Double down

If you are not getting the results that you wanted in your sales, then double down with you efforts. The same applies in regards to your physical fitness, personal finances, relationship or education. If you are not getting the result that you wanted, don’t let a little hard work scare you off.

It’s easy to do what we have always done, but we will end up getting what we have always gotten. Growth is uncomfortable so don’t expect this to be easy but it certainly will be worth it. Failures are not permanent, they are learning experiences meant to show you want doesn’t work so you can find a way that does. Keep going, you got this.

Today I am thankful for the ability to get up and try again on a new day, all the lessons learned when things did not go exactly to plan and using my experience to help others with similar problems.

“At the end of the day, you can’t control the results; you can only control your effort level and your focus”. Ben Zobrist

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Recovery Day

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, or so how the saying goes. It could also be true of all training and no recovery makes Jack a broken boy. Thus the reason that I did as little as possible yesterday after biking 100k for the ride for cancer on Saturday.

We can’t work or train all out all the time and expect to forever operate at peak capacity. It’s just not logical. The rare but important off or rest days are just as important as the days that you give it your all. It’s the rest and recuperation that allows us to then return to peak capacity as quickly as possible.

Today I am thankful for 30 minutes of stretching this morning to recover from a busy weekend, getting to see the stars while walking my dog early this morning and big plans for the month ahead.

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

– George Eliot

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Pales in Comparison

So today I completed my 100K ride for cancer on the rails to trails system. We ( I was with friends) from Bayers lake to almost Hubbards and back. Now while this was getting uncomfortable towards the end of the ride, it pales in comparison to what my mom, my wife’s mom, my 1st cousin went through while they were all battling cancer. While they all subsequently lost their battles with cancer, I am doing this fundraiser so someone else’s mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin or friend will be able to beat it if they are diagnosed with cancer.

This is the last time I will ask you this year but if you are able to donate to my ride for cancer, it could benefit someone’s loved one and really make a difference in their life. Here is the link and I appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Patrick

Truth & Reconciliation

On September 30th, the Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canadians learn, recognize and reflect upon the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, the trauma experienced by many, and the hope for a healthy future. The day emphasizes the ongoing need for reconciliation, and building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Sincerely,

Patrick

Burning Bridges

There are times in life when it’s necessary to burn a few bridges and cut yourself from any possible retreat and there are times when that is just a bad idea. Change in life is hard and sometimes to do it successfully you have remove any sort of temptation that would permit you to drift back to the old ways.

If you are determined to eat better then it is a good idea to toss out all the junk food in your house so you are not tempted to just have a few chips, cookies or sweets. The same goes if you want to watch less tv and read more, you will cancel your cable and some may go as far as selling the TV. Want to cut out the few drinks at the pub with friends after work, then take a different route home, go to the gym instead or hang around people who are more health conscious.

The only area where I think it may be a bad idea is when you are growing your business. While this has nothing to do with the concept that the customer is always right, that is a conversation for another day. It’s just that it is not prudent to burn bridges with customers & referral sources. I do prospecting calls daily and keep notes from conversations with people. Some times when you call them it’s not the best time or they are not having the best day. Don’t take it personally and just move on. Unless they flat out say do not ever call me again, I will call them back on another day.

Just in the past week I’ve had two such occurrences. One was with someone I had spoken with several times but it always seemed that it was a bad time and I was always rushed off the phone, not rude but with way too many things on the go. Another with someone who at the time refused to see the big picture on a file we were jointly working on. In both cases time changed everything the next interaction with each of them. Instead of letting them go and never contacting them again I reached out again and it was like they were totally different people. Give people time, change happens to us all.

Today I am thankful for the beautiful fall morning for a run, the chance to reconnect again with people after a previous encounter wasn’t ideal and opportunities to start again but better the second time.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Growing pains

There is always a little discomfort to growth, whether physical or emotional or financial. It’s relatively easy to do nothing and stay within your comfort zone. Real growth requires work and sometimes blood, sweat and tears. My girls are going through that this year as it is their first year away at university. One is adapting easier than the other but I know that they are both growing and becoming better.

We are going through some growing pains right now with the economy and financial markets. The rapid increases to inflation over the past year has effected us all and as a result we have had to change adapt along with it. Some say that we have been spoiled over the past 15 years with record low interest rates and that the party is now over and it’s time to higher prices of everything and that will include higher borrowing costs.

There is no way to avoid change in life but the better you adapt the more you will grow. Sticking your head in the sand and trying to pretend that it won’t effect you is not a winning strategy. Experts are recommending that you monitor your investments closely and adjust them often if required. This is also true with your personal finances, just because you have always bought your lunch throughout the week doesn’t mean that should continue so you can cope with the rising costs all around you.

Today I am thankful for clients who I had thought had disappeared came back for assistance, the growth that my girls are experiencing as I know that they will be better as a result and each new book that I have read this year that has expanded my growth potential.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Generator Safety Tips

I woke up this morning to a request from my wife to run out and get a generator when the stores open. Hurricane Fiona is predicated to be a generational storm in size and intensity. The last major hurricane we had was Juan in 2003 which saw major damage and many of us without power for over a week.

So with Fiona due to hit us overnight I was off to the big box stores when they were opening their doors and was lucky enough to get a generator from Costco today. So if this is you as well, here are few safety tips.

  1. Pick a generator that will produce more power than you need.
  2. To avoid being electrocuted make sure to only use it once the rain and storm has passed. Electricity and water are not a good combination.
  3. Make sure the generator is off and cool before refueling.
  4. Use a heavy duty outdoor rated extension cord to connect to the generator. Speciality cords can come with the device.
  5. DO NOT use a gas powered generator inside your home.
  6. Use highest grade gasoline to power the device or add fuel stabilizers to insure it runs better.
  7. Do not overload your generator, only plug in what is absolutely essential.
  8. Do not plug your generator into a wall plug or try to connect it to your panel yourself.
  9. From my brother, turn off the carburetor and let the motor use the remaining fuel in the line before storing it for later use.
  10. Lastly but most importantly, don’t forget to ground it if necessary. RTFM for the instructions for your model.

Today I am thankful for the close proximity of the big box stores to my house, a fresh supply of generators that arrived this morning and several generous tips on it’s operation from my brother.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Not Shrek’s Fiona

Batten down the hatches as Fiona is heading our way. She is scheduled to make landfall early Saturday morning and right now she is aiming towards CBRM. Given her arrival is still a few days away, it’s best to take the time now to prepare.

Here are a few things to take into consideration as we prepare for the arrival of the storm.

  • Be prepared to spend a few days with out power
  • Make sure vehicles are full of gas and BBQ propane tank is topped off
  • Charge up all your electronic devices and if you have battery back ups make sure they are charged as well.
  • Move to higher ground if you are in an area that is prone to flodding
  • Have supplies of food, water & medicine that will last you at least a week.
  • Have a battery powered radio
  • Make sure that your first aid kit is stocked up
  • If you need to use a generator, please do it safley
  • Last but not least, make sure that you check on your friends & elderly neighbours

Today I am thankful for files that took longer than I expected to close and are finely funded, my girls getting time to spend with family in Ontario and the calm before the storm.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Clarity

When doing something as important as your mortgage and complex regarding the paperwork, then clarify definitely helps. Also the details matter. Getting all the details right the first time allows your file to be approved faster and will also help with answering any of the clients questions the first time around. So be clear, be concise and pay attention to all the little details and everything will go much better.

Today I am thankful for the 70 years of service that Queen Elizabeth gave to Canada and the rest of the commonwealth nations, patient clients who helped with the details while I clarified their questions and the slower pace of the day as some of the banks were closed to mark the Queen’s funeral.

“The world is not the most pleasant place. Eventually, your parents leave you and nobody is going to go out of their way to protect you unconditionally. You need to learn to stand up for yourself and what you believe and sometimes, pardon my language, kick some ass.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Friends & Flowers

I come from a big extended Cape Breton family, and growing up almost every weekend we would have some members of the family over to visit. You see my Mom was the glue for the family and they all flocked to her as she was a great listener and since we had a big house in the country the rest of the family used us as their vacation spot. Which was fine with us as we got to hang out with our cousins.

Brest cancer took my Mom 17 years ago on the 9th of Sept. This is the main reason I am doing the ride for cancer. So hopefully the funds that we raise will allow someone’s Mom to fight a little longer or possibly receive the cure or treatment that is needed. You can sponsor me here.

After Mom passed away we all got busy with our lives as most of us had young children at the time. However since the pandemic and that most of our kids are now grown up and at University or started their careers, we have had the opportunity to reconnect. Which brought me back to thinking of my Mom who would gather friends & family like flowers and cultivate the relationships over her lifetime. This is because the true joys of life are not the new TV, latest phone or fancy car but the deep connections that we develop with friends & family. If your Mom is still with you then give her a hug for me.

“Don’t walk in front of me… I may not follow
Don’t walk behind me… I may not lead
Walk beside me… just be my friend”
― Albert Camus

Today I am thankful for the great conversations I have with my brothers and cousins every Friday morning, a short hill run even when I didn’t want to do it and the completion of the renovations at my home.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here