I have been doing this for over 15 years, lending money. I enjoy helping people sometimes achieving their dream of purchasing their first home or helping others just upgrading or refinancing. Doctors give life when delivering a new born and the parents are so thrilled, may it be their first child or possibly a second or third. May it be the doctors 3rd child delivered or their 100th, if they take pride in their job, they are always happy. Same thing for a teacher trying to get that third grader to achieve their full potential as a student. Finally that student pulls through with high marks because they applied themselves. Not only is the student happy, the parents ecstatic, but that the teacher feels warmth, closure, and just over-joyed.
Tonight, I was able to feel something that I haven't in 15 years in the mortgage industry, after helping thousands of families into homes or helping them keep their dream home. I actually had tears, even after I told a client good news, that they were APPROVED!! Now, you might say, this is a little strange because why would Jeff shed a tear. And there is a lot more to this story for you to fully understand it. But when the wife picked up the phone and we went right into a 2 minute conversation, I had to say.... "Saundra, wait, let me tell you what I need to at first." I think she was nervous, because the commitment letter was due today and she didn't want any bad news. I then went on to say, "you have been approved." Do you know what came next? Screams and yells of excitement. Okay, Jeff, that happens. Not really. If I had a stop watch, Saundra screamed in excitement for at least 45 seconds. Now, that might not seem long, but time it. I dare you, time it. That is a lot of screaming. I felt like Ed McMahon giving a check for 5 million dollars. To me, I always felt those were staged, but people, this wasn't staged.
Now, why were they probably more excited than the average homebuyer, who have both bought homes previously? Let me fill you in on their hardships just in the last 3 1/2 years.
- They both have been divorced and remarried to each other. They are both 58 and 60 years old respectively.
- He was diagnosed with cancer 3 1/2 years ago and still goes for chemo.
- The wife lost her mom in August of '07 and the husband lost his mother in February of '06.
- Lastly, the original loan officer back in October told them that they could buy a house. In late November, he used every excuse in the book to why they couldn't buy a house, except, that it was his fault, the loan officers fault.(and they lost $1,100) And since he didn't take blame, this couple believed him. So they went house shopping again. A week before the commitment date, this realtor Sheri Smith, asked them to contact me because she felt something was wrong. Within 10 minutes, I knew I couldn't meet the commitment date because of their current credit, let alone a settlement date in 30 days. I made everyone aware of this. Meanwhile, this loan officer said no problem and the loan approval date was for the 17th of December. They got an e-mail on December 26th telling them that they were denied. But they were in good hands. I am not here to pat myself on the back. But this was probably my 4th hardest loan in 15 years. It just needed a lot of love, knowledgeexpertise, and elbow grease. Hence why I am hear to share this story of joy. Not only on the buyers side, but from my side of things. These clients had the weight of the world lifted off their shoulders. And I could sense it in her screams of joy..... wow, did that give me happy shivers.
Just another blog to read more of what is happening in today's real estate. Please stay tuned for another blog of mine defining "red flags", what to watch for as a client and a realtor. ... and not just fluff from the loan officer.
Cartoon was from : www.cartoonstock.com
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Copyright © 2008 by Jeff Belonger
What a wonderful story. There's nothing more rewarding in this job than to help people get the home of their dreams.
Congratulations!!
You're a good man, Belonger!
Bill
NANCY...... thank you very much. What a great way to start the year. Yes, so many of us love what we do, but what a gift. thanks for the congrats.
WILLIAM..... thank you Sir William... ;o)
SALLY..... No, I approved them for the same exact loan than the other lender. A FHA loan.... and my rate when I started was 1/2% lower than the other loan officer and $4,500 less in fees. Even before rates came down. So, even if this loan officer did get them approved, I saved them like $25,000 just in the next 5 years.
We need to hear more of these type of stories! Some good amidst the bad!
DOUG..... I agree. But this one will stick with me for life. If I could only reply what I heard on my end of the phone. Thanks for the support.
ELAINE....... I am telling you, I replayed it in my head twice and timed it... it was literally 45 seconds. After reading what I wrote, that just seemed soooo long. But it wasn't. That was how much frustration, excitement, and so many other feelings that were built up in here. Basically, she was relieved... And yes, again, it was long... I actually took the phone away from my ear for 5 seconds...., twice... Thanks for the compliment and the well wishes for more. thanks.
MISSY..... wow, thank you very much..... 2 1/2 hours after your comment, I am still glowing, with a cigar and a glass of scotch. And yes, this is why we do this. It's nice when it actually comes in full circle. thanks again...
I'm happy for ya, Jeff....helping a client that is HARD to help has it's own rewards!!!
God bless ya!!
=-D
JASON.... I agree on both parts, in regards to just helping someone with their dreams, especially when they have been let down multiple times.... and that this was awesome. But what was awesome was the feeling. Thanks... thanks for your support.
CHRIS..... in all honesty, not to sound like a martyr..... but why shouldn't we be upfront and just tell them like it is? Out of fear that they will go to someone that is a liar? After 15 yrs, it took me a long time not to lose sleep over this.... and this didn't happen until just recently, like... 6 yrs ago....
Overall, I agree, desperation not to lose something makes many of these loan officers do just that, lie or mislead. Mislead in fear of losing them at that moment. I need to sleep at night. Thanks for the kind words and for the support.
MARK.... the reaction? I was actually taken back some, because it was so overwhelming, that I couldn't even interrupt her.... I will admit, it was slightly weird, but I guess more so, I have never been on the other side and through that. thanks
ALEXANDER...... thanks, I appreciate that. It is a great feeling. It's sometimes hard to talk about this because I am not the only loan officer that cares. But I tend to see more of this, that the loan officer just let the consumer down the wrong path, without a care in the world. To me, that's sad.... in regards to keeping it up? With my personality and who I am, I could never not keep it up. I thrive for helping people like this. Those that were just lied too.... thanks
RANDY..... exactly... I just want to thank you for your support. One day, we'll meet....
Matt...... thanks.... and yes, it was a great feeling,.... no, wait, an awesome feeling. I always have great feelings. It's hard to truly describe what I heard on the other side.... but it was amazing. And I agree in regards to the batteries getting a boost. thanks
Jeff:
A job well done, and well rewarded. I like mortage people like you who have a heart and not just a bank account to fill. Keep up the good work and keep in touch.