DECISION: THOUGHT INTO ACTION

AMS Founder Scott Powers

In my last couple of articles I discussed the power of thought and how to unlock the genius within. ‘What Next’, you ask? ‘I believe and my mind is working on a higher level then ever, what is the next step’? It is now time to put the power of your thoughts into action, in other words. It is time to start making decisions.

Study after study of successful people show that one trait they all have in common is that they make decisions quickly and change their decisions slowly. To quote one of my favorite motivational speakers, Tom Robbins:

"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach."

Making quick decisions is a habit. The more you do it, the easier it will become. Since by now you have the belief and the mind to succeed, you need to trust that you will make the right decisions. Making decisions is all about confidence. You must have the confidence in yourself, your vision and your team to know that you can make the right decision and it will be carried out.

As you all know I am a football coach, so I will leave you with a couple of quotes from Vince Lombardi, the greatest of all coaches, on confidence.

"Confidence is contagious and so is lack of confidence, and a customer will recognize both."

"Unless a man believes in himself and makes a total commitment to his career and puts everything he has into it-his mind, his body and his heart-what is life worth to him? If I were a salesman, I would make this commitment to my company, to the product and most of all, to myself."

As always, I will see you at the top.

In Honor Of Judie Greenawalt

Judie Greenawalt Former AMS Employee

As many of you may have heard by now Judie Greenawalt, former AMS employee, passed away from cervical cancer on January 12th. This month's AMS Spotlight is dedicated to her memory and the impression she left on everyone she had contact with. Judie left behind a husband and 2 young kids. If you would like to honor Judie by making a donation to the kid's college funds, there are accounts open at Washington Mutual bank. The accounts are Hayden #410-617320-8 and Hallie #397-600982-5.

The following poem was given out at Judie's funeral and describes her well.

Amy Lindsay wrote the following about Judie:

Judith A. Greenawalt - Entered into Life on August 8, 1968 at North Olmstead, Ohio and Entered into Rest on January 12, 2006.

What can I say about Judie; she was a terrific person. She would light up a room every time she entered into one. She was the jokester of the company and would always play practical jokes (no matter who you were Eric Weight / Sondra Bialkowski). Judie is known for her fart machine and burp machine. She would play jokes on people with it. She taped it to her pants and walked around the office complex and all the offices (including the bank w/ Eric) while pushing the remote. Not everyone understood why we all were laughing. But I have not laughed so hard in my life.

She would be extremely busy but would always stop what she was doing and ask if anyone else needed help. She could not stand when someone was unhappy and would do whatever it took to make them happy.

With all her issues that she was facing with her health and home, she would help you no matter what. She offered to lend A LOT of money to an employee once.

She was a true friend and a true lady. This world has lost a great person but heaven has gained the perfect angel. For anyone who dearly knew her, they would agree.

The following poem was presented to Judie's kids by Fernando Sam-Sin:

Troy's Hawaiian Cheesecake

Troy has been going to Hawaii every year for the last five years. Last year Troy didn't just bring back his usual grass skirt and coconut bra, he brought back this tasty Hawaiin Cheescake recipe. We can't wait to try the recipe he brings back this year.

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers (about 22)

1/2 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup finely chopped, toasted macadamia nuts

1/3 cup butter (no substitutes), melted

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

1 8-ounce tub cream cheese with pineapple

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/3 cup finely chopped, toasted macadamia nuts

2 tablespoons toasted coconut

Sliced carambola (star fruit) (optional)


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F.

2. For crust, combine crushed wafers, flaked coconut, and the 1/2 cup nuts. Stir in melted butter. Press mixture onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of an ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Set pan aside.

3. For filling, beat cream cheeses in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add sugar, beating on medium to high speed until smooth. Add whole eggs and egg yolk all at once. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla, lemon juice, and the 1/3 cup nuts.

4. Pour filling into crust-lined pan. Place in a shallow baking pan. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until center appears nearly set when gently shaken.

5. Cool in springform pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen crust from sides of pan with a thin-bladed knife or narrow spatula and cool 30 minutes more. Remove sides of pan; cool 1 hour. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

6. To serve, sprinkle with toasted coconut. If desired, top with carambola slices. Makes 12 servings.

Receptionist $10.00/hourly
Full-time receptionist needed, answer busy phones, previous experience a plus. $10/hr. Fax resume to (480) 730-4452 ATTN: Glenda Cana


COMPLIANCE ASSISTANT
Job Duties
• Perform review of documentation used to close the loan
• Set up files per company requirement
• Screen for fraud
• Complete quality control checklist
• Prepare loan files as required for imaging after funding and assist other co-workers in delivery of loan files to imaging department
• Prepare reports
• Assist as needed and perform other related duties and special projects as required
Competency:
Demonstrates professional behavior and teamwork, is punctual, dependable and adheres to company policies and procedures. Working knowledge of closing practices and loan documents. Has a clear understanding of compliance regulations. Proven organizational and communication skills. Demonstrates a strong PC skill with proficiency in software such as Excel and Word. Ability to present a professional image and demeanor to internal and external customers. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Working extended hours may be necessary as needed. Must be able to sit for a long period of time.
Please email Vicki Oania at vickioania@amsaz.com to apply or to request further information.


Junior Programmer
(2 Full Time Positions)
Seeking junior programmer with 1 – 2 years experience in web development(HTML,ASP,.NET) and relational databases(SQL Server). Should be proficient in Microsoft Office Applications. Knowledge of mortgage industry a plus but not required. Email resumes to stevebradshaw@amsaz.com.

Excel Guru:
(2 Full Time Positions)
Seeking excel guru to help develop and maintain banking products. If you also have 1 – 2 years experience in web development(HTML,ASP,.NET) and relational databases(SQL Server), that would be great. Knowledge of mortgage industry a plus but not required. Email resumes to stevebradshaw@amsaz.com.

Mortgage Rates Drift, But Mostly Downward

Fixed rate mortgages continued to decline during the week ended January 19. The 30 year fixed rate mortgage, according to Freddie Mac's Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey has slipped 22 basis points since its most recent high during the week ended December 16, 2005 when it averaged 6.32. Last week the survey reported the rate as 6.10 percent. This rate was five basis points lower than reported the previous week and fees and points were also down from 0.6 to 0.5.

The 15-year fixed mortgage rates dropped four basis points to 5.67 percent from the week of January 12 and was down a full 24 basis points from its recent high during the week of December 22, 2005. Fees and points were down to 0.5 from 0.6 the previous week.

The 5/1 hybrid ARM averaged 5.75 last week compared to 5.76 the week before although fees and points were up to 0.6 from 0.5. The 1-year ARM, however, was up from 5.15 percent to 5.18 with fees and points static at 0.6.

The Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey reported that rates were mixed with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages declining to 6.04 percent from 6.07 percent the previous week and points increasing 0.01 to 1.24. Points include the origination fee and the survey universe is limited to 80 percent loan to value originations.

On the other hand, the 15-year fixed rate loan average increased slightly to 5.66 percent from 5.64 percent and points decreased to 1.14 from 1.23. The one-year ARM was also up, reaching 5.44 percent compared to 5.39 percent a week earlier and points increased to 0.95 from 0.92.

Mortgage applications were up 7.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from the January 13 report but down a scant 0.2 percent on an unadjusted basis. Year-over-year activity continues to decline but was down only slightly, 0.4 percent, compared to the same week in January, 2005.

Refinancing was also down slightly but continued to hold a substantial market share. Refinancing applications represented 42.8 percent of all applications last week compared to 44.0 the previous week. The market share of adjustable rate mortgages slipped from 30.6 percent to 29.5 percent.