The Daily Life of a Mortgage Broker (on Vacation) - Day 1

The day has finally come... my first vacation in 5 years.  Over the course of the next 2 weeks (Jealous?  Don't be), I am going to be blogging about the daily activities of a mortgage broker (business owner) on vacation (or at least an attempt at vacation).

Day 1 - The Departure

6:30 - Get up.  Take care of the animals - Feed the horses.  Muck the stalls.  Turn the goats out.  Feed the dogs.  Feed the fish.

7:30 - Wake Madison up.  Fix breakfast.  Finish packing the car.  Get ready.

8:30 - Leave to pick up our friend to help drive us to the airport.

10:00 - Arrive at airport.

10:20 - Check luggage.

10:30 - Catch a break at secuirty and get shuffled through the handicap lane (thanks to Madison's tri-stroller).

10:45 - Hear announcement of final boarding for our flight.  Proceed to run down the terminals to our gate with stroller, car seat, 2 carry-ons, a diaper bag, Madison, and my wife.

10:59 - We take our seats.

11:05 - We have to move because we are sitting next to an emergency exit and even though Madison is in out lap, we are not allowed to sit in that row.  Moved to smaller seats with much less leg room.  We get down graded and someone gets upgraded.

11:10 - Taxi out to runway.  Captain announces, "Due to some trouble at Newark, we are going to have to hold our position here until cleared."

15-30 minutes later... "We are cleared to take off."

Enough with the times... mid-flight: Madison is fighting her nap (screaming and crying).  But not to worry, there are about 7 other small childern on the flight.  (Side note - they canceled the early flight.  Come to find out all the passengers with children, including us, were on the earlier flight.  Best to fly early morning with young children)

Finally land in Newark.  Got the rental car.  Loaded up car.  Checked messages on voicemail before braving NJ traffic.  Yep, message relating to several deals.  Sit in car at rental company talking business before leaving.  After 20 minutes of idling, we continue.

Finally, we arrive at our destination by 6:30.

Walk in to a mess... no one has been here for 2-3 years, at least not human.  (Here being the family cottage).  The mice have found a way into the home... yuck!  My wife starts the task of vaccuuming the floors while I attempt to turn the water on.

City boy from Florida meets country life of the NE, not a pretty site.  After reading the directions several times, I still cannot get the water to turn on.  Meanwhile, the weather is dropping fast outside.  Left Florida at 90 degrees and now it is in the upper 40's.  Did not pack accordingly.  Furnace will not start... there is gas going to it (cough, cough).  Finally, I give up.

Thank goodness, the house next door is also family (and we have the key).  Repeat process of turning water on and heat.  Success...

Set up computer and internet connection through Moto Q modem.  33 emails?!?  Oh, no.  This broker wants that.  That one wants this.  A lender has been trying to reach me all day via email (try my cell).  Junk mail.  E-fax... After responding to those that warrant a response, I finally make my way upstairs...

Bed.  Sleep.  May tomorrow be better.

Here is looking for a sail on the lake tomorrow.Upper Lake, New Milford, PA

 

34 Comments on The Daily Life of a Mortgage Broker (on Vacation) - Day 1

whos gonna feed the goat, chickens, hens and horses while you're gone?

vacation and getting up at 6:30 am.  good luck!! mr addicted to AR on your vaca...!! haha

enjoy the sailing. you're lucky i'm not within driving distance with my ski!! :))

enjoy!

06/07/2007 11:01 PM by Nick M -RealtorĀ®-Appraiser in West Palm- South Florida Real Estate Appraiser (Certified Residential Appraiser- West Palm Beach Real Estate)


Vacation what is the thing you call a vacation?  They sound nice thing, are vacations nice?

06/07/2007 11:02 PM by Rosemont Financial Inc


Jason...sounds like a busy day!  I didn't realize people in warmer climates especially Florida vacation somewhere other than Florida!  All of us go to Florida, so I guess I just figured you all stayed there and played too! (just kidding) Have a great vacation, and try to stay away from the computer and phone!

06/07/2007 11:03 PM by Illinois Mortgage Lender | Kim Murphy (1st Advantage Mortgage, LLC)


Vacation, what is that?  I am sure you were way over due - 5 years overdue.  Busy day indeed.  Have fun and enjoy yourself...

06/07/2007 11:07 PM by Open Home Mortgage - Georgia's FHA Loan Expert (Open Home Mortgage - Georgia FHA Loan # 1 Lender)


Jason, sounds like the vacation is more work than work. I hope things are a little more peaceful tomorrow!!!!

06/07/2007 11:17 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)


Sounds like th beginning of an interesting time.  Hope you enjoy

06/07/2007 11:21 PM by Joan Snodgrass Tri-Lakes Realtors, Shell Knob, MO (Tri- Lakes REALTORS)


Jason.... I was thinking the same things as Nick.... lol   

  • who is feeding the animals?
  • 6 am is the start of a vacation?  lol
  • blogging when you haven't been on a vacation in over 5 years?  hhhhhmmm


Besides, you did mention Newark in the middle...but where did you all go to?  Are you originally from this area? How do you have some cottages up this way?  If you planned it, you could have met up for the AR b-day party on June 30th....

 In any case.... as George mentioned, I hope it is much better tomorrow. How long again?  ENJOY...  RELAX...

                                                                                                             jeff belonger

06/08/2007 12:00 AM by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)


You're not blogging while you're on vacation, are you? Take a a break from the computer!

06/08/2007 05:03 AM by KRISTINE CROWE (COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE)


Jason, did you bring your sticks? The lake looks nice and peaceful. Enjoy your stay and relax.

06/08/2007 05:35 AM by Jay McGillicuddy~Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty)


Yeah, who is taking care of "Wild Kindom" while you're away.  Also, the Codgers are holding a Carnival of Curb Appeal, maybe you should enter with awesome lake home photos.

06/08/2007 05:36 AM by Chris Elizabeth Griffith ~ Bonita Springs Fl Real Estate (Keller Williams Elite Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)


Enjoy your time off, I go on a few vacations a year but always have my phone on and check my work e-mails several times a day so it's really a few hours off a day and not really a vacation, if you can get away from everything then go for it. I personally find it impossible.

06/08/2007 07:31 AM by Connecticut FHA LOANS,CT VA Loans CT First Time Home Buyer:CT Home Loans (www.BenchmarkCT.com: CT Commercial Loans)


Nick, Jeff, and Chris...

Fortunately, 2 weeks ago we (I) watched over one of our neighbor's "wild kingdom."  Since I did that, they agreed to watch over ours.  Little did they know that when they agreed to it, our vacation was 2 weeks to their 1.

06/08/2007 08:27 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


How funny.... and when did you let them know that your vaca was 2 weeks?  ;o) 

In any case, look who it is, mister addiction. Enjoy your time, relax.  Oh yea, where in NJ are you?

                                                                                                            jeff belonger

06/08/2007 08:29 AM by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)


Nick,

The 6 AM alarm was not pleasing.  But, the thought of getting away for a couple weeks was well worth it.  As for the blogging while on vacation.  I figured that I would do these posts for localism and show some of the local sites that we will come across.

Now to finish these comments, the boat is calling me.

 

06/08/2007 08:31 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Beth,

This vacation that I speak of I am think is a myth.  I have not found this thing called vacation.  But never the less, I will continue my journey.  :)

06/08/2007 08:32 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Kim,

Not only do Floridians leave the state for vacation, we also try to leave the state all together.

06/08/2007 09:16 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


open home guest,

Yes, the vacation is much needed and overdue.

06/08/2007 09:17 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


George,

I will take a day of work sometimes over the day we had yesterday.

06/08/2007 09:18 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Joan,

You can follow the vacation.  I plan to post everyday to show how much vacation I really will get.

06/08/2007 09:19 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Jeff,

I am hoping to be back in time and in shape for the Orlando B-day bash... 

My wife's family has a couple lake houses up here in NE PA (New Milford).  It is about 2 and half hours out from Newark.  I believe the homes have been in the family now for 3-4 generations (not including my wife's or daughters.)  Either way, nice place to try and get away.

06/08/2007 09:22 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Kristine,

I need to blog while on vacation.  I need to keep in touch with civilization some how.  :)

06/08/2007 09:23 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Jay,

Nope no sticks... however, one of the neighbor up here has a set and there is a course a couple town over in Montrose.  I may try to convince the powers that be to let me try the course.  :)

06/08/2007 09:24 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Chris,

Thanks for the idea... I may to swing over and check out the guidelines for entry.

06/08/2007 09:25 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Leo,

I came on this trip prepared.  Bought a new phone and laptop to make sure that I can stay in touch with the office.  Being the boss makes it hard to really get away.  But here is to attempting.

06/08/2007 09:26 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Jason, you should ask because you really need to do a course review. Should work don't you think? LOL

06/08/2007 09:58 AM by Jay McGillicuddy~Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty)


Jay, anything is possible...  I will ask next week once things calm down a little around here on getting the house in order.

06/08/2007 10:21 AM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Jason,

As the owner of my business, I have found that you never really get a vacation.  I remember several times being at Disney World and while my kids go on the rides, I am making phone calls. 

I did get to Orlando at the end of last month and decided I would not even turn the computer on or answer any voicemails.  I did break down 1 day and do it anyways, but overall the 5 days I took off were a success. 

PS - For those of you in Orlando, I thought about calling people up to arrange a meeting while I was there and then realized I really shouldn't as my schedule with the family was already tight, sorry.  I am going to see if I can work out a way to attend the AR get together on the 23rd though.  Hopefully I will make it and get to meet a lot of you.

06/08/2007 11:05 AM by Robert D. Ashby, CMPS - Solid Rock Mortgage Corporation


Robert,

It is very difficult to just say no to the office.  Unfortunately, I can't take a true vacation this year.  I did ask Marc Blasi to help with keeping the office and brokers in order.

Well, hopefully you can get the 23rd free to come up to Orlando.  It would be nice to finally meet you.  See ya there.

06/08/2007 09:19 PM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


If not, we will have to try to do a get together in South Florida.  Maybe do a golf outing or something.

06/08/2007 09:32 PM by Robert D. Ashby, CMPS - Solid Rock Mortgage Corporation


Sounds good to me... are you going to the annual FAMB convention in July?  Marc and I are thinking about doing their golf tournament and could use a 3rd and 4th.

06/08/2007 09:43 PM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


Jason -

Vacation? Hunh?

Put the laptop away and RELAX!

Have fun............

06/09/2007 12:09 PM by Palm Beach Real Estate and Loans - Marc Blasi (Leibowitz Realty / Knightlines Mortgage)


Marc,

The laptop can be pretty relaxing... it helps me keep my sanity.

06/11/2007 12:13 PM by Knightlines Mortgage Services, LLC


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Jason Price
Altoona, FL
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