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BE RELENTLESS! BE INQUISITIVE! BE A PEST IF YOU HAVE TO!

By
Mortgage and Lending with NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 IL Lic 031.0006220/WI

 3 YEAR OLD JOHN

     When my youngest son John was little ... he was the best little question asker I've ever run into.  A regular little "Inquisitor".  It seemed his thirst for knowledge just never was quenched.  He just HAD to know and find things out. 

     Let me tell you, the government could have used his services.  They could have just placed him in an interrogation room with our enemies and poof!  They'd be BEGGING for mercy!  

     The family joke about John's habits goes something like this ...  "Dad.  Dad.  Dad?  Dad!  DAD!  DAD!!  DADDDDDDD!!!!At this point my wife would say,  "Gene, for godsake ... answer the child!"  Because it was so non-stop, I would have almost grown deaf and numb to his questioning and wasn't really hearing the poor kid any longer.  Obviously his mother did ... Stewie

     

     Not too long ago, Marilyn and I were watching TV.  An ad for the show "Family Guy" came on.  The ad showed the youngest member of this TV show's family, Stewie, doing much the same thing as our son had years ago.  "Mom.  Mom.  Mom?  Mummy.  Mommy!!  MOMMMMMMMM!!!"  We just cracked up.

   

     While going through the constant barrage of questions from our youngest, it could be frustrating, to say the least.  It could feel like someone just relentlessly picking away at you. 

     My mother, is the mother of four ... all boys.  (After having my own boys, I came to the conclusion my mother was never shown her due.  How she survived four of us and stayed sane ... I'll never know.  I'm nominating her for sainthood.)  Now my mother ... while we were going through this torment John was heaping on us ... would always say, "Quit complaining.  It's a sign of intelligence.  Be glad he's inquisitive!" questions in color Ahhhhh Grandma ... bless you ... 

    After seeing the Family Guy TV ad the other day, my wife and I got laughing that maybe we should have called our youngest, "Stewie".  But we also got talking about a particular client I presently have that shows much of the same propensity for questioning as our son and Stewie.  (I, of course, made the smart comment that I wondered if my mother would still say the same thing about him ... "Be glad he's inquisitive!")

         Although I'll admit the TIMING for this young client's calls could greatly improve ... I'm thinking I do agree with my mom on this one.  This customer wants to learn.  He needs to know everything ... and that's good!  Yes, it comes with its challenges (and some frustrations) for sure ... but if we had more buyers or customers like him we'd be better off for it and we probably wouldn't be suffering the present mortgage mess we are. 

     A knowledgeable and engaged customer is more likely to eagerly fulfill their obligations within a transaction ... and in a timely manner.  As a result of their active engagement, they are also less likely to have fraud perpetrated against them, a concern being awarded alot of attention these days.  They take the time to question.  Take the time to become educated.  Take the time to make sure everything is in order.  Take thesalute time to make sure the i's are dotted and the t's crossed correctly in regards to their transaction. 

    So today I'm saluting my son, John ... and Stewie ... my new young customer ... and all the customers like them for their inquisitive ways!  

    Never let anyone silence you.  Never let anyone make you feel badly for asking and seeking.  Keep asking questions.  Keep asking them until you get the attention and answers you need to proceed safely and securely in your mind.  You deserve attention.  You deserve to be heard.  You deserve to receive answers.

    And oh yes ... Mom, I'm saluting you too! 

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Gene Mundt

 Mortgage Originator  -  NMLS #216987    

                                 IL Lic. #031.0006220  -  WI License #216987                                                                                                    

NMLS #175656

 

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator,  40+ years of #mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  #Conventional, #FHA, #VA, #Jumbo, #USDA, and Portfolio Loans in #Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:  The #Lincoln-Way Area, #Will County, (#New Lenox, #Frankfort, #Mokena, #Manhattan, #Joliet, #Shorewood, #Crest Hill, #Plainfield, #Bolingbrook, #Romeoville, #Naperville, #Wilmington, #Peotone, etc.), #DuPage County, the City of Chicago, #Cook County, and elsewhere within IL and Wisconsin. 

 

Your Referrals & Testimonials are Always Greatly Appreciated! 

 

 

Comments(15)

Jane Peters
Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles real estate concierge services

I hope your clients is yelling, Gene, Gene, Geeeeene, Gene!  But, you are right.  I would want to understand every aspect of making the most important transaction of my life.

Jan 11, 2010 05:24 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Jane:  I'm laughing at your comment!  And, as a father I learned something from my son's efforts to get and keep my attention.   Answer!!!  I treat my customers the same way.  You are right, Jane ... it's of great importance and you should want to know ...

Gene

Jan 11, 2010 07:42 AM
Rachelle McMahan
Golf Savings Bank - Grants Pass, OR

I'd much rather have that kind of customer than the one that thinks they know it all, doesn't listen and then gets mad at YOU!!!  

I remember from an earlier post of yours that John recently got married.  Soon he'll get to hear Dad, Dad, DAD, DAAAAAAAAD!!!! 

Jan 11, 2010 08:39 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Those constant questions can drive us nuts, but they're so important--good thing they keep coming!

Jan 11, 2010 10:02 AM
Lisa Schmitt
Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell - Plainfield, IL

<waving>

Great blog Gene! You're absolutely right: the inquisitive customers are usually the most on the ball.

And doesn't it feel great to be able to address their concerns and make them feel comfortable and secure?

Jan 11, 2010 01:17 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Rachelle:  I'm chuckling .. as I'm sure we've ALL had customers as you describe .. and the frustrations that accompany them.  We survive.   And yes, my little "inquisitor" got married in April.  I've told him many times that I wish children "just like him" for he and his wife ... when the times is right.  I'm tickled that you remembered him ... thank you.

Lottie:  I kiddingly complain about the situation ... but thank God I've got something to kid about.  I'll deal with this issue any day versus having no one to kid about.  You're absolutely right!

Lisa:  Good to see and hear from you!  Thanks for dropping by!  And yes, even after the many years I've been doing this ... I still get a kick out of it.  Guess it means we're in the right line of work if that's the case, right? 

Gene

Jan 11, 2010 02:33 PM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Gene - I love clients who ask questions because not only does it mean that they want to learn as much as they can about one of the most important decisions they'll make, but it also gives me an opportunity to shine, to use my experience and knowledge to educate.

Jan 11, 2010 03:15 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Donne:  Ooooo ... Good Point!  And who doesn't LOVE that??  There must be a little teacher in all of us to do this job properly.  We musn't assume that our clients understand the process just because it receives so much press.  The client that asks questions may be a little more high maintenance, but they are typically the one ... that after a successful closing ... will also take the time to refer you.  I'm all for that!

Gene

Jan 12, 2010 02:33 AM
Terri Onigkeit
Keller Williams of Northern Colorado - Fort Collins, CO
GRI

Informed customers with no surprises at the end are the best.

Jan 13, 2010 01:51 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Terr:  You bet!  I'm going thru a loan right now where there have been more than a few little surprises ... all courtesy of the buyer.  Information ... given and received on both sides ... is very important.

Gene

Jan 13, 2010 02:28 AM
Kate Kate
San Diego, CA

Goooo Gene! Love the salutes. I salute your mom, your wife and your son, even your client!

My brother called me Queen of Trivia.  Then my first mortgage processor told me I drove him nuts with my questions.

But I put it all to good use, using my thirst for the what-if's to help homeowners. I told them you don't have to remember all the facts, just where to find them. That meant they came back to me :)

Jan 13, 2010 03:03 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Kate:  Somehow none of what you related surprises me!  I'm betting you're like a sponge .. just soaking it all up.  You're an adult-size example of our son's future.  Nothing will ever change him .. or you.  Thank God!

Gene

Jan 13, 2010 04:50 AM
Kate Kate
San Diego, CA

:) Kate

Jan 13, 2010 05:45 AM
Donne Knudsen
Los Angeles & Ventura Counties in CA - Simi Valley, CA
CalState Realty Services

Gene - LOL at Kate's comment.  I am fortunate to have a processor who has twice as much mortgage experience as I do.  With 16+yrs in the mortgage industry, she is an absolute wealth of info and has seen and done every kind of mortgage loan and/or situation there is.  I have learned so much from her.

I try and have the same relationship with my clients.  I want them to ask me questions even if it's the same one a dozen times a dozen different ways.  Having this kind of relationship with my clients have made me become a better LO and the more people I help, the better I get. 

Jan 13, 2010 03:03 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Donne:  So true ... sometimes I think I learn more from them and their experiences .. then the other way around.  Got to say, I love the give and take of it.  A strong processor is worth their weight in gold or more too ... without a doubt.

Gene

Jan 13, 2010 11:42 PM