I recently graduated from College with my BS in Business Administration.  I was on the 20 + year plan.  If it wasn't for online classes, I don't know if I would have finished.  My associates degree took me ten years to complete through traditional classroom learning.  How things have changed. 

The valedictorian asked three questions.  WHY are you here?  Why are YOU here? and Why are you HERE? I sat for a few minutes trying to formulate the answers to those questions in my mind.  For some of us, the answers may be easy.  For others, the answers may be elusive. 

WHY are you here?  For me, the why is simply that I enjoy working with people to find a mortgage program that meets their needs.

Why are YOU here? My job provides a flexible schedule.  I can work from anywhere there is an internet connection.  In Spring and Fall you will find me sitting outside on the patio under the umbrella on the days I work on my business. 

Why are you HERE?  I was in banking for 20 years in various positions.  One of my job responsibilities was to talk to clients about mortgages; review and accept loan applications and disclosures.  Taking the leap to Mortgage Banker was easy. 

These days, being a mortgage banker is hard.  Thankfully, I wasn't a mortgage banker during the refinance boom so I don't have anything to compare it too.  Visiting Realtor Offices trying to develop relationships so the Realtor will refer business is very challenging.  (This is assuming that the Realtors have business to refer.)  What is the key to finding Realtors who are willing to develop a relationship with a mortgage consultant who guarantees no surprises at closing? It is a novel thought that it's important to work with someone who treats every client as a life long relationship while getting the deal done.  Yet I persevere to persuade Realtors to do business with me.  The reason is simple:  It is why I am HERE.

Tell me, Why are YOU here?