POSITION YOUR BUSINESS TO WIN Although potentially lucrative premiums may be alluring to mortgage brokers, making the transition to mortgage banking requires careful thought and planning. Knowing the adjustments — and costs — necessary for a successful banking operation is key for brokers considering making their move. » Read more...» More on this topic   ARE YOUR DEALS FAIR AND SQUARE? Those working with multifamily properties should take compliance with the Fair Housing Act seriously. New eligibility requirements for federal financing means some developers will be out in the cold — and potentially facing legal issues — if their properties lack accessibility for physically disabled and physically challenged individuals. » Read more...» More on this topic     MORE RESIDENTIAL-EDITION ARTICLES SPECIAL REPORT: Are today's homebuyers more optimistic? BRANCHES: Know the ABCs of quality bank originations ENVIRONMENT: Common issues can affect property values MARKETING: Attract quality referrals with the right model BACKSPACE: Making the transition from broker to banker DATA DECODED By Daren Blomquist, RealtyTrac "In several states — most notably in California — an ebb-and-flow pattern in foreclosure activity is appearing that indicates lenders are pushing through bad loans in batches that are hitting each stage of the foreclosure process like waves rolling into shore." » Read more...» Past columns   MORE COMMERCIAL-EDITION ARTICLES SELF-STORAGE: Find opportunities in this overlooked niche COMMUNICATION: How and when you deliver bad news is critical DISTRESS: Help bargain-hunter clients find what they're looking for VALUATION: Distressed-asset appraisals have a big impact Q&A: The American Association of Private Lenders on today's market PROPERTY TYPECAST By Victor Calanog, Reis Inc. "The office sector continues to be hampered by the anemic pace of improvement in employment. The labor market is struggling to consistently gain more than 200,000 jobs per month. By historical standards, this is weak for periods of economic recovery." » Read more...» Past columns     SPOTLIGHT: HAWAII A resurgence in tourism has the Aloha State saying "hello" to recovery. Home values are increasing in many areas, and several mixed-use developments are under way. » Residential Market » Commercial Market   Tell us what you're seeing: Our monthly, award-winning Spotlight feature analyzes industry trends in states across the country. Which states are still struggling and which are on their way to economic recovery? Want to be your state's quoted expert? E-mail us if you're in: » Wisconsin» Utah» North Carolina   FEATURED TOP ORIGINATOR Jacob Deegan Flagship Financial Group No. 1 Top VA Volume (2011) Flagship Financial Group's Jacob Deegan closed more than $75 million in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans this past year. A VA specialist, these loans made up 98 percent of his 2011 business. » Read more... » Top Originators 2011 rankings       ARE YOU ON FACEBOOK? If so, "like" Scotsman Guide to receive news, updates and more! We also provide updates on our annual Top Originators rankings on our dedicated Top Originators Facebook page.     FOLLOW US ON TWITTER Scotsman Guide's editorial team posts industry-related links, news, updates and more: EDITOR: @ScotsmanGuideED RESIDENTIAL EDITION: @ScotsmanGuideRE COMMERCIAL EDITION: @ScotsmanGuideCE SCOTSMAN GUIDE TOP ORIGINATORS: @TopOriginators     INTERACT ADVERTISE: Learn more about appearing in Scotsman Guide EDITORIAL CALENDAR: Download our editorial kit and find out how to submit articles. FEEDBACK: Share your questions, comments or ideas. MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION: Update your contact information and subscription status.     FREE Digital MagazinesResidentialCommercialLoan PostContact UsForward to a friend   © 2012 Scotsman Guide All Rights Reserved You are subscribed as %%$email%%. To unsubscribe from Scotsman Guide E-newsletter notices, click here: Unsubscribe To unsubscribe from ALL Scotsman Guide notices, send an e-mail to GlobalOptOuts@scotsmanguide.com Scotsman Guide Media, P.O. Box 692, Bothell, WA 98041-0692 - Phone: (800) 297-6061 Fax: (425) 485-3550