Realtor Spotlight | Diane Martino & Jenny Carr, EXIT Realty Lyon, Fairhope

June 01, 2020

Diane Martino and Jenny Carr met in Realtor school and after graduating, went on to work for two different companies. They knew they could cover more ground and serve clients better if they teamed up. Jenny moved over to EXIT Realty Lyon three years ago and they became the #dianeandjennysells Team at EXIT Realty Lyon. In 2018 and 2019, they were the company's #1 sales team and have maintained that ranking for the first quarter of 2020. They were featured in Mobile Bay Magazine as “Notable Women for 2019.” In addition, they hold the Realtor seat in The Eastern Shore Partners Business Networking group and serve on the Baldwin County Realtors Association MLS Committee and Forms Committee.

Q: How did you hear about AHFA programs?

A: After working with Bree Shores from First Bank Mortgage to help one of our first-time homebuyers. She introduced us to the programs, and we attended a Lunch & Learn Training conducted by AHFA staff at First Bank’s office.

Q: What do you think is the biggest benefit of the Step Up program for homebuyers?

A: Many homebuyers just need that “big break” in order to successfully achieve the homeownership dream. The Step Up loan and down payment assistance, even with a lower credit score, is a huge benefit. We had one particular customer who had gone through an exhaustive process and waited a lot longer than they probably needed to, trying to save up the money for a down payment. Once we referred them to a partner lender, they were able to work with her and take advantage of the Step Up program and the down payment assistance.

Q: Have you recommended or promoted the Mortgage Credit Certificate program to homebuyers?

A: Yes, we have had several clients benefit. We recently helped a young male, first-time homebuyer, just out of school, with his first full-time, adult job. He pre-qualified with one lender, but after we recommended him to a partner lender, he learned about the MCC program and was able to increase his budget by $10,000. In our market, that makes a huge difference!

Q: What do you enjoy most about your jobs?

A: We feel blessed to be able to offer clients an opportunity to purchase a home utilizing the AHFA programs. They change lives! The awards and recognitions are lovely, but it is our clients and the relationships we forge that really drive us. We strive to understand their unique needs and wants to facilitate finding them the most suitable property. Our clients become friends and our friends become family!