Sam Waters has been a mortgage broker at A1A Mortgage in Jacksonville Beach for eight months.
HER NAME?
Waters’ first name is actually Samnang, which means “Full of Luck” in Cambodian. She goes by Sam to make it easier for clients to pronounce.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
“I’m a mortgage broker/loan officer and I originate residential loans. I meet with the clients, take the application and then shop for the best loan for them.”
HER HISTORY?
She worked for United Financial until she found out she was pregnant. She took some time off to have the baby and then got her mortgage broker’s license. She has also worked for Washington Mutual as a loan processor, Centex Home Equity as a loan officer and Florida Financial Group as a financial planner.
BEFORE LENDING?
She worked for Nationwide Insurance.
HOW DID SHE GET INTO MORTGAGES?
When she was in insurance, she got into financial planning and decided she didn’t like the securities side. So she moved over to banking and finance which led to being a loan officer.
HOW HAS HER PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELPED HER?
Waters said her experience as a processor gives her knowledge into the back end of the transaction, which helps her as a loan officer.
INVOLVEMENT IN JACKSONVILLE WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS?
She was on the committee for the WCR Realtor Technology Expo held at the University Center at University of North Florida. “We focused on providing new technology for the Realtors and had three guest speakers on technology.” The committee is also planning the Fashion Show, another Realtor Technology Expo and a golf outing for next year.
BEST ADVICE SHE HAS EVER RECEIVED?
“Taking the challenge day-by-day. That is what I do when I wake up in the morning. It’s hard to get motivated so that is what I think of - that it is another new day and embracing that new day.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING A LOAN OFFICER?
“I like the customer service part of it and I am a numbers person, so I really like that part of it too.”
AREA SHE FOCUSES ON?
“I really don’t focus on the beach because a lot of people don’t live here or can’t afford to live here, so I really work more in town.”
ADVICE FOR REALTORS WORKING WITH LOAN OFFICERS?
“Be patient because we are taking less than 30 days to bring everyone together and get the people into the home. We really are trying to do the best that we can.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
WCR, and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Professional Women’s Council.
LESSONS LEARNED?
“Disclosure, disclosure, disclosure. Disclose everything and tell everything. Make sure the borrowers understand what you are saying and make sure there are no other questions to be answered at the closing table. All questions should be answered prior to the closing table. It should be a smooth closing on buyers, Realtors, builder and lenders side.”
ADVICE FOR NEW LOAN OFFICERS?
“Learn as much as you can because in this industry there is always something new.”
PERSONAL
From Lakeland, she lives in Jacksonville Beach with her husband and their 18-month old daughter. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family. A movie she has seen recently and would recommend is “Something’s Gotta Give.” When relaxing at home, she enjoys tuning into “CSI”, and “Court TV”. Her favorite place to visit is the Bahamas. When dining out, she enjoys Al’s Pizza at the beach.
-by Michele Newbern Gillis