Rising Credit Report Costs: What Homebuyers Need to Know Before Getting Pre-Approved

Garrick Emiele Werdmuller von Elgg — known simply as Garrick Werdmuller — was born in San Jose, California. At age three, his family moved to Morgan Hill in search of a quieter life away from the growing bustle of the city. Some of his earliest memories include visits to the legendary Frontier Village amusement park. Garrick later graduated from Live Oak High School , already showing signs of the creativity and entrepreneurial energy that would define his career. Not long after high school, Garrick and a close group of friends launched a clothing company, all while he attended junior college, not sure which educational direction to take. The brand quickly gained traction, landing in boutique stores across Northern and Southern California. Although the venture was profitable, creative differences brought it to an early close — but the lessons (and fun) were invaluable! Still searching for a long-term path, Garrick decided to pursue a lifelong passion: cooking. He enrolled in the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco , excelled in the program, and earned a Sous Chef position as the top student in his class at The Hyatt Regency Embarcadero . His culinary journey included time at iconic San Francisco institutions such as The Westin St. Francis , Boulevard , and The Big 4 Restaurant at The Huntington Hotel. After 9/11, widespread event cancellations devastated the hotel and restaurant industry, and Garrick was laid off from the Hyatt as the newest member of the team. In that moment of transition, he shifted gears, earned his Real Estate Principles license, and entered the mortgage industry. “I was exhausted from late nights, weekends, holidays, and low pay. I saw friends from high school thriving as mortgage brokers and thought, ‘Why not me?’ I walked into their office… and never looked back.” That was 2002 . Since then, Garrick has built a respected reputation across the lending industry. He has served as an in-house lender for Prudential and BHHS Drysdale Properties , managed new-construction lending divisions, and run full retail branches for First Priority Financial and Caliber Home Loans . After earning his California Broker’s License, Garrick founded Fresh Home Loan Inc. in 2019 — an independent mortgage brokerage built on the belief that lenders should work for the people . “I wanted to make getting a home loan cool — not confusing, not intimidating, and not a frustrating process. I can’t say we’re perfect, but our clients’ and Realtors’ reviews tell us we’re doing things the right way and getting closer every day.” Today, Garrick and his team help California homeowners, buyers, and investors with everything from Zero-Down Programs and ITIN Loans to Investor Loans , Private Money , Fix-and-Flip , Reverse Mortgages , Equity Lines , Jumbo Loans , Self-Employed Loans , and more. He has built a highly trained, forward-thinking team and integrated state-of-the-art technology to deliver speed, transparency, competitive pricing, and a truly modern lending experience . Garrick has achieved many industry accolades including the Alameda Association of Realtors Affiliate of the Year, Nominated Best of Alameda, Alameda Magazine, Fastest Purchase Closer, United Wholesale Mortgage, 40 Under 40 most Influential Loan Officers of the Year – National Mortgage Professional Magazine among other industry accolades. He is a published author and has been published in Realtor magazine and National Mortgage professional magazine. When Garrick isn’t elevating the mortgage experience for his clients and partners, he enjoys spending time with his kids, hiking, jogging, kayaking, exploring nature, watching movies, reading and writing, cooking, and enjoying great food.  He also is a published author and owns an underground record label and is signed to AWAL (Artists Without a Label) — a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment — continuing to fuel his lifelong creative drive.

Buying a home in California has never been more competitive, more dynamic, or more dependent on strong financing. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, moving up, or building wealth through real estate, the first and most important step is getting pre-approved . But not all pre-approvals are the same — and not all lenders approach the process with the same level of detail, transparency, or strategy. At Fresh Home Loan, we believe pre-approval isn’t just paperwork. It’s a blueprint for your financial future. Why Getting Pre-Approved Matters 1. You know your real numbers. Online calculators and quick quotes don’t tell the whole story. A real pre-approval evaluates income, credit, assets, property type, and guidelines across multiple lenders, giving you an accurate picture of payment and cash-to-close. 2. You make stronger offers. In competitive markets, sellers want certainty. A true pre-approval shows real estate agents and sellers that you are financially ready now — not “pre-qualified” in 60 seconds with a soft inquiry and guesses. 3. You avoid surprises. When you know your loan type, payment ranges, MI options, and total cash required, you shop with confidence — not stress. 4. You move faster. A strong pre-approval shortens closing timelines, reduces conditions, and helps you win in multiple-offer situations. Fresh Home Loan’s 5-Step Pre-Approval Process At Fresh Home Loan, we built our process around transparency, education, speed, and strategy — not pressure . STEP 1 — Strategy Call A short conversation to understand your goals, timeline, and the why behind your purchase. We want to know your story , not just your numbers. STEP 2 — Apply & Upload Documents You complete the loan application and securely upload income, asset, and identification documents through our technology platform. This allows us to begin the full underwriting review immediately. STEP 3 — Credit Report (Borrower-Paid) We run your tri-merge mortgage credit report , which is now an upfront, borrower-paid fee due to nationwide credit bureau cost increases. This report provides: Mortgage-specific credit scores Tradeline verification Fraud/OFAC checks Supplemental reporting required for underwriting This step ensures accuracy, prevents surprises, and allows us to deliver a true, fully vetted pre-approval . STEP 4 — Deep-Dive Loan Review We analyze your profile across multiple lenders — not just one. You see options for FHA, Conventional, Jumbo, ARM, Zero-Down, ITIN, Self-Employed, Investor/DSCR, and other programs. This is where we strategize your best path: Max qualifying Lower monthly payment Lower cash to close Buydown opportunities PMI vs. no-PMI structures Short-term vs. long-term planning Wealth-building strategy You’re not choosing a loan — you’re choosing the plan that works for your life. STEP 5 — Live Scenario Review We meet via phone or Zoom and go through your options line by line : ✔ Monthly payments ✔ APR ✔ Total cash to close ✔ Rate options ✔ Pros and cons of each program ✔ Short- and long-term strategies The goal is simple: Give you clarity, confidence, and control. Once everything is reviewed and verified, you receive your Fresh Home Loan Pre-Approval Letter :  Fully underwritten Fast Accurate Respected by real estate agents Backed by verified numbers — not guesses We then coordinate with your agent so your offers stand out and move fast. Ready to take the next step? Reach out at 510-282-5456 or apply now: https://www.freshhomeloan.com/apply-now

Generation Z—defined as individuals born between 1997 and 2012 —is entering homeownership earlier than expected and increasingly influencing the residential real estate market. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is not waiting until they have a traditional 20% down payment saved. Instead, they are leveraging a combination of low-down-payment and zero-down financing options to get into homes sooner. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in technology. They are digital natives—accustomed to real-time information, online comparison shopping, and researching major decisions independently before engaging with professionals. Their approach to buying a home mirrors these behaviors. According to Redfin, in 2024 just over 26.1% of adult Gen Zers (ages 19–27) owned homes — essentially flat from the previous years. According to National Association of Realtors (NAR) data, Gen Zers aged 18–25 made up only 3% of home buyers in the U.S. in the referenced study Gen Z represented 13% of U.S. home-mortgage applications in 2024 (up from ~10% in 2023) per an article summarizing CoreLogic data. While Gen Z currently makes up roughly 3% of all home buyers, their mortgage-application share is already 13% as they edge into the market. They are coming of age. Key characteristics of Gen Z include: Digital Natives: First generation raised with the internet, smartphones, and social platforms from childhood. Diverse & Inclusive: The most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history. Financially Conservative: Values financial stability and sees homeownership as a foundation, not a finish line. Entrepreneurial: High engagement in gig-based income, side businesses, and self-employment. Research-Driven: Prefers to learn online (YouTube, TikTok, Google) before speaking with an expert. Homeownership Focused: More willing than Millennials to purchase a home early, even without 20% down. We have had the pleasure of helping quite a few Gen Z and very Young Gen Y homebuyers recently. It has been a lot of fun and very satisfying helping such young home buyers. Over the past few years with rates up from the lows of the Pandemic, we have seen fewer first-time home buyers in the past couple of years. It is refreshing to see they are coming back. Historically, younger buyers have been sidelined by the misconception that a 20% down payment is required to purchase a home. Gen Z is proving that outdated. The majority of Gen Z homebuyers are using: FHA financing with 3.5% down The FHA 5/1 ARM which carries a lower rate, and allows you to qualify for more. Conventional financing with 3% down Zero-down FHA programs (with no income limits) These programs are available for all generations and not just for first time homebuyer or Gen Z! These programs offer affordability and flexibility, allowing Gen Z to enter the market sooner and build equity sooner—rather than waiting years to accumulate a large down payment. What I like about these “kids” is they want true guidance. They are not looking for a lender to just quote a rate. They’re looking for a lender who will: Compare multiple financing strategies Show cash to close and payment differences Explain how to refinance later when rates improve This generation wants clarity and total cost transparency. Recently, we worked with a Gen Z couple in the Sacramento Area — both in their mid-twenties, with their first baby due in eight weeks. We structured a zero-down FHA purchase, negotiated closing credits, and helped them purchase a $475,000 home with just $16,000 total out of pocket. Another Gen Z buyer in Bakerfield, CA,— selected a strategy-focused loan structure. Using a 5/1 ARM, he secured a rate below 5%, kept his payment low, and closed with only $25,000 out of pocket on a property in a highly competitive market. It also increased his purchase power, allowing him to qualify for more home in the neighborhood he preferred. What We Do Differently: At Fresh Home Loan, we believe homeownership shouldn’t be complicated or intimidating. We exist to make the process accessible, strategic, and yes — “cool” at least “cooler” than it is now. Through education, transparency, and modern loan options, buyers gain clarity, confidence, and a plan. We don’t just pre-approve. We guide. We strategize. We execute. If you want a lender who will show you every available option, walk you through payment and cash-to-close, and build a financing plan that aligns with your goals and timeline. If you want a lender who will show you every available option, walk you through payment and cash-to-close, and build a financing plan that aligns with your goals and your timeline, then let’s talk. 📲 Call or Text: 510-282-5456 🌐 Apply: https://www.freshhomeloan.com/apply-now 📅 Schedule a consult: www.MeetWithGarrick.com Garrick Werdmuller President & CEO | Mortgage Broker Fresh Home Loan Inc. DRE 01368202 | NMLS 242952 Office: 510-282-5456 Email: garrick@freshhomeloan.com Website: www.FreshHomeLoan.com All loan approvals are conditional and not guaranteed and subject to lender review of all information. Loan is conditionally approved when lender has issued approval in writing, but until all conditions are met, loan cannot be funded. Specified rates and [products may not be available to all borrowers. Rates subject to change according to market conditions and agreed upon lock times set by borrower. Fresh Home Loan Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker in California. This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. Fresh Home Loan, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate #02137513 NMLS # 2124104

The real estate game is shifting—and fast. Big tech companies are pouring billions into vertical integration, trying to control the entire transaction from home search to financing. Mergers between property search platforms and digital lenders are making headlines, but here’s what no one is talking about: even with all that money, the top 10 lenders in the U.S. only control 17% of the mortgage market. That means 83% of the business is still handled by local agents, brokers, and mortgage professionals. There’s still plenty of business on the table—and Beast Mode Prospecting is how you grab it. At its core, Beast Mode isn’t about working harder. It’s about working smarter—by combining relationship-driven prospecting with the right tech stack. Your database and sphere of influence are your biggest untapped assets. These are the people who already know, like, and trust you—but only if you stay visible and valuable. Using tools like Covve to export and organize your contacts, you can plug into a CRM and start reaching out consistently using the “3 x 2” method: 3 contacts a day, 2 follow-ups per year. And when you layer in the FORD method (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams), your conversations become meaningful, not salesy. But it doesn’t stop there. Beast Mode teaches you to build a referral partner network that generates consistent business—think CPAs, attorneys, investors, and business owners. Tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator help you find them with surgical precision. And with a 12-week follow-up plan of value touches, check-ins, and personalized content, you can turn a cold connection into a warm source of referrals. Then there’s the AI layer. With predictive data tools, you can identify who’s most likely to move based on life events, online behavior, and equity position—before they even realize they’re ready. Platforms can help you target empty nesters, high-equity owners, and out-of-area landlords with relevant messaging. Combine that with AI-powered follow-up like LinkyBot.ai, and now you’ve got a system that nurtures leads automatically while you focus on conversions. One of the most overlooked opportunities? Open house lead capture. Paper sign-in sheets are dead. MoveTube offers a fully digital experience—visitors scan a QR code, enter their info, and receive a branded video follow-up on YouTube. You get notifications when they engage, and your seller sees you as a tech-forward pro. Fresh Home Loan even helps with flyers, listing trailers, and the drip campaigns to follow up. All of this is supported by the Beast Mode Tech Stack—CRM automation, dialers, email and text drips, video email tools, social ad funnels, and more. But remember, tools alone aren’t the magic. The magic happens when you combine tech with consistent prospecting. That’s where the wins happen. At Fresh Home Loan Inc., we’re more than a lender. We’re your marketing engine. We support agents with not just fast closings and competitive loan options, but also done-for-you listing content, social media posts, video walkthroughs, open house tools, and ongoing lead follow-up systems. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a reverse mortgage, a bridge loan, or a fix-and-flip, we’ve got the products—and the partnership—to help you win. Bottom line? You don’t need to be Redfin, Rocket, or Zillow. You need the right system, the right message, and the discipline to show up. You can do everything they do—better. Right now. Let’s go get it. 📲 Schedule a strategy call or text Garrick at 510-282-5456 to activate your Beast Mode system.

When rates drop, many homeowners hear about a “no closing cost refinance.” It sounds like free money—but is it really? Let’s break it down. What Is a No Closing Cost Refinance? A no closing cost refinance allows you to refinance your mortgage using lender credits to pay for third-party closing costs. How is this done? Well, in markets where interest rates are heading down, homeowners who may have purchased or refinanced at a higher rate can refinance at a lower rate that has lender credits to cover the closing costs. We are also able to wrap the interest and other fees into the loan, so the borrower pays nothing out of pocket. Instead of paying thousands at closing, those costs are covered in one of two ways (and usually BOTH): Lender Credit – The lender gives you a higher interest rate and uses that extra margin to cover the costs. Rolled Into the Loan – The lender adds the closing costs into your new loan balance. 🏡 Mortgage Rates Are a Menu — Not One Number Most people think there’s just one mortgage rate — but really, rates are shown on a matrix (a pricing sheet lenders use). Each interest rate has a cost or credit attached to it. Higher Rate → Lender Credit (the lender gives you money to offset closing costs — this is how “no closing cost” refinances work). Lower Rate → You Pay Points (you pay extra upfront — called “discount points” — to buy the rate down and get a lower payment). 💵 Hypothetical Example — $400,000 Loan (Numbers below are for illustration only — not a rate quote or loan offer) Rate Option Upfront Cost / Credit What It Means 5.50% $0 (Par Pricing) The “standard” rate — no extra cost or lender credit. 5.75% 1% lender credit (≈$4,000 back). You get about $4,000 to help with closing costs, but pay a bit more each month. 5.25%. 1% cost (≈$4,000) You pay about $4,000 at closing to “buy down” and lower your monthly payment. 💡 Monthly Payment Impact (Approx.) 5.75% → about $133 more per month vs 5.25% 5.25% → about $133 less per month vs 5.75% 🧮 How People Use This Short-term or planning to refinance again → Pick the 5.75% “no-cost” option — you’re not out of cash and can refi if rates drop. Long-term home → Consider paying the 1% to drop the rate and save monthly. The Pros ✅ No big check to write at closing ✅ “Instant” monthly savings ✅ Great for homeowners who want quick savings, knowing if the market drops again, they can do another refinance The Cons ⚠️ Not the lowest market interest rate ⚠️ Loan balance can increase if costs are rolled in ⚠️ May not be the best long-term solution Who Should Consider It? Homeowners with interest rates about 1% or more above the current market. Borrowers who want lower monthly payments without spending money out of pocket. Anyone refinancing to drop mortgage insurance or adjust loan terms quickly. The Bottom Line “No closing cost” doesn’t mean free—it just means structured differently. The best refinance strategy depends on your financial goals, how long you’ll stay in your home, and the rate environment. 👉 Want to know if a no closing cost refinance makes sense for you? Let’s run the numbers together. 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMi7pNzKlcg 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7giZSM4wIPZUQxLTXuK5CP Garrick Werdmuller Independent Mortgage Broker DRE BRKR 01368202 | NMLS 242952 📞 510.282.5456 | 📠 510.225.0382 ✉️ garrick@freshhomeloan.com 🌐 freshhomeloan.com 🏢 1151 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 136, Alameda, CA 94502 Socials: https://www.facebook.com/freshhomeloan/ https://www.instagram.com/garrickwerdmuller/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrick-werdmuller-b044253/ https://www.youtube.com/@FreshHomeLoan  #Refinance #Mortgage #RealEstate #MortgageBroker #HomeLoans #Realtor #MortgageLender #LoanOfficer #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HomeLoan #Finance #MortgageRates #Investment #HomeBuyers #RealEstateAgent #Loans #NewHome #Loan #Home #DreamHome #Property #Mortgages #MortgageTips #HomeOwnership #Lender #Realtors #Lending #Purchase #HomeBuying #Broker

This is something really simple we are VERY well known for. The follow up refer back program. How it works is simple. We find most real estate agents collect a lot of leads, however the follow up can slip behind. With all the inspections, showings, listings appointments, etc. a real estate agent’s business is largely out of the office, it is no wonder some leads may slip through the cracks! Whereas we loan folks, we are tied to our computers and in the office much more. It only makes sense we do the follow up. Not only that, but we also find that a potential lead might tie you to one property or neighborhood and we can work all over. This makes it easy for us to cross sell your services and talk about things like interest rates and home payments. Instead of just making a cold call, I position it through the agent: “Hi [Name], this is Garrick with Fresh Home Loan. [Agent’s Name] asked me to check in and see if you needed help with anything or had questions about the market? Why It Works People remember the agent’s name. I’m just the bridge. It reopens the conversation without pressure. It gives us a chance to share new value—like zero down programs, FHA ARMs, Jumbo Loans, Fix n Flip, Equity Lines etc. etc. etc. or strategies to get more buying power in today’s market. For Agents, It’s a Win-Win Every time my team and I make these calls, I’m putting the agent’s brand in front of their old leads again and letting prospects know the agent has a solid follow up team. They don’t have to do the chasing, but they still get the credit when the lead is ready to move. It’s leverage. It’s consistency. And it’s one of the simplest ways to turn cold leads back into live conversations. Fresh Gold for Agents I call this process “Follow Up / Refer Back” —but really, it’s just about doing the work agents don’t always have time to do. Old leads can become fresh gold if you know how to approach them. If you’re a real estate agent and you’d like me and my team to help you re-engage your database, reach out. This is one of the easiest ways to keep your name in the game and uncover deals you thought were dead. 👉 Contact me here and let’s get to work on warming up your cold leads. https://www.freshhomeloan.com/contact-us Or here: Garrick Werdmuller Independent Mortgage Broker DRE BRKR 01368202 | NMLS 242952 📞 510.282.5456 | 📠 510.225.0382 ✉️ garrick@freshhomeloan.com 🌐 freshhomeloan.com 🏢 1151 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 136, Alameda, CA 94502 Lets Connect: https://www.facebook.com/freshhomeloan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrick-werdmuller-b044253/ https://www.youtube.com/@freshhomeloan-garrickwerdm316 All loan approvals are conditional and not guaranteed and subject to lender review of all information. Loan is conditionally approved when lender has issued approval in writing, but until all conditions are met, loan cannot be funded. Specified rates and [products may not be available to all borrowers. Rates subject to change according to market conditions and agreed upon lock times set by borrower. Fresh Home Loan Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker in California. This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. Fresh Home Loan, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate #02137513 NMLS # 2124104 #FreshHomeLoan #RealtorLife #RealtorPartner #FollowUpMatters #LeadGeneration #RealtorSupport #AgentSuccess #RealtorTools #FirstTimeHomebuyer #RealEstateTips #RealEstateGrowth #RealtorHasYourBack #HomeLoansMadeEasy #LoanOfficerLife #MortgageBroker #ColdLeadsToClients #RealtorMarketing #RealEstatePros #FreshLeads #RealEstateStrategy #FreshGold #ReferBack

Welcome back to The D&G Loan Officer Realtor Motivational Business Mindset Podcast 🎙️ In this episode, we’re diving into a mindset shift from Dan Sullivan that has transformed how entrepreneurs, REALTORS®, and loan officers approach business: 👉 Ready, Fire, Aim.  🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UmcIu1EmN11YfXzvH9lzQ 🔥 What Is “Ready, Fire, Aim”? Traditional wisdom says: Ready – Aim – Fire Get prepared Get perfect Then act But Sullivan flips it to: Ready – Fire – Aim Get a direction Take fast action Refine and adjust with real feedback 💥 Why It Works Perfection is procrastination. Waiting for perfect means you may never launch. Momentum dies when you overthink. Real feedback only comes in motion. Clarity doesn’t come from sitting still — it comes from doing, failing, and adjusting. Speed creates confidence. Quick action builds momentum, and momentum fuels smarter choices. Action filters ideas. Not every idea needs deep analysis. Execution reveals what works and what doesn’t. 🧠 Real-World Applications Podcasting: Start with what you have. Don’t wait for the perfect mic or setup. Entrepreneurship: Launch MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and refine later. Content Creation: Post today; let feedback guide you. Marketing: Send the email, post the reel, make the call — now, not later. 🔁 Supporting Concepts by Dan Sullivan The 80% Approach: Ship it when it’s 80% good; the rest improves with feedback. Who Not How: Don’t do it all yourself — start, then find partners to fill the gaps. Failing Forward: Mistakes are part of progress — embrace them. 🧨 Final Takeaway You don’t need it all figured out before you begin. 👉 The only way to figure it out is to begin. “If you wait until you’re ready, you’ve waited too long.” – Dan Sullivan 📅 Schedule a Meeting To schedule an appointment with Garrick, visit: 👉 https://freshhomeloan.com/schedule-a-meeting/ Garrick Werdmuller Independent Mortgage Broker DRE BRKR 01368202 | NMLS 242952 📞 510.282.5456 | 📠 510.225.0382 ✉️ garrick@freshhomeloan.com 🌐 freshhomeloan.com 🏁 #ReadyFireAim 💥 #TakeAction 🎯 #EntrepreneurMindset #PodcastLife #BusinessGrowth #MindsetMatters #JustStart #ActionOverPerfection #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #SuccessMindset #HustleAndFlow #LaunchNow #LearnAsYouGo #Momentum #StartToday #SmallBusiness #ContentCreators #Podcasters

Welcome back to The D&G Loan Officer Realtor Motivational Business Mindset Podcast 🎙️ If you’re a REALTOR® or mortgage pro looking to scale your referrals, prospect smarter, and cut through the noise , today’s episode is for you. We’re diving into LinkedIn Sales Navigator and data mining with AI tools — two game-changers that help you target the right people at the right time. 🎧 Listen & Learn on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4H5Vev58EH1v3ERp1AU8LR 💼 Why Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator? This isn’t just another social media platform—it’s your B2B prospecting engine. With Sales Navigator , you can: 🎯 Build custom lists of referral partners like investors, CPAs, divorce attorneys, estate planners, and business owners 🧠 Filter by location, title, industry, and years in business 🔍 See who’s viewed your profile (hello, warm leads) ✍️ Send personalized, trackable messages 📓 Save leads and track engagement across conversations Example Use Case: “Want 10 estate attorneys in your county who work with high-net-worth clients? Sales Navigator can find them in minutes. Connect, follow, message, and follow-up like a pro.” 🤖 LinkyBot.ai = AI Follow-Up on Autopilot Once your list is built, LinkyBot takes over with automated outreach that feels personal, not spammy. What It Does: 📩 Sends intelligent, human-sounding DMs or emails 💬 Keeps conversations alive while you focus on showings, closings, or calls 🔁 Reaches out on your behalf, even when you forget 🔗 Works with LinkedIn, email, or exported contacts from your CRM or Covve Instead of saying: 👉 “I should follow up with that attorney I connected with.” You’ll say: ✅ “LinkyBot already did — and they booked a call.” 🔍 Data Mining = Your New Prospecting Advantage Data mining is the process of extracting predictive insights from massive datasets to identify who is most likely to move, sell, or refinance. Think: finding the needle in the haystack before the needle realizes it’s sharp. 🧠 How Platforms Use It: Public Records 🔑 Ownership history, mortgage type, equity position 💼 Tax data, zoning, property age, square footage Consumer Behavior 📲 Online search habits (Zillow visits, moving boxes ordered) 📦 Life event triggers (marriage, divorce, new baby, inheritance) MLS + Market Trends 🏘 Expired listings, price reductions 📉 Days on market, agent-switchers Third-Party Data 💳 Pre-mover credit pulls 🧭 Out-of-area ownership, investor activity, rent vs own 🎯 Why It Matters for REALTORS ✅ Beat Zillow, Redfin & Rocket to the consumer ✅ Focus on the right people, not just more people ✅ Build hyper-targeted lists for AI follow-up, postcards, ads, and calls 💥 This isn’t cold calling anymore… it’s precision prospecting with data . 📅 Schedule a Meeting To schedule an appointment with Garrick, visit: 👉 https://freshhomeloan.com/schedule-a-meeting/ Garrick Werdmuller President & CEO Fresh Home Loan Inc 📱 510.282.5456 (call/text) NMLS 242952 🌐 www.FreshHomeLoan.com Socials: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube #LinkedInSalesNavigator #DataMining #AIForRealtors #RealEstateProspecting #RealtorTips #LoanOfficerLife #BusinessMindset #FreshHomeLoan #ReferralPartners #SphereOfInfluence #PrecisionProspecting #RealEstateTechnology

Welcome to The D&G Loan Officer Realtor Motivational Business Mindset Podcast — yeah, probably the longest and least catchy name in all of streaming. 😅 In this episode, you’ll hear an excerpt from a live event we did on social media + prospecting . If you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent with calls, letters, or outreach, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen & Learn on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GRwITq5KiFxyBpuLdh4Ly 🔥 Let’s get into it: 🧠 Beast Mode Prospecting Plan Your database is a goldmine. Treat it that way. 📬 2 Letters a Week (Every Wednesday) ✖️ 52 Weeks = 104 touches 📞 4 Calls Per Year (Per Contact) That’s once per quarter — simple, human, consistent. 💬 What Do You Say When You Call? Keep it simple and real: “Hey, just checking in — how’s it going?” “Thank you again for working with me!” “Did you hear about that ___ down the street?” “Just wanted to say hi. No pitch. Anything you need?” 🔥 Here’s the truth: It’s not what you say… ✅ It’s that you say something . 🎯 The “3 x 2” Referral Script When you make those calls, just ask: 👀 “Do you have any: 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Friends 👯 Family 💼 Co-workers looking to 🏡 buy or 🏠 sell?” That’s it. No pressure. Just planting seeds. 🌱 🧩 Part 2 – Sphere of Influence Your SOI (Sphere of Influence) is your untapped goldmine. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Friends & family 🏘️ Neighbors 🏪 Local business owners 🏋️ Gym buddies, church members, school parents, clubs 🙋 Anyone who knows your name and would say: “Oh yeah, I know Garrick.” 💡 Why It Matters: 🌟 According to NAR, 63% of business for top agents comes from their sphere . ✅ More referrals ✅ More repeat deals ✅ Steady stream of business 📱 Pro Tip: Mine Your Cell Phone Use a tool like Covve Export to pull all your contacts into a CSV. Clean it up, delete duplicates, and upload it to your CRM. Your phone = your prospecting powerhouse. 📞💥 📆 Lock It Into Your Weekly Routine 🗓️ Wednesday = Database + SOI prospecting day Keep it light, human, and consistent Your voice is your superpower ⚡ 💬 Final Thought Prospecting doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about letters + calls + consistency . Show up, stay in rhythm, and the business will follow. Old school ALWAYS wins. 🧢 📅 Schedule a Meeting To schedule an appointment with Garrick, visit: 👉 https://freshhomeloan.com/schedule-a-meeting/ Garrick Werdmuller President & CEO Fresh Home Loan Inc 📱 510.282.5456 (call/text) NMLS 242952 🌐 www.FreshHomeLoan.com Socials: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube #BeastModeProspecting #RealtorTips #RealEstateProspecting #SphereOfInfluence #DatabaseMarketing #RealtorLife #LoanOfficerLife #AIforRealtors #BusinessMindset #MortgageTips #FreshHomeLoan #JustCall #RelationshipMarketing #ConsistentAction