She was one of those clients that was truly a pleasure to work with. Her peristence, patience, & steadfast pursuit of a dream ... became a magic moment in my Real Estate Career. Though young, she was not living an unencumbered life. With great motives and responsibility, she emerged from a struggle ... with a dream realized.
The name has been changed to protect the admirable.
Lucy came to me with a bundle of burdens in her credit history. Her passion was simple, to sell the home she currently lived in and buy a new one. She had made leaps and bounds in her career after schooling and the income was coming in. It was now time to upgrade. But the demon's of credit past were still lurking ...
In a tougher (somewhat rightfully so) lending environment, I knew we had work to do. Actually, she had the work to do. I could only guide her in the right direction.
After reviewing her credit, I let her know exactly what needed to be done to get the financing to buy that new home that she so had her heart set on. I was fully expecting to call her back in a couple of months and find that little progress had been made. Perhaps that is just the cynical side of this Mortgage Broker's cruel self ...
About a month later, I got the call. Lucy was on the other end of the line and exclaimed, "I'm ready!"
"To buy a home?" I cautiously asked.
"Yes Jason, I did what you told me and paid off all the negative debt I had and I'm ready to go!"
I recall a slight birth of silence on my part. While I believed her, I was a bit taken aback. After all, I've dealt with folks for years for whom we've put together a game plan and it never reaches the sweet ides of fruitation. Yet, she had worked her keister off to put herself in a position of qualifying for that which she so desparately wanted ... that home.
Lo and behold, she was right! I gathered all the documentation that she kept for her records after paying off her creditors and we re-visited her file and got her pre-approved. She didn't need or desire to go searching for a home though, she already had one in mind. It was the same one touting the 'For Sale' sign a month earlier.
An agreement of sale was reached and we were off!
What transpired was a wrestling match commonly known and encountered these days in our Industry. At times, we were coming up against odds from parties having little to do with the transaction ... other than complicating it. Every obstacle was hurdled, though a foot got caught now and again. A Pre-approval turned into a Committment to Lend which turned into scratching for every inch to reach those three magic words from the Lending Side of Things ... Clear To Close! I called Lucy and heard the satisfaction in her voice, the relief in mine. She did good, damn good. I was just a guide in the ride.
After the ink dried, she was given the keys to her new home. She clenched them in her hands like a nostalgic piece of jewelry passed on through generations. Her eyes, welled up, began dripping tears down her cheeks at a rapid and glistening pace. Lucy then got up of from the closing table and came over to where I was standing. By this time, her tears were a downfall. She reached her hand out to shake mine and said words that so simply define the very reason I'm probably even here, "Thank you Jason, thank you so, so, very much." Her tears persisted and mine were about to follow ... but I held back.
I knew right then that humanity had surpassed financial gain, one more moment in our time.
Thank YOU Lucy ... and welcome home.
Jason
What a great experience for you, Jason! I'm sure that every agent out there has a similar story of helping someone that they didn't hold out a lot of hope for - those hard ones are the most rewarding when you get that thank you at the end and realize that you really, really, really, really (get it?) helping someone reach for a dream and catch it.
Gee, I'm getting a few tears too. That is a beautiful story, isn't it wonderful when the "Lucys" in our life, follow our advice? Congratulations to you both.
Jason, That's what makes the hours we spend struggling all worthwhile! Thank goodness we meet a few "LUCY'S" from time to time! Great job and thanks for sharing!
Mike Kelly
Jason,
Beautiful story!
You're a wonderful man and I wish everyone was able to have a mortgage representative like you...Lucy was a very fortunate woman when you crossed her path and I think she felt totally grateful to you for taking the time to help her dream come true.
Jo
Oh Jason, This is such a nice story. Thank you for sharing it and I'll my thanks to Lucy's. Thank you for being the caring, careful and considerate mortgage broker that you are. xxoo
Lisa - She's one for the books. She really is. Qualifying folks for a Mortgage is one thing, seeing them implement guidance to get there if they can't right now ... is something really special. Lucy is a diamond, rough or not.
Missy - Thank you! It does make our job all the more worthwhile. You take the good, take the bad, take them both and there you have ... Life:-)
Mike - For stopping by, I thank you. And yes, it's wonderful to be able to experience these things ... my kudos to her.
Just one person to appreciate that you did an exceptional job is all it takes to overcome the troublesome that think you owe them a home/loan
Have A Great Day
Jo - I have my moments:-) They aren't all good. In this case though, Lucy took it upon herself to realize her dream ... I was lucky enough to be able to help her. Thank you for your kind words.
Susan - Being in this Industry is akin to marriage, for better or worse. For every 'glowing' story there's stuff that goes on that just doesn't jive. This reality made me realize something though, there can be a light at the end of that tunnel ... and it may be some sort of rainbow, not a train.
You too Doris, thanks!
LOVE THAT. It is what I strive for in every transaction and keeps me coming back for more. Good for you and for Lucy!!
Jason, that is an awesome story! Congrats and great job on this post too, very well written.
This post should be featured!
This is wonderful sweetie. I listen every day to the way you worry about your clients and I hear the excitement in your voice when you find a way to make a difficult transaction work out for them. I know how much you internalize their experiences and in my eyes, that makes you my Mortgage Superhero! You really are!
In every way that I can imagine - this world is a much grander place because you are in it!
Mwa!
Jason, did she do this on her own or did she go to a credit repair place? You wrote this story so well!
These are the "perfect" moments that remind us why we stay in this business - even though it's tough! Thanks for the reminder (written in such a wonderful way)!
The caring mortgage brokers (and Realtors) out there are who will see us through the current mess and help us emerge as respected pros. You sound like a pro yourself!
Audrey - Thanks. If only, right? That experience, just months ago, was a reminder to me what this gig is all about. I have a couple of transactions now I feel just as strongly about.
Mike - Wow man, much thanks! I appreciate that!!
Jennifer - Ditto back at ya! Besides, you make me be one hell of a man:-) I was called at one time, 'Ethical to a fault.' I took it as a compliment though I have more flaws than I care to count. The thing is, I take it personally ... even if it is 'just business.'
Wow...you never cease to amaze me with your talent, your sincerity and your straighforwardness of your most positive experience. It is with transaactions such as this...that end as this did....where we are appreciated for our guidance, effort and caring.....that we are the most rewarded. Thanks LIL BRO.
Barbara - She did this all on her own. It can be done! Credit restoration and repair has its place, but she was bound & determined ... she didn't need that. She owned it, and now her home.
Eleanor - Tough as a two dollar steak:-) You know what I mean, you know what I mean ...
Gretchen - Thanks! I make mistakes but I'm getting there ...
Sis - Thank you hun. Wonderful idea for a contest. You've inspired some great content from all of us.
Jason, what I really liked in this story was the sense of destiny. That the For Sale house when she couldn't obtain it was still there when all the conditions were right. You helped her align the planets. Great job.
Very nice story Jason, That feeling we get when someone actually follows thru and then thanks you for the support.....Wish it happened more often.
Jason: Gosh, I LOVE those words CLEAR TO CLOSE! Congratulations on the Closing but, most importantly, you provided a wonderful service to 'Lucy' and truly 'lended a hand'!
See, I told you Jason and the all other ActiveRainers, you go the distance and then some. As I recall it was also about giving the shirt off you back and as I said we will take a collection and get you some new ones , so keep giving them away.:-) Wonderful post Jason!
Jason,
Congratz, and nice to see you again, long time ! everyone needs a "Clear to close" keep these great blogs.
Ray Saenz
Jason, you truly have a lovely soul! Thank you so much for sharing this heartwarming story! It's the triumphs like this that keep us in the business! I can tell you love helping as I do and that their victory's are shared. You are a sweetheart and you have a sweet heart! Later in the rain~Deb
Jason- And your writing invokes tears! What a triumphant and touching story of a woman who had made up her mind, saw a clear picture in her mind of what her goal was and did what she needed to do to make it happen. She did not lose sight of her goal. She did not wollow in excuses or hold a pity party. She went home to take care of what needed to be done in order for her to live her dream! Gotta love it.
This my good man, is specktabulous. Wonderfully written Jason. I felt every last word!
Congratulations on a great job. "Clear to close ' are the sweetest words we hear in real estate .
Gary - Thanks my good man. She wanted that house so bad, I could feel it.
Kim - You and me both ... we just got to keep on plugging away.
Debe - Gosh, I sure do love those words:-)
William - I don't need no stinkin shirt! Thank you my friend, you are always so very kind.
Ray - Indeed! Long time, no see amigo. Hope all is well.
Deb - Thank you so much!
Katerina - And her tears almost evoked tears from me. What a fragile sap I've become in my old age:-) Thank you for stopping by.
Jesse - Do you have dibs on the word 'specktabulous'? Appreciated ...
Gita - I agree with you there, those three words are a breath of serenity.
Bro,
I love the clear to close voice! That means we are at the tail end of the transaction...great story!
Jason - Even through they are usually difficult deals I so enjoy when I get a "Lucy", makes the closing that much sweeter. Congratulations on helping her reach her dream.
Tears you bet...add mine to that pool and don't ever be embarrassed by being human enough...compassionate enough to feel another person's joy, sorrow, or whatever emotion. It is part of what you...you....and a part you should revel in knowing that it sets you apart from the great majority of folks in this industry...you walk the walk, talk the talk....and go ahead, cry the tears...I am proud to have you as a member of AR !
Neal - I love that voice as well. It's one of the rewards that being in this business brings.
Sandra - They can be very difficult deals and it's often times tough to stay the course. It isn't all 'rainbows and roses' though ... they say it builds character or something:-)
Sally & David - Wow, that means a lot. Thank you! I don't get too embarrassed by the human emotion thing, it can come in handy at parties:-)
Jason,
After reading your post and all the comments (the comments actually calmed me down enough to type a comment --- it's hard to type with blurred vision). Keep up the GREAT service --- and please keep writing... you have a gift. Thank you for sharing.
Jason: Great story and she was lucky to find a mortgage lender who could set forth a plan for her. I had a Lucy just a few weeks ago. I sent her to a lender who has her on a plan. This plan will probably last 12 months, but I know she will be just like your Lucy.
Congratulations on being featured! I love my featured Jason!! :)
That was truly a remarkable expirience. I was privledged to be in attendance at tht closing. Extremly well written and certainly feature worthy, no doubt. Yet you left out the humorous part of that story. Everyone at the settlement table was so absorbed in the joy of the moment, that even the closer forgot to collect the monies due from Lucy. She parted, and as we all talked about how great this business can be, it dawned on us that she failed to exchange one of the most important pieces of the deal, her investment in it! Fortunatly, Lucy was not yet far away and hung a u'ie to deliver the funds. EXCELLENT POST my young friend!
Melissa - Thank you for those kind words. In my opinion, service is what separates businesses of any nature.
Jan - I've worked with clients for over 24 months before ever closing their loan. Some good things, just take time.
Jennifer - You're too sweet:-)
Scott - LOL, I almost forgot that. That was freaking classic! What a memorable closing on so many levels.
Sardi...
Great post. Pretty post. Thoughtful post. Heartwarming post :)
I still believe there will come a day when I'm asking you for a FREE copy of the book that you wrote which had nothing to do with this business. God...I love the way you write :)
TLW...ROAR!
Very nice. Very nice indeed. I've witnessed the same emotions from buyers for whom getting a loan was not automatic many, many times.
Sometimes the most difficult (within reason) transactions are the most rewarding.
This cantankerous old goat does not get emotional about real estate transactions. However, I have a deep appreciation for being in the business of helping folks buy a home. Not real estate.
It's all about home.
Beautiful post! It made me Actively Rain some tears of my own.
Great story better than any article I wrote for the contest. I like it and I can visualize her
This was the most inspiring story I have read. Thank you!
That's what it's all about: helping people. Usually it's the people we help that no one else seems to want to help or have the time to help that pays off best for us. My favorite clients and fondest memories are from those buyers that needed help most. I didn't get paid the most from them, but I gained more from them than most of the others.
There is nothing like the felling of helping someone you know really deserves it.
Well Done Lucy! Sardi you get the award for best supporting actor in a real estate lending drama. Maybe there is an escrow drama I could put on paper for one of my next posts.
I didn't know someone could actually clear up their credit in a month. Shows what persistance and determination can do!
Ditto Lovely Wife and Lenn!
(do I dare baaaaah at Lenn?)
I love the story-like tone of your post. I'm doing my first buyer's hosue warming party in a couple weeks and I think I'll write up their story like that to read at the party.
We need more positive stories like this. Thanks! This is why we are in the business. I wish more consumers could see that we really do what we do to help people follow their dreams. It just takes one great client like this to make it all worth while.
Jason isn't it a great feeling helping someone aquire their dream? You probably made a customer for life. Good Job.
Jason, what a nice story. It really feels good to help someone like Lucy and see the resulting happiness for them. That is when our business (and yours) in helping people buy and sell homes is the most rewarding. That young woman had a vision and she never lost sight of it. I'm happy she had someone like you to help her.
Jason... just more proof why we both love this job. Nice story and thanks for sharing....
Jason- This was a moving and incredible story! It was moving to hear that Lucy was able to realize a dream, but it was equally moving to read how much you care about the clients that you help!
What a great story. This is why I am in the Mortgage Business.
Thanks for sharing this, Jason. Congratulations to you and to Lucy!
TLW - That's one of the highest compliments you've ever given me. Thank you!
Lenn - Why doesn't that surprise me:-) I bet your a marshmallow on the inside though, lol. Thanks Lenn.
Mike - That's very manly of you my friend!
Russ - I liked your article as well Russ. I have a deep appreciation for what you touched upon with your words.
David & Kathleen - Why thank you so much!
James - Well put. I'd bet those clients are some of your greatest referral foot soldiers.
Chuck - That's a fact man, that's a fact.
Greg - An attorney did the closing, she was fantastic!!! It was a hoot my friend:-)
Tamara - She paid off everything she needed to pay-off to go ahead and get approved. Generally, with hard work and persistence, it takes 6-12 months if you are doing it right. Hers was an unique case.
Jennifer - You are on your own there;-)
Joetta - Best of luck with your party & post!
Ian - I don't know why it's taken me this long to write about that particular experience.
Shaun - I sure hope so, thanks!
Sheila - Thank you for stopping by. She certainly did a fantastic job!
Jeff - Thanks for keeping your comment less than 400 words ;-)
Jen - Yup! I must admit, I truly did almost break down myself at the closing.
Darcy - You and me both.
Christopher - Thanks and have a great weekend!
Sardi...
I came back for three reasons...
1. I couldn't remember what I said :)
2. I want the last word on your pretty post.
3. I get 25 points to come back and tell you all of this :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW - There's one chap who gets last word on my post my dear, Me!
(I've took it upon myself to email to entire AR staff to dock you 25 points for excessive commenting. While I know giving those folks my digits is a dangerous thing, I'm on mission over here:-)
Ah, Jason! Stories like this one remind me of what it's really all about! Thanks.
She was very fortunate to have found you.... a caring agent
As a new agent (6 months) I have found that in real estate you become a coach and trusted adviser.
Way to go Jason! at times like these we do need stories like that one! Good timing, good writing, keep on puting happy faces to everything you do! Remember WHEN YOU SMILE... IT INCREASES YOUR FACE VALUE!
Antonio M. Cardenas, "The Realtors In Motion" in San Leandro, CA. www.ListedbyAntonio.com
Sorry I am late to the party......... Great story.. Its people like Lucy that make me love my job. Knowing that YOU made a difference, took the time, helped and enabled her to reach her end goal.
Thank YOU Jason for having the knowledge and follow through to help the "Lucys" of the world.
Patricia - It reminded me of what it is all about as well.
Michelle - I think you'll find this site to a valuable tool to your new career!
Antonio & Alexia - Well put. I'll work on that 'smiling' thing;-)
Dez - That means a lot coming from you ... thanks!
Jason, how awesome for "Lucy" and what a great feeling for you, and to top it off with the bonus of great feelings, you actually get paid for providing the excellent service you did, to kewl!!!!
Jason, I am choking up here! You enabled her to get her dream. Good one.
Duane - It certainly was an AWESOME experience and one I will never forget.
Virginia - She really does deserve the bulk of the credit. Thank you!
Jason,
That must have been a great experience. Being in the Title Industry, mostly what I hear now a days is the opposite. I bet that perked things up and helped you intereact with some of your customers that you just know in your heart will not be doing anything that you have advised them to do. Keep up the good fight, things can not stay this way forever.
BTW, may I use your story with all credit to you in my weekly emails to my customers in MD, PA, DC, VA and NJ?
Kevin, eSettle, llc
Kevin - Boy, do I hear you. I'm working on some doozies right now, so it's always nice to be able to share the good along with the not so good. Feel free to use this story, I appreciate it.
Now this is what the real estate industry should always be about. Lovely.
Sara - I hear you there. Thank you!