Black, Mann & Graham LLP

05/09/2023

We will be attending the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Secondary & Capital Markets Conference towards the end of May. Reach out to your Client Reps if you’d like to schedule a meeting. The team at BMG is looking forward to the opportunity to “Make A Connection” with you! https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/secondary-and-capital-markets-conference-and-expo

05/04/2023

We asked Tony Florence to share his takeaways from the recent NMLS 2023 Annual Conference and Training in Phoenix, the first organized since 2019. As he shares here, connections with industry peers are imperative to doing business:

Takeaway # 1

"First, the conference allowed me to reconnect with regulators and lenders I hadn’t seen in several years – and to network with new contacts, too. Because four years have passed since the last event, many new regulators have been appointed. I enjoyed meeting them, telling them about my professional experience and our firm’s expertise."

05/02/2023

Join us May 7th through the 10th at the Mortgage Bankers Association's Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference in Austin!

Registration details can be found here. https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/legal-issues-and-regulatory-compliance-conference

04/27/2023

Credit Scores – What the FHFA Announcement Means for the Mortgage Ecosystem

Register for the Mortgage Bankers Association’s webinar on Monday, May 1st, for an informative session on recent announcements from FHFA. Learn how the timeline impacts your business and how the industry can work together to provide productive feedback to the FHFA.

FHFA’s recently announced timeline puts into motion major changes that are on the horizon for much of the industry in the next 12 months. Join MBA, MISMO, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a look at the facts and what your organization needs to know to

04/25/2023

The firm is proud to announce the addition of Logan Hastings to our legal team. Logan is based in Houston and brings a decade of experience with him to the firm. We take pride in our legal team’s knowledge of the industry and accessibility to our clients. https://www.bmandg.com/welcome-new-houston-attorney-logan-hastings/

04/20/2023

Calvin and Ryan recently had a chance to check in with some favorite friends at Hancock Whitney Bank in New Orleans. We appreciate our clients!

Pictured with Calvin and Ryan are (L-R): Stephanie Adams, Sandy Hicks, and Marianne Morgan.

04/13/2023

We enjoyed meeting with our state legislators, staff, and industry peers at Texas Mortgage Bankers Association's Advocacy Day in Austin! The event is a pivotal opportunity to let our voices be heard among policymakers. Pictured with us here are (left to right) Sara Taylor with DHI Mortgage, Jessie Ruckel, SRA with iAppraisal, Karen Klemcke with DHI, Pam Jenkins with Primis, BMG's very own Rachelle Rowan, CML, and Tim Stahla with DHI!

04/11/2023

TMBA 107th Annual Convention | Home

We’re attending the 107th Annual Texas Mortgage Bankers Association Convention! Reach out to one of our Client Representatives to connect in San Antonio. Hope to see you there!

Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa | San Antonio, TX 9800 Hyatt Resort Drive, San Antonio, TX. 78251 | Reservation line: 210-647-1234 or online. Hotel block cut-off is April 7, 2023

04/06/2023

Our 2023 Home Equity Manual is now available! Follow this link to read the updated manual and reach out to your Client Relations Specialist if you need the password to access it. https://www.bmandg.com/texas-home-equity/

04/04/2023

Can social media lead to new markets and clients? Melissa Thomas, CMCP I of ActiveComply thinks so. Here's the final takeaway from the recent Texas Mortgage Bankers Association webinar moderated by Ryan Black, with panelists Melissa Thomas, CMCP I, Joe Thompson of PrimeLending, and BMG's Tony Florence.

Takeaway # 6

Some 20% of American households today don't use English as their primary language. Loan Officers who can develop strategies to reach these audiences will excel. It's a wise business decision, and those who ignore demographic trends will ultimately lose market share. https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/618610959757031938?fbclid=IwAR26nr6IP02HMz-iOeAgVmtF_EJlUJErTie-bUMxNEFIvcvDSxtbiUtYoDk

03/30/2023

During the recent Texas Mortgage Bankers Association Webinar discussion about social media usage by loan officers, BMG's Tony Florence lent his professional perspective as a former TDSML official, reminding participants that state agencies often conduct random online searches of loan officers and lenders to make sure they're compliant.

Takeaway # 5

One major compliance issue among lenders and loan officers is a lack of licensing information on social media sites. Tony recommends that if your company receives a compliance warning, remedy the issue quickly because not doing so could lead to heftier fines. Ensure your company has a social media policy and train employees to follow it. https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/618610959757031938?fbclid=IwAR1WSYVYnvm9eTppR1izRZEFfa1wyEWArHla8-rOWDto1O-x2afOuMS1W4A

03/28/2023

LISTEN IN: MBA Members Share Their MBA National Advocacy Conference Experiences

Join Shawn Black, Ryan Black, and Chance Mann at the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, April 18th and 19th. Click here for more information and to register. https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/national-advocacy-conference

Below is a video from a few familiar faces on why it’s important to participate in the https://youtu.be/o63nbTSC_Js

During MBA's National Advocacy Conference, experience the largest in-person advocacy event of the year focused solely on the issues facing you and the real e...

03/23/2023

On last month's Texas Mortgage Bankers Association webinar moderated by Ryan Black, Melissa Thomas of ActiveComply emphasized that existing marketing regulations apply to social media, too, and loan officers should be particularly mindful. Her perspective:

Takeaway # 4

Social media makes it easier for regulators to monitor for compliance with industry laws and regulations. One common violation -- missing licensing numbers required by state regulators. Lenders and employers in Texas will need to ensure the Texas Consumer Complaint disclosure on your page. https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/618610959757031938

03/21/2023

Join us in Austin at Austin Mortgage Bankers Association’s next luncheon where Partner Ryan Black will provide a legislative update alongside Kevin Gillespie’s “Overcoming Call Reluctance” seminar. Click the following link to register. We can’t wait to see you there! https://amba.wildapricot.org/event-5150475

03/16/2023

How should respond to a less-than-positive review? During Texas Mortgage Bankers Association's recent webinar moderated by Ryan Black, Joe Thompson of PrimeLending weighed in with this perspective.

Takeaway # 3
We all get good and bad reviews, and many LOs are wary of the negative ones. If you get a bad review, respond to it and move on. Here's my take: if a client sees lots of good reviews and one bad one, it builds credibility and legitimacy. A website full of only great reviews may come across as fake. http://ow.ly/K7a950NjEIA

03/14/2023

During last month's Texas Mortgage Bankers Association webinar moderated by Ryan Black, Melissa Thomas with ActiveComply highlighted one best social media practices common among the industry's top 50

Takeaway # 2
The top 50 producers use an average of 5.6 digital assets – social media channels, websites, blogs, or podcasts. When enhanced with video and photos, their posts see 40% more engagement than those without visuals. The top three platforms used by top producers? , , and . http://ow.ly/LKUm50NhpoB

03/09/2023

Ryan Black recently moderated a Texas Mortgage Bankers Association webinar with panelists Melissa Thomas of ActiveComply, Joe Thompson of PrimeLending, and BMG's Tony Florence, who had plenty to say about social media – from using it as a marketing tool to regulatory guidelines and best practices. This month we'll be sharing a few takeaways from the panelists:

Takeaway # 1
Social media works best when you keep these three things in mind: 1) Be engaging. Think video and compelling visuals. Change up the background and setting. Viewers don't like monotony. 2) Be consistent – it takes time to build a following; and 3) Be participatory – don't just post your content; share and comment on other posts. http://ow.ly/7zay50NcGmn

03/06/2023

TMBA Advocacy Day

Join us on March 20th and 21st at the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association's Advocacy Day. Registration details can be found here. http://ow.ly/pkHe50N9bjR

View the video below where Ryan Black describes the importance of attending the conference!

Join us for TMBA's 2023 Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Austin, TX.

03/01/2023

We are looking forward to seeing you at these industry events this month! http://ow.ly/PxqK50N6aaX

02/24/2023

The inaugural MBA mPact Summit will be taking place in Plano, TX on March 7th! Don’t miss our very own Ryan Black as he participates in a panel discussion on difficult conversations. Created by young professionals FOR young professionals, the Summit will help attendees develop their executive presence and provide the tools needed to excel within the mortgage industry. Follow the link to register before Feb. 27th. http://ow.ly/lNeN50N1gnT

02/22/2023

Since our firm’s founding, our leaders have emphasized the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. Last fall, our team volunteered at Trusted World, whose mission is to provide food and personal items to first responders. To learn more, click on the link http://ow.ly/evZn50MYJRa

02/20/2023

Today we celebrate President’s Day, also known as Washington’s Birthday, which has been celebrated on the third Monday of February since 1968. The day honors not only Washington but also Abraham Lincoln (both of whom celebrated February birthdays), and all presidents who have served the United States.

02/17/2023

The evening before the West Texas Mortgage Bankers Association's first meeting and swearing-in ceremony, BMG sponsored a happy hour with Joy McGee, Credit Partners. Pictured here are (L-R): Dorinda Sherwood, Southwest Bank; Juliana Brock, Power Training, BMG’s Rachelle Rowan and Machelle Blaesing; Tom Couture, Texas Tech Credit Union; and Joy McGee, Credit Partners.

02/15/2023

In our fourth and final question posed to Calvin Mann, we ask:

What about our industry still excites you?

This is my fiftieth year practicing law, much of which has been spent representing mortgage lenders. Despite the cyclical nature of the business, I still enjoy the interaction with clients, team members, and people in all facets of the business. I maintain my interest by remembering that while I may have not succeeded at something, it just means I haven’t succeeded yet. Famed basketball coach John Wooden offered a thought that will benefit us all – “Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”
And one last recommendation from me that I embrace every day – “Keep moving!” http://ow.ly/fPVw50MSx71

02/14/2023

We're thrilled to announce that we made the 2022 list. This award means the world because it's based on feedback from our people! Thank YOU, team. Read more here http://ow.ly/wvCT50MSmH2

02/13/2023

We’re continuing our Q&A series with Calvin Mann on the state of our industry with his timely perspective. Here’s the third of four questions we posed to him:

Based on your years of experience, how would you advise your 30-year-old self about being successful in this industry?

The advice I have given myself is to remember the good times, follow the bad, and worrying about when the change will take place doesn’t help. Consider the positive things in your life... after all, positivity is a choice. Take time to help others that are less fortunate than you; in doing so you will appreciate that much more your circumstances in life. http://ow.ly/HjqC50MQozZ

02/10/2023

We asked Calvin Mann about his perspectives on the state of our industry. Here’s the second of our four-part Q&A series:

What advice do you share with those in our business about polishing skills and continuing education during a slower period?

Use the time with lower loan volume to assess what and how you are doing to create success for you and your company. With honest reflection, you may find out you need to double down on your current efforts or adjust and add new steps. If you are not currently engaged in MBA and/or NAMB and/or the local chapters of these organizations in your state, now is the time to do so. Not only will attending meetings increase your knowledge and provide continuing education, but it will also afford you networking opportunities to boost your business. http://ow.ly/VcGM50MMIsY

02/08/2023

In the first of a four-part post, we share perspectives from Calvin Mann, who has spent 50 years in our profession, on the highs and lows of interest rates and other forces that impact our business:

Calvin, you’ve shared that interest rates have been significantly higher than what we’re seeing today. Can you take us back to the 1980s?

I purchased a home in west Houston in 1986 with an ARM loan with a negative amortization feature. The start rate was 16.25% and during the payment period the loan went negative, increasing my principal balance. The economic challenges were such that the doc prep law firm I was with at the time was more focused on foreclosure and eviction work than origination work. For a historical perspective, in June of 1981, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) set the Fed funds rate for overnight loans to banks at an all-time high of 21%. For the period 1971-2022, the 30-year mortgage rate in America averaged 7.76%. In that time the 30-year rate hit a high of 18.63% in October of 1981. http://ow.ly/seff50MMIz6

02/06/2023

Last month Rachelle Rowan and Machelle Blaesing traveled to Lubbock to attend the West Texas Mortgage Bankers chapter’s first meeting and swearing in of officers at the Lubbock Board of Realtors. More than 100 attended the meeting where Barry Habib spoke about market conditions and predicted improved mortgage interest rates. http://ow.ly/SQVW50MK8OY

02/03/2023

Managing Partner Shawn Black recently announced milestone anniversaries of 12 BMG team members! Click on the link to read more about those who were recognized for their achievements. http://ow.ly/GsXg50MIHme

02/01/2023

Mark your calendars for Feb. 16th when BMG Partner, Ryan Black, will moderate a TMBA Education Webinar with a panel that includes Director of Agency Relations & Regulatory Affairs, Tony Florence. See you there and at other networking and educational opportunities this month! http://ow.ly/XmHc50MF4tg

01/27/2023

Recently Chance Mann sat down with Leadership Coach Drew T. Jackson, and members of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association, to discuss strategies for leading your organization to success in 2023. Follow the webinar link to see Chance and Drew’s best practices for remaining transparent in management, maintaining consistent communication practices, understanding your trade, and more! http://ow.ly/nc4h50MBo6y

01/25/2023

Are you getting our Clients and Friends memos delivered to your inbox? It’s a timely way to stay current on the latest policy developments. Click here to read our latest memos, search our archives, and to sign up. http://ow.ly/pBQM50MiHlB

01/23/2023

We’re always thankful to hear positive comments from our clients! Check out what Don Yount, Founder and Owner of Southwest Funding, sent our way late last year:

“Black, Mann & Graham, LLP has always been there as a resource for doc prep services, but most of all we appreciate their legal support as a partner in our company’s growth. Looking forward to many more years of working together.”

Thanks for the kind words, Don! http://ow.ly/xSZk50MiGXb

01/20/2023

We love highlighting members of the BMG team who have gone the extra mile — above and beyond the call of duty — for the team and our clients. This month we're featuring our Houston-based rising star, Eva Grimaldo! http://ow.ly/ppbB50MiGM0