Some of my Favorite Freebies

Written By: Stacey Sprain,
Certified Ambassador Loan Processor (CALP)

It’s that time of year again for me to share some of the favorite “freebies” I have run across out on the web in my various research topics. I’m always on the internet, reading up on regulations, guidelines, topics of mortgage interests etc. and in that research I often run across great materials and information that so many folks don’t even know is out there and available for the takings. I love sharing these with other industry-folk because nowadays, we can all use as many free and low-cost ideas as possible in our marketing and education endeavors.

In my many years in processing, I loved sharing these things with borrowers, originators, realtors, and even used some of the materials in training lectures and presentations. I hope you may find some use in these “freebies” as well! Simply click on the bolded links below which will connect you directly to the applicable websites.

Consumer Action Website-Federal Citizen Information Center

This is a recent find I ran across when doing some research. You are entitled to request up to 10 copies of the 2008 Consumer Action Handbook for free simply by listing your name and address at the request site. They also have an order site where you can request copies of a wide variety of booklets covering a wide range of subjects. Some are free, most low priced.

Federal Reserve Consumer Information

The Feds provide a great number of handbooks, guides, pamphlets, bulletins and Fact Sheet publications that are available for individual or bulk orders. Click here to access the order options site.

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection

The Federal Trade Commission Bulk Order website is one of my absolute favorite spots to read up on consumer rights information and to obtain bulk order quantities of booklets, bulletins and brochures on a wide range of subjects that are of interest to mortgage borrowers. There are organized topics that include such subjects as Automobiles; Computers and the Internet; Credit and Loans; Education, Scholarships and Jobs; Energy and Environment; Health; Identity Theft, Privacy & Security; Investment and Business Opportunities; Shopping for Products & Services, Telemarketing and Telephone Services; and there is a complete sub-heading for businesses which includes a variety of publications that may be helpful to YOU in your own line or work!

These materials are wonderful to display in your office for your borrowers to grab at their leisure and also make great stuffers for mailing campaigns and application packages.

The FTC also hosts an entire site specifically for purpose of education about Identity Theft. There are some great materials available at this site as well which can be used for things like conferences, trainings, group meetings, etc. Their Fight Back Against Identity Theft Partnership Page offers materials specifically designed for such uses.

Federal Citizens Information Center

This is a website I only just recently discovered but it provides a wealth of information, ideas and materials for free or very low cost which are of interest to the general population in a wide variety of topics, most importantly those related to mortgages and housing. There are PDF versions of materials available to print off or you can proceed to request and order materials right there online. Go to http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/results.tpl?id1=17&startat=1&--woSECTIONSdatarq=17&--SECTIONSword=ww to access the Financing and Sales section of the website.

Free Viewer Software Download Sites

• Adobe Reader
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Microsoft Windows Media Player-PC
• Microsoft Windows Media Player-MAC
• Paperport Viewer
• RealPlayer

HUD/FHA Freebies

There are many printing distributors out there who charge to provide copies of HUD forms and materials, booklets, posters and brochures. Did you know that you can order many if not all of these materials for free using HUD’s Online Distribution System? Using the online ordering system, you are able to request the required Equal Housing Opportunity Posters, HUD Settlement Cost Booklets, required HUD/FHA forms and other various materials.

Other Freebies from HUD:

• HUD Homebuyer Webcasts
• Equal Housing Opportunity Graphic Logos for Printing and Use

OnGuard Online

This site provides some really fun games, tools, videos and resources that can be used to educate people about privacy and security online. In addition, you may wish to order publications in bulk from the Order Publications website.

VA/Veterans Affairs

VA provides a set of free online videos for Veterans which include coverage on such topics as Alternatives to Foreclosure, Buying a Home, Selling a Home, Refinancing, and Energy Efficient Mortgages.

You’ll find a list of free online VA Home Loan Pamphlets available at http://www.homeloans.va.gov/pamphlet.htm

Be sure to take advantage of all of the great education and training materials that are out there to help you and your customers. They will appreciate you taking the extra time and making the additional efforts to help educate them on these topics of interest to them. Doing so will also make you stand out from your competition!

About the Writer. As one of NAMP's volunteer writers, Stacey Sprain is currently a NAMP member in good standing and is a NAMP Certified Ambassador Loan Processor (CALP). If you would like to become a volunteer writer for NAMP, please email us at: blog@mortgageprocessor.org.