Carol Kerr is an account executive with Bank of America in Fernandina Beach.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
She is a residential loan mortgage originator.
HOW LONG HAS SHE BEEN WITH BANK OF AMERICA?
Eighteen years. “When I started with the bank, it was Barnett Bank, then NationsBank and then Bank of America. I have been with them throughout all the changes.” She started out as a vault teller in Tampa and then she transferred to the mortgage department as a receptionist and then worked her way into a processing position. “I processed mortgages for 13 years, so I kind of have a clue on what the backend process is.”
WHY BECOME A LOAN OFFICER?
“I got very familiar with what the loan officers were doing and what they were bringing to me, so I realized that I could do what they were doing. I knew back then, as it is now, that it was commission based, so it took me a while to build up the courage.”
HOW DO YOU LIKE IT?
“I love it. We are pretty much on our own and set our own flexible hours. Of course you still have to be available on the weekends too, if the Realtors call. I enjoy it thoroughly, I really do.”
MOVED TO JACKSONVILLE?
Eight years ago, when she transferred from Tampa with Barnett Bank. She moved to Amelia Island five years ago to take her current position.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT LENDING?
“I like working with the customers. I like talking with them, finding out their situation in life and then being able to help them do what’s best for them as far as a home loan. Most people just think there is just a conventional 30-year fixed loan out there. Some know there are adjustable rates, but that’s it. We have over 300 loan programs and different ways to help them, so it’s a case of finding out their situation and what loan would suit them best. That’s what I enjoy doing and I enjoy seeing people happy.”
AREA SHE WORKS?
All of Nassau County.
HOW ARE REALTORS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
“They are my number one source of business as a loan originator.” She attends Realtor and community meetings to meet Realtors and builders to create relationships with them and hopefully generate business. “It’s a lot of socializing to see who I want to work with and setting up relationships with them.”
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST?
“My banking background has helped me a great deal. I have processed mortgages, was head teller and a personal banker. I’ve done so many things within the bank. I also worked at a title company before there was an opening on the island with the bank. I was sitting at the closing table with a lot of the Realtors I work with today. Plus, I am stubborn. I stick to it.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“I started out in banking very young and I didn’t get it then. What I get now is that customer service is it. If you don’t have good customer service you can offer them anything and the customer isn’t going to be happy anyway. That goes for the Realtors and builders too, they are my customers as well. You have to give good follow-ups and good customer service or you are not going to have a relationship with them.”
HOMETOWN
Michigan.
RESIDES
Fernandina Beach.
FAMILY
She has been married to Gene, a car salesman at Paul Clark Ford, for four years. Kerr has a daughter, Jenelle, a first grade teacher in Tampa. She and her husband have two dogs, a Doberman pincher, Tess and a Maltese, Sophie.
-by Michele Newbern Gillis