Teresa Downey

Why did you become a mortgage loan officer at BankSouth Mortgage?

I chose to become a mortgage loan officer at BankSouth Mortgage because of the supportive, team-oriented culture. It truly feels like family here. Our leadership team is accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested in helping us—and our clients—succeed. That kind of environment empowers me to deliver a better mortgage experience every day.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?

Raising my children is the accomplishment that means the most to me. Watching them grow into hardworking, kind, and respectful adults is incredibly fulfilling. One of the most meaningful things they’ve ever said is that my husband and I showed them what love looks like. As a parent, that’s everything.

What’s been your biggest professional success as a loan officer?

One milestone I’m especially proud of was receiving the Rising Star Award in 2012—the same year I started originating my own loans. That recognition gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and grow in this profession. Another standout moment was hearing a sales manager say, “You have raving fans on my team!” To me, that’s the true mark of success—earning trust through service and creating positive, lasting relationships.

How are you different from other mortgage loan officers?

I adapt my process to fit each client’s preferences—whether they want to apply online, talk by phone, meet in person, or hop on a video call. I treat every borrower like I would my own family. That mindset shapes how I communicate, educate, and follow through. I also attend most of my closings in person because I believe in being there, face-to-face, to say thank you. And I see our operations team as true partners. We succeed together, and I never take that collaboration for granted.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Family time is everything to me. On weekends, I love slow breakfasts with my husband, church on Sundays, and dinners with our kids and grandson. In the summer, we spend time at the lake on our boat. In the fall, I’m cheering on my favorite college football team with my sister. I’m grateful to live close to my family and spend so much time with the people I love.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was 10, I dreamed of being a school teacher. I had a chalkboard and would “teach” my friends math and cursive. Looking back, I realize that dream wasn’t so far off. Today, I help first-time homebuyers understand the mortgage process, walk them through every step, and answer all their questions. I may not be in a classroom, but I still get to teach every day, and I love that.