Almost Done
I’ve been working with a particular buyer for almost two years now.
As a Loan Consultant, that length of time isn’t unheard of. Some buyers take months. Some take years. But this situation has been a little different than most.
My buyer was born outside of the United States. She is now an American citizen and speaks English — but with a heavy accent that can be difficult to understand. She understands English as well, but I often have to slow down, reframe things, and explain concepts multiple times to make sure we’re on the same page.
On top of that, so much of the home-buying process today is electronic. Disclosures. DocuSign. Online education courses. Loan paperwork.
And that has been the hardest part for her.
There have been many times I’ve spent hours on the phone — often on FaceTime — walking her step by step through forms, signatures, and required documents just so we could keep moving forward. What takes most buyers minutes has taken us hours. Sometimes days.
Her credit is great, she has money for a down payment and she has a solid job.
But her income isn’t high, which has made finding something she both likes and can afford a real challenge.
And in full transparency I have considered walking away more than once.
Not because she wasn’t serious.
Not because she wasn’t trying.
But because of how difficult the process had become at every turn.
But she didn’t give up!
And neither did I.
After nearly two years of searching, paperwork, obstacles, and persistence… she finally found a home she loves. We made it through all the requirements (finally!), and we’re scheduled to close this week!
This story isn’t about me being some amazing loan consultant for sticking it out.
There have been plenty of times in life and business where I didn’t persevere the way I should have. This just happens to be one of the times where I did — and it is going to end well.
It is a reminder of something every Real Christian Businessman needs to hear from time to time:
Working with people isn’t always easy.
Doing the right thing isn’t always convenient.
Perseverance is rarely comfortable.
Yet that’s often where the greatest fruit is found.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal 6:9 (ESV)