Are You Busy?

In the current and may I say more “normal” climate of the real estate market, I am being asked a lot: Are you busy? Well, the truth is yes. To be effective as a resource for my client’s biggest investment, I must remain focused on all facets of my work as a mortgage advisor. I have found myself even more consultative with clients looking to purchase in 2023. Studying the market to anticipate new trends, remaining current on new loan products/financing options, and getting timely messages out to past clients and referral partners are daily commitments. These efforts take time and diligence to ensure I can offer the knowledge and assurances to those looking to finance a home. Procuring knowledge is crucial to being the best resource for those looking to purchase or refinance a home in the future. Believe it or not, there are people who still need to refinance. Some people secured equity lines of credit over the last few years, who have not yet paid them off. Some of those people are nervous about the increase to the Fed Funds Rate, which impacts home equity lines of credit.

So yes, I am busy. And I am grateful. I am grateful for my experience, which now has more value than ever. I am grateful for past clients who reflect on their experiences with me. They recall how much I care about providing all possible options and presenting them with clear explanations. I cannot say there has been a time when I have truly not been busy in some way. The term “Busy” is relative. The market is recovering from over two years of inflated demand as buyers found themselves literally grounded in their homes. People relocated with work-from-home flexibility. Investors also came out in full force using cash – creating more competition and demand. The list goes on. With the competition and speed of the market, purchases were being driven by more emotion than ever. That type of busy was a different busy. Below market rates also made the choice of a lender easier. I have said before a financing decision or significant purchase should not be done on a short timeline. Those types of pressures lead to decisions that are not necessarily well thought out and planned.

For those who bought, sold, and financed a home in the last few years, you secured historically low-interest rates and opportunities to sell at incredible prices. There is always a “win” to be found in any market. The “busy” of the last two years was a hustle. Committed to delivering the same level of consult, I had to find more time in the day to present options in detail for people to make important decisions under quick timelines. I can say with confidence I did not sacrifice the integrity of the content I provided my clients over the last 2.5 years. Stressful does not adequately describe this type of busy.

But now. Am I busy? Yes, I am. I am busy with clients who now see the value more than ever in consultative, personalized informed service. The great equalizer of the coming year and the future of Real Estate are professionals who add value. These people focus on growing their knowledge each day to make the most positive impact. My focus and my “busy” now is staying true to this premise which I originally outlined for myself in 2006. What would I expect if I were the person financing a home? Clear, honest, and compressive communication from someone who knows AND cares.