Tim Delp has been the assistant vice president and branch manager for HomeBanc in Southpoint for a year and a half, and has been with HomeBanc for eight and a half years.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“HomeBanc hires a lot of people from outside of the industry and helps acclimate them to the business. They go through a training program in Atlanta for nine weeks. So, basically after the class, I assist them with their acclimation, point them in the right direction, coach, guide, mentor and help them build their business. I also help them put deals together that may need a little creative financing and help the build those relationships with Realtors.”
HIS HISTORY WITH HOMEBANC?
Before moving to Jacksonville for the assistant vice president and branch manager job, he originated loans in St. Petersburg. Before that, he was in operations doing processing.
HOW DID HE GET HIS START IN BANKING?
He started with HomeBanc right out of college. “With my degree in economics and Spanish, I knew I wanted to do something in the finance world whether it was as a financial advisor, stock broker or banking related where I was helping customers understand their finances. I interviewed with HomeBanc on-campus and went into their training program to go into operations. I was in operations for the first two and a half years and then a loan officer for the next four and a half years.
COLLEGE
Delp earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and Spanish from Eckerd College.
HOW DID HE MOVE INTO MANAGEMENT?
“The opportunity just presented itself. They told me there was going to be an opportunity in Jacksonville and I was flattered to have the opportunity and it was a good time since I didn’t have family commitments in St. Petersburg. I was looking for that next step in my career.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT LENDING?
“As a loan officer, what I really liked about lending was really getting to know your customers and developing new relationships. I still have a lot of close relationships with some of my customers and Realtors. It’s gets you out there and exposes you to a lot of people you wouldn’t normally meet and unique individuals. There is definitely a sense of gratitude because you are providing something for the community by helping people get into their homes, whether it is a move-up buyer or a first-time home buyer.”
IN MANAGEMENT?
“On the management side, it’s seeing some of the same excitement in my people that I felt when I got that first referral from an agent I was trying to gain influence with. I also enjoy helping the new loan officers get that first loan that they were fighting for. It’s a tough business to get going in, but as you see people develop and grow, it’s nice to see their growth over time.”
A HEAD (OR TWO) ABOVE THE REST?
Delp has a boyish face and friendly demeanor despite his looming 6-foot-8 frame, which he says has helped him in business. “As a loan officer, there were times when I would call on a listing agent and I’d say I’m with HomeBanc. I’d ask, ‘Do you remember me? We met at the open house. I’m the really tall guy’. Then they would say ‘Oh, yeah, I remember.” I definitely think it has been a positive thing as far as getting people to remember me. I’ve always been the tallest in my class. There wasn’t any major growth spurt it just happened over time.”
HOW DOES YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP?
Delp said as a loan officer being in operations first really helped him to structure his loans better and more complete because he knew what aggravates and causes problems on the back end. “Now as a manager, I can illustrate those same things to my new loan officers when they may not understand the frustrations that are happening in operations. I can try to explain both sides and it helps me work better with the operation side as well. They can’t tell me I’ve never sat in their shoes, because I have and I know what they are going through.”
BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?
Delp said find something you love to do. “Find something where you go to work everyday and it’s not like going to work and grow roots there and be a part of something you want to be a part of.”
HOW MANY ARE ON YOUR STAFF?
Delp oversees 24 loan officers.
IN THIS BUYER’S MARKET WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO DRUM UP BUSINESS?
“Basically, it’s still about developing individual relationships. It’s about getting out in front of real estate agents and educating them about what we do, the products we have and trying to find really creative ways to move inventory. If we can help an agent sell a house, then that gets them another buyer to put in the next house. We make sure they are aware of all the updated programs and options to help them differentiate themselves from other agents because it is very competitive out there.”
ADVICE FOR NEW LOAN OFFICERS?
Delp said to pick a geographic area that you want to gain influence in and learn who the real estate agents are in that marketplace. “Contact them, introduce yourself and be persistent with them. Get out on the weekends to open houses and offer to assist with open houses and make yourself more accessible than anyone else in the marketplace.”
ADVICE FOR REALTORS WHEN DEALING WITH LOAN OFFICERS?
Delp said for them to find someone they know, like and trust. “Find someone that will help grow your business.”
- by Michele Newbern Gillis