Fear and intimidation!

[Jared Smith]

I am just starting out and while i am very interested and excited about learning as much as i can, i am very nervous. I feel a little intimidated about things and about actually starting and doing my first investment. I know that you never really learn until you actually do something but after all i am only 19. I know eventually i will do it even if i am a little nervous but i am just wondering if this is normal with any of you others? did this happen to you?

[Manuel A.]

The best word I always think of when I think of fear, nervousness, etc... is "embrace". Embrace it, stop and just think about this feeling you have. Tell yourself, "Wow, I'm so nervous, but I'm ready to do this. This feels right." (if you are truly ready) Be confident, not for anyone else, but yourself. If you are confident that you know what to do, do it. If you don't have confidence, perhaps you shouldn't pursue it just yet.

As for, "fake it till you make it". Just to be clear on what I think they mean to tell you is... Don't lie to people, instead, learn, learn, learn, (terms, acronyms, definitions, processes, expectations, etc...) so when you actually are talking to a private investor, HML, etc... you can talk the talk, and they *hopefully* won't ask you about your experience.

I myself am fully honest to my people about my experience if asked. But I present it with confidence, and I MAKE SURE they UNDERSTAND I am GOING to PULL THE TRIGGER. My Realtor who provides comps, takes me to see houses knows my experience (never bought a house yet...). And how couldn't she when I'm on my knees fumbling with the measuring tape, writing down a ton of info and guesstimates haha. My two HML's don't know my experience because they never asked. They just assume, and if you are confident enough in talking to your HML to get them to say they'll provide you with a proof of funds without asking your experience, I think it's a good reflection of yourself.

Don't lie, cause you may run into trouble if you try saying you have experience then get exposed. You don't need the added stress, and risk of reputation.

But don't freely say you have no experience. The question of experience, in my case, wasn't ever brought up when I was confident and could answer every question, and also ask relevant questions, without hesitation.

And yes, there was about 5 blown phone conversations when I first started. In fact, on my first call to an HML, my mind just went completely blank when the person picked up the phone and told me something like, "Hello, what can I do for you?" I responded by saying, "I... Ugh... Umm... I need... Ugmmmmm... I'm from... I mean I'm looking for... Ughhhhh..." And she responded by saying, *CLICK* hahahaha! These are the times I live for. Embrace embarrassment, laugh at yourself, and accept nervousness/fear.

These memories are going to be, "the good ole' days" down the road. Make them interesting!

-Manuel