I'm guilty of it. I force myself to do things I don't want to do. To me, from what I've been taught, that's life. I never wanted to do my chores, but I did. I never wanted to go to Prom, but I did. I never wanted to attend College, but I did. For those things I did, I firmly believe I came out a bit of a better person. The 'Prom Thing' was a total bust though; I'll rib Mom & Dad about that until the day that my life ends inevitably:-)
There's so much I should share and express and relate to everyone about the Mortgage Business. Ironically, I don't want too. I have thoughts and posts on stand-by because I don't want to do it. I just want to advertise my butt off and garner lead after closed loan after lead, until I'm sitting in the quiet comfort of financial euphoria. I want to help people, yet I don't want to waste anymore time educating anybody for free. Right or wrong, I feel as if I'm one of the soldiers fighting an unholy war. And even if the war is holy, I don't think Jesus would be walking the land quoting rates and generating blind Good Faith Estimates. What would Jesus do? I'm not totally sure, but even if that light is a train...
Famous last words, I suppose. Hindsight is making geniuses of many and the critics are coming out in waves. The entire Mortgage Industry has been under more scrutiny than a troubled couple under the comforting dialect of Dr. Phil. Professionally & Personally, I welcome it. You are never too young or old to behold the truth and learn from it. Folks, we are living in interesting times.
Blame for what's gone down has been thrown around more than Paris Hilton in a German Snuff Film. Fingers are pointing, people keep ducking, you'd think kneecaps would be spraining by the second at this juncture. Who's to blame? Who cares? Ah; yes I know you can learn much from mistakes and perpetrators from the past or present, yet we've given the blame portion too much thought and time. I've seen many accusations, assumptions, and relevant arguments to place the problem. What I don't see much of, forgive me if I missed it, is those who offer potentially viable solutions.
That solution will come; it's the natural cycle of things. Yeah, I know, the old "Keep on fighting the good fight", "Stay the course", "Keep your head up and chin down", Rocky Balboa sort of inspiration are all clichés that a guy like me tends to mock with the same ferocity as the guy who refuses to take off his undergarments before getting into the shower in gym class. Wait, that was me... never mind;-) Just because they are clichés, doesn't make them any less true. As consumers, professionals, citizens, & human 'freaking' beings... we need to step up.
I want a solution to all this and it won't come overnight. It will come with a genuine glare into the mirror. That's true of us all.
What would Jesus do? Well, besides the assumption that he is currently giving George Carlin a wedgie, he may just struggle and strive. That's surviving... and eventual thriving. Keep that head up; just don't ignore the sky when you are faced with the stars.
I will do this and do it right. I'll face that sky through the clouds and fogs before me. When that smoke clears, there will be a guy with a hose awaiting a fire... knowing he just took part in helping one being put out.
Sardi - This is my favorite post by you in a long time. I liked all of the songs you chose, too. Gordon Lightfoot was a surprise to me. I often find myself wondering what Jesus would do, although I certainly don't always choose the right path. Your Carlin remark was classic.
No matter how much money you make ..... there will be no end to it..... learn to be CONTENT in life. Be happy for what you have and look at people who do not have anything.....
I try hard to be content... I invest in realestate but at the same time try to be content with what I have... I don't get upset if the market crashes.....
I don't even know what is my exact salary. I am thankful to God for giving me so much ! I drive a Mercedes sedan, a Minivan and a SUV and enjoy it.
It wasn't that many years ago when the savings and loan industry crashed. We have been through this before and will probably be through something similar in the future.
Someone very smart once told me:
You gotta have Balance...
I've thought a lot about that over the years - family, personal pursuits, business development, all have to have seats at the table. Even if someone is single I would advocate for the cultivation of a family to share life with - be it friends, parents, relatives. Personal pursuits give us critical time away to be energetic about something worthwhile to us - competition, hobbies, travel, nature etc etc. And of course there's always our mind running through endless ways to get bigger and better at our career - that usually doens't need much impetus. However, we should try to "step off the hamster wheel" and attend seminars, meet with others and soak in the experiences of others in our field. It's a balancing act that makes us real people rather than automatons.
Crouch - Not to go all nostalgic on your posterior, but I still remember the very first time we met in the cyber world. I thought to myself, "Self... shoot, this guy is a smart one." I believe you to be a very good man, what you say and have said means a lot to me. Grazie, and I'll shoot you an email tomorrow on something else.
NADEEM- Being content is a gift of wisdom. As far as the Mercedes, God must have decent taste:-)
Jason- thoughful writing, candid and rings true for you. I enjoyed reading the words you crafted into this post. Blame- I am sick of blame. Now we will all help pay for the bail outs so that the lack of responsibility can spread like mold infesting society with more of the entitlement virus. It is a sad time and yet I have hope. As long as I know God lives, which I do, I have hope. I have been so very blessed and have learned to move with markets. Something I think is learned with time in the market. What I focus on expands, so when I have an abundance mentality money and all I want are attracted to me. I am always looking for open doors and windows to multiple sources of income. Diversify our income streams is my motto.
Randy - I've spoke to folks on all sides of this industry, who have been doing this for 30+ years, you're right...
Jeff - Now that is an astute comment. Thank you for that. Heck, you just taught me something with those words... damn man, your words are almost as great as those photos you take. For those who don't know, Jeff has proven to be a wonderful photographer... check out his posts and you'll see. That aside, well put.
Katerina - You are one of the better contributors here but I have to ask, "What does Carlin say when his undergarments are surrounding his temporal lobe?" God & Jesus have their hands full with that chap;-)
"I have been so very blessed and have learned to move with markets." Chameleon Marketing, I like it!
Passion comes and goes. The important thing is to stay in the game and keep playing. Doubting yourself is a natural part of life, that is why man invented religion. George Carlin did not have much use for religion, so I think Jesus must be busy educating him on the finer points.
Jason, I worked for a S&L during that time and had one closed underneath me. I had a mortgage company I worked for in the 90s just stop answering their phone (I have stock if anyone wants to buy it) and I hope (at my age) this is my last time, but I will not die!
The ups and downs of every industry can be easily seen on a long time-line. Blame can be equally shared by all segments of society but ultimately the one that is living beyond his means by financing the future needs to accept the fact that they screwed up and come up with a survival solution for themselves. I still see people pushing the limits of affordablity when purchasing a house. They go way beyond my comfort zone but it's their life...
Jason,
I've been in RE for a long time and yes this is a tough time for us all. Harder than the last down market I've lived through. One thing I learned is you can't change what other people do and you don't own their mistakes.
But you do own yours. Keep doing what you know is right for you...you'll sleep at night, and keep all your options open.
I don't follow Jesus so I couldn't tell you what he would do. There isn't much you can do but putt putt along and have a beer:)
Jason, very timely post for me personally. There is so much drama, both in the news and in our own businesses that sometimes it simply impossible to do anything accept keep plugging along trying not to let everything get to us. I am looking for opportunites during these times in order to keep positive.
Jason - Had a really long comment, but deleted it for it just depressed me. Suffice to say, just staying true to myself and looking for my rainbow.
Robert - Lol, in regards to Carlin... you may be right:-)
Fred - So, how much for that stock?
Dan - I still am seeing that and it amazes me. As a society, we really need to focus on Real Financial Education... as I believe that will help nip these things in the bud from the get go.
Monika - Words of wisdom from someone who has been in this industry longer than I. I concur 100% and I hope everyone learns something from all of this. Thanks for your input.
Neal - I think I can handle that;-)
Diane - At this point, I take what is on the news with a grain of salt. While it has some affect on our Industry, I'm more than convinced they don't have a clue... which is scary.
Sandra - Now THAT is a great link:-)
Sardi - Thanks for your compliments. I look forward to your email. Have a good one -
Did you just go all Scheizer video up in here? I'm pretty sure you did! LMAO! I'll echo what Crouch said. I've been reading in obscurity recently, but still reading. This is your best effort in quite some time. It is a tricky thing. Demonstrating expertise in hopes of generating business, at the risk of providing the information that makes actually utilizing our services seem superfluous to the target audience. I'm comfortable with the thought that that guy looking for a handout will always be out there. He just wants free information with no obligation. I'm fine with that. I'd rather not waste my time with him. Give me the savvy consumer who can discern that my worth is not solely tied to the content provided within my blog. It's just a sampling. Every transaction, loan, inspection ... whatever, brings with it a unique set of challenges that require experienced professional involvement to navigate. As to what Jesus would do ... I'm not really sure. My guess is that he wouldn't have gotten caught up in keeping up with the Joneses and their bitchin sandal collection in the first place. No neg-am or option ARM for our lord and savior. He'd be chilling in his free-and-clear hammock somewhere near water while the rest of us sort through this mess.
I can just hear George Carlin hanging out with a few Angels right now discussing the finer points of your post. Great Carlin remark! Hang tough bro, we all need to stick this one out. Save me a seat on the couch of financial euphoria.
For you Jason, the stock special today is 2 for 1. Can you imagine being in an office in Boise, ID., where your company transferred your 3 month earlier to manage a failing office, turning it around and all of a sudden your home office in Portland OR doesn't answer their phone anymore? Funding checks come to the title company and there is nothing we can do to get our (loan officer) money. Was a bad day at black rock. Anyway, 10% less than IndyMac stock, just for you.
Jason, when life hands you lemons... ok, I'm not going to do it. I can't bear to write that...
The fact is that we've all lived through some pretty shitty times: financially, personally, emotionally, professionally. What do you do? Wake up the next morning and deal with whatever's on your plate. It's all you can do, right? Sometimes life sucks, and it's something to be handled and endured. I don't get warpped up in moaning about the causes, etc. I try to focus on just taking care of what happens next, since the enormity of the suckiness will pull you under.
Endure and suffer. Spoken like the true Catholic Schooler I am.
Jason, be true to thyself is the best one can do. I personally say, constantly take little steps to your end (whatever that might be). More often that naught, you will be in reach of your goals. But, this is getting too philosophical. At this point, I'm going home, take my wife out to dinner and enjoy the weekend. AJ
Crouch - You too amigo and enjoy the roast;-)
Slaybaugh - I believe I did. As far as the hammock, I'm really pretty not sure, but think that collateral holds its value. And heck, if Jesus was a lender, he'd know how to clean up this mess ... free will. Or, maybe not;-)
Greg - Your seat is saved. If they are discussing the finer points of this post, that's one short discussion:-)
Fred - Wow, sounds like a bad trip. That's a shame but you are still around and that says something too. You are much too generous in your stock offering though, I'll give Jimmy Cramer a ring and see if it fits my current portfolio. After all, I need to have a yard sale before the sun hides behind the fall.
Heather - Our role, often times, is turning chicken ___ into chicken ___. Understood. Endure & Suffer, I kind of like that.
AJ - Enjoy your dinner and your weekend.
besides the assumption that he is currently giving George Carlin a wedgie. LMAO.
I can picture the entire thing. Jason, that person is always out there and sometimes it is not only consumers, it can be your competition. That is okay for me though. They can copy, but they will never be the real deal!!
Audrey - As far as competition, flattery (copying or imitation) only gets one so far. And frankly, I'm not quite sure who in their right mind would copy this cat:-)
Okay Senor Sardi - Cash, Lennon, Primal Thrust was it, and Lightfoot... did you have to mention flippin Dr. Phil? lol I'm all about this, but I can't stand to hear his name. Good job & keep on living!
What would Jesus do? From what I have read about Jesus, accept his responsiblity in the matter and keep on truckin'. Make amends & move on!
Sardi,
Johnny Cash rules,
I get what you are saying big time.
Jason, I think Jesus would tell you to keep putting one foot in front of the other, in other words, "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord". Love the Dr. Phil connecting. Wow, I got it.
I really hope Jesus is giving George Carlin a wedgie and he is not in the underworld! I hope to see him many many many years from now in the promised land HAHA!!!!
I found a quote years ago, the only credit given is a Danish Proverb? Perhaps its said said after a drunken night of losing in a card game and have a danish.
"Life is not holding a good hand; Life is playing a poor hand well."
So come on Market, beat my today, but there is always tomorrow and I will be there. So what would Jesus do? Open a bottle of wine and carry on with the the word.
You choice of music was incredible and this blog is one of best I have read!
Jason, your prom comment made me laugh and read it out loud to my teenager who went to the senior prom this year under duress. He hated it and I think he hated everyone involved in his getting hoodwinked into going. As far as blame, I hate the blame game. It's like when someone catches a cold. They feel compelled to call and tell you it must have been your kid that made them sick. Couldn't possibly be the 2400 other people they came into contact with in the past week. Was it the mortgage companies... the Realtors... the sellers.... who cares. Let's just work together to fix what's broken as best we can.
What would Jesus do? I wish I knew for sure, but I have a feeling Jesus would be smiling at you. You are what is known in West Chester as a good egg.
Jason
Great post. It is amazing how much time is spent(media, watercooler etc) trying to figure out who got us into this mess. If we spent half our energy trying to fix the problem we could all get back to business. Keep up the good work.