Email Etiquette For Mortgage Professionals

To begin with, let's dispel a huge email myth. I hear this all the time... "I don't use my email a lot because some email actually contains computer viruses."

Computer viruses and Trojan Horses (hidden programs on your computer waiting to be activated) can infect and affect your computer in only one of two ways:

By keeping your anti-virus software updated and avoiding the above...you'll eliminate 99.99999% of the risk possibilities.

While there are no "official" rules for email, the same old rules of etiquette still apply: courtesy and respect to others, as well as ethics and common sense. Email can be a great asset to your mortgage origination business. Unfortunately it can also work against you too.

Remember, email is not confidential and the content of your email can be read by anyone. If you would write it on a postcard, it's probably acceptable for email.

By adhering to the following e-mail principles, you'll keep out of trouble and your recipients will be favorably impressed with your message.

1. Avoid chain letters. Most people find chain letters to be extremely annoying.

2. Stay clear of illegal activities such as libel, some adult material, and discrimination.

3. Acronyms and abbreviations are OK within reason. Smiley faces often called "emoticons" fall in the "cute" category and should be used sparely.

4. Use the Subject line to accurately describe the purpose of your e-mail.

5. Make sure your email is brief and to the point. As you know, scrolling through tons of info to get to the subject of the message is not fun.

6. Organize your message so that it's easy to read. Use spaces and paragraphs for interest and readability.

7. Don't shout at people by using all UPPERCASE. It's considered by many to be rude.

8. Don't over punctuate like this!!!!! One exclamation point is just as effective as five!

9. Always check for spelling and punctuation errors prior to sending.

10. Allow lots of time for a reply. People are not on-line 24/7 so it may be days before they respond.

11. Never send or reply when you're angry. Chill-out for a while and then respond. Angry email always has a way of working against you.

You may be asking...If I follow the above email principles will I be guaranteed a mortgage? Of course not...but, I can honestly guarantee that you won't lose one either. Or, you can just continue doing it the way you have always done it...and never know what you missed!

About The Author: Tom Domin has over twenty-five years of experience in sales and training in Real Estate and as a Licensed Mortgage Broker. He is currently publisher of "Tom's Mortgage Tips" a twice monthly Mortgage Newsletter for Mortgage Professionals. You can sign-up by visiting http://www.mortgagemarketingtoolkit.com