| Letter updated by Burt Jamison 10/01/2008
To All My Past and Future Customers,
Thank you.
As many of you already know, I have
been in this crazy business since 1986. At that time I went
to work for a mortgage broker, American Capital Mortgage Corp in Pasadena,
MD. A little background. In December, 1994, I had the opportunity
to buy the company where I was then employed, which was Consolidated Mortgage.
I closed on the sale May of 1995. Back then it was just me, Burt
Jamison. Originating. Processing. Closing. Advertising.
Paying the bills. You name it. I incorporated in 1999.
I built the Company up, little by little, to the point where I had four
loan officers and a processor. I have been through many cycles of
ups and downs through the years, but the mortgage business took a terrible
turn for the worse in the beginning of 2007, and it further deteriorated
in July. Those "exotic" loan products and too loose underwriting
came back to haunt the entire mortgage industry. Wall Street and
other investors lost their appetite for low grade high coupon mortgage
backed securities and similar investment vehicles amid rising delinquency
rates. It also affected the "A" lenders. The "mortgage meltdown"
had begun. Consolidated Mortgage had 14 investors that we worked
with. Some really Big Players. Bank of America Wholesale.
Greenpoint. First National Bank of Arizona. Charter One. Option
One. New Century. BNC Mortgage. Decision One.
Saxon. Fremont. Dollar. And more. Within
12 months, 10 of 14 either closed up completely or exited the wholesale
business. Those left tightened their lending guidelines to a point
where what once were "slam dunk" common sense loans a year prior were impossible
to get approved. I was forced to close the business.
After several months of me interviewing
mortgage companies for prospective employment I decided early this year
to accept an offer from Countrywide Home Loans as a Home Loan Consultant
(an originator), and officially started with them in my new capacity
in March 2008. One rate sheet. One set of guidelines.
I resigned in October, just six months later. I will not comment
further on Countrywide. Since October 2008, I am now back in
the broker world. Now I once again have several rate sheets
(who is lowest that day?), and several guidelines from several investors.
I found this out for myself... Working for a "Lender" does not automatically
make for more options or the lowest rates for borrowers. As a matter
of fact, a loan officer is limited to his choices when working for a "Lender".
As a broker, I have access to many investors. And even with the same
product, one investor may allow something all others may not. It
is better for a consumer to check with and deal with a broker. I
should know, I have worked on both sides of the mortgage lending fence.
Owning a Mortgage Business has been
a wild and wonderful ride, and I learned more than I could have ever imagined
about the intricacies and nuances of mortgages, and about running a small
business.
I am still here. Still in this
crazy business. Now that I am with Compass Point Mortgage Corp.,
I can offer a better mix of mortgage products, and better pricing than
before. Please give me the opportunity to serve your mortgage needs.
One thing hasn't changed. And that is my passion for honesty and
integrity, and top notch service.
Burt Jamison
Please Note: many of the loan products
described on this site are no longer available. I am trying to get the
site updated. Please call me with your needs. Thanks, burt
jamison |