Level Up, Back To Finance.

Written By Justin Neil Gaynor

Being a year and a half into the real estate business as a profession has brought me to a new season. After selling a $1.386 million dollar home in Flagler Beach after almost a full year of investing in learning about the real estate business I decided to invest more in this foray into the real estate world. First, because I love the flexibility this business offers. Secondly, because working with people to acquire and sell real estate personally rewarding, and lastly because the income earning potential is tremendous. However, I decided to go a slightly different route than many of my peers. Having a background in banking and finance, I took some of the monies I earned in commission from the sale of the Flagler property, (after I paid back all the business loans it took to get to that sale), and invested in obtaining my license to write mortgages.

To become a Mortgage Loan Officer in Florida requires a significant upfront investment of both finances and time. On November 4th, 2022 I passed the exam which only has a 51% pass rate on the first try. I was quite happy with my results. The expense to register for my actual license after passing the test, which includes FBI background checks, State background checks, and much besides would wait until the new year. Then in January, after getting everything in good order, I was officially licensed with the NMLS. The next step was finding a Mortgage Brokerage under whose umbrella I could operate.

The interview process in this field was much more like what I think of when looking to obtain employment. I’ve mentioned before that when you are an independent contractor, as is the case in real estate, once you get licensed it’s like you are a first round draft pick and all the real estate brokers are trying to recruit you for their team. Now, as W2 employee again (for the first time in a few years for me), there were actual interviews and there was more care and consideration by the mortgage brokerage a to whether I would be a good fit for their company. Even though it is still a straight commission gig, because I am a W2 employee, the company I am with has a little more skin in the game.

After a few interviews, one of my application responses cam from a family-owned mortgage brokerage that has been in the business for many years. Mortgage Network Solutions, LLC is based out of Wilmington, Delaware and after an initial phone interview, I was happy to connect with them and they have graciously welcomed me into the family. That was about a week and a half ago and we’ve been working through the initial onboarding, systems training, and beginning what I hope will be long and fruitful relationships with some of the 75 account reps from the various lenders that I will be accessing in order to pair my mortgage clients with the best loan programs for their individual situations.

At this point, my professional life includes seven different streams of income. That was my goal based on some insight that was given to me by my friend who is with Primerica, James Buchanan (James has authored a couple articles for GP eMagazine in the past). So, as I continue to be diligent about fulfilling God’s purpose in my life, I foresee a time of refinement and acceleration in productivity in each of these seven income streams. I have no desire to add any more to my number of businesses, but rather to focus on the strengthening and refinement of each.

As you are considering and embracing what God is calling you to with regard to vocation, where are you in the process. Do you feel there is anything holding you back or preventing you from taking hold of God’s promises and intercession on your behalf? Remember, the Holy Spirit prayed for you, through the Apostle John, saying, “Beloved, my prayer for you is that you would prosper in all things and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.” If God is for us like that, who is it that can be against us?