AFTER soaking in the smells and sounds of New York City yesterday, Jennifer and I arrived home. For me, I was just relieved to get out of the freaking car. You see, me and highways don't get along too well. In fact, even being on the highway gives me more anxiety than watching a Dustin Diamond sex tape. I digress, though.
WE hadn't been to our local watering hole for quite some time. So we ventured out into the beautiful weather of Allentown and walked over to Stahley's. When we arrived, the first person to greet me was John, one of the owners and bartenders. In a deep, raspy, Randy "Macho" Man-style voice, he asked me, "Hey J, what's the interest rate?"
HAD I not been friendly with Mr. John, I would have been a smart alleck and replied, "8% with three points and a blood sample" just to make things interesting. But I told him.
DINNER and drinks were had and I got to thinking. Drinking and thinking don't always go hand in hand, but things were a bit different in this case. A lot of us in the Mortgage Industry despise the "rate question" because, well, for a lot reasons. The factors that go into determining what interest rate you will be paying are plenty. I've even written in the past that it isn't the wisest of questions to ask from the get go. I had a sort of epiphany, actually more like a quasi-epiphany, but it was an epiphany. For the record, I think that is the only time I've used the word "epiphany" three times in one sentence. Anyway, when John asked me that question I actually considered it a good thing. But why?
I have been in this business eight years. They have been eight very interesting years. Highs, lows, and a whole bunch in between. One of the most sage pieces of wisdom ever dispensed to me was, "Make everyone aware of what you do for a living." John is aware. In fact, another bartender there came up to me and we waxed intellectual about the housing industry in general, the economy, and women's lingerie. Okay, so the latter didn't happen. Walls of words need a few sentences of interest if they are to be read in their entirety:)
"FELL" is a curious term, at least to me when talking about being in love with what you do. But I have. I really love what I do and I find myself more than willing to talk about it every chance I get. It hasn't always been the easiest living in the world, yet I could be a taxi driver in New York City. That would be interesting. If you know me, imagine me driving a cab in New York City. That could turn into one heck of a reality series. I probably wouldn't be around long enough to reap the rewards though, as heart attacks tend to be bad for one's health.
IN living this life, there are reminders. John's question was a reminder to me and maybe for some folks reading. Never be afraid to let folks know what you do for a living.
LOVE seems to be the opposite of hate. I've loved my job and hated my job. I'm pretty sure all of us have felt that way. But I love my job just enough to never be afraid to spout what I do to the masses. Last night I handed out my business cards like they were Philly Cheese Steaks at the Eagles opener. John is buying a house before the Tax Credit goes bye-bye. I wonder who he is going to call.
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About the author: Jason Sardi loathes driving. Jason also isn't the biggest fan of driving and will fight to the death in ever stepping foot in a car whose destination is the Autobahn. But Jason Sardi loves the Mortgage Biz and is more than willing to help and educate to the best of his ability. His area of service include PA, NJ, NY, CT, DE, MD, VA, SC, FL, MI and IN. Mr. Sardi can be reached toll free at 1-866-262-8720 ext. 229 or on his cell at 610-653-0317. If email suits your soul, contact at jsardi@ihmci.com.
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By the way, if you mention this blog and I close your loan, drinks are on me at Stahley's. Germany is out;)
Jason- Aristotle said, " We are what we repeatedly do; Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."
Loving what you do comes thru to your customers, and you never know what the person on the stool next to you will over hear! I once was having lunch at a local grill, and a customer overheard part of my cell phone convo...3 weeks later, I closed on a REFI of his primary residence, and his 4 unit.
Amazing...and all i did, was talk?? :)
D
The Dynamic Duo! Bottom line....we attract like kind clients...and sitting on a bar stool with head in drink is not the same as conversing with a smile on ones face and a joke or two with sound advice...
Darin - Just don't talk too much. I cite the two ears/one mouth philosophy. You are right, though. Quoting Aristotle is usually a turn-on for me. What are you doing later tonight?
Sis - At bars, in cars, and when I'm licensed in Mars... I'll let folks know what I do. You never know when they may need you.
big fan of the "don't be a secret agent" concept.
What if I mention this post, and you don't close my loan.... can I still get that pint at Stahley's?
Now there's an idea to get my husband to take me out tonight. Hope it works.
HOOOLD on a gosh darn flim flarnin' minute !!!!
YOU GUYS WERE IN NYC ??????????
... a stone throw away from MOI !!!!!!!!
Now I may have to just show up on your doorstep and invite myself for dinner as you blatantly chose a fun romantic time in the city together over calling YourBritishAgent to meet you for jinks !
... jus kidn of course! ...hope you guys had a great time in Da Big Apple !
I can't get over how much I really like this post and the concept behind it. I've read so many mortgage rants about the 'interest rate' question and here you turned it around and point out the (obviously) positive angle in the equation. So like you!!
I love our song, and,... I loved you before dinner almost as much as I loved you after ;-)
@ Sheldon... Actually, we drove the long way around your house hoping we could sneak past unnoticed ;-) ... jus kidn of course! Can't wait to have those jinks soon!
You have to tell everyone who will listen who you are and what you do, it's a key to expanding your sphere.
Speaking of Stahley's, do you know Rick Grimshaw, he used to hang out at Stahley's a lot several years ago.
LOL @ JM !! ... me thinks I'll have your license plates tracked so next time you enter North Jersey or Manhattan I'll be immediatley sent a Google Alert ...
I absolutely LOVE reading your stuff and have to tell you that I often jar the sensibilities of my family with my Randy "Macho Man" Savage" imitation. Besides my fave "Mankind"
Randy Macho Man Savage was one of the all time most psychotic wrestlers ever!
And...I totally agree with your assessment "Never be afraid to let folks know what you do for a living."
Nice to see you and Jennifer settling in and I wish you both the besT!
Jason, it is not hard to spout about what you do when you love what you do. I know friends that don't like to invite me over because they think I am going to forget my blinders:)
I can't help myself but when Macho man is mentioned...
who could ever forget this moment?
Jason - I like reading your posts, I often can relate to so much of what you say. While I definitely don't have your writing skill and ability, hubby does remind me frequently that my smart @$$ mouth and attitude can definitely get me in more trouble than I can handle sometimes, especially when I'm on my way to Margaritaville (whoa - flashbacks of last weekend).
Anyway, like you, I love what I do and I plan on doing it for as long as I can. I like Alan's tag about not being a "secret agent" so much so that my own tag line on my emails and correspondence is "don't keep me a secret". I can talk to just about anyone about what I do to the point that I often embarrass hubby about how I can talk to anyone anywhere.
With nearly eight years in the business, I feel like I've seen both the highs and lows and am still dedicated to my primary client base of low-medium income buyers and still maintain my ethical codes and high standards. I've learned a lot and it's been a wonderful journey and I absolutely love it when people ask me anything about my business - even the rate question.
If you drove a taxi, I would walk : )
P.S. You take days off?
Alan - Let's just say I owe you one. If you are in town, it's on me.
Tammy - Please let me know how that works out. And I hope your husband doesn't scold me for this one;)
Sheldon - I know, I know. My bad, my man. You are always welcome for dinner/drinks or just to get away from... well, er, life. Say the word and my door is open. Actually, you don't even have to say the word. Word up, I'll catch up with you man and try to make the time it took to get there more than worthwhile.
My Jennifer - I'm just honored that you still read me, after living with me:) I fall in love quite easy when it comes to you.
JL - Rick Grimshaw doesn't ring a bell but I can ask around. The world is a small place, you know. Speaking of which, we need to get together before our respective physical beings hit paydirt.
Sheldon - Personally, I enjoy stalkers. Especially if they have your energy, mate;)
Russell - Mankind? Good taste. Here's to you, kid.
Charles - You would have a field day with my abode as it sits.
Russell - Reason number 108 why I love ya:)
Donne - I hope to be able to talk soon. It's well overdue. It seems we've been in the business a similiar, if not the same, amount of time.
Sandra - And Dan would run. I take every day off; I just work in between vacations;)
... lol ! :o)
Jason - Well if you ever tire from the mortgage industry, you would be one he** of a author. I could see a best seller in the making that would go into the darkness, your soul ... the bellows of the city and ( I digress : ) ).
Seriously, (the above is serious), I agree it is important and imperative to let people know who you are. It can help grow your networking base of clients. What better way for folks to see people face to face. Sometimes, Stephanie and I though want to take a break from being "on call" 24/7 but still I think this should be done pretty much all the time. I am a bit of a workaholic though and need to take more breaks to create more balance... but now I digress again !
Sorry I missed you at the RE Bar Camp beer for bloggers ! We must have just missed you ! ~ Chris
Jason, I know you and all lenders hate that question. Gosh but more consumers that is really all they know to ask. We explain to our buyers it is not all about the % but the service, the communication, the appraisers, etc...
I know I'm not politcally correct to say great post on AR, but great post.
You're right--the more people who see you regularly who know what you do, the better! I've actually sold 2 houses thanks to the fact I make weekly trips to the wine store.
I walk in on Friday and the clerks ask if I sold that house down the street yet, or how's business. My usual reply to them is based on how many bottles I put on the counter.
Sheldon - This one's for you;)
Chris - That's a high compliment, my friend. I just ran into a plumbing issue at my own abode, perhaps now is the perfect time to start writing my first novel, "Oh Shit!".
Missy - Hey, a "great post" comment from you would never be taken lightly.
Erica - "I walk in on Friday and the clerks ask if I sold that house down the street yet, or how's business. My usual reply to them is based on how many bottles I put on the counter." Classic two sentences, Erica!
Jason, I think I dislike driving almost as much as you do. (LOL) I've always wondered how I managed to find my way around prior to my talking Tom Tom. It certainly has made for some interesting client tours, especially during the pre-GPS days. But, in a strange way, it's a testament to how much I like what I do. Why else would you drive around to strange places for 14 years when you have a quirky sense of direction?
Jason -
By the way, if you mention this blog and I close your loan, drinks are on me at Stahley's.
I will be expecting you to be buying in two weeks : )
Lola - I guess we'd be sharing a cab:)
Sandra - Deal.
Hmmmm.....seems like Stahleys might be an AR meeting place that many might enjoy! Get it done so I can show up! As for questions this brings to mind....Who is Dustin Diamond?
Otherwise, exceptional post! Really enjoyed it.
Geary - Dustin Diamond played the character Screech (sp?) on Saved By The Bell. And he really did make a sex tape. I'll bring it over one of these days;)
Thought you'd love my response, Jason!
Bro,
I'd honestly rather pay a bit more for better service but on the other hand...I should get great service regardless of the rate...higher or lower.
Hi Jason-Great post. Never be afraid to hide your light, talents and skills under a bushel. <SMILE>
OMG -- it really has been a long time since I've been here -- at least 10 posts I haven't read. You've been writing up a storm! one of the things I miss most about living out east -- it the ability to get to the City -- there IS only one! - frequently. love the one about the Farmers MKt -- and glad y'all got back. Also like this -- it's a good question and I totally agree with your friends advice -- let everyone know what you do. Lots of benefits -- and if ya love - let it show -- all the way around. Do believe you think that's so!
Erica - :)
Neal - That you should.
Sharon - As always, thank you!
Alexsandra - I try to churn out one or two a week. Hope all is well with you, Alexsandra:)
Your "What's the rate?" is very similar to my "What's the cost?" question.
I learned many decades ago that the first question out of someone's mouth about something they know absolutely nothing about is usually just an ice breaker to get me to talk with them about their needs, wants, and goals. When I realized that, it made all my businesses in every industry so much easier to work in.
So my answer is always "It depends. Let me get some information from you and I'll be able to give you a firm quote on that property that is good for 30 days."
Then I ask for square footage, whether it has a pool and/or spa that need inspecting, whether there are any detached structures, additions, or converted garages that need inspection, what kind of foundation it has, and what zip code it is in. Then I give them a quote.
Works very nicely and I don't have to get upset at the initial question like so many home inspectors do.