Top Nine Reasons You Shouldn’t Be In the Mortgage Business

Let’s face it. 

With the mortgage rules, compliance issues and compensation limits, it’s difficult to change the way you have been doing business. 

While I’ve talked with loan officers who are struggling or quitting the business because of it, I have found there are “other” reasons why some LO’s just aren’t making it. 

So, here are nine ways to determine if you are in this business for the right reasons.

1. You’re In It for the Money: LO’s can make an obscene amount of money, but not without doing what it takes to be successful, including investing in education, classes, database software and marketing strategies.

2. You are in Charge of Your Own Schedule: Of course you are—but the failure to “schedule” each day and each activity will hold you back.

3. They Told You it Would be Easy: If that were true, everyone would be doing it. 

4. People Like You, So They’ll Do Business With You: While being likeable and sociable will get clients in the door, it isn’t enough to keep them there unless you know how the entire loan origination process works.

5. No Sweat! You Are Supported by a Team: While that’s great, what would happen if one of the team members left? Do you have the skills to fill in?  Continually improve your own skills, because you won’t always be on a team.

6. You Are Good at Marketing and Getting Leads: See #4. 

7. You Work for a Top Company: Well, every company calls itself a “top” company.  While the company is important, people only do business with people who can help them through the complicated mortgage process.

8. You Are a Hard Worker: Yes, this business is hard work. But if you spend every waking hour at the office or on the phone, you are working “hard” and not “smart”and will eventually burn out!

9. They Promised to Train You: You are not getting business because you are sitting around waiting for someone to train you?  If the company promised to train you, constantly bug them to get the training you need.  If they still aren’t training you, take on the responsibility of training yourself.