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Where Have You Been All This Time?

By
Real Estate Agent with Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado CRE# 40005863

Some of you might have noticed that I haven’t been around much in the Rain this year. 

Sometimes life fills your plate up so much – you have to pass on dessert. 

 

One of the challenges of being self-employed is the ridiculous cost of health insurance.  Insurance for my husband and I was going to be $2,200 per month beginning 2018 with a $10,000 deductible.  

Since I had absolutely no plans to pay these highway robbers that much money, I decided to take on a job with benefits.  It has been an adjustment.  An alarm clock?  What the heck is that?  Driving across town in rush hour?  How does that work?

Yes I still work as a Realtor and am still Managing Broker/Owner of Aspen Lane Real Estate, but I am lucky enough to work with a great guy who is willing to cover everything for us, Dan Spencer. 

Last year was a slow year for me in real estate.  I thought taking on this new job wouldn’t be a problem and maybe I would have a few real estate deals from friends and family who would tolerate my schedule.  I have been at my new job for 9 months now, and these 9 months have been the busiest real estate months I have had in years.  Figures!

By day, I am working with a mortgage company for a local bank and I love it.  They treat me like family and tolerate my occasionally whining about the amount of time it takes me to travel 13 miles in rush hour traffic.  Health, dental and vision insurance for Craig and I is only $650 per month. 

It has taken a while to clear the cobwebs in my brain and get back into the mortgage world.  It has been a bit since I worked in lending.  I am not originating, but rather managing the office and processing loans.  Every day is a new learning experience as I am faced with the never-ending changes in the mortgage world and the constant Fannie/Freddie guideline updates.  I now have a new level of respect for the mortgage folks I have worked with in the past. 

I will continue to check in when time permits and make sure you are all doing fine.  In the meantime, Blog On!

 

Here is a picture of the courtyard my office overlooks and the new friends I have made.

 

Comments(40)

John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

You've certainy got my respect Belinda Spillman. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do to make it all make $CENTS$ in the long run. Been there done that myself.

Had to get out of the passion of my life, the boat biz, when the energy crunch in '73 wiped out the industry for over a decade. I didn't have the staying power and had 3 kids (soon to be 5) and a mortgage at that time.

Got in the manusfactured home biz which I hated but it made very good money and put all 5 of my kids through college. But now I've evloved out of the general manufactured housing biz and forged a whole new niche with Accessory Dwelling Units and I'm lovin life. Helping folks age in place or provide housing for a family member or creating a great revenue stream for themselves by renting it out.

But the one sure thing you have aside from the challenge your dealing with regarding traffic, is beautiful COLORADO. My fave State next to Cali. Good luck and may you find that special place in your life that fullfills you once again.

Sep 27, 2018 08:12 PM
Belinda Spillman

Thanks so much for your wonderful comment.  Cali is my favorite state still to this day (other than the traffic).  Since that is where I am from, I will always be a California Girl at heart. 

Sep 28, 2018 08:18 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Hi Belinda - I join everyone else in being glad that you enjoy your new work - and I love your new friends!

Sep 27, 2018 10:26 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Sorry to hear that you had to re-invent yourself but that is what Real Estate Practitioners do, glad you do not have to pay what we pay for our health care and glad you are  readjusting to the new life and work, Endre

Sep 27, 2018 11:36 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I'm glad you were able to find a job you actually like that also provides benefits! Health care costs are crazy. I look forward to reading more from you when you have time!

Sep 28, 2018 04:27 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Welcome back, Belinda... sounds as if you are content in your new "life." Your story of needing to move on to something with benefits unfortunately is not unique in the real estate profession.

Sep 28, 2018 05:43 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Welcome that is good news to hear about you and yes you are miss in the rain.  Hope you are enjoying yourself!

 

Sep 28, 2018 06:45 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Belinda, I totally understand how agents need Medical Insurance and other benefits that are offered to regular employees with 9 to 5 jobs. Glad to see you're getting back on your feet and back into the Rain. I too haven't posted as much as I used to for various reasons. Enjoy your Weekend!

Sep 28, 2018 07:11 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

We miss you as a regular in AR, but I get it completely. Good for you Belinda, it sounds busy but satisfying.  Health insurance costs are beyond ridiculous. 

Sep 28, 2018 07:18 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

The cost of insurance is certainly out of control, it is really good to know that all is well with you my friend!

Sep 28, 2018 08:18 AM
Belinda Spillman

Thanks Mister!  I miss you and your fun cat photos...

Sep 28, 2018 08:52 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Belinda. I am glad to see you again. Sometimes life takes us in different directions. I hope you never need to use that insurance.

Sep 28, 2018 08:43 AM
Belinda Spillman

Me too!!!  Thanks a bunch!

Sep 28, 2018 08:52 AM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

The cost of healthcare & health insurance in this country has gotten out of control.     I've incurred the full deductible cost of $8,000 in each of the last three years, and my premiums are just a tad lower than yours.     It's a total shame so many regular people have to work two jobs to afford a normal lifestyle.    If this was facebook I'd hit the angry button.   

Sep 28, 2018 11:48 AM
Sondra Meyer:
EXP Realty, LLC - Corpus Christi, TX
See It. Experience It. Live It.

Hi Belinda, 

I am glad you are doing well.   I understand how there simply isn't time for blogging sometimes.   Taking care of my livestock has been a second job for me.  

Health insurance costs and medical costs are crazy.   I miss the days when I paid zero for my employer's health insurance.  

Congrats on the job and the busy real estate business.   

Sep 28, 2018 04:55 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I would be lying if I said I hadn't considered this myself.  Health insurance is ridiculously expensive for the self-employed.  

Glad to see you again and glad you are loving your new gig.  Of course, I am most happy you are still selling real estate.

Sep 28, 2018 05:32 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Featured in the group:  BARTENDER, MAKE IT A DOUBLE.

Sep 28, 2018 05:34 PM
Belinda Spillman

Thanks for the nice drink.  I needed that!

Oct 01, 2018 11:51 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hey Belinda Spillman so so SOOOOO nice to see your smiling face! Glad to hear you're busy in real estate and taking charge of the loan store too. Smart idea to do that as insurance costs are certainly not affordable. And you know what else?  You are featured in BanananTude of course!!  Maybe a little bribing you would get you back in the rain more often!!!!

 

Sep 29, 2018 11:31 AM
Belinda Spillman

Aww thanks friend.  I will certainly try to log in a little more frequently.

Oct 01, 2018 11:51 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I'm glad to hear things are working for you, whatever that is! Sometimes we have to make judgement calls and what makes the most sense.  That's a HEALTHY check to write.  I hear you.  We were just talking to Anna about how insurance rates are up to these days for all of us.  They have to figure something else to get us the care we need and not gouge the doctors even more.  Ugh!  Check in and say hello now and then! 

Oct 01, 2018 08:11 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

People have different things going on in their lives. I don’t fault you for any of it and I’m happy to see you back, Belinda!

Oct 03, 2018 09:23 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Jan Green I feel like no one needs to be judged for doing what they have to do to get all they need to get done in life. Glad to see Belinda back! :)

Oct 03, 2018 09:24 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Belinda Spillman,

I had to check on your last few posts because I read your featured post this morning and had missed you in the Rain. I'm thrilled things are going well for you with juggling all that is on your plate. Health insurance costs are beyond ridiculous and have to be addressed. Good call on your part! Hope to see you blogging more when you can.

Oct 04, 2018 04:50 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I knew there had to be a reason why we had missed you so much, and you HAVE been missed. It is a huge adjustment getting back to any kind of regular schedule and I'm glad it has been successful on both sides, both in the lending and real estate biz. It's challenging. Please stop by to say hello now and then.

Oct 04, 2018 03:41 PM