Today we’d like to introduce you to Meagan Barron.
Hi Meagan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
People always assume mortgage was part of some grand career plan… it absolutely was not. Years ago, I knew I was heading into a divorce and decided to do something completely different. I packed up my life, moved to Barcelona, and spent a year teaching corporate English. It was one of those seasons that changed me, new country, new perspective, and honestly, exactly the reset I needed. When I came back to the US, I was ready for a fresh start (as one does after divorce). A friend mentioned a mutual connection who was looking for a Loan Officer Assistant and my immediate response was basically… ewww no way. I had a degree in fashion, why would I ever consider mortgage? BORING. But I figured I’d give it a shot. My grandmother had been a realtor, and in my head real estate seemed kind of glamorous… HA. However, the second I started, I loved it. Every day is different. Every client has a different story, different goals, different challenges to solve. Fast forward to now: over 10 years in the mortgage industry and I still genuinely love what I do. I love educating clients, finding solutions, celebrating wins, and helping people create opportunities through homeownership. Funny how the careers you swear you’ll never do sometimes end up becoming exactly where you belong.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was definitely not a smooth road. In order to really grow, especially in an industry completely new to you, the proper support and mentorship is paramount. I remember when I first started, the woman in charge of training me answered every question with “I don’t know”. I eventually got fed up and asked, “how have you been doing this for 17 years and you don’t know anything?” She said, “when I first started, nobody helped me, I had to figure it out on my own and you can do the same”. So, I did. But I’ll tell you this, I NEVER forgot that. I believe this is what led to my strength with helping homebuyers. I never want anyone to feel how I did, so I am as thorough as possible, there are no “stupid questions”, and I want everyone I help to feel like they were comfortable, confident, and well educated every step of the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a loan officer with over 10 years of experience. We help people acquire residential mortgage loans. I do everything from first time home buyers to business owners needing a more unique approach such as a bank statement or asset depletion loan. I’m known for my hands-on approach. IF you work with me, you call ME. If you are stressed, we are going to figure out why and how to fix it. I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built.
What I want people to know… if you are thinking about buying a home, let’s chat! So many people try to figure things out on their own for YEARS… working on credit, saving more than they may need, etc… I cant tell you how many people I speak with find out they are preapproved and say “OMG I didn’t think it was possible”. You don’t know until you try!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Be fearless. Ask all the questions. Never let anyone intimidate you. You belong in the room just as much as anyone else. However, you get what you give. Real estate is not an “easy money” industry. It’s a GRIND with wild hours. If you are getting into the industry for the money, don’t. This job is changing people’s lives, creating homeownership. If you aren’t in it to help people, you are in it for the wrong reasons. Starting out, make sure you join a company with hands-on training and phenomenal mentorship. I think starting out as an assistant was a game-changer for me, because I have a deep understanding of every aspect of the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://guildmortgage.com/meaganbarron
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloanbarroness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meagan.timmons.7
