Consistency and practicing your core fundamentals is a strong trait to have.

Many times especially in this business professionals tend to become cumbersome in following through a complete transaction process and tend to find shortcuts or alternatives in doing their job.

I have had recently came across golden opportunities through the misfortunes of my competition in their costly mistakes.

One client was 90% done with the purchase process with another lender and during the closing conditions of the loan (homework that needs to be done before closing a loan)

The client was asked to provide bank statements showing reserves. 

The client gives the statements to the lender and the loan officer blindly submits the bank statements without reviewing them first unexpectedly showing bounced checks and ultimately turning down the loan.

There was a good reason for the bounced checks and if handled correctly before submission, could of saved the deal by providing an alternative account statement. 

Lucky for me I was able to save the day and get the loan done for the client.

Another client lost out on a purchase offer due to not addressing a standard question int he beginning when 1st taking the application.

The client went through the whole loan transaction not knowing he had a DTI (debt to income) ratio that was not addressed by the lender by asking a simple question if he pays any child support or alimony.

The client's child support was over $800 dollars a month and really affected the client's ability to repay the loan therefore delaying the loan process in trying to find exceptions.

When the Seller got a hold of the news, the Seller pulled the plug and offered the house to another client due to the delays of the closing and mis-communication from the very beginning.

Lucky for my once again I was able to capitalize on the other Loan Officer mistake and closed the loan.

Doing your job, being consistent, and not trying to cut corners may sound too OBVIOUS and a "DUH" reaction but there are professionals still out there that does not practice these efforts and can ultimately be deal breakers.