Wally Sears has been a mortgage consultant with Wachovia since March 2004. He originates residential mortgage loans and specializes in purchase, refinance and construction loans.
WHERE WAS HE BEFORE?
He was with Cendant/Merrill Lynch for three years as a loan officer.
Before that he was a mortgage broker with various companies.
BEFORE MORTGAGES?
“I did commercial office leasing, advertising sales and office equipment sales. I’ve had mostly sales jobs.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE MORTGAGE BUSINESS?
“It’s challenging, ever-changing and it’s a people business. I really like getting out and meeting people, calling on them, doing presentations and marketing.”
WHO ARE HIS CLIENTS?
Wachovia customers, Realtors and builders.
HOW ARE REALTORS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
“Realtors are super important because they are really the lifeline of my business from referrals.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED FROM A CO-WORKER?
“Stay in touch with your clients and follow-up.”
ADVICE FOR REALTORS?
“Give feedback on what you like or expect. How you best want us to interact with you.”
PET PEEVES
Other borrowers that are not upfront about their financial status.
LESSONS LEARNED?
“Ask a lot of questions. Don’t overpromise. You should underpromise and overdeliver.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Sears in a member of the Northeast Florida Realtor Association of Realtors, Amelia Island/Nassau County Board of Realtors and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He also has his Florida Real Estate license.
COLLEGE
He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Florida.
HOMETOWN?
Jacksonville.
RESIDES
Jacksonville Beach.
PERSONAL SIDE?
He has two children, Avery, 8 and Ashton, 4. When he is not working, he enjoys surfing, snowboarding and playing tennis. A movie he would recommend is “Napoleon Dynamite.” “It was funny.” A book he would recommend is “Sideways” by Rex Pickett. His favorite getaway spot is Central America to surf and his favorite restaurant is Old Siam.
— by Michele Newbern Gillis