Evelyn Hopkins has been a marketing and closing specialists with Title America of Jacksonville for almost two years.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
“I handle the closings and the marketing for the company along Mary Jill Sheffield, another marketing and closing specialist.”
BEFORE TITLE AMERICA?
She was with First American Title for five years and has been in title business for seven years.
BEFORE TITLES?
She was a mortgage banker for 25 years.
WHY DID YOU GET INTO THE TITLE BUSINESS?
“I had a close friend who was in the title business and whenever she came to our mortgage office, I really liked what she did, so I told her to let me know if she ever had an opening and she did.”
HOW HAS YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELPED?
“It helped me to understand better when the clients come to closing. I understand the products that they are closing with. If someone is a little shaky or has concerns, I can explain and calm them down rather than have to call the mortgage broker if they are not at the closing.”
WHAT CAN REALTORS DO TO MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER?
Hopkins said communication is important. “Let us know what will make your closing go more smoothly for your clients. Let us know what do you want us to order and how to contact the buyer and seller. We know we are the last stop in the most expensive transaction in most people’s lives.”
WHAT DO YOU DO TO ENSURE A SMOOTH CLOSING?
“Next to death and marriage, this is probably the biggest thing people will do in life, so you have to be able to understand what kind of customer you have. If you have a first-time home buyer, they might be a little more nervous and need a little more explanation than an investor who does it all the time.”
COMMON PROBLEMS AT CLOSINGS?
Hopkins said sometimes they do not have all of the information on the settlement statement and have to change it at the last minute.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE TITLE BUSINESS?
“I love doing closings. There is nothing more exciting than to see the happy faces of the buyers and sellers and their appreciation of the Realtor and mortgage brokers.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED FROM A CO-WORKER?
“Always treat your customer like they are No. 1 and also be a good listener.”
ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO THE TITLE BUSINESS?
“The most important thing is to be able to treat the customers, employees, co-workers, Realtors and mortgage brokers like you would want to be treated. Remember that every one of them is very important to us.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“Patience and perseverance.”
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS?
She is on the board of the Jacksonville Women’s Council of Realtors and handles the reservations. She is also a member of Sons of Norway, a club of Scandinavian ancestors.
- by Michele Newbern Gillis