Mary Crosby Stone is vice president/closing manager of Julington Title Services in Mandarin near Julington Creek.
NEW COMPANY?
Yes, the company was started a year ago by Stone and her partner, attorney Howard J. Smith. “We are a small company right now with five employees, but we are growing every day.”
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
She does real estate closings and provides title insurance.
HER HISTORY?
Stone has been in the title industry for 17 years. She started out with Continental Title as a receptionist. She worked her way up as a post closer, processor and closer. She then worked for First American Title, Associated Land Title and Thomas Santoro Law Firm as a lead closer. Most recently she was the lead closer for Ford, Jeter, Bowlus, Duss, Morgan, Kenney and Safer, P.A. for five years.
WHY GO INTO THE TITLE BUSINESS?
“I started in the title business right out of high school because I wanted to get out of the food industry. I was a waitress and still in school and a friend told me about the receptionist position, so I applied and got the job. I fell in love with it. It is very interesting to help someone in the process of getting into their new home or selling their home and starting a new chapter of their lives. It’s very interesting to look at the chain of titles of the property and the establishment of the neighborhoods.” Stone said she really enjoys exploring the history of Jacksonville’s land and how it has evolved.
WHAT CAN REALTORS DO TO MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER?
She would like to see them be more proactive with communication with their customers. “It would help for them to offer a wider range of communication so that the customer has a better understanding of how the process works. We’d like them to establish a good line of communication between the closing agent and the customer as well.”
HOW DOES YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP YOU NOW?
“I’m more knowledgeable in dealing with problems that come up in the title search themselves. It made me able to foresee in advance things that could be a problem that need to be addressed early on in the process so that there are no problems when you get to the closing table.”
MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“The most challenging thing is getting all the information into the file at an early stage so that we can order the title insurance early.”
PET PEEVES?
“Not knowing if someone is able to attend a closing until the last minute and then that puts everyone at the closing table in a bad position.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
Stone said that communication is a must.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
Jacksonville Women’s Council of Realtors.
HOMETOWN?
Jacksonville.
RESIDES
Bryceville.
PERSONAL SIDE?
When Stone is not working, she enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with her family. She has been married to Chuck for 14 years and she has one son, Charlie, 12. Her favorite author is Nora Roberts and her favorite television show is “Law and Order.” When dining out, she enjoys the Sand Dollar Restaurant. She would cite “Under the Tuscan Sun” as her favorite movie. When traveling, Stone said she enjoys visiting Atlanta.
-by Michele Newbern Gillis