I believe that since you have to live somewhere, you might as well own it. I feel tremendously honoured when clients ask me to navigate them on their journey from renting to home ownership.
I don’t think it was an accident that I became a Calgary mortgage broker. 5 major experiences in my life lead me to this point.
1) I knew I wanted to help people.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to help people. In kindergarten (much to my mother’s dismay) I gave my classmate my winter boots and I walked home in my socks. The feeling I got from helping her out was more important to me than the trouble I got into.
2) My immigrant parents stressed the importance of home ownership
I am a first generation Canadian and it was always stressed to me (in heavily accented English) that “You must own your own home. Never rent and build up someone else’s future!!”
3) I was ignored
Based on point #2 above, I bought my first house when I was 20 years old. Though it ended well, throughout the process I got terrible service and was treated quite poorly. In fact, I was ignored at one show home I visited. No one wanted to help me. I don’t know if it was because I was young or didn’t quite fit the part, but whatever the reason was it was an extremely hurtful, embarrassing and confusing time for me. That experience really shaped how I approach my clients and it is my personal mission to treat all of my clients how I wished I had been treated all those years ago.
4) I was declined
A period of time not too long before I became a mortgage broker, my husband and I found ourselves in a tough financial situation. We decided that the best course of action was to refinance our existing mortgage. But our existing mortgage holder (a large national bank) declined us because we were both self employed. So I searched around and we received truly wonderful service from another mortgage broker who was able to approve us. She made such a difference in our finances, I am forever grateful to her.
5) I worked for the dark side.
My first job out of university was as a personal loans officer at a major national bank. In theory, the job sounded ideal for me as I was required to assist people in obtaining various forms of credit. But it was one of the worst jobs I ever had. I couldn’t help anyone, the rules and criteria were so strict. The day I declined 10 people in one day, I quit my job. I wasn’t helping anyone!
As a mortgage broker, I know that I am truly making a difference in people’s lives. I can help people and I love what I do. I would continue to be a mortgage broker even if I won the lottery.
Professionally, I have a BA in Economics from the University of Calgary and over 12 years in the financial services industry. I love working with people and I think they love working with me too since a past client nominated me for a Calgary White Hat award of which I became a finalist (I hate to brag but…I’m kind of a big deal!LOL)
Personally, I love keeping up with the antics of ALL “The Real Housewives” and the cast of Jersey Shore. I never met a potato chip I didn’t like and the only thing I love more than home ownership (besides my family) is to travel and see new places (preferably somewhere hot and/or in Asia). I love to have fun and I don’t take myself too seriously.
I would love to hear from you and buy you a coffee (or a beer) and see how I can navigate you on your journey of
home ownership. You can connect with me by email: themortgagenavigator@gmail.com, twitter (@themortgagenav)
sign up for my monthly newsletter below or give me a call at 403-714-6861.
