Malinda Mitchell

ADDING VALUE TO EACH TRANSACTION AND INTERACTION

POSITION/TITLE: Transaction Coordinator

COMPANY: Elite Closing Solutions, LLC

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH THE PERSON WHO NOMINATED YOU?

Two years

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY?

Two years

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU BEGAN WORKING IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

I was a sales associate/regional leader for an insurance/financial company.

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL WORK DAY LOOK LIKE?

Every day — Monday to Friday — I check in on each existing file or new file that is under contract or a new listing. I typically handle between 20 to 40 files at a time. Once I have established where we are on each contract, I follow up with lenders, title contacts, real estate agents, and buyers and sellers to obtain the necessary information to fulfill items on our checklist/timeline. These checklist items include scheduling inspections; ordering appraisals and reporting due dates; sharing timeline dates and information with all parties; uploading and assisting in drafting addendums/ amendments; ensuring all parties have the executed addendums/amendments; ordering home warranties; receiving settlement statements; obtaining information or documents to clear titles; sending closing details to all parties; and sending closing preparation emails to buyers/sellers. Overall, my role is to make sure all parties are on the same page and receive the most updated information so that we stay on track to close on time.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN ONE WORD?

Supportive

WHY DO YOU THINK YOU EXCEL AT YOUR JOB?

I’ve always been a service-minded person. I enjoy helping others: It gives me all the good feels when I know my efforts made someone else’s life just a little bit easier. As a transaction coordinator, I get to do just that! I’ve always been fascinated by the real estate industry and enjoy working with the agents. I’ve worked in sales for most of my adult life, so I understand the importance of working in the field, gathering leads, prospecting, negotiating, closing the sale, etc. My role as a transaction coordinator increases my clients’ sales because they can focus on more income-producing activities while I take care of the rest. It’s a win-win!

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?

When an agent, title contact, lender or anyone involved in the transaction messages or calls me to let me know that I’ve made their day easier, and they appreciate what I do for them is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?

Overcoming a skeptical agent can be challenging. Prior to working with me, not everyone sees the value of my services because it is an unfamiliar process and requires trust. However, once we get past that obstacle, everyone is pleasantly pleased with the services and glad they made the decision to hire me as their transaction coordinator.

WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT YOU THAT OTHERS MIGHT FIND SURPRISING OR INTERESTING?

My identical twin sister owns Elite Closing Solutions and has been in the real estate industry for over 15 years. She is the reason I got into the business, and she gave me a great foundation to build the business I have today.

WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?

I like to be with my family and friends. I’m a social butterfly and enjoy being around others. My family and I enjoy the outdoors. We ride bikes, hike, camp and travel as often as we can.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING NOMINATED AS A BEHIND-THE-SCENES ALL-STAR?

I’m very touched by the nomination. It truly makes my heart happy to know I am making a difference in someone’s business. I really appreciate the opportunity to share what I love to do and am thankful for the people who appreciate my contributions.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE ABOUT YOURSELF, ABOUT YOUR JOB OR ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PERSON WHO NOMINATED YOU?

The agents and brokers at RE/MAX Eclipse-Waterford have gone above and beyond to make me feel like a part of their team. I come from a very competitive background in sports and in sales, so I appreciate a good team atmosphere. My sports background has taught me to value other people and what benefits they bring to a team. I believe I play a valuable role on the team, and I know they appreciate my role, too. In return, everyone wins! It’s good to be surrounded by others who value relationships as much as I do. I’m thankful they have put their trust in me and that they understand the value I bring to their agents and office.

Katie Wright, associate broker and team leader of The Wright Team at RE/MAX Eclipse, interacts with Malinda on a daily basis and greatly admires her good attitude, outgoing nature, kind spirit and consideration for others.

Katie nominated Malinda as a Behind-the-Scenes All-Star because Malinda regularly goes above and beyond. “Malinda has no problem helping out even if it’s not in her job description,” Katie said. “She has picked up lockboxes and even has offered to help a buyer move boxes.”

Katie respects Malinda as a business owner and appreciates how hard Malinda works at her position, how she takes pride in what she does, how well she follows directions and her happy-yet-direct emails.

“Malinda will adjust her way of doing things to accommodate me ... she’s an extension of me,” Katie said. “Malinda is my right-hand girl — she’s not just an assistant but also a friend.”

Behind-the-Scenes All-Star: Malinda Mitchell