Meet Emma Ferguson

We were lucky to catch up with Emma Ferguson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Growing up was really tough. My parents were addicts, and our house was always filled with strangers behind closed doors. I hardly knew what it felt like to have a real family. My sister ended up being more like a mom to me because our parents were so absent. When my dad went to prison and my parents split, things got even worse.

I was overweight, poor, and got bullied a lot at school. My mom was too poor to put food on the table, let alone extra money for me to play sports or have new clothes. But when I finished high school, I decided that wasn’t going to be the end of my story. I worked my way through college, lost 30 pounds of weight, and even moved to a new state by myself.

All those tough times growing up made me stronger. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me to never give up and keep pushing forward, no matter how hard things get. I also trust that some higher power is guiding me and that I will end up exactly where I am meant to land.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

After earning my bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, I was excited to dive into the world of hospitality. However, when the pandemic hit, the industry took a massive hit, and I found myself at a crossroads. It was during this uncertain time that my sister, who works in HR for a mortgage company, suggested I explore a career as a loan officer.

Initially, the idea seemed out of left field, but I decided to give it a shot. I obtained my NMLS license, and from that moment on, I was hooked. What drew me in was the opportunity to make a significant impact in people’s lives during such a pivotal moment—buying a home. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being able to guide and support individuals through one of the most important financial decisions they’ll ever make.

The genuine gratitude and heartfelt hugs I receive from clients after helping them secure a loan are priceless. It’s those moments that reaffirm my passion for this industry. Additionally, I’m deeply committed to empowering women through real estate. I vividly remember how daunting it was for my single mom when she bought her first house, and I wish she had someone relatable to guide her through the process. That’s why I strive to be that guiding light for other women navigating the world of real estate.

It’s true, the stereotype of loan officers being mostly bald, old white men is quite prevalent, but I like to approach it with a sense of humor. I believe diversity in this field is essential, and I’m proud to challenge those stereotypes every day.

I particularly enjoy working with first-time homebuyers. I believe in taking the time to slow down and educate them about the process. Buying a home can be overwhelming, especially for those new to it, so being able to provide clarity and guidance is incredibly rewarding.

I truly enjoy the company I work for. I work at a small, but growing brokerage called Forward Loans. I love working here because as a broker, I can shop in the mortgage marketplace for my clients ensuring they are getting the best deal possible. I have worked at other companies where there is one rate sheet and if your client didn’t fit into this perfect little box, you really couldn’t do a whole lot for them. Here, I can work with practically anyone. Credit repair, self-employed, down payment assistance, construction loans, land loans, HELOC’s- you name it, I got it! This means more families I can help!

As for the market update, it’s worth noting that we’re anticipating a drop in interest rates in the coming months- especially with elections right around the corner this fall. This will present a fantastic opportunity for prospective homebuyers to secure favorable financing terms. Many clients that bought when rates were a bit higher (last October) will also have to opportunity to refinance.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity has been crucial. My upbringing taught me that life can throw unexpected challenges our way, but it’s how we respond to them that ultimately shapes our path. To develop resilience, I recommend cultivating a growth mindset, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and seeking support from mentors or a supportive community during tough times.

Adaptability: In today’s rapidly changing world, being able to adapt to new circumstances and environments is essential. Whether it was transitioning from hospitality to mortgage lending or navigating the uncertainties of a global pandemic, adaptability allowed me to thrive in unfamiliar territory. To hone this skill, I encourage early-stage professionals to embrace change, stay curious, and continually seek opportunities for learning and growth.

Empathy: Building strong relationships and understanding the needs of others has been instrumental in my success as a loan officer and my journey thus far in life. Empathy enables me to connect with clients, friends, family, and even strangers on a deeper level, anticipate their concerns, and provide personalized support throughout the homebuying process and beyond. To cultivate empathy, I advise individuals to actively listen, put themselves in others’ shoes, and practice compassion in their interactions with colleagues, clients, and the community.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace each experience as an opportunity for growth, stay resilient in the face of adversity, remain adaptable in a constantly evolving landscape, and prioritize empathy in all interactions. Also, life is seriously so short. I am 28 and can confirm every year has moved faster. Don’t take yourself so seriously. I love to be silly, make jokes, and create fun. I get pure joy from helping others smile.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

The current state of the mortgage and real estate market is like navigating a maze in the dark with only a dim flashlight. It’s tough out there. Many industry veterans are opting out, waving goodbye to their licenses like passengers leaving a sinking ship. With transactions at an all-time low, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of uncertainty.

Imposter syndrome? Oh, it’s real. Sometimes I catch myself asking, “Why me?” in a market where experience seems to be the currency of choice. It’s like being the new kid on the block while everyone else has been playing the game for years. The doubts creep in, whispering, “What makes you think you’re good enough?” But hey, I’ve got my coping mechanisms.

When the overwhelm threatens to swallow me whole, I ground myself—literally. I press my hands or feet against the solid, cold ground, reminding myself that it’s just a job. Box breathing becomes my lifeline, inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four, like a mantra to calm the storm raging within. Social media? Forget about it. I let my META posts do the talking while I dive into a self-help book or unload my worries onto a friend. If you are going to be on social media, designate certain times in the day for it. Don’t get lost scrolling. And DO NOT check before bed or when you first wake up in the morning.

And let’s not forget about that scarcity mindset lurking in the shadows. It’s tempting to think that losing one deal means the end of the road, especially when opportunities seem as rare as unicorns. But I’m a firm believer in abundance. Sure, the market might be playing hard to get right now, but there’s plenty out there if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and dig a little deeper.

So, to all my fellow warriors battling the turbulence of the real estate realm, remember this: when the going gets tough, the tough get grounded, breathe, and keep hustling. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it’s faint. We just have to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

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