We were lucky to catch up with Joanna Oates recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joanna, appreciate you joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When I decided to open my transaction coordination business, I began by researching my ideal clients: successful real estate agents and title companies. Understanding that there is a limited window to capture someone’s attention, I knew that the name of my company would need to be catchy enough to make them pause and give me a second look. I am fortunate to be married to a real estate broker so I also consulted with him early in the process to better understand what agents look for in a transaction coordinator.

As a result of my research, I found that the recurring themes were confidence and predictability. These are two rarities when talking about the real estate industry. It became clear that if I could not only address these two desires by providing world-renowned service, but from the onset with a powerful name, I could attract attention while making a promise to my clients. After surveying a few trusted resources with a number of options I decided that Sure 2 Close was an ideal company name. It communicates positive expectations and a promise of excellence to those looking for professional transaction management services.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve spent almost two decades in the real estate industry in some form. As the owner of Sure 2 Close, LLC I provide contract to closing services for real estate agents after an executed contract has been signed. My typical duties include communicating deadlines, scheduling appraisal and inspection appointments, and ensuring compliance with office or state requirements. I pride myself on exceeding client expectations and making each transaction as smooth and worry-free as possible for everyone involved. I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to pair my passion for serving people with meeting a true need in an industry that has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow. Every time praises are received via a 5-star review or through a referral to a new client, I’m reminded that easing the mind of a buyer, seller, or agent makes a difference emotionally and financially.

My company allows me to remain behind the scenes while controlling my time and energy and prioritizing my well-being. I am most proud of the fact that I get to assist others in achieving their goals of closing on real estate transactions. For the agents, buyers, and sellers I work with, this could mean a new chapter of life, less stress during the process, or the dream of home ownership becoming a reality. The satisfaction of a job well done is why I get excited about every new file we open.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

It’s almost a cliche, but providing exceptional, predictable service to everyone in a transaction has yielded phenomenal results in creating new clientele. Since I am typically hired by only one person participating in the transaction (i.e. the listing agent), I have an opportunity in every transaction to grow my client base by exceeding the expectations of those who don’t know me or my company. Ensuring timely communication to the transaction parties has been the single most effective tool. It is common for the cooperating agent and title company that I’m communicating with to ask about my services and how we operate. At the end of the transaction, whether the deal closes or not, I send a handwritten note card to those involved in the transaction, thanking them for their professionalism and offering my services to them on future deals.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The greatest source for my solid reputation is undoubtedly the people whom I am surrounded by on a regular basis. I mentioned previously that my husband is a real estate broker. He is active in the real estate industry and is held in high regard by those who have been blessed to meet and get to know him. Being able to do life with someone whose reputation is impeccable as a man and an industry leader helps and forces me to pay special attention to the reputation I seek to create in an affiliated industry. Additionally, for the past decade, I have fostered meaningful relationships with terrific brokers, agents, and closing agents who have become friends instead of just colleagues. Knowing that I have a tribe of reputable professionals who are also my friends and loved ones is a great boon to my reputation because people automatically make assumptions about us based on the company we keep. I don’t try to deny this fact. I use it to my benefit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sure2close.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannaoates/