AFTER soaking in the smells and sounds of New York City yesterday, Jennifer and I arrived home. For me, I was just relieved to get out of the freaking car. You see, me and highways don't get along too well. In fact, even being on the highway gives me more anxiety than watching a Dustin Diamond sex tape. I digress, though.
WE hadn't been to our local watering hole for quite some time. So we ventured out into the beautiful weather of Allentown and walked over to Stahley's. When we arrived, the first person to greet me was John, one of the owners and bartenders. In a deep, raspy, Randy "Macho" Man-style voice, he asked me, "Hey J, what's the interest rate?"
HAD I not been friendly with Mr. John, I would have been a smart alleck and replied, "8% with three points and a blood sample" just to make things interesting. But I told him.
DINNER and drinks were had and I got to thinking. Drinking and thinking don't always go hand in hand, but things were a bit different in this case. A lot of us in the Mortgage Industry despise the "rate question" because, well, for a lot reasons. The factors that go into determining what interest rate you will be paying are plenty. I've even written in the past that it isn't the wisest of questions to ask from the get go. I had a sort of epiphany, actually more like a quasi-epiphany, but it was an epiphany. For the record, I think that is the only time I've used the word "epiphany" three times in one sentence. Anyway, when John asked me that question I actually considered it a good thing. But why?
I have been in this business eight years. They have been eight very interesting years. Highs, lows, and a whole bunch in between. One of the most sage pieces of wisdom ever dispensed to me was, "Make everyone aware of what you do for a living." John is aware. In fact, another bartender there came up to me and we waxed intellectual about the housing industry in general, the economy, and women's lingerie. Okay, so the latter didn't happen. Walls of words need a few sentences of interest if they are to be read in their entirety:)
"FELL" is a curious term, at least to me when talking about being in love with what you do. But I have. I really love what I do and I find myself more than willing to talk about it every chance I get. It hasn't always been the easiest living in the world, yet I could be a taxi driver in New York City. That would be interesting. If you know me, imagine me driving a cab in New York City. That could turn into one heck of a reality series. I probably wouldn't be around long enough to reap the rewards though, as heart attacks tend to be bad for one's health.
IN living this life, there are reminders. John's question was a reminder to me and maybe for some folks reading. Never be afraid to let folks know what you do for a living.
LOVE seems to be the opposite of hate. I've loved my job and hated my job. I'm pretty sure all of us have felt that way. But I love my job just enough to never be afraid to spout what I do to the masses. Last night I handed out my business cards like they were Philly Cheese Steaks at the Eagles opener. John is buying a house before the Tax Credit goes bye-bye. I wonder who he is going to call.
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About the author: Jason Sardi loathes driving. Jason also isn't the biggest fan of driving and will fight to the death in ever stepping foot in a car whose destination is the Autobahn. But Jason Sardi loves the Mortgage Biz and is more than willing to help and educate to the best of his ability. His area of service include PA, NJ, NY, CT, DE, MD, VA, SC, FL, MI and IN. Mr. Sardi can be reached toll free at 1-866-262-8720 ext. 229 or on his cell at 610-653-0317. If email suits your soul, contact at jsardi@ihmci.com.
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By the way, if you mention this blog and I close your loan, drinks are on me at Stahley's. Germany is out;)
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