Della Masters has been a closing agent and manager with Keystone Title for a little over a year. She has been doing titles for 20 years.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
She handles closings, marketing and customer service.
BEFORE KEYSTONE TITLE?
She was with Anastasia Title for 12 years and then Associated Land Title (now First American Title) for seven years.
BEFORE TITLES?
She worked as the administrative aide to the city manager for the City of St. Augustine Beach for 12 years.
WHY DID YOU GET INTO THE TITLE BUSINESS?
A wife of one of the city commissioners, Faith Dodson, was the manager at Associated Land Title. When Masters quit her city job, Dodson asked her to come work for her. “I started out as a receptionist and worked my way up to vice president/manager/closer.”
HOW HAS YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELPED?
“I have always been very heavy into figures because I was responsible for the budgets, bookkeeping and records of all city-owned equipment. I had a real strong background in bookkeeping and I think bookkeeping and closings go hand in hand.”
WHAT CAN REALTORS DO TO MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER?
“Completely fill out the contract and the information sheet that goes with it.”
WHAT DO YOU DO TO ENSURE A SMOOTH CLOSING?
“I try to keep all communication lines open. I don’t keep secrets, I disclose. If I am having a problem with a title search, I make everyone aware. Communication is the top key to having a smooth closing.”
COMMON PROBLEMS AT CLOSINGS?
Masters said not getting lender packages in a timely manner.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE TITLE BUSINESS?
“You learn something new every day. It is never boring.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED FROM A CO-WORKER?
“Treat people the way you would like to be treated.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“Everybody is different. Nobody’s better. We are all human beings living on this earth trying to make our way.”
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS?
St. Augustine Women’s Council of Realtors, St. Augustine/St. Johns County of Board of Realtors and St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis