Roxanne Harding has been a mortgage loan consultant with Vystar Credit Union for a year and a half.
“I’m like a floating loan officer and go to any branch or location that will be convenient for the member,” she said. “Where ever they need us to come, we’ll come.”
HER HISTORY?
Before Vystar, Harding worked for Washington Mutual for nine years. She started as a loan closer and eventually became a loan officer.
HOW DID SHE GET HER START IN BANKING?
Harding started her banking career with Gainesville Campus Federal Credit Union as a teller. When she moved to Jacksonville, she worked at Atlantic National Bank (now Wachovia) as a mortgage loan processor and Community First Bank (now Compass Bank) as a mortgage loan processor.
COLLEGE ?
She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nova University.
WHAT does she enjoy ABOUT LENDING?
“Being able to help the member get into their first home, refinance
so they can get the equity out of their home
for whatever reason or qualify them so they know what they qualify for. I just love it.”
MEMBERS?
Clients have to be a member of the credit union to start the loan process. “It’s not like it is hard. Five dollars in your account and you are a member. That’s all you need to do. If I get a request for information about our loan products, I’ll talk to them about it, but before I can pre-qualify them for a loan, they have to be a member.”
HOW DOES HER PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP?
Harding said her previous experience helped her learn to better communicate with members to understand what their needs are.
BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE RECEIVED?
“To follow my heart and do what I enjoy doing.”
WHAT IS SHE DOING TO DRUM UP BUSINESS?
Harding said she gets referrals from her credit union and participates in Realtor gatherings to network and drum up business.
ADVICE FOR NEW LOAN OFFICERS?
“Don’t be afraid. Go ahead and talk to people and network.”
ADVICE FOR REALTORS WHEN DEALING WITH LOAN OFFICERS?
“Have patience.”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS?
Northeast Florida Realtors Association and its Downtown Neighborhood Council of Realtors, Jacksonville Women’s Council of Realtors and the Northside Chamber of Commerce.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis