I'm not a sales person. I never really have been. I will not cold call or push my business cards onto strangers, friends or family. I will not manipulate numbers or show fancy charts to pressure someone into a mortgage "right now". Hearing the word "leads" makes me cringe.

I used to debate Jillayne Schlicke over on old Rain City Guide posts whenever she would insinuate that I, and all mortgage originators, were sales people. I hate to admit, she's technically correct. We are "mortgage originators" and are paid to "originate mortgages". Pretty simple.

I prefer to view myself as someone who helps people make informed decisions about the financing of their home. My job, once someone decides to have me help them with their mortgage, is to guide them through the entire process. My goal is to have my clients have all of their mortgage questions answered BEFORE they're at the signing appointment. I think I feel strongly about this because of my years managing an escrow branch…a borrower should understand the terms of the mortgage before closing.I stay involved with my clients throughout the transaction. They're not pushed off to a coordinator or assistant so that I can focus on getting "more deals". Hopefully, if my clients are pleased with the level of service I provide them, they'll remember me when someone they know is considering buying a home or refinancing.

This is probably why I'm so passionate about blogging. I can help provide information to my readers and I'm fortunate that many of those who are buying or refinancing in Washington select me to be their mortgage originator. My business consists of those who find me from my social media efforts, returning clients and referrals from my clients, real estate professionals and financial advisers.

Yes, I originate mortgages but I won't "sell" you on one. I will provide you with a competitive rate and be dedicated to the successful closing of your transaction.

I have a 13 year old Pug, Orson.  Last month it seemed his hind legs were bothering him so I took him to the Vet who thought it was most likely old age and arthritis.  He recommended giving him treats with glucosamine to see if that worked.   A couple weeks later, his front legs began to give him trouble as well and he began walking with a sway (almost as if he was a little drunk).  Orson and I went back to the local Vet and this time the prognosis was not good: possible brain tumor.  They referred us to Dr. Sean Saunders of Seattle Veterinary Specialist in Kirkland who specializes in neurology.  An MRI revealed that Orson does not have a brain tumor; he has Hansen's Type II invertebral disk disease–as bad as this sounds, I'm relieved since this is probably can be managed with doggy drugs. 

What's the probable cause (or at least an aggregator)?

• Stairs.  His compact body is jarred going up and down stairs. 
• Being walked with a traditional collar.  Orson now sports a nice harness for his walks.
• Jumping can also cause injury to the disks in their spine.  Orson's not a jumper.

So this weekend, we're cleaning out our home office area.  Orson's "movin' on up" from the basement to a kennel in the office.  No more stairs for this fellow and I'm happy to share my home office with him.