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I Left The Mortgage Business Today

8:13am

Oh no I am already late and I've got a meeting at 9am today! I jump into the shower like a blur and before I know it I'm already stressed about my day. I deeply regret staying up working until 2am the night before now. leaving I am thinking about the client I have to call in 10 minutes, getting dressed and trying to not fall head first downstairs as I'm turning on my PDA to read my emails. Why did I sleep in?!

The whole ride in to work I'm on the phone talking to my borrowers, dealing with closings, organizing my day, and much to the chagrin of my fellow drivers even texting at red lights. By the time I get to work I've already been working for an hour. I'm greeted by my processor who reminds me of the 300 things I have to do before my 11am meeting. Like so many days before I give it my all and pray for the best. Despite my best efforts the inevitable happens.

The phone rings and my underwriter tells me her concerns on one of my files. To no fault of my own this multi million dollar purchase has just been drawn, quartered and burned at the stake. Now I'm left with the unpleasant job of informing my very wealthy client that his dream is now a nightmare.

Once again that all too familiar sinking feeling is back and I find myself riding the real estate roller coaster courtesy of "changing guidelines". Ever been there? Or are you one of the lucky few who never sees anything fall out of escrow?

Well today I finally decided it is time to leave the mortgage business!

Ok let me explain what I mean. Now I believe in excellent customer service and working hard for my clients, but it never ceases me how many people won't hesitate to take advantage of that. quit I think early on we all are so committed to making our book of business grow that we forget what we've sacrificed in return. In any effort to gain footing in our jobs we can easily lose ourselves and our identity somehow shifts into an almost unrecognizable life of unending work.

I don't care how successful you are it is never easy to lose that big account, that huge loan, or that highly profitable networking partner. I truly believe the key to success in our business is to find true joy in what we do above and beyond the money. When business is reduced solely to the numbers it is hard not to be thrown around by the waves of change. I have found I am most successful when I am not consumed with the bottom line and enjoy the ride as I go.

Today I stopped and to put gas in my truck. When I walked inside I stood in line with my Figi water and cough drops from a cold I'm still nursing. A lady noticed I was all dressed up and asked me,

"So what do you do?"

I looked at her and said, "I am in the business of helping people achieve their dreams".

Normally I would have responded with, "I work for a local bank and do home loans" or "I'm in the mortgage business". To my unending surprise she asked for my business card and wants my help in buying her first home in October.

I realized today that by giving up what I've worked the hardest for I have gained more than I could have ever dreamed. So what about you? What do you do for a living?

Posted by Jacob Morales - Arizona Mortgage Planner on 06/01/2007 01:02 AM

Comments (51)

business motto

51 Comments on I Left The Mortgage Business Today

JUN

2007

Jacob,

You had me going, I thought you had quit the business! I love the idea of changing perspective on what you do - that is what this industry is about - helping people achieve their dreams.

Rita

I work on the American Dream, myself.

Way to go Jacob :)
For some reason I think you are going to start liking your career a whole lot more :)

I am a Realtor but sometimes feel the same stress. But I learned to put what is really important first. One day when, what I thought was an important phone call came in, I changed all the promised plans I had made to my family for the day......because a large sum of money was at stake...and I cancelled our plans. In the end the deal fell through and I realized my family is as important as any deal. From that day forward I never backed out of plans with my family for a deal that may or may not go through. When I relaxed and changed my perspective of what is important to me I found a way to respond to those last minute calls. To this day I don't feel I've missed anything important by relaxing and smelling the flowers along the way. This isn't exactly what you were talking about, but it is similar in that it helps to step back and take a look at what we do and what our goals are.

Good post. At first I thought you were leaving the business... but then I realized you were just going to enjoy the business more.

Carolin Benjamin
Bob and Carolin Benjamin
The Benjamin Team
Keller Williams Integrity First Realty
Gold Canyon, Arizona

You took a negative and made it a positive and took your power back! Good for you!/As a result of your new perspective---your business will probably grow. You've chosen to set yourself apart.

We wish you the best!

Jay and Llinnea Hanley

]

I inspect homes and try to make sure people are not buying more problems than they anticipated.

Oh yes, your language has EVERYTHING TO DO with how well people do or DO NOT respond to you.. Nice answer.. Mine is similar... enjoy life..its too short and we all work too much!

Jacob - excellent post. Congratulations on making a very important shift in thinking. Wishing you great success in your new business!

Way to go turning a negative into a positve. I think everyone has those days were you feel, why did I wake up today? But in the end everything turns out great.

To the American Dream!

Your blog reminded me of a movie I recently watched "Conversations with God". At one point in the movie he says " we should spend our time making a LIFE, NOT a living...or else we will just be making a dying".. maybe not the greatest quote but the meaning behind it is gold in my eyes and now I spend each day making a life....

Hi I'm a Venture Capitalist, I grow money. Everyone & their dog is a loan officer. I take financing & real estate investing to a higher level. First I help you plant the seed and then we can watch it grow over time so you can and repeat this yourself then show others how to do it too. Don't forget to tell them who showed you first. Be the true Adviser that we are not your typical LO. Have an AWESOME year!!

"I am in the business of helping people achieve their dreams"

May I borrow this statement? :)

You almost had me, too. Glad you only changed your job title instead.

We all need rest & recreation so you you don't burn out -

Great post! I think we all feel overwhelmed at some point and have to step back and see it differently. Thanks for giving us all a new perspective!

Unfortunately my response would be totally different in the same situation.

"If your dreams get bigger than your wallet, I repo your dream and sell it."

Most times it is just better to tell people I own a liquidation firm

What I find interesting here is the fact that so many people were checking this blog to "read your story". Are they having thoughts about leaving or just having a bad day? It got me too! I think AR is so important to know and to read that other people in the business have the same stuggles.

I also think it is important that you are dressed up. Do we not feel like we own the world when we look good. I am not vain, but it seems more people are willing to talk to me if I look like a proffessional.

Mine: "I sell backyards, one home at a time."

Great post!

I agree wholeheartedly, when that loan that you have worked so hard on falls through, it's like you lost your best friend. My mom, who also works at my company as a mortgage broker, says all you need after a loss is a good closing! It's the truth, you feel like your flying high again after a good closing. Keep up the good work.

Amanda

This is an excellent post! Taking that time to change perspective and renew your interest in the true reason you go to work every day is essential in businesses like ours. Thanks for sharing this moment. I hope it encourages others to do the same thing,

I wasn't sure where this post was going at first but happily, it went in the right direction. I totally agree with your new approach.

Way to change your perception. You need a compelling "elevator speech" to share with people when they ask.

You really had everyone going!

Did you know that some people don't even know what their dreams are?

I feel your pain as well, I mirror that same day and I too "help put people in homes" people always dig deeper when you say something like that and it starts a conversation.

"making the dream happen" is why I do this, thanks for the reminder

Jacob-- I thought you were going to drop out of the business! I was going to ask for your client list! (Kidding)

Jacob,

Wow never thought about putting it that way. I also like many thought you had left the business. I always say I am in the real estate or mortgage business but that sounds to vague plus it differentiates you from many when you say something different.

Funny post Jacob!

This business can stress you out or you can find ways to make it less painful...Happy to see you're still around!

Scott

Do not tell me you did not quit, great posts indeed, i love it.

Jacob, that was a great blog. Thanks for the Friday morning day brightener!

Jacob, nice post.....don't slip on the soap! There is a point we all reach, some sooner than others, where we have to make decisions and draw lines. You can only oranize, stack, promote and bargin so many times before the rules have to change. Great Post.

Great post, Jacob. This job can be very stressful -- highs and lows -- which can be difficult to keep in perspective some times. We all need to reinvigorate ourselves from time to time. Is it Happy Hour yet?

You had me going as well. I thought you seriously quit. I am glad you didn't and that was a great response as to what you do. Congrats!

Jacob,

Mortgage Business is a totally different world, 180, it goes together with the Real Estate Representative and with the aid of many other related people, but what I am trying to say it is that I have been in your shoes and sometimes it is very stressful. Great Blog my friend :) and just think that many of us have been there , better or worst, but there :)

Keep the good blog

You had me going Jacob ... I was wondering why you didn't mention your departure from the industry at our meeting .. =) Great post ... it certainly gives me an extra "kick" of motivation to finish off the week strong.

Good post! I was wondering...what career has Jacob shifted to??? Good to know you are still in the business and have just redefined what it is you do!

you had me really goimng there for a second.....just a second though

Jacob, that was very inspiring! A good reminder for us all to realize why we chose our career and to focus on the people and not the numbers. Thanks!

Jacob, I am still part time in the business, but I have taken on a different job. I am always going to have the attitude you have mentioned here on your post. I will always be helping people in any way I can. Great post, hang in there and I wish you much success.

Grteat post, so i guess you are staying... That is a great quote - "I am in the business of helping people achieve their dreams". I might use that here in Austin, if you don't mind.

I enjoyed reading that..thanks

Wow thanks to everyone who wrote here and the kind words. I am always looking for creative ways to encourage people and I am glad it is effective. You are welcome to use any of my quotes here, as long as you quote me :P

Thanks again everyone and have a great weekened.

Jacob,

That's pretty clever. You certainly made the right decision in leaving the mortgage business and became a professional helping people achieve their dreams. Very catchy and paid off quickly. Stay the course, I say.

You had me going also.I had to read it closely top make sure you didn't actually quit.

Love the post, I even used it to talk about the Michigan market and used some of your verbage. Hope you didn't mind, but I thought it was great. Take care...

Haha! I thought I had just lost a competitor. Great Post

Great outlook Jacob. It's all about perspective and having the right perspective will change the course of your business!

JUN

2007

I looked at her and said, "I am in the business of helping people achieve their dreams". Normally I would have responded with, "I work for a local bank and do home loans" or "I'm in the mortgage business". To my unending surprise she asked for my business card and wants my help in buying her first home in October.

To my surprise as well! The customers I deal with run away from clichés like that and the people who use them.

Great Post!

Great post. It is funny I almost say the exact same thing. My 5 year old son had to say what his Dad does for work. I told him I am in the business of helping people

JUN

2007

You gave me quite a start today! I read your title and thought "Oh, No!".... Another Excellent Post!!

JUL

2007

Rich Kruse "If your dreams get bigger than your wallet, I repo your dream and sell it." I don't think thats the positive spin you want (hehe)

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