I have given my notice of resignation to Patrion Mortgage, effective June 1st, 2009.
 
I am taking a 3 month sabbatical. There's a good chance that at the end of this much-needed break I won't return to working in the real estate industry.
 
As you can imagine, this was a big decision for 'The Hemet Home Loan Guy' and for my family. Those who are close to me no doubt noticed my struggle with this decision over the last several months.
 
The projects that will receive my greatest attention during my sabbatical are my wife's amazing photography business, homeschooling our four incredible kids, moving my in-laws here to Aszterbaum Farm, deciding whether to continue my studies at Hope International University (towards teaching or ministry) and visiting a new monastic community to see what God is doing among the poor here in the U.S.
 
During my leave from the loan business, I want to strongly encourage you to turn to Hilary Wilkinson at Patrion Mortgage as your professional home loan consultant.
 
Hilary's phone number is 951.571.5756 and her email is hwilkinson@patrionmortgage.com. Please take a moment and add this to your phone or address book so that when you need help you can turn to her.
 
Hilary was my production assistant until she was promoted to Mortgage Loan Consultant five months ago. If I helped anyone with a loan these last several years, Hilary was instrumental in making sure it was a good experience. I trust her wholeheartedly to serve the Realtors, homeowners and homebuyers that I care about.
 
I want to thank all of my friends: Realtors, clients, credit union members, co-workers, my success team partners and my competitors in the mortgage business. The last six years have been a time of hard work, good friendship and personal growth.
 
Allow me to publicly and specifically thank the following people:

• Dana Moore, recruiting goddess at Altura Credit Union. For hiring me back in 2001, for guiding my career path through the organization and for being so open and honest. You go, Danamo!
• David Constantino, President of Patrion Mortgage for taking a chance on me when I had no mortgage experience, and for being my example of what responsibility and leadership look like.
• Dawn Williams, Vice President, for being such a dear friend, inspiration and my biggest cheerleader. Somehow you knew how to bring out the best in me and I never felt that I had to hide my true self, which is remarkable in this tough industry.
• Eric Lofholm, my sales coach and mentor. Eric was the secret ingredient in my business and there's simply no way I would have been able to stay in the business so long or to enjoy such phenomenal success if it weren't for him. I can't help but advertise for him! If you're in business, you need to start working with Eric right away.
• Mike McKinlay, Fidelity Title for being my first 'Success Team' partner. Your encouragement, accountability, friendship and prayers mean so much to me. You exemplify to me what integrity and priorities look like.
• Hilary Wilkinson, Mortgage Loan Consultant...I already bragged on you, but let me also say that I'm blown away by your strength and growth these last years.
• Graham Holmes, REviron Realty. Your humility and gentle spirit were a real source of healing to me when life and business got tough, and are unique gifts in the world of real estate. I'm so glad to be your friend and to be a part of St. Alban's with you and your beautiful family.
• The Hemet-San Jacinto Association of Realtors. What a great bunch of people who make a real difference in the lives of this community, both through their work and through their charity fundraising. Especially DaVina, Dee and Linda for keeping things going - you are awesome!
• The rest of my Success Team: Judee Edgerton at American Home Shield, Sam Mitchell at Mitchell & Associates Appraisers and Toni Knopp at Patrion Insurance. I can't recommend them highly enough.

I can't list everyone...but please know that I thank God for all of you and wish you the best.
 
If you would like to keep in touch with me on a personal level, here is a link to my facebook profile.
 
Grace and peace,
 
Joey Aszterbaum
The Hemet Home Loan Guy