How Hiking is like the Mortgage Industry and What We Learned from Trekking 27 Miles in the Freezing Cold

Life is Full of Ups and Downs

Many of us know that moment when you think you’ve reached the peak and you’re about to celebrate, but then you realize that you’re on a false summit and you need to go down, and then back up again, just to get to the true summit. Then, you realize that you took a wrong turn and need to go down again to get back on track. BUMMER! Sometimes, life can get difficult. In our experience, there is never a straight or easy road to success. Learning to adjust based on these ups and downs is an incredibly valuable lesson. Sometimes production slows and at other times we’re swimming in deals. Feast or famine, we must press on!

Step by Step, Anything Can Be Accomplished

There were moments when we looked at the map, expecting to see that we were close to the end, only to find out we had a long way left to go. There once was a time when I would fall apart when faced with obstacles and I’d waste my energy on expressing frustration. Now, I’ve learned to take the frustration and use it as power to keep going. Once you take all the expectations and idealistic attachments out of the picture, it’s as simple as putting one foot after the other.

Comradery is Built in the Valleys, Not the Mountaintops

There is something special about those who hunker down with you during adversity. As I once heard it said, “Shared pain is lessened. Shared joy is increased.” Rallying around one another as each of us inevitably got gassed, helped us press on. Knowing our teammates supported one another 100% helped us accomplish our goal. 

It’s Always Worth it in the End 

The harder you try and the more effort you pour in, the greater the reward will be. Continue pushing yourself and your team to reach the summit, and when you finally do, savor the majestic views that only a few people get to see. The effort you put in WILL be rewarded. Although the view at the end is beautiful, so is the entire journey.

If we hiked through 27 miles of sleet and rain for fun, imagine what we will do for your appraisal needs.

*Moments before this photo Joshua fell in the water, not once but, three times.