Are you ready to make the life-changing switch to a career as an independent mortgage broker or loan officer? Our team at BeAMortgageBroker.com is here to help you every step of the way.

MAKING THE CUT IN THE WHOLESALE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY

Leaving behind a career that you’re passionate about can be difficult. It can also mean the beginning of a new chapter that brings a different kind of fulfillment. Darcy found herself in that situation as she transitioned to a career as an independent mortgage loan officer.

THE ONLY CAREER SHE KNEW

For 17 years, Darcy had been a hairdresser. It was a job she loved and one that she could not imagine leaving. However, when Darcy faced some health issues that left her physically unable to be on her feet all day. She knew it was time to find something else.

“It was really challenging if I’m going to be honest. It was leaving a very comfortable place in my life,” said Darcy.

As she surveyed her options for a different career, she came across a friend on social media who was experiencing a lot of success as an independent mortgage loan officer, so she reached out to him to learn more. Not only did he explain his job to her, he also offered Darcy a position on his team.

LEARNING A NEW INDUSTRY

“What I knew was it was people that made other people’s dreams come true of getting where they wanted to live. That was really all I knew. That and a lot of numbers.”

It turns out Darcy was pretty good with numbers. She already knew how to take care of clients from her time as a hairdresser. Putting those things together along with being highly motivated to learn, Darcy began pursuing her mortgage loan originator license in October of 2020.

“I’m 35 years old and I haven’t really pushed myself like this since I was in high school,” said Darcy. “I just worked really hard and I had people rooting for me and encouraging me. The process was just time, patience and a lot of effort on my part, but it was so worth it.”

LEANING ON PAST CLIENTS, LEANING INTO OPPORTUNITIES

After she got licensed, Darcy went to a familiar source to build her book of business. When you cut someone’s hair for years, you learn a lot about them.

“My clients (as a hairdresser) became my family,” she said. “Some of them became my best friends, some became my second moms. Moving on to this career, it was like, how can I still help people with what they need?”

Darcy says having a ‘go-getter’ type attitude is the biggest key to finding success. She points to a story of being in a coffee shop with a friend and seeing a well-known local real estate agent who was also there.

“I just introduced myself,” said Darcy. “Like ‘hey I’m a new mortgage loan officer. I’d really love to have lunch with you.’ I just feel like you have to be assertive.” 

Darcy did in fact have lunch with that real estate agent and what once was her home salon is now a home office. After struggling to let go of the only career she ever knew, Darcy now knows that she has even more to offer as a mortgage loan originator.

“The more I learned is that it was about a relationship with your client,” said Darcy. “I have that as a hairdresser and actually just as a person. I love helping people, that’s just who I am in my core. I am grateful for the opportunity. I feel really blessed.”