Rosemary Venter has been with BB&T (formerly First South Bank) in Amelia Island for six years. She’s been a loan officer for the last year and a half.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
She originates residential loans.
HOW DID PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP?
Before becoming a loan officer, Venter processed loans. “It made all the difference in the world. I truly don’t know if I could have done it without that background.”
HOW DID SHE BECOME A LOAN OFFICER?
She worked for First South Bank and when they were bought out by BB&T she had the option to drive to Jacksonville every day for her job or to become a loan officer. “I told my boss that I didn’t think I wanted to be a loan officer, but she told me to try it and I liked it.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?
“It’s nice to get a large loan. It’s a total rush. There is nothing like having a young couple come in who have virtually no money, but need a place to live and being able to get them in a house. It gives me goose bumps when I can do that. You may spend a lot of hours getting that loan approved and it just gives me goose bumps when I can get that done.”
BEFORE THE BANK?
She worked at Amelia Island Plantation as a conference service manager. Before that she worked for 23 years with the government as a human resources specialist.
ADVICE FOR REALTORS WHEN DEALING WITH LOAN OFFICERS?
“I think they should consult with us to see what programs are available first before they start to define which programs a client should go into. Sometimes that can be a problem. Basically, let us do the pre-qualifying.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“I truly like being able to get to know the people as people, not numbers, and getting them into a home. I like the daily challenges of originating and getting the client to the closing table.”
WHO ARE YOUR CUSTOMERS?
Realtors, builders and walk-in customers.
HOW ARE REALTORS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
“They are my bread and butter. You can’t rely on people just walking in off the street or word of mouth. You have to have that relationship with a Realtor to be successful.”
ADVICE FOR NEW LOAN OFFICER?
“You have to be very flexible, compassionate and honest. There are a lot of areas where you can get into trouble. When you go to bed at night, you need to make sure you can sleep and that your conscience is free and clear. You have to be above board.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
Women’s Club of Fernandina, Amelia Island/Nassau County Board of Realtors, Northeast Florida Builders Association and its Sales and Marketing Council.
HOMETOWN?
Oden, Ind.
PERSONAL SIDE?
She has been married to Paul, an Amtrak conductor, for 25 years. They live in the Ocean Reach community in Amelia Island. They have four children, Scott, John, Shane and April and seven grandchildren. Her main hobby is spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoys gardening, sewing, bicycling and riding a Harley motorcycle. Her favorite movie of all time is “An Affair to Remember.” A book she would recommend is “The Road Less Traveled,” by Scott Peck. When relaxing at home, she enjoys tuning into “CSI: Miami.” Her favorite place to visit is the bike trails in Wisconsin and her favorite restaurant is Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
-by Michele Newbern Gillis