Ms. Carter, a mortgage loan originator at Second National Bank specializing in FHA and VA loans, settled on a career in financial services after working 20 years as a practical nurse. She is also active in the Union Baptist Church, where she serves as an Evangelist Minister dedicated to helping battered and abused women and as assistant superintendent of the Sunday School.

Her concern for people and desire to reach out come through loud and clear when she's helping customers apply for a home loan at Second National.

"I love my job," says Ms. Carter, who has received special training to make her a certified government lender. "I view my work as a ministry."

Her goal is to do everything she can to get individuals and families into the homes they deserve. "I believe in what I do, and in Second National Bank. I take what I do to heart. That means finding the best programs for my customers."

With her special training and a lot of legwork, Ms. Carter helps individuals find the government programs that can help not only with a house purchase, but also with the down payment and closing costs.

"We always start out looking at conventional loans, but if they don't fit the customer, we look at the government loan programs or Second National's Own Your Own Home loan that requires only a three percent down payment," she says.

In addition to working one-on-one with customers, Ms. Carter regularly speaks at Second National Bank"s free seminars on home buying and financial management.

"The theme of my talks is always that there is a solution for purchasing a home, no matter who you are," she says. "It's just a matter of teaching people what they can do."

The only thing better than Ms. Carter's comprehensive knowledge of the programs available to help aspiring homeowners is her strong customer service ethic.

"I take an application at the convenience of the borrower," she says. "I've met with customers at McDonald's, churches, the Urban League and NAACP offices, anywhere there's a flat surface.

"I just really enjoy talking with and helping people, and I believe I can be an asset to both the Bank and the community through what I do."

Your local Second National Bank branch is happy to help you learn more about the Bank's home loans.