Now we have a butter shortage raising prices ahead of the holidays. Great. While margarine makers are licking their chops over the news, vegans and other readers should know that no animals are ever harmed in the making of this commentary! But speaking of harm, in the current environment, and probably for the next couple quarters, vendors and lenders working 30 percent harder to make 40 percent less. Or worse. If the Fed’s actions can push asset prices higher, it’s actions can also push asset prices lower, right? Indeed, many will argue that is what we’re seeing now, and despite the Fed making its future actions clear, I am reminded of the old saying, “Don’t fight the Fed.” So be cautious when seeing any rate move down. (More below in the capital markets section.) Many in our industry are using this lull in business activity to attend conferences (last week’s Mortgage Collaborative conference had over 400 registered; this week’s MBAC event in the Carolinas is packed with over 175 registered) or hone their mortgage knowledge. (There are plenty of events and training listed below.) Today’s podcast is available here and this week’s podcast is Sponsored by Candor Technology, Home of the One Touch Underwrite, supporting lenders from Point of Sale to Post Close QC, to reduce repurchase risk, increase underwriter productivity by 400% and decrease turn-times by 10 days. Lender and Broker Products, Services, and Software Lenders everywhere are looking for new ways to enchant prospects. But how can you tell which strategies actually work and which are just a bunch of Hocus Pocus? Ask the experts! Sales Boomerang + Mortgage Coach’s free MasterClass series spotlights top originators and rising stars from their organizations as they share strategies proven to help mortgage lenders add 1 to 2 qualified loans per originator to their pipeline each month. The latest installment features Cross Country Mortgage’s Jeremy Forcier, Evan Hastings and Jeffrey Meyers demonstrating pattern interruption and other sales techniques that help LOs communicate more effectively and sell more loans. Check out the replay for proven tips on how to make magic in your pipeline.