We were lucky to catch up with Joanna Oates recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joanna, thanks for joining us today. Please tell us about starting your own firm and if you’d do anything different knowing what you know now.
After working as an assistant for real estate attorneys and law offices for more than 12 years I realized that the stresses of the job were not good for my health or in line with my dreams of my ideal future. After sharing my feelings with my husband, a real estate broker, I briefly considered getting licensed and entering the real estate industry. Early on, one of my greatest moments of clarity came when I realized that I was not a “front of house” personality and worked much better behind the scenes. Having overheard much talk between agents, real estate coaches, and attorneys I decided to complete a personality assessment to hopefully uncover some of my strengths and tendencies. Upon completing the assessment and having honest conversations with my inner circle I made what proved to be one of the best professional decisions of my life. Relying on my previous experience reviewing contracts and paying close attention to the intricate details of the home buying or selling process I elected to start my own transaction management company, Sure 2 Close, LLC where my focus would be to aid real estate agents and title companies from the signing of an executed contract through the completion of the sale.
The greatest challenge early on was coming out of my shell to market my services to agents, offices, and title companies. The idea of sales was slightly intimidating for me and I often considered closing the business and searching for another 9-5 job. Fortunately, my years working in the real estate industry behind the scenes had helped me form relationships with real estate agents who I believed would benefit from my services IF I could pitch it to them AND show the value they would receive by having me as a part of their team. Actively having discussions and explaining my value to potential clients was the greatest challenge I had to overcome. It helped me tremendously with my second obstacle: not receiving an anticipated/steady paycheck that I had come to appreciate. I found a new appreciation for performance-based earners and eventually added this “appreciation” as a value-add for agents.
In the beginning, not having the proper systems in place hindered my growth. When I started my company, the idea of 3rd party transaction coordinators was still relatively new so there weren’t as many tools available to business owners that met the organization, communication, and tracking needs to make the process as streamlined as it is today. Today, there are also networks of TCs from different markets who share suggestions, new software, and best practices that have made it easier and faster to improve the quality of services I can provide to all parties in a transaction. If I had to start fresh today, I would attempt to identify someone already doing what I wanted to accomplish who was willing to share so I could become profitable sooner with fewer headaches.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
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 by way of a referral to a new client, I’m reminded that easing the mind of a buyer, seller, or agent does make a difference emotionally and financially.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Without a doubt, my reputation has benefited most from my consistent delivery of exceptional service to repeat clients. I believe that anyone can be good once and some can be great occasionally. To be able to exceed the demands of successful agents consistently has elevated my brand and opened doors for me that few other activities would have.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Typically, I’m hired by one agent in a transaction or by a title company. While I know it is important for me to perform to “keep” the current relationship intact, I also know that each transaction is an audition with a new agent who may benefit from professional transaction management services. Measured communication and a few “added extras” for a cooperating agent on a deal have yielded dozens of new clients for me and have proven profitable.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sure2Close
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannaoates/