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I've decided to refocus myself on this business

In these trying times, I know I'm not the only mortgage professional who has considered leaving the field. In fact, many have chosen to over the past 2 years. Former colleagues of mine who used to make a very good living. I'll admit I've explored other options and the grass really isn't always greener on the other side. It usually isn't, as I've found at times throughout my career. And, there are tougher ways to make a living, believe it or not!

I'm writing this blog as one of my first steps to re-focus my energy on my business. It's been a trying year for me so far. Business is way down and I'm dealing with a serious medical issue with my Dad. It got me thinking that there are many positives this career offers us: the ability to truly help people who need your help, the ability to make as much (or in many cases as little) as you put your mind to, and the freedom to deal with other issues that life presents to us on a daily basis -- I can visit my Dad in the hospital in NYC whenever I want to, I don't have to miss my kids sports activities, etc.

I wasn't in this business the last time the market took a down-turn but I was a homeowner and I remember how bad things looked. People in my condo complex were just walking away from their homes because they never thought their values would come back. Of course they did, and some! Boy do I wish I held onto that condo but I was shortsighted and just happy to not lose money like everyone else.

Things will get better for us again -- and there will be less competition. While it's much more difficult to write business (and make money) than it was, I have made the decision to stay the course and re-focus myself to MY business. I just need to be louder and more consistent in marketing myself.

Thank you for reading.

Posted by Steve Hawk on 05/09/2008 01:28 PM

Comments (8)

Post is included in group: Realtors®
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8 Comments on I've decided to refocus myself on this business

I came across your blog, and its good to know someone else feels the same way. I agree with you 100%. Times are hard, but I find myself being rewarded in other ways, such as time with family and other things that perhaps we didn't have time for before. Whoever is left after this time of "consolidation" as I call it, will reap the benefits down the road. Best of luck and keep grinding it out!

05/09/2008 01:40 PM

by Nelson Vera - Your Bilingual Home Loan Officer (Countrywide Home Loans)

Steve I think you will find that if you keep a good attitude things will turn around very fast and belive me I know how hard it is to keep a good attitude when everything bad is going on. I think the key in the mortgage industry is to find new ways to get things done. I deal in real estate and the only thing that keeps me afloat are my investors. If i were you i would specialize in getting investors loans they are about the only ones that buy on a regular basis. I utilize seasoned corperations to get loans for multifamily properties this may be an option that you look into. I have great connections to aquire these corps. so if you need any drop me a line. Good luck remember great things happen when you look for the positive in anything.

Have Fun

Wayne Money

05/09/2008 01:44 PM

by Wayne Money (United Home Sites Inc.)

Hi Steve,

I try to focus on the good. Today I feel out of balance. Like there are walls up around a few of my deals and leads...just one of those days I guess. Hopefully things improve for you!

05/09/2008 02:06 PM

by Chuck Carstensen (Re/max Associates Plus inc)

No matter how you do it this time is tough on us all.

05/09/2008 02:11 PM

by Gene Allen Realtor Hampton Roads Real Estate (Resh Realty Group)

Steve, apps are up across the board and we are beginning to see activity in products that we previously thought unavailable. We are in a sustained recovery that is subtle and not evident to the media...When the ten year hits 3.45%, they'll know because of the HUGE number of deals that have waitied for some rate relief. The problem will not be finding business but getting it done. Professionals such as yourself will not only prevail in the coming months but succeed. I have no doubt that you will be back in the zone shortly. Best of Luck with your Dad. DW

05/10/2008 07:05 AM

by David W

Steve: Good luck to you. Those of us that endure will be rewarded. Besides, I was told if we gave it up, we'd never know how close we were to succeeding! Have a great weekend.

Paul

05/10/2008 10:01 AM

by Paul McFadden (Exact Financial Group)

Writing down your goal is the best thing you can do to solidify that goal in your mind. Why? Because it is the FIRST THING that you have done to move toward that goal. Excellent work!

05/10/2008 10:08 AM

by Clint Miller - www.recr.com (Real Estate Client Referrals LLC)

Thanks for the positive responses. They're greatly appreciated.

05/10/2008 08:01 PM

by Steve Hawk (Guaranteed Home Mortgage Company)