Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Wright.
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Washington state, I got my first Real Estate-related job by chance in 1998. I was looking for a new job, and my sister, who worked at Coldwell Banker, told me there was an opening in one of their Seattle offices. What I thought would be a great job while I decided what I wanted to do for a career has turned into 24 years in an industry I love! Over my first couple of years in real estate, I transitioned from an office staff position to a corporate office role and then finally found my niche as a licensed assistant for a luxury Realtor.
Ten years ago, I relocated to The Woodlands, and soon afterward, I started as a licensed assistant for the Realtor that helped us with our purchase. Other agents often asked me if I ever worked with any other agents, and at the time my answer was “no”. In 2017, with the encouragement of my now-husband Jeremy, I started my own transaction management company, closHUB, to support those agents who didn’t need a full-time assistant but had their hands full trying to juggle clients and appointments with their personal life.
Our business has grown to now have 6 transaction coordinators on the team, which is so exciting to me! Not only do we support agents with our services, but closHUB also provides employment to a wonderful group of people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth roads are pretty but boring. Obstacles and challenges are what make us think and grow! In the beginning, starting small, it’s all about word of mouth and referrals. The clients who stick with you the most are those who came through a trusted source or appreciated your work ethic and professionalism when they were on the other side of a transaction from you. It was (and is) challenging to grow a business in a way that lets you provide the level of care your clients expect and balancing when to grow your team to match those needs – it’s a constant balance of being prepared for new clients (Realtors), but not having someone on my team waiting to build their book of business to support themselves in the meantime.
As a business owner, there are so many hats to wear! Day-to-day transaction management, team training and support, marketing, connecting with new clients, accounting, managing the systems we use to support our operations… and the list could go on. Some days are overwhelming!
Personally, I had a huge challenge in 2020 when I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Right at the heart of full pandemic lockdowns going into effect, my world revolved around getting approval for immediate surgery, choosing the best treatment plan with my oncology team and juggling treatment with work. I have never been more thankful for being my own boss than during that year of treatment. I literally worked from bed some days and was glad to do it. My oncologist’s office also has great wifi! I had chemo treatment once a week for five months, and my laptop came right along with me. I am beyond grateful to be on this side of cancer treatment and to not just be a cancer survivor but a thriver!
Just a few months ago, I hired two new coordinators – then they both gave their notice right as their training was starting – they had been head-hunted from a brokerage and hired on as staff. I wished them well, gave myself a moment of panic, and then regrouped. I hired other transaction coordinators and am thrilled to have them on my team.
As we move into a time of adjusting interest rates, changes for many real estate brokerages and all of the other nuances that can affect the real estate market, we will continue to adjust, grow and meet each challenge as it comes, and support our agents in the process.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about closHUB Transaction Management?
We support real estate agents! closHUB provides listing and transaction management for real estate agents who need support but don’t want a full or part-time assistant.
For listings, we help with scheduling photography and sign installation, listing input in the MLS, and making sure all the required paperwork is in order for their broker’s records.
Once an agent has an accepted contract for their buyer or seller, we communicate throughout the transaction with the client, other agents, Title company, lender and any other necessary parties – from scheduling inspections, managing contract deadlines and coordinating the final home walk-through before closing, to managing all required internal paperwork for their broker’s records, scheduling closing and making sure everything is done to get everyone to closing.
Similar to having an assistant, an agent always works with the same transaction coordinator. We are involved from listing-to-contract-to-close. Unlike having an assistant, agents pay per listing and/or transaction instead of paying a constant salary, whether or not there is work to do.
My team goes above and beyond when it comes to taking care of agents and their clients! There are other transaction coordination companies out there, but I am proud of what we offer and how well we do it.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love (underline LOVE) to read! I mostly read historical fiction – I am always “on” for work, so I love to escape into a good book to get away.
Instagram – I love a good photo and funny video! I love DIY, design and cooking, so my favorite accounts have a good mix of it all.
Facebook – It’s a solid place to stay connected for business, as well as keep up with what is going on with family and friends.
MileIQ app – Even though I have the luxury of working from home when I want, I am often on the road for office visits and meetings – MileIQ easily keeps track of my business travel so I don’t miss out on those miles when tax season rolls around.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.closhub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/closhub_transactions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClosHub
Image Credits
María Lord
