Working with small businesses is a great way to go and realtor referrals are key

Didier Malagies • December 30, 2024

Local Advocacy: Advocate for small businesses by supporting policies that benefit them, such as lower taxes or zoning laws that allow small businesses to thrive.


Volunteer or Participate: Get involved in local initiatives such as volunteering, community clean-ups, or fundraisers that small businesses might be involved with or organizing.

6. Promote Local Business Online


Social Media Sharing: Share small businesses’ posts on your social media accounts to help them reach more people. A post or shoutout can go a long way in raising awareness.

Create Online Reviews and Blogs: Write blog posts or create online content that showcases local businesses and their unique offerings.


7. Offer Financial or Operational Support

Funding Assistance: Help connect small businesses with resources for funding, whether through grants, small business loans, or crowdfunding platforms.

Help with Expansion: If you’re in a position to assist, help them expand by connecting them with potential investors, strategic partners, or other local entrepreneurs.


8. Join or Start a Business Network

Local Business Associations: Many communities have local business associations. Join them or help start one to bring together small business owners for networking, collaboration, and support.

Monthly Meetups: Organize informal meetups where business owners can exchange advice, discuss challenges, and share resources.


9. Mentorship

Become a Mentor: If you’ve experienced success in your own business or career, offer mentorship to budding small business owners, guiding them through the challenges of starting and growing a business.

Offer Workshops: Host free or affordable workshops to teach business skills like budgeting, marketing, and customer service.



10. Be a Consistent Customer

Loyalty Programs: Encourage loyalty by consistently returning to the same small businesses. Some businesses offer rewards or discounts for repeat customers.

Word-of-Mouth: Small businesses thrive on repeat business and referrals. Stay engaged and loyal to your local businesses, and they will likely offer the same in return.

By actively engaging with and supporting small businesses in your community, you help build a stronger, more resilient local economy. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that leads to growth and prosperity for everyone involved.



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By Didier Malagies June 30, 2025
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A Specific Power of Attorney (POA) for a mortgage closing is a legal document that allows one person (the principal) to authorize another person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf only for the purpose of completing a mortgage transaction—typically when the principal cannot be physically present at the closing. Key Points of How It Works: ✅ Purpose-Specific Authorization The document limits the agent’s authority strictly to the mortgage transaction, such as signing loan documents, the note, deed of trust, and other closing forms. It does not grant broad financial powers—only what’s specifically listed. ✅ Common Uses When the borrower is: Out of the country or state In the military Hospitalized or otherwise unavailable on closing day ✅ Lender and Title Company Approval Required The lender must approve the POA in advance. Some lenders are strict and may require the POA to be: Dated close to the closing date Notarized and possibly recorded The title company must also approve the document to ensure it's valid and complies with local regulations. ✅ Execution Requirements It must: Clearly describe the property address State the exact powers being granted (e.g., “to execute all documents required to close on the mortgage loan for [property address]”) Be notarized, and in some states, also witnessed Sometimes be recorded with the county clerk if it’s used to sign a deed or deed of trust ✅ Expiration Some are written to expire after a short period (e.g., 30 or 60 days), or immediately after closing. ✅ Revocation The principal can revoke it at any time before the closing by notifying the agent and any third parties relying on it (like the lender or title company) in writing. Example Scenario Suppose Jane is buying a home but will be overseas on the closing date. She signs a Specific POA authorizing her sister to sign all documents necessary to complete the mortgage transaction for the home at 123 Main St. The lender and title company review and approve the POA ahead of time. On the day of closing, Jane's sister signs the documents on her behalf, using the POA. tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog Didier Malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329 
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