Original Source:  CNBC

Making Life in Mortgage Origination Simpler

In your career as a mortgage originator, you’re likely facing an uphill battle of constant decision-making, juggling complex processes, and figuring out which systems to use to maximize your efficiency. Whether you’re making choices about pricing, products, or even which tools to implement, it can all become overwhelming. At the end of the day, you might find yourself exhausted by the sheer complexity of the mortgage origination process. If only there was a way to reduce the load, streamline your decisions, and make your work easier. That’s where the Zen approach comes in: simplify. A Zen Buddhist monk named Shunmyo Masuno, in his book How to Let Things Go, offers guidance on reducing life’s complexity. While he’s not directly talking about mortgage origination, the principles of simplifying your life—by eliminating unnecessary obstacles and focusing on what really matters—can be applied here. In this post, we’ll discuss how you can make your mortgage origination process more straightforward by focusing on a few simple ideas that will allow you to work smarter, not harder.

1. Think Positively and Embrace the Possibilities

One of the biggest barriers to success as a mortgage originator is a tendency to get bogged down by pessimism. When you face setbacks—whether it’s a deal falling through or a difficult client—it’s easy to become discouraged. However, as Shunmyo Masuno advises, spending time worrying about what’s wrong will not help you find a solution. “Will spending lots of time worrying help?” he writes. “It will not.” Instead, look for ways to stay positive, even when things don’t go according to plan. Focus on the opportunities that still exist, and believe that even challenging situations will eventually come to an end. This mindset allows you to be more proactive in finding solutions, which will ultimately make the mortgage origination process smoother and more successful. When you embrace a positive outlook, you’re more likely to spot opportunities that can drive your business forward, making it easier to achieve your goals. In the mortgage industry, things are often unpredictable, but maintaining an optimistic view will help you stay focused on achieving positive results. With the right tools and support, you can navigate obstacles more easily, making your journey as a mortgage originator more rewarding.

2. Confidence in Your Decisions: Eliminate Overthinking

In the fast-paced world of mortgage origination, making decisions quickly and confidently is essential. Yet, many originators fall into the trap of overthinking every decision. Shunmyo Masuno advises that while it’s important to consider others' opinions, you should avoid letting them overwhelm you. He writes, “All these opinions may confuse you and cause you to overthink things to the point that you’re unable to decide what you should do. To avoid this, you must first know your own mind.” In mortgage origination, this means trusting your own knowledge and experience to make decisions about loan products, rates, and other factors. The more you understand your options and the market, the more confident you’ll be in your decisions. By eliminating overthinking, you free up mental energy to focus on the bigger picture: providing excellent service to your clients and growing your business. Knowing your own mind is key to simplifying your work. Instead of getting caught up in endless comparisons between options, take the time to evaluate what’s best for your business and clients, and stick with it. Confidence in your choices will make your decision-making process more streamlined, reducing the mental burden of constantly second-guessing yourself.

3. Let Go of Past Successes and Failures

In the world of mortgage origination, it’s easy to get stuck in the past—whether you’re reflecting on a previous success that worked well or a failure that didn't pan out. While learning from past experiences is important, Shunmyo Masuno emphasizes the idea of letting go of both past successes and failures because both are already in the past. He writes, “Everything—from the time, to the conditions, to the people involved—varies from one moment to the next.” The key to making your life easier is recognizing that you must be open to change and growth, no matter where you’ve been. For mortgage originators, this means not letting a past failure or even a past success dictate your future. The mortgage industry is constantly evolving, and sticking too rigidly to what worked in the past can hinder your ability to adapt to new trends or tools. Letting go of the past frees up your mental space to focus on new opportunities that can drive your business forward. Likewise, don’t dwell too much on any mistakes you’ve made or deals that didn’t close. Every failure is a learning opportunity, and by letting go of those past experiences, you make room for new successes. By focusing on the present and future, you can keep your momentum going and prevent yourself from being bogged down by things that no longer serve you.

4. Know When to Step Away from the Battle

In our competitive world, it’s easy to get caught up in “fighting” for promotions, deals, or recognition. But Zen teaches that sometimes, stepping away from a battle is the best choice. Shunmyo Masuno writes, “There are times when it’s best to just step out of the ring.” In mortgage origination, this advice can be applied when you recognize that a particular deal, client, or strategy isn’t worth fighting for, and it’s time to refocus on more productive opportunities. In some cases, the pursuit of a specific loan or client can consume excessive time and energy, detracting from other opportunities that may yield better results. The key is knowing when to walk away from something that’s not working and redirect your focus elsewhere. By doing this, you avoid burnout and keep your energy channeled into more fruitful avenues, simplifying the process of building and maintaining a successful mortgage business. By practicing mindfulness in your approach to business, you allow yourself the freedom to step away when necessary, knowing that there are always other opportunities around the corner. This sense of balance is crucial in the mortgage industry, where you need to remain adaptable to changing conditions and be ready to pivot when the situation calls for it.

Simplify Your Mortgage Origination with Innovative Mortgage Services, Inc.

Making your life simpler in mortgage origination is not just about adopting the right mindset—it’s about the tools, systems, and support that allow you to do your best work. At Innovative Mortgage Services, Inc., we’ve designed an environment that makes it easier for mortgage originators to thrive. We provide a wide range of pricing and product options, giving you the flexibility to tailor your approach to your clients' needs, whether you’re using our Correspondent or Broker channels. With our transparent commission plan, a flat $595 transaction fee, and 24-hour compensation, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with understanding exactly how your earnings work. Plus, our dedicated staff is here to help with onboarding, scenarios, and systems support, ensuring that you can quickly adapt to our model without any stress. Innovative Mortgage Services has been a leader in supporting mortgage loan originators since 2004, and we’re committed to making the origination process easier, faster, and more profitable. If you’re ready to simplify your work, enhance your business, and stop making things harder than they need to be, contact us today to see how we can help you move forward with confidence. Let us provide the tools and support you need to close more deals and grow your business—stress-free.