A strange phone call came across my airwaves recently, a guy from the city of Brotherly Love was on the other line.

"Hello, is this Jason Sardi?"

"To my knowledge, yes."

"Hi Jason, this is Darren _______ and I came across you over the internet."

~Thinking to myself, "Great, I hope he didn't come across that roast of Belonger that I churned out."~

"Hey Darren, how can I help you?"

"I'm losing my house."

Silence.  It wasn't the four words that he said, it's how he said them.  Even more, I knew I could do little to help him, at least not now.  We spoke for probably ten minutes or so and I hope to the heavens that my advice will help young Darren out ... in the long run.  When I hung up that phone, that empty space inside grew bigger. 

I used to walk quite often, to and from work because I didn't have a car at the time.  When I got home that evening, after speaking with Darren, I took a walk.  Thoughts raced through my head about many things, Darren's situation included.  After rounding the neighborhood for about the tenth time, I reached my doorstep.  I stuck the key in the knob and turned it left, unlocking the luxury of me being home.

I don't smile too often.  I don't laugh at many things.  While I'm really not a soul stirring in sorrow, I'm probably not at the height of bliss either.  At first, Darren's phone call made me want to press my palm against my forehead and sigh indefinitely.  Then, I took that walk.  It's quite amazing what a brisk use of your legs can do for your soul. 

For the past seven years I have wondered whether this industry (The Mortgage One) was my true calling.  Beyond anything and everything, do I belong here?  Well, after that ten minute conversation with Mr. Darren, I can honestly say, "You are damn right, I belong here!"

The majority of my mother's life, she has dealt with people with special needs.  She has taught, she has cared, she has educated.  Epiphany folks, that's kind of our job too.  That conversation with Darren probably won't save his house, but I'm pretty damn sure it educated and enlightened him on this industry and the fundamentals of buying and owning a home. 

I took what my mother does for granted.  There's rarely any immediate rewards and you better have resolve ... or you'll be undone.  My mother has taught special education for almost as many years as I've been alive, I never understood why.  I do now.

For better or worse, I know what I am doing.  And frankly, if I'm not educating, I ain't doing squat.  That's my job and it may reap little in the way of immediate rewards, but so be it.  This industry, this culture, this economy, could use some education from the inside/out.  It always will.

And Darren, try to relax.  This isn't the end, it resembles more of the beginning.

Stay strong.

 

 
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87 Comments on I couldn't think of an appropriate title.

JUL
27
2008

Jason - Good post, I hope you were able to put him in the right direction at least.  Your last sentence summed it up, you should use that as a quote.

Stan Barsch

1:57pm • #1
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Hi Jason,  I hope your friend can somehow salvage some good after your conversation.  I guess we all have some gut wrenching experiences to deal with.  Good selling to you.

2:00pm • #2
134,240 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Jason,

"You are damn right, I belong here!" 

I'm glad to here your walk helped you realize this! We can't save them all Jason, but taking the time to educate them and guide them in the right direction is priceless! What is that saying...when one door closes another one opens....something like that. :)

2:00pm • #3
578,881 Points 61 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, great minds think alike, I have this YouTube on my Realtor web site. One of my favorite artists. I like your reflection Jason. Always checking in with yourself. You are doing MORE than just educating your clients. You are serving them. It is helping in many facets of your work. The payoff dude? When you finally connect with one and fix the situation, it is a glorious feeling. Kind of like a doctor who performs the life saving operation. Who knows if you will do this gig your whole life or not? That's not the point. The point is you like serving. You can do that in many forms, and you have that altruistic side of you, which in my eyes is the BEST I see in you. I am in awe of it, till tell you the truth. This is one of the great perceptive gifts I have been given to sense this in others, so trust my assessment of you is dead on, right on the money. You are one of the good ones out there. For this, I am so thankful for.

2:00pm • #4
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Very poignant.  Which is why I chose to work with home buyers.

 

2:01pm • #5

Jason,  Don't you wish Daren was your client in the beginning.  He may not be in this mess not.  But, how many times do you recommend things to people that don't want to take your advice?  Even if it is only once it makes you feel as though you failed, because you know the right course for them.  I can empathize with your feelings.

2:09pm • #6
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Stanley - Thanks.  Time will tell, but I have a feeling that gentlemen will be fine. 

Bill - Nature of the beast, amigo.  I kind of learned that the old-fashioned way, I happened upon it. 

Suzanne - Yes, something like that.  And taking a walk does wonders for the soul:-)

Gary - I appreciate the kind words and you are probably right.  Actually, I know you are.  For better or worse...

Lenn - Indeed.  Personally, I chose to work with folks who are serious and need my help.  $10 bucks says Darren will be a comfortable homeowner in less than 3 years.

*cashew* these graphics are driving me ... ah, nevermind;-)

2:16pm • #7
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jimmy - Yes, I do.  While I'm certainly not the be all/end all of Mortgage Folks, God knows I've made mistakes, I think the chap would of been better off in my hands.  Then again, I'm biased in that regard.  Learning & Teaching are vastly becoming my thought du jour.

2:21pm • #8
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Jason, wow.  And when Darren comes back to buy a home, you can help him do it the right way! 

2:21pm • #9
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Jason, your job is to help a person achieve the dream of owning a home.  That is what you do.  A Realtor shows the home and also helps a person achieve the dream of owning a home, and you two work together.  Then there are people like me, someone who helps people save their home.  We all have different jobs.  When you can't help someone save their home because you don't offer that service, don't feel bad about it.  You have options.  You can add that service to your business, or refer them to someone who can help them.  Please...give me a call, and we can talk about how we might work together in helping to save homes like this...and the next time you get a phone call like that, you just might be able to help them instead of feeling bad that you couldn't.

2:27pm • #10
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When I first started reading I thought it was going to be a telephone solicitor. 

I am so happy that in my market I don't get many calls like that.  I am seeing more short sale situations in a few communities though.  Many of them are because they got bad mortgage advice when they purchased or they refinanced and pulled too much out.

2:29pm • #11
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It's only with human emotion that we as industry leader professionals can have the compassion to listen. We may be able to help in these types of situations....or maybe not. The whole difference is the listening...and giving a few minutes to ...listen.

2:31pm • #12
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Patricia - How do you say it in my world, oh, you're damn right!

Gregory - :-)  Tell you what, I'm an open-minded guy and I try to talk to everybody.  Foreclosure Prevention?  Unless your company is different, I know what that encompasses but we'll talk.  Call me mid-next week.  Deal?

2:36pm • #13

Jason, did you put Darren in touch with a HUD certified foreclosure counselor?

There are a lot of HUD certified foreclosure counselor in Pennsylvania

Go here http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm to look them up in your state or call your local Foreclosure Prevention Hotline.

In Arizona, that is 1-877-448-1211

2:36pm • #14
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I lose a lot of deals due to educating my customers.  I am OK with that because if it isn't the right time to buy or sell, it isn't the right time to buy or sell.  I won't let greed get in the way to pressure them to do something they will regret in the long run.

2:37pm • #15
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Randy - LOL.  I haven't done one of those in awhile, I LOVE talking to telemarketers;-)  And I'm glad in your market, that you don't get many calls like that.  It's not easy on the ear.

Sis - Two ears hun, I still have them.  I guess I must use them.  I guess I already have.

2:41pm • #16
2 Featured Posts

Jason

Most of us don't know you any other way than through your writing here. You come across as an intelligent and a good guy in the mortgage business. We could use more like you in all parts of the country.

Thanks for taking the time to put together mostly meaningful posts, even the ones with the four letter words....you know the ones like squat.

2:45pm • #17
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bill - That's been done, as other options have also been explored & talked about.  Thank you for pointing that out though.  That's useful and relevant knowledge to have at one's tips.

Renee - I hear you on that.  If I had a dime for every deal I lost trying to educate somebody, I'd probably own a Casino in Vegas:-)

2:48pm • #18
368,811 Points 23 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, you are right-on about education.  If we aren't about education in our work----we short change everyone----including ourselves.  My motto:  "Give everything away----make room for more"

2:52pm • #19
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Don - I'm a good guy but the intelligence thing is a stretch;-)  Squat is five but fork is four.  And ...

2:54pm • #20
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Jason, great post.  Things can be rough out there... it is hard.   I have met many sellers recently face to face with the only recommendation for them being a short sale as most of them refied.  How their appraisal came in is anyone's guess - please see Appraisals .

What I take from your post and what we are doing is that our services and resources are even that much more valuable now.  Stephanie and myself (like you) take pride in the fact that we help people with their serious life goals.

Philadelphia Real Estate

3:11pm • #21
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Jason- I feel your feelings as we are on the phone every day with these people. Many have life circumstances that happen and others are suffering the results of their overspending and poor financial decisions. We do what we can to help. Most of the people will lose their home of the ones we talk to. There are also those who were not ready to buy a home when they did. When you choose to buy toys instead of pay your mortgage payment, you should be a renter. Some people, like Lenn says, are not ready for the responsibility of home ownership. Others who lose their jobs or get sick, or get divorced etc, they have the awesome opportunity to rebuild and own a home again. The part that lets me sleep at night is knowing that we are serving them in the best way we know. When we are educating and serving we are making a difference and that is what we are here to do. Walks do a lot of good! Nestor has a condition to all the sellers before we take their short sale listing, they have to promise him to go walking to relieve the stress.

3:27pm • #22
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Gee Jason - Are you looking for your rainbow. : -)

4:00pm • #23
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Jason, I hear those words every day in my market. Some folks I can help and some I can't. But what I can always do is give them some advice and counseling. I feel it's very important that folks understand that losing their house does not make them a bad person. Life just has a way of dealing out crap whenever it chooses to do so. They need to understand that it's just a house. In most cases they won't end up homeless and life will go on. It sucks!!! But it happens. And you are absolutely right that it is a beginning not an end.

4:27pm • #24
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Right on Jason! I too get these calls. More and more every week. What else can we as mortgage bankers do but sit and listen, be sympathetic and direct them to a quality attorney.....  It is a tough world out there..........  nice post!

4:33pm • #25
322,950 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, the one call that I hate the most. About 3 months ago I received one similiar. My issue with it was that it was someone that I knew.

4:33pm • #26
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Danny -  I got that same call from someone I knew. I NEVER thought this person would be in financial trouble. That call sucked!

4:38pm • #27
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Jason, amazing how one phone call and a walk can put  confidense in your that you chose the right profession. Good.

4:57pm • #28
197,034 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog

An "Epiphany" and just barely 32!

There is no better way to hon your skills than to teach!

I hope you could help, Darren.

Yes, Jason you do belong in the people business!

Bill

5:24pm • #29
266,676 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason - I think that may have been my favorite "Sardi post" yet - I did get a further glimpse into your beautiful soul :) My mother was also a teacher for her whole career and the last half taught english as a second language (ESL) - I grew up never wanting to be a teacher (thought they were over worked and under paid) and yet that's just what I did become - and it's so gratifying :) So glad to have you as one of the good guys in this crazy mortgage business :) {hugs}     

5:58pm • #30
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Hi Jason,

Having compassion and lightheartedness is essential when working with people and in real estate.  You have to understand where they're coming from, both good & bad times.

     ;>)

6:30pm • #31
316,845 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Jason - love this post as it captures the essence of what so many of us do who really love our jobs, both in mortgages and in real estate.  Teach, teach, and teach some more - people come to us to learn and be helped.  That's what we do, if we want to be long lasting in our chosen professions.

Walking - maybe I need to get out and try that.  Anything like that has to help me at this point....

Ann, MWA........

6:44pm • #32
1 Featured Post

Moving post Jason. The best professionals try to educate their clients. Some listen, some don't. And we sure can't control the ones giving out bad advice. We can only affect the ones we can touch.

6:48pm • #33

great post, It's very unfortuante about your phone call but I like how you're able to reflect and and re-realize why you're in the business.. good for you

 

6:49pm • #34
408,296 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Bro,

You scared me for a minute.....I thought you were going to quit...thanksfully I'm glad I kept reading:)

7:03pm • #35
422,868 Points 36 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason,

Great post!!! There's nothing new under the sun...yes, we are our brother's keeper!!! Thanks,   Fran

7:10pm • #36
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Thank you! I have goosebumps! All I can say is- wow you totally got it! To some people it sounds simple but to those of us who do this "thing" called the real estate industry (realtors, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, home stagers) day in and day out we realize that we work with people's dreams and lives. I tell myself 3-4 times a month that I am walking away from this and then I meet someone like your client and I go home and I relish in the delight that I have a home, and a loving family, and a business to run and children to nurture and educate. I go to their home after they have gotten the bank notice, I help them make a plan after their wife dies, I help them prepare to sell their starter home to move into their dream house- we get into these people's most personal space and they trust us. Your client trusted you to be his guide in the scary journey called foreclosure. Thanks for sharing and god bless! kh

7:22pm • #37
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Neal -  I thought the same thing. - until i read further....  Matt Blum was one I never expected to leave... then i read this post..... damn!  We really should get everyone together for a convention or something and brainstorm on survival techniques... i dont want to see anyone else leave...............

7:24pm • #38
332,055 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason - finally got that epiphany! I am sure there will be many others. Keep the attitude. I hope things work our for Darren, and, I hope you can keep others out of the same straits.

7:33pm • #39

That's great Jason, sometimes it takes thinks like that to make us realize how much our expertise is needed in this world. 

Sheila Reeves
7:46pm • #40
409,780 Points 59 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jason:  You definitely ARE in the right business!  I'm impressed with your compassion as alot of both lenders and agents don't CARE once they've put these folks into the programs that are ultimately going to 'sink their ship.'  Your momma taught you well Jason!

Debe in Charlotte

7:58pm • #41
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Just a few words to all... Knowledge is only powerful when applied.

8:10pm • #42
335,019 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I hope if he had no hope...and sounds as though he was upside down that you have a short sale agent....an experienced short sale agent who can help him....soooo much better than foreclosure. Just as we have a list of reliable lenders....lenders should have a list of reliable short sale agents.

8:14pm • #43
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Jason, don't let it get to you.  My dad was a teacher for decades.  Oddly, he had students that had failed his class come back to him years later and thank him for it.  He always felt like he had failed in teaching the student, but sometimes it was actually the lesson that they needed. 

8:36pm • #44
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What a sweet post. I'm sure you might have uplifted his spirits a bit. It feels good to help people.

8:53pm • #45
435,593 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog

So many people are like Darren.  Unfortunately when home prices have fallen so far it is almost impossible to help anybody out.

8:58pm • #46
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Charles - Interesting motto, I kind of dig it. 

Christopher - You get it, that's for sure.  I'll check out the link.

Katerina - I absolutely love Nestor's condition for those folks.  That's plain smart:-)

Sandra - Aren't we all?

Bryant - We are a lot alike.  I'd feel sorry for you if I wasn't so happy for me;-)  You are a good man, Mr. Tutas.

Lewis - Tough worlds take tough people, that's the bottom line.

Danny - Yeah, it being someone you know would make it that much harder. 

Lewis - Those calls always do.

Missy - It's amazing what a walk can do ...

Bill - You big lug, I just want to give you a hug:-)  You're right, on all accounts.

Cyndee - Speaking of hugs, thanks!  Back at ya;-)  I do know what you mean about teaching.  It can go underappreciated but the intrinsic value is so overwhelming.

Ann-Marie - Don't make me break out the 'Facts of Life' theme song.  Very true...

Ann - Sometimes searching for words sucks.  This would be one of those times.  Please note that the only thing I can say to you is 'MWA' from my heart and soul. 

Wayne - Right on.  "We can only affect the ones we can touch."  That's why it's vital to touch as many as freaking possible.

Jessica - My tongue in cheek comment is that I should of just took over my father's beer distributor and called it a day.  Yet, what fun would that be? 

Neal - Thee of little faith.  I'm glad you know me well enough to read on ...

Fran - That, we are.

Kate - The interesting thing is Darren wasn't even my client.  I never made a loan to that guy in the first place.  You are so accurate in what you say though, we are guides.  I only hope we are pointing those folks in the right direction.

Lewis - I know what you mean, I know what you mean.

Mike - I'll certainly try.  On a more personal note, talking to you weeks back kind of stirred my soul.  You are a guy that cares, I like that.  And in a manly way, I like you;-)  Thanks man, thanks.

Sheila - Oh, it's needed.  Probably (especially in the last few years) not practiced enough, but needed.  Thanks for stopping by.

Debe - Yes she did, though she will probably be quasi-pissed I didn't call her today.  Sorry about that, Mom.  I know she reads, just not sure if she reads the threads.  Figured I'd throw that out there in case she does:-)  I admire my parents, they've had to put up with 32 years of this chap.  As always, thank you for the kind words Debe.  They mean more to me than I can probably articulate.

Jennifer Ricco - Note to you, good call.

Sally & David - Actually, that's a heck of a point.  One I did not consider because I'm not too familiar with short sales experts in this area.  Thank you for that input, that's yet another angle to consider.

 

9:06pm • #47
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Lane - That stuff is very rewarding, in of itself.

Lindsay - You used the word 'sweet' ... very cool. 

Russ - With problems that are acute, there may not be immediate solutions.  It's time to be chronic about this stuff...

9:17pm • #48
159,642 Points 9 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jason, Wow. You sound like such a caring person.  I'm proud to be associated with people like you.  It sounds as if Darrin needed guidance from someone he could trust, and you provided him that.  When one door closes, another opens.  Beautiful story and thanks for sharing. 

9:25pm • #49
650,301 Points 108 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Sardi - I almost sent you this link the other day when you mentioned seeing a rainbow on your birthday post, and now that I read this post I know I was supposed to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5suKuq1fd4s

 

9:33pm • #50
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Elizabeth - I suppose I am.  Beyond the neediness, immaturity, flaws, & the fact that I haven't shaved today ... I do care.  I hope that never changes.

Crouch - Damn it, you had to do it!  When I saw that rainbow on my birthday, it kind of made me change perspectives, if even for one moment.  As far as that link, I'm very familiar.  Adding it here just made a grown man tear up.  My positive spin on my ducts leaking at 10:46 PM EST ... I won't have to moisturize before I go to bed. 

 

*grumixameira* They aren't making this any easier:-)

9:48pm • #51
371,179 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hello Jason, There are many different kinds of calls and sometimes that one that strikes you hardest is when there is usually no concrete answer to guarantee a solution. The palm pressed on the forehead  doesn't even begin to touch on the deep buried anxieties. Because I think we have the visceral fear that says , yes anyone of us could suffer this or something else like it that taxes us beyond any solution. Your internal you will never stop asking the question, Jason, even though you can shout the answer from the roof , but it seems when you really care, the suffering goes with the territory, But don't stop caring, it is who you are. We just have to endure,until we can't.

11:16pm • #52
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Jason, At the beginning of the year, I had so many calls to refi upside down home owners.  I am glad that the my last few months have been all purchases.  AJ

11:23pm • #53
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Jason, At the beginning of the year, I had so many calls to refi upside down home owners.  I am glad that the my last few months have been all purchases.  AJ

11:23pm • #54
228,411 Points 30 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Damn ... you're feeling it this week, man.  Powerful.

11:46pm • #55
JUL
28
2008
129,374 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, I am sure we are brothers from another mother. I have enjoyed your posts and found many of them very thought provoking. This one is on the top. Because we care, we provide services to our clients and even those that aren't now or haven't been our clients. I have told people that they were making a mistake and they have done it anyway. Maybe someday, we will all profit from those times. For now, it is good enough that we offer help to those we can. Take care,

1:05am • #56
224,750 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jason,

I really enjoyed your post especially the insight into your feelings about the current morgage mess.

6:36am • #57

Jason,

I found this post refreshing.  So many people characterize mortgage brokers as uncaring, unscrupulous, and just out to make a quick buck.  I was a mortgage broker for 10 years before I exited that world and entered the world of retail mortgage banking.  I know that if you are in the business for the long haul you will care about the individuals who call you wanting help.  You don't throw them into the loan that will make you the most money and forget about them.   I do realize that there WERE a lot of brokers out there who were like that.  The good thing about this market is it will weed most of them out.  Kudos Jason.

8:40am • #58

What a great post! It's refreshing to hear people talk about the service we provide to people as a calling.  Nice post.

9:42am • #59
5 Featured Posts

Good for You Jason.. Working with others is what is important. Helping and providing guidence to others is a nice gift we can give

Hope all is well.

10:09am • #60
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Jason, what a refreshing post.  I've never thought of the 'housing' industry as a whole in those terms, but you are absoultely right.

11:05am • #61
108,954 Points 8 Featured Posts

Fantastic post sweetie! I love this ;-) 

I agree that if we do nothing more for our clients, we do need to educate them. It may not give them a house today, but it does give them hope and a direction. And as to not feeling the rewards immediately, while that is sometimes true, I feel it every time I make even a small difference in another person's life. Personally or professionally.

I adore your Mom and she did a wonderful job raising a son with a beautiful heart :-)

MWA!

12:20pm • #62
323,947 Points 19 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I agree with you completely Jason. The people involved in all sides of this industry should strive to educate everyone that they can about it. Take care.

12:44pm • #63
3 Featured Posts

Jason, isn't it amazing how our mothers really are unsung heroes. My mother also spent most of her life teaching. She taught high school continuation school. You know, the high schoolers who couldn't stick it out in a regular high school setting. I can't tell you how many gang bangers and pregnant teens my mother drove to job interviews and did what she could to turn these kids lives around. Amen to your message brother Jason!

1:03pm • #64

Hey Jason!

In a time of great chaos, great Mortgage professonals are empowered to change and sometimes literally save lives!  It' truly inspiring to know that there are others out there who are focused on educating and empowering the client, knowing that the income will surely follow.  We can lift a client out of despair with one word of encouragement or sound advice.  Job well done, Jason!  The industry needs more like you!

JB Brookman

Castle Homes and Estates

Ladera Heights, CA

1:10pm • #65
196,860 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jason - very good post - I appreciate your compassion towards this person who needed your help.

3:35pm • #66

Jason,

I'll join everyone who has already commented, Great Post!  I commend you for your compassion and only wish all lenders and agents were as thoughtful and caring as you are.  This business isn't rocket science, and we aren't saving lives here, but most of us are dedicated professionals and truly believe we are doing a worthwhile service.  Thanks for sharing and reminding all of us that "Darren" might be on the other end of the phone next time it rings.  Keep up the good work!

Amy

3:54pm • #67
408,296 Points 74 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Of course I read on but I did wonder if it was just another Sardi Smoke Screen...

5:07pm • #68
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Jason, you are the best.  It breaks my heart when I get those kinds of phone calls.  It is tough, but not the end of the world, we will all learn a hard lesson and prevail.  Good for you.

5:10pm • #69
162,930 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Jason... More than anything Darren needed someone to listen and for someone to care.  He knew, I'm sure, from reading your posts that you do listen and you do care.  Thank you for being who you are... and you're right you do belong.

7:30pm • #70
165,887 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason,  You, among other things, are a very insightful man with a beautiful heart and a loving soul.  I wish more professionals carried around your values and spirit.

Oops forgot, love that rendition of the song!

9:12pm • #71

Man that's a heartbreaker. Thanks for sharing and giving the encouragement you do.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

9:28pm • #72
JUL
29
2008
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Thanks for the wonderful feedback, as usual.  I will try to get back to everybody individually as time permits:-)

10:19am • #73
1 Featured Post

Thanks Jason.

My mother has been in special ed (teaching, smart ass)  for almost 30 years now as well.

I get where you are coming from.

I started when I was 21 years old in the stock market and went through the bubble.  Now I am going on 5 years in the mortgage business, which is going through, well you know.

I have helped a lot of people retire and live more comfortably but fighting the economy is like fighting a 30 foot wave while surfing, it's impossible.  I know, I've been there too.  When you're underwater and grasping at your board to float you to the surface and all you see is black, it makes you wonder if you should have been there in the first place.  When you get above water again though, you know you're in the right spot.

 

 By the way, whatever career I choose next, if I decide to change, look at the companies in that sector and SHORT THE STOCKS!

 

10:36am • #76
JUL
30
2008

Jason,  Fantastic post.  It gave me reason to look inside myself a little as well.  Mike

8:23pm • #77
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

William - I hope to the highest of heavens and lowest of hells I will always care, irregardless of whether I can or can't take it no more.  I miss your wisdom man, I'll stop by sometime soon.

AJ - I suppose that does make things easier.  I've always been told to spend my time more wisely, sorting through what can and can't be done.  Frankly, I agree.  Yet, I like to try to help ... though getting involved is sometimes counter-productive to everyone involved.

Slaybaugh - Thanks man.  Passion for anything tends to make the meek, mighty.  While I'm not either, you ain't seen nothing yet;-)  Damn, the cliches ...

Fred - Considering you are more experienced and well-versed in this Industry, those are high regards.  Eventually, I'll try to live up to them.  Care, I will.  Care not, I will never. 

Diane - Thank you very much, yet I provided little in the way of solutions here.  I provided a bit of humanity.  This industry, this world, could use more of both.

Amy - I suppose they never met me.  The way it sounds, perhaps those accusers may have not met you either.  I don't mind getting a bad rap for things I'm guilty of.  I do mind a bad rap for things I had no part in.  Ego aside, if this industry ever loses me or I, it ... we both lose.  Sounds like you feel and are the same.

The Unknown - Thank you.  I appreciate that.

Mike - Could be better, could be worse.  How's that for vague;-)

My Jennifer - Through thick or thin, better or worse, death does not part ... only lack of love.  You'll be fine and so shall we, and so shall me.  My heart belongs with you but be careful with this soul, it's a wild child from day one;-)

JL - Far be it for me to harp on something I so much hated, education.  Yet, it's crucial.  It's time to stick a knife in our stake, it starts and ends with education.  I ain't necessarily talking the system currently in place, though.  And I love using the word 'ain't';-)

Greg - It's a shame I don't hug her more often.  It's a shame I don't tell her more often.  It's a shame I don't grab her hand and thank her for everything that is good about me ... more often.  You are right and when true wisdom kicks in for me, I'll do all that stuff and more ... more often.

JB - In the end, I hope my time lives up to the accolades.  Love the comment and I can only hope and work towards being better than I am now.  Don't mind me, I'm on a philosophical kick from parts ... unknown.

Sharon - Thank you.  For me, right now, no other way is truly acceptable.

Amy -  When humanity is forgotten in any sense, we die slowly.  I firmly believe in business sense, common sense, political sense, & economic sense ... but if we ain't feeling, we'll be reeling.  Perhaps we are already there?

Neal - When I blow smoke, be damn sure your posterior will feel strange winds;-)

Audrey -  We'll survive, even through those tough times.  And you are right ... it's not the end of the world.  Happiness will eventually feel fine.

Debbie - I agree.  I believe that when you lend an ear, you cure the ill of indifference.  That's one obstacle, overcome.

Marc - This one's for you, man.

Michael - It typically is, it always is.

Sardi - You are a slacker;-)

Ron - We should speak soon.  You seem to have a grasp on that boat riding over the waves that is our lives.  As Lennon said, "More, cannot I say."

Mike - That's rarely a bad thing, no matter how your shadow or mirror portray you. 

 

 

11:40pm • #78
JUL
31
2008
1 Featured Post

Any time Jason.

I've been off actve Rain for a little while but am now back.

9:51am • #79
5 Featured Posts

Jason

I won't be happy until you assign me a song (Ducking for cover..not sure what is coming now!!)

12:00pm • #80
108,954 Points 8 Featured Posts

I am careful with your soul. Don't forget, I knew you were 'delicate' from day one ;-) If you're warning me off, then that's another story.

3:40pm • #81
AUG
01
2008

Great post. Your words to that guy may bring you something positive.  Thanks for sharing

 

Stan Stepak

stanley.stepak@realliving.com

Ohio Realtor - Western Cleveland Suburbs

2:37pm • #82
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Ron - I look forward to speaking with you soon, have a great weekend.

Mike - You asked for it:-)

Jennifer - That was quite the pick up line, wasn't it?

Stanley - Thanks for stopping by.  I sure hope they do.

 

5:52pm • #83
226,895 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Another good one Jason. Have a similar experience right now with a good one who's lost. Am tring to catch the muse to post it. Did respond to your question about what we learned  at blog connect. All  of which is that post.  BTW Rich, Brad, Brian Block, Missy, Jeff Dowler, AR Evangelist Bob were a particular gas.

6:20pm • #84
262,813 Points 59 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Gary - I was being a smart alleck, I've got the Friday frame of mind.  I'm quite sure one can't help but to come out of that event enlightened in so many ways.  Sorry I couldn't be there.

6:21pm • #85
210,130 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Good one J - "it resembles more of the beginning" ... all over again. Keep it up!

10:16pm • #86
AUG
02
2008
243,156 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Jason, coming late to the party here.  Congratulations on the feature. I'm sure that Darren really appreciated your taking the time to talk with him and listen to him as well as educate him.

2:02pm • #87
AUG
03
2008
150,448 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Your thought/heart about the work you do is what determines the difference... of value, integrity, healing, direction, connecting, uplifting people on their journey that appear on your path. Your thinking is well positioned--- for any vehicle we can name "work"--- nothing else really matters or sustains our livlihood. Thanks for sharing a wonderful post.

9:50am • #88
AUG
13
2008

This industry, this culture, this economy, could use some education from the inside/out. 

Hi Jason,

I'm glad I stumbled over this post tonight.  I got lost looking through thousands of AR blogs and somehow I ended up here.  Keep on educating!  We need it, as you point out, in a lot of areas.

Best regards,

Bruce

Not Yet Licensed
2:49am • #89

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Jason Sardi, Mortgage Banker

Allentown, PA

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What you can expect is relatively simple. I hope to make these little posts informative, entertaining, timely and have a flare that allows you the reader to be able to look at the financing side of the real estate biz. And maybe, just maybe, it gives you a little peek into my soul... Jason
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