Qantas Holidays peaks at high note for top achievers bids farewell to
Source = e-Travel Blackboard: D.M In its 15th year Qantas Holidays has once again impressed their National High Achievers, hosting 150 of their top performers to a rollercoaster week of activities in Malaysia, ending with a gala night in Sabah which included a special show by Aussie sensation, Tina Arena. The festivity, overseen by Emcee Brendan Moar, also marked the launch of Qantas Holidays “500 Club”, providing additional recognition for agents who achieve over half a million in sales during the year. These agents will also receive dedicated sales support teams, additional privileges and bonus trip loyalty reward points. “We recognise everyone’s success tonight and Qantas Holidays is committed to the achievers club and the benefits it provides you. Over the past 12 months, we will look at expanding these rewards across new areas such as ski, Newman Holidays, greater allocation and rates,” Group General Manager, Wholesale, Simon Bernardi said. Mr Bernardi said the company was committed and proactive in ensuring pricing remained competitive, to ensure agents were able to offer the best rates possible. The event also doubled as a bittersweet farewell for long time National Industry Sales Manager, Bettina Barker, who will move into a new role at Qantas Airways in coming weeks. “This is my chance to say goodbye in style. I’ve loved the company and the many new exciting parts of this business, and is proud and honoured to be part of your journey,” Ms Barker said.Ms Barker was also the recipient of this year’s John Harvey Award, presented by Managing Director, David Rivers.Qantas Holidays and Viva! Holidays Global Achievers 2010 (Click here to view photo gallery)National Consultant of the Year: Sarah Phillis, Platinum EscapeOnline Booking Award: Sarah Phillis, Platinum EscapeGroup Sales Booking Award: Luke Mule, Jetset MorleyHighest Revenue Producers per State:ACT: Jenny Cooper, Quenbeyan City Travel & CruiseNSW: Karen Hamilton, Elite TravelNT: Glen Bull, Harvey World Travel DarwinQLD: Lorraine McLoughlin, Harvey World Travel AshmoreSA: Sarah Phillis, Platinum EscapeTAS: Matt Paine, Harvey World Travel Brisbane Street, LauncestonVIC: Sarah Gott, Harvey World Travel ReservoirWA: Bada Payne, Jetset Morley
Marcus, Dale- Tourism Tropical North Queensland In a bid to boost domestic tourism and awareness, Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) has launched a campaign exposing the region’s adventurous side. The viral campaign Australia’s Greatest Adventurer hit the web earlier this week and is asking Aussies to share their adventure stories. However, the competition is not just limited to the young and outrageous but of anyone from around Australia of any age and fitness level, TTNQ domestic sales and marketing manager Marcus Brady told e-Travel Blackboard. “Becoming Australia’s greatest adventurer targeting active explorers, people who want to have physical challenge and want to feel alive when they travel,” Mr Brady said. “It’s not just about extreme adventures though, this can appeal to anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zones. In support of the promotion, ten Adventure Champion ambassadors were selected to drive the public to share their stories online. The ten ambassadors will also be responsible for selected Australia’s Greatest Adventurer a week after the competition closes towards the end of May. Champion athlete Susan Crow told e-Travel Blackboard that the judges will not choose winner solely on the type of adventure but also the personal achievement they received. “It really does not have to be an extreme adventure, it can be a light adventure but we want to know what personal achievement the applicant received,” Ms Crow said. Operators from around North Queensland have welcomed the competition and expect it to refresh the state’s image after recent natural disasters. “I think it’s really positive and a new angle for the region,” Rendezvous Reef Resort sales and marketing manager Shirley Dodt said. “North Queensland really offers different experiences and it’s a campaign to promote what we do have in the region. “The ten ambassadors are great, I think they are a great example of youth and it [the promotion] is going to do great for the region.” The winner of Australia’s Greatest Adventure will win a trip to North Queensland where they can take part in white water rafting, skydiving, scuba diving and bungy jumping activities. Earlier this week TTNQ held it Tropical North Queensland road show where operators from the area spoke of their committed faith to the region’s revival after flooding and the cyclone in the state earlier this year. Source = e-Travel Blackboard: N.J
Brisbane City YHA Staff Brisbane City YHA has won the Best Backpackers Accommodation in Queensland for the second year running, it was announced at the Queensland Tourism Awards on Friday night.YHA Northern Region Manager Kimberly Mustchin said of the announcement “It has been such a difficult year for the Tourism Industry state-wide and South-East Queensland with the effects of the floods in January, so it is a testament to the recovery effort from the industry and our fantastic Brisbane staff that our Brisbane property has won this award again, we are overjoyed.”In the past 12 months Brisbane City YHA has achieved great results in many areas of its business including; by increasing groups overnights 138%, continue to develop relationships with inbound agents resulting in a 63% growth in overnights on previous year and increasing overall customer satisfaction to a rating of 91%. Brisbane City YHA had a multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2008 and promptly won the Best New Tourism Development at the Queensland Tourism Awards in 2009. It features 373 beds in a combination of multi-share and private rooms, rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Brisbane River and city skyline, dedicated groups facility, VingCard security throughout, plus all the latest mod-cons any budget traveller could want down to hair straighteners in bathrooms, all from $29.50 per night.This year, YHA sponsored the Best Expedition in the World as Best Job in the World winner Ben Southall kayaked 1600km along the entire Great Barrier Reef for four months, showcasing that Queensland was very much back in business.YHA Marketing Manager Tracy King said “After the floods and cyclones hit we realised that coming back from this was going to take some time and we wanted to show our support by being involved. We enjoyed hosting welcome parties for Ben as he arrived in major centres. We wanted to get everyone together from operators to tourism organisations and councils in the one place to stimulate some conversation about what we could all do to help attract those visitors back.” Source = YHA
Virgin Australia plane A Corporate Alliance between Virgin Australia and Skywest would increase competition for Qantas and its affiliates, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).In a draft approval submitted, the ACCC’s chairman Rob Sims explained the alliance would offer “an extensive integrated air service package” to corporate travellers that would compete directly with the Australian flag carrier’s offerings. “The proposed authorisation will result in public benefits such as enhanced products and services for corporate customers, increased choice of integrated service providers and potentially lower prices due to closer competition,” Mr Sims said.The ACCC noted that the two airlines currently operate a mostly complimentary network and combined they would offer travellers bundled air transport services.While only handing down a draft approval, the Commission said it may grant full approval for the alliance once it is satisfied that the public benefit outweighs any public detriment.The ACCC said it is now accepting submissions from applications in relation to the draft determination. Source = e-Travel Blackboard: N.J
TravelManagers has unveiled a new partnership with Cruiseco, designed to give its agents a more competitive edge in the cruising sector.Announced over the weekend at the TravelManagers 2012 National Conference in Fiji, the new agreement will give the group’s cruise specialists and their clients access to Cruiseco deals and prices.Expecting the deal to launch late March 2013, TravelManagers’ Kim Wudko said the agreement would only be available to cruise specialists with an ICCA Masters Membership and those who sell a certain amount of cruises per annum.“We’re working on that now we’re working on the operational side of how it will work,” she explained. As part of the new agreement the agency group will also launch a new website, called Cruise Managers. At the 2012 National Conference, TravelManagers took time out to assist in much-needed renovation work at a local primary school.Click here for more information. Source = e-Travel Blackboard: N.J.
Jet Airways India has received approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for its appointment of Cramer Ball as the company’s chief executive officer.Mr Ball is a 47 year old Australian national and is a certified accountant and accomplished airline executive with almost two decades of aviation experience.He was appointed as chief executive officer designate of Jet Airways India in June 2014 and will now officially lead an extensive three-year business plan to reshape the airline and secure its long-term future.Jet Airways chairman, Naresh Goyal has said that the appointment of Mr Ball is great for the company as he has the select set of skills the airline requires at this point in time.“We need a dynamic chief executive with in depth knowledge of and experience in the airline industry, and I am delighted to have Mr Ball aboard at the helm of our new management team, as he possess the right skills required to take Jet Airways forward into a new growth paradigm,” Mr Goyal said.Mr Ball said that he is happy of his new role and looks forward to progressing the airline further.“Under its new three-year business plan, the airline will once again transform the concept of air travel in India, and serve as a proud ambassador of India throughout the world.“This has already resulted in progress financially as it is known that the airline’s financial situation foundation is much healthier today.”Source = ETB News: Lewis Wiseman
Great Barrier Reef AustraliaGreat Barrier Reef ranks first as world’s best place to visitThe world’s largest coral reef system and Australia’s greatest natural wonder has ranked No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report’s World’s Best Places to Visit rankings for 2016-17.Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is a favourite amongst travellers, leading all world destinations ahead of Paris in second and French Polynesia’s Bora Bora in third.The rankings are based on expert opinion, user votes and current trends.Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) CEO, Leanne Coddington, said the Reef’s status as number one was a vote of confidence in its world-wide tourism appeal.“The Great Barrier Reef is a living treasure and a major tourism drawcard for visitors to Queensland,” Ms Coddington said.“It is an unrivalled experience that tens of thousands of people are enjoying every day.”Ms Coddington said tourism to the Reef contributed almost $5.2 billion to the nation’s economy.“The Great Barrier Reef welcomes more than 1.9 million visitors each year,” Ms Coddington said.“It’s ours to protect and share, and this latest result reaffirms just how important the Reef is to Queensland’s tourism economy.“Experiences like the Great Barrier Reef help inspire visitors to experience Queensland, the best address on earth.”U.S. News & World Report is a leading provider of service news and information, with a signature Best ofseries of consumer guides across a range of different categories. View the full list hereSource = Tourism and Events Queensland
Source = British Airways #British Airways Million#British Airways MillionBritish Airways has chalked up its one millionth follower on twitter today, making it the UK’s most popular airline on the platform. And to celebrate, twitter followers had a treat today with an exclusive video featuring racing star Jenson Button flying an A380 flight simulator.@British_Airways attracts between five and six thousand new followers a week, and has more than doubled its numbers since becoming a 24 hour operation two years ago.The airline now has nearly twice as many followers of any other UK carrier, and counted down to the big milestone to say “Thanks a million” to their 1,000,000th follower at 1.30pm.Last year British Airways received 622,088 tweets, allowing it to share in the excitement of the build up to a long-awaited holiday, photos of views out the aircraft window and help ask questions about travel plans.The airline has been asked about pretty much everything in that time. Here are some of the most unusual requests:@British_Airways Is flying barefoot allowed? – as in arriving, checking in, boarding etc? – reason for asking, short story is lost a bet @British_Airways Can I transport a Syrian hamster from Manchester to Malta?@British_Airways Hi Is there any way to find the album which was played in the LHR T5 departure toilets yesterday around 6-7am?@British_Airways Am taking cheese to South Africa. What temp in the hold will the case be in please?@British_Airways Hi! I’m wondering if I can bring my pet pig Knepper with me on your airplane?And the team also found time to chat about the weather 3,100 times in 2016, well it is British Airways, after all.Director of Customer Troy Warfield said:“Twitter gives us a unique opportunity to have conversations with the most important people at the airline: our customers.“Welcoming a million customers to the British Airways social media family is a great vote of confidence in the hard work our twitter team does to make sure our customers get the very best out of their journeys with us.”British Airways followers have been watching racing star Jenson Button enjoy flying through the skies after piloting a British Airways A380 flight simulator at Heathrow Airport.The former World Champion – who recently announced his retirement from the track – spent 90 minutes perfecting take-off, cruise and landing of the world’s largest commercial aircraft.
Source = Tourism Accommodation Australia New NSW Tourism Minister expresses support for industry and regional tourismNew NSW Tourism Minister expresses support for industry and regional tourismIn his first major event as the NSW Minister for Tourism & Major Events, Adam Marshall, delivered a ringing endorsement for the potential of the industry, making special reference to the commitment of the Government in developing regional tourism across the State.Minister Marshall was the special guest at Tourism Accommodation Australia NSW’s Chairman’s Function, which heralds in the year for the State’s tourism and hospitality industry. The event was held at the recently-renovated Radisson Blu Sydney.The function was attended by representatives of the tourism industry’s leading organisations including Chair of Tourism Australia, Tony South, CEO of Destination NSW, Sandra Chipchase, and CEO of Business Events Sydney, Lyn Lewis Smith.Chair of TAA NSW, Peter Tudehope, said the presence of the new Minister was significant as it allowed the industry to reinforce the economic importance of the accommodation sector, which is the dominant player in the NSW tourism industry, generating $2.2 billion GVA though direct impacts and $4.5 billion through flow-on impacts, as well as employing over 21,000 people directly and indirectly supporting a further 44,000 jobs.Mr Tudehope said that on the back of sustained strong performance by the industry and the launch of major new tourism infrastructure such as ICC Sydney, the accommodation industry had embarked on the largest-ever hotel development and upgrading phase in its history.“The most comprehensive revitalisation of the Sydney’s hotel sector is currently underway, which will transform the city’s tourism infrastructure,” said Mr Tudehope.“Already $2.3 billion worth of hotel projects have been approved for the Sydney city area, with a further $1.9 billion of projects proposed and in advanced stages of planning. This development phase has extended well beyond the CBD to the airport and western Sydney.”Mr Tudehope pointed to the potential of the industry to produce jobs and growth by highlighting the recent announcement that tourism receipts officially passed coal exports for the first time. He said that while accommodation providers appreciated the elevation of the sector as a first-tier industry, investors required confidence that their investments would be sustainable in the long-term.“TAA commends the Commonwealth and NSW government on their recognition of the importance of the visitor economy through initiatives such as agreements that maximise airline capacity and investment, improvements in visa processing and accessibility, long term funding of regional destination marketing bodies and the commitment to visitor infrastructure such as the International Convention Centre,” Mr Tudehope said.“However, to sustain this confidence, governments need to ensure they don’t pick winners and losers in what is a rapidly changing market. The impact of the unfettered rise of unregulated short-term accommodation – under the guise of ‘sharing’ – can’t be underestimated. We are looking to government to be responsive to the need for transparency of supply through registration and proportionate regulation of ‘commercial operators’ on these online platforms.”Mr Tudehope welcomed Minister Marshall’s commitment to addressing regional tourism issues as many regional areas had not benefited from the tourism boom in the same way as Sydney.“Seasonality, poor international dispersal and lack of visitor economy infrastructure have resulted in a self-fulfilling prophecy – poor visitation and poor investment,” he said. “We look forward to the formation of the new regional NSW destination structures, which will underpin the rejuvenation of the regional NSW visitor economy.”
TAT launches debut album open to the new shadesThe Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has highlighted the essence of Amazing Thailand inspired by its new communication concept, ‘Open to the New Shades’, with the release of its debut album at a mini concert held on yesterday (20 January) as part of the five-day Thailand Tourism Festival 2018.Produced by Koh Mr.SaxMan and the Sound of Siam, and performed by 20 musicians worldwide, the ‘Open to the New Shades’ album comprises 13 songs that reflect the artists’ impressions on the kingdom as a melting pot of history, culture and unique ways of life.Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said: “Music is a universal language. Through these 13 beautiful songs, visitors from around the world regardless of culture or previous experience, will feel the artists’ impression on Thailand’s amazing attractions, food and ways of life, and will want to explore further.”The concept of Open to the New Shades reflects another kind of “Thainess”, which is the unique characteristic of the Thai people to welcome visitors from around the world. It will encourage visitors to discover new perspectives in existing attractions, or indulge in experiences in new tourist attractions. TAT has sub-themes reflecting this; such as Gastronomy, Nature and Beach, Arts and Crafts, Culture, and Way of Life.Source = Tourism Authority of Thailand
The first meeting of ‘National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board’ was held recently under the Chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism & Culture & Civil Aviation. Key members, including representatives of well known hospital chains, other stakeholders and the representatives of related Government Departments, Tourism & Hospitality sectors and experts in various disciplines including Wellness and Yoga participated in the meeting.Dr Mahesh Sharma, the Chairman of the Board and the Minister of Tourism announced that three Sub-Committees would be constituted immediately to look into the issues such as Regulatory, Accreditation and Marketing. He mentioned about the role of Government as a facilitator and that the private sector has to continue to lead the medical and wellness tourism sector. The Board will function in an effective, responsible, and time bound manner to find solutions for immediate concerns in the efforts of health and tourism sector. He added that India’s competitive advantage, which lies in a large pool of well-trained medical professionals, and its cost competitiveness compared to other countries, will certainly take this niche segment of tourism to its greater height.The Board plans to build up a Data Bank of available resources in the field of Medical and Wellness services in the country and to develop a mechanism to disseminate such information to the source markets.
Airfares may seem random but there is actual science to it. This video goes behind the scenes to discover the truth behind the pricing of airfares.Source: CNN
Faeez Fadhlillah, CEO and Co-Founder of the travel booking engine Tripfez, has been named the 2017 PATA Face of the Future.PATA CEO Dr Mario Hardy said, “I congratulate Faeez on winning the 2017 PATA Face of the Future award. The judges were very impressed with his clear commitment to the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.”Faeez receives a complimentary round-trip air ticket and hotel accommodation to speak at the PATA Annual Summit 2017 on May 19, where he will share his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges for young tourism professionals. He will also be invited to join the 2017-2018 PATA Executive Board as a non-voting member and observer.“I feel humbled to have been recognised with the prestigious PATA Face of the Future award. This award is recognition for my Co-Founder Juergen Gallistl and the amazing team at Tripfez & Salam Standard who have put in tremendous effort in promoting the concept of inclusive travel focusing on the localisation of our travel products for Muslim travellers. Muslim travel is the fastest growing segment in travel and contributes more than $138 billion to the global GDP,” Faeez said.“Travel and tourism is one of the main pillars that contribute to positive peace as defined by Johan Galtung and one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly through the concept of inclusive travel as put forth by Tripfez & Salam Standard. I look forward to working together with PATA, National Tourism Organisations, associations, hotels and other travel industry stakeholders to further promote the concept of inclusive travel – with Muslim travel as an integral part and move towards culturally localised travel experiences,” he added.Faeez Fadhlillah is the CEO and Co-Founder of Tripfez, which is an innovative, state-of-the-art travel portal dedicated to the rise of global Muslim travellers. Faeez works very closely with various Destination Marketing Organisations to promote the concept of localisation of travel an inclusive travel experience. He graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours from the School of Engineering.
The Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) in co-operation with the Swarovski Crystal Worlds and the local tourist boards invited 11 Indian luxury travel agents on a Familiarisation trip (FAM) to Vienna, Salzburg, Zell am see and Innsbruck near the end of March 2017.The highlight of the FAM was, the opening event of the famous Indian designer, Manish Arora’s collection of imaginative, colourful installations exclusively for the art spaces, windows, and display cases at the Swarovski store in Vienna, on the renowned Kärntner Straße.Manish Arora’s designs will be carried in Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) in Wattens, Innsbruck, and Vienna. The art spaces at the Swarovski Kristallwelten Stores in Vienna and Tyrol are renowned for their elaborate art installations.They offer artists from Austria and abroad an opportunity to use crystal – one of the most captivating materials – to create impressive displays that not only appeal to visitors and customers but also offer ample room for the artists’ individual creativity.The companies who were part of the FAM include Kesari Tours, SOTC, Cox & Kings, Thomas Cook, KFT Travels, Senator Travels, Abbot Travels, Corporate Travel, Amazing Vacations, American Express Travel & Lifestyle Benefits and Allways Marketing.
Explore and understand the reason behind why business in rising India is changing to become much more vibrant and booming.Source: CNN
Recently, officials from Cambodia and India met in Siem Reap to discuss cooperation in the tourism industry as part of a high-level dialogue mechanism. In order to strengthen the tourism ties and to promote India as a destination for Cambodian tourists ‘Incredible India Road Show’ was organised in Phnom Penh.Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India said, “The committee is now working on a strategy to further collaboration between the countries in tourism. Stronger cooperation in tourism will be beneficial for both countries in terms of economic growth and job creation,” she said.The flow of tourists between Cambodia and India has increased remarkably in the last few years, said Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism, Cambodia. He said that many Cambodians travel to India to visit religious landmarks, while Indians like to visit the Kingdom to experience local weddings or as part of pilgrimages. “In many ways, both countries have a similar appeal for tourists, and both have huge potential for tourism. This is why we need to boost cooperation with India in the sector,” Khon further added.Both the ministers laid emphasis on conducting talks with civil aviation bodies to expedite the creation of a direct air link.Chhay Sivlin, President, Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, said the committee has been hugely successful in strengthening ties between the countries, and may soon succeed in creating the first direct flight between Phnom Penh and New Delhi.“India is a popular new destination for Cambodians. We are now working on new tour packages in India to offer our clients,” Sivlin said.Manika Jain, India’s Ambassador to Cambodia, pointed out that India has a lot to offer beyond religious tourism. “India is now a leading destination for medical tourism, and Cambodians have already started visiting India for medical check-ups and treatment,” she said. In 2016, around 15,000 Cambodians visited India, she confirmed.Last year, 60,000 Indians travelled to the Kingdom, a 30% year-on-year increase, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism.
UCMC Teams Up with Costco Mortgage Services November 28, 2011 563 Views “”United Community Mortgage Corporation””:http://www.unitedcommunitymortgagecorporation.homesandland.com/index.cfm?&WebpageId=20684 has a new partnership. The company recently announced that it has been approved to join the line up of preferred mortgage lenders under the “”Costco Mortgage Services””:https://www.costcofinance.com/ platform, which is operated and managed by “”First Choice Bank””:www.firstchoice-bank.com/.[IMAGE]UCMC, a subsidiary of “”PSM Holdings, Inc.””:www.psmholdings.com/, will now be able to lend money to the 22.9 million households that currently hold memberships with “”US Costco””:http://www.costco.com/Home.aspx. The low-cost retailing giant’s mortgage division makes loan options available for all its members, and UCMC is only the tenth financial group added to Costco’s team of lenders.Tulsa, Oklahoma-based UCMC will officially begin offering mortgages through Costco Mortgage Services on December 1, [COLUMN_BREAK]and PSMH said in a company statement that it expects a “”significant”” boost to the number of loans delivered by the subsidiary. UCMC’s initiation of its deal with Costco will focus primarily on loans originated in Texas, New Mexico, and Missouri.It’s worth noting that many other states will eventually be included in the collaboration between the companies. However, no specific date has been set for UCMC’s advance into additional regions via Costco Mortgage Services.UCMC’s president, Jeff Smith, spoke out about the new deal with Costco, saying, “”It is an honor to be associated with a company like Costco. Being selected, after extensive vetting, speaks to the ‘world class’ service we are able to provide our customers. We look forward to a long and mutually successful relationship.””Other Costco partners include “”First Century Bank, N.A.””:www.myfirstcenturybank.com/; “”Wyndham Capital Mortgage””:www.wyndhamcapital.com/; “”Real Estate Mortgage Network, Inc.””:www.remn.com/; “”First Choice Loan Services, Inc.””:www.fcbhomeloans.com/; “”WestStar Mortgage, Inc.””:www.weststarmortgage.com/; “”Sterling Savings Bank’s home loan division””:http://www.sterlingsavingsbank.com/subs/sterling/loans_mtge.aspx; “”RMC Vanguard Mortgage Corp.””:www.rmcv.com/; “”CapWest Mortgage””:www.capwestmortgage.com/; and “”Bank of Internet USA””:https://www.bankofinternet.com/bofi, which is a division of “”Bofl Federal Bank””:www.bofifederalbank.com/. PSMH utilizes its wholly owned subsidiary, “”PrimeSource Mortgage, Inc.””:http://www.wewalkyouhome.com/home.php, to provide mortgage brokerage and banking services throughout the United States. PSMI oversees the operations of over 30 branches nationwide, and the entity is licensed in numerous states. Agents & Brokers Attorneys & Title Companies Company News Investors Lenders & Servicers Processing Service Providers 2011-11-28 Abby Gregory
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in Data, Origination, Technology December 13, 2012 465 Views Ellie Mae Releases Cost/Benefit Analysis of Mortgage Management Systems A study commissioned by “”Ellie Mae””:http://www.elliemae.com/ shows lenders using Encompass360 and Success-Based Pricing can see vast improvements in compliance and productivity.[IMAGE][COLUMN_BREAK]According to an independent analysis, a lender funding approximately $1 billion annually and using Ellie Mae’s mortgage management software could see a return on investment (ROI) of 57 percent over three years and receive total benefits of $2.68 million in that time (versus total costs of $1.70 million). In addition, they could receive an average benefit per loan of $232.The findings are based on a survey of four existing Encompass360 clients from an independent consulting firm. After interviewing the clients, the research company evaluated the benefits and the costs of the software system.””All loan origination system developers talk about ROI, but we decided to quantify it,”” said Jonathan Corr, COO of Ellie Mae. “”The findings support what our clients have been telling us: Encompass360 and Success-Based Pricing can help deliver a quick and significant economic improvement over licensed, self-hosted models, improve productivity, back stop compliance and pay for themselves in a matter of months.””Operating out of Pleasanton, California, Ellie Mae is a mortgage management software provider.
Agents & Brokers Attorneys & Title Companies Company News Compliance Ellie Mae Investors Lenders & Servicers Processing Service Providers 2012-12-13 Tory Barringer Share
May 6, 2013 458 Views in Data, Government, Origination, Secondary Market, Servicing ALTA Reminds Consumers of Importance of Title Insurance As the spring homebuying season moves into full swing, the “”American Land Title Association””:http://www.alta.org/ (ALTA) is encouraging consumers to consider title insurance to make sure their “”American dream”” is protected.[IMAGE][COLUMN_BREAK]””Problems with the title of your new home can limit your enjoyment and use of the property,”” said ALTA president Frank Pellegrini. “”Only an owner’s title insurance policy fully protects the homebuyer should a covered title problem arise.””ALTA reminds buyers that policies are purchased for a one-time fee at closing and will last for as long as the consumer or their heirs have an interest in the property. Policies protect owners against possible hidden title problems that can include errors or omissions in deeds, mistakes in examining records, forgery, and undisclosed heirs.””An owner’s policy provides assurance that your title company will stand behind you–monetarily and with legal defense if needed–if a covered title problem arises after you buy your home,”” Pellegrini said. “”Purchasing a home is often the single largest financial investment a family can make. Your owner’s title insurance policy can help minimize potential issues that could impede your property rights.””
Agents & Brokers Attorneys & Title Companies Company News Investors Lenders & Servicers Processing Service Providers Title Insurance 2013-05-06 Tory Barringer Share
Agencies Propose More Exemptions for Appraisal Rules Six financial regulatory agencies issued on Wednesday a proposed rule to exempt a subset of higher-priced mortgage loans from certain appraisal requirements.[IMAGE]In a joint release, the “”FDIC””:http://fdic.gov/, “”Consumer Financial Protection Bureau””:http://www.consumerfinance.gov/ (CFPB), “”Federal Housing Finance Agency””:http://www.fhfa.gov/ (FHFA), “”Office of the Comptroller of the Currency””:http://occ.treas.gov/ (OCC), “”National Credit Union Administration””:http://www.ncua.gov/Pages/default.aspx (NCUA), and “”Federal Reserve Board””:http://www.federalreserve.gov/default.htm proposed to provide exemptions from Dodd-Frank appraisal requirements for loans of $25,000 or less, certain streamlined refinancings, and certain loans secured by manufactured housing.According to the release, the proposed exemptions “”are intended to save borrowers time and money and to promote the safety and soundness and creditors.””The “”initial guidelines””:https://themreport.com/articles/regulators-unveil-appraisal-rules-for-lenders-2013-01-18 for appraisal requirements on high-priced loans came down from the agencies earlier this year and will go into effect January 18, 2014. The finalized rule requires creditors to use a licensed or certified appraiser to prepare a written report based on a visit of the property.It also has a requirement that creditors disclose information about the purpose of the appraisal to applicants and provide consumers with a free copy of any appraisal report, among other rules.The rule already included exemptions for several types of loans, including qualified mortgages, temporary bridge loans and construction loans, loans for new manufactured homes, and loans for mobile homes, trailers, and houseboats. The public has until September 9, 2013, to review and comment on most of the proposal. Agents & Brokers Appraisals Attorneys & Title Companies Compliance Consumer Financial Protection Bureau FDIC Federal Reserve FHFA Investors Lenders & Servicers National Credit Union Administration OCC Service Providers 2013-07-10 Tory Barringer in Government, Origination
July 10, 2013 471 Views Share