado.

Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?

Colorado Western Real Estate based in Pueblo CO.This will sound corny but, I enjoy my job because of all the people I get to meet and the places I get to go. I can be in La Veta, Canon City, Ordway and Texas Creek all in one week. I can’t imagine working in an office environment looking at the same 4 walls everyday. But the best part of my job?  Meeting and helping people, great stories, opportunities to take pictures and awesome local food!

What is your favorite tech tool for business?  Why is it your favorite?

Tech tools are actually a two edged sword for me. While 75-78% of Americans have access to the internet the areas I work are very rural. Many people may have the internet but, many don’t and still do business face to face. So my favorite tech tool is simply the internet as a whole, it cuts down on a lot of driving and phone calls when both my clients and I can use it.

What would you like to learn more about at REBC-Denver?

How to intragrate all these “tech tools” and make them more accessible and understandable to the average consumer / client. While professionals in the real estate industry are becoming more and more techie I have to wonder, are overwhelming the our clients? Many of my clients turn their computers on once or twice a week, or maybe only if asked to do so. And many agents and mortgage lenders I know are attached to the internet 24/7. Where is the happy medium? How do we all work together and use current technology?

Contact Dena Stevens at Colorado Western Realty

Meet Amy Cesario a Denver Twitter Fan!

Amy Cesario is a connector, it’s evident to anyone who follows her on Twitter or even more so when you meet her in person.  When Amy volunteered to assist in organizing REBarCamp this year I was delighted.  Amy exemplifies the proper use of social media, she knows how to start a conversation and keep in touch.

It’s with great pleasure I introduce Amy Cesario…

Tell us a little bit about yourself, are you a Colorado native?

I grew up in the heart of Denver. I wasn’t born here, but have lived here since I was a year old.  I went to West High School, live the first 20 years of my life on the West Side and the next on the East Side of the city. Now that my son is off to college I’m thinking of trying out the center of the city.

Who do you work for and why do you enjoy your job?

I work for the Berkshire Group.  My last client told me I would be a good detective, sometime’s to sell real estate, that is what you have to be.  You use your gut instincts, you listen and hear what your clients are saying (and sometimes what they don’t say), and ultimately you solve the mystery of how their house is going to be sold with the least amount of disruption to them and their families and where the next chapter in their live will be spent.  Many times they don’t know exactly what they want, but they have many of the pieces of the puzzle I can help put it together and fill in the missing pieces.

What is your favorite tech tool for business?  Why is it your favorite?

Lately my favorite tech tool has been twitter.  I have connected with people I never would have met without it.

Do you plan to present a topic?  If so what would you like to talk about?

I would present “Twitter-pated”.

There is really only only one reason to be on twitter and that is to connect.

1. implement the tools to find out who you would want to connect with (hootsuite/tweetdeck/seesmic etc)

2. learn the language/rules/safety

3. decide how you are going to meet face to face or how you are going to convert via internet

Ask the group for feedback on what their strengths are…mine is face to face… tell how that works for me…

First I am not all that great on the phone or on the computer, the best place for me is face to face and this is what twitter has done for me, it has allowed me to place myself in rooms of people.  When I am around people I can make a connection. What do I mean place me in rooms of people? I mean tweetups, fundraisers, restaurant openings, Burger contests, networking groups, geek trivia games where I don’t really fit in but have had a ton of fun, poker games, etc.

Conversations are so easy with a room full of people who have twitter in common with you, you have a name tag and you walk in and…the conversation starts like this…Oh, you are “BiggPolo” (on twitter)…nice to meet you…and he responds, “Oh, you are the Realtor right?”  Well, that is MUSIC TO MY EARS! Even though I don’t talk a lot about real estate, the people on twitter get to know you, read your blogs, comment on your photos, so when you are face to face they have a built in knowledge base of who you are and what you like to do, we connect. Connecting is what I like to do. I like the twitter love, the positive attitudes, the camaraderie.

Maybe someone really is better on the computer, I can share how I have met people from across the country and ultimately showed them houses here in Denver, not my goal, but a by-product. Maybe someone in the group can share a story about how they are better on the computer and how that works for them.

How to use and why would you use Foursquare or yelp? Open house announcements… Share safety issues…

I imagine the group to be interactive. There are always tons of questions and people who have an opinion on twitter I can handle the objections and the positive experiences.

Contact Amy Cesario at The Berkshire Group, Realtors

303-995-3180

amy@tbgdenver.com

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