When construction stopped due to the recession of circa 1991, a portion of my career rebuilding included studying for and receiving my California Real Estate License. I was advised by a broker 20 years experience to "spend at least two years learning real estate financing, and make a decision after that to sell houses or to work in the financial field of real estate." It has turned out to be such a wise investment of the two years that I recommend it highly to anyone who is thinking of entering the field.

During those two years, the loan industry was in full swing with "refi-mania". Lots of loan agents made lots of money. Not me... I was so green at the time that I spent most of the time learning the ins and outs. The purchase market intrigued me, so I spent a lot of time learning targeted programs such as the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (for first time buyers) and the Community Homebuyers' programs.

I switched into full-time real estate sales in April 1994 and had reasonably good success; the financial background paid dividends! In February 1995 I faced a difficult choice - putting long-term needs in front, I chose to work towards finishing my pension requirements.

In January 1996, I moved from Coldwell Banker to an even more recognizable name in real estate, Century 21 at the Mission-Bishop office. With an inhouse lending arm of the company, I could pursue real estate and also help my clients with their loan needs.

In 1997 I chose to move back to Pennsylvania (sound familiar?) and have thought seriously about getting my license here, ummmm guess it's not quite time yet!! Maybe soon, we'll see