Whether you are on the seller or buyer side of a transaction, you have real estate stories to share.
Some might highlight a near-flawless transaction while others might recount a stressful experience where unexpected and complicated twists and turns almost derailed the entire deal but, incredibly, did not! We owe that to a highly-organized workflow quietly happening behind the scenes - a vital role, not unlike an air traffic controller safely guiding flights in for smooth landings. It is the Real Estate Transaction manager who works cool and calm under pressure and effectively tends to the moving pieces to ensure a successful outcome for all. Who is this powerhouse of a person? Meet Lisa:
Tell me about your role as a transaction coordinator/contract manager.
It takes a village to close a real estate transaction, and in a nutshell, I am the one person that takes the lead in coordinating the details.
The closing process for a real estate transaction typically takes an average of 30-40 days and there is a range of factors that can either speed the process up or slow it to a snail’s pace. You name it. It can happen. Having someone in charge of keeping track of all deadlines, while working through roadblocks saves everyone a world of pain. A missed deadline could sabotage a deal. I work closely with each of the brokers at Vitalius. It is not unusual for us to make problems go away before clients even get wind of them, thereby reducing their stress levels.
What are some challenges you face in your role as Transaction Coordinator?
For me it's distractions. There are tons of things that happen throughout the day, and when you have multiple transactions for multiple agents that you are working on, it can be hard to maintain and keep up. An example: I may be working on a property that just went under contract for one of our Agents when the phone rings and another Vitalius agent is asking me to write up an Addendum as soon as possible and circulate it for signatures. I have to stop what I’m doing, work on that item, and then get back to the task I was working on. While this is happening, I am also checking/replying to emails and dealing with any to-dos. It can be stressful! It's important to focus and prioritize to ensure things get done accurately.
Finish this sentence: When I started this job I was most surprised by...
What skills do you have now that you didn't have when you started?
This answer I hope is ever-evolving. I strive to continue to learn and be curious. At this exact moment, however, I would say I have gained confidence and the ability to foresee problems with a transaction before they surface.
Describe a "perfect day" at work. If everything went as planned, how would your day unfold?
I love being busy, so for me, the perfect day is busting through tasks like a beast and making sure each deal has been reviewed by me, and all the involved parties have what they need to move to the next milestone. Clients of the agents would have a clear understanding of what's happening and what's to come. Everyone is effectively communicating together. All necessary documents are being handled with care. And, of course, a perfect day would also involve new contracts!
So remember, when you're preparing to sign the paperwork on what might be the biggest financial decision of your life - selling or purchasing real estate - there is a fiercely diligent (yet thoughtful and calm) Transaction Coordinator on board whose mission is to stick by your side to the finish line and into your new home. We are so lucky to have Lisa as part of our Team!
MORE ABOUT LISA:
As Vitalius’s licensed transaction coordinator, Lisa works closely with buyers and sellers to help them navigate the often complex buying and selling process. In this vital role, it is her mission to stick by a client’s side and guide them to the finish line and into their new home!
Lisa has over 30 years of experience in the real estate and legal fields. In her spare time, she volunteers her time to the elderly suffering from dementia. She also loves a good spin class and admits it is an addiction! As a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy, chemo, and radiation, she is an enthusiastic voice of support and encouragement to others with cancer. Lisa is not shy about what she has overcome so If you spot the breast cancer vanity license plate, "MINUS2", that’s Lisa, give a wave! Lisa calls Gorham, Maine, her home.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Before joining Vitalius, she enjoyed supporting a variety of real estate professionals at local Greater Portland real estate firms. She has spent 30 years in the legal field where she worked as a real estate assistant/paralegal for several of Greater Portland's most prominent law firms. She is a graduate of the Academy of Home Staging in New York City where she obtained the Academy's certification in Real Estate Staging and Design.
With her combined expertise in both the legal and real estate field, Lisa is a tremendous asset to the Vitalius Team and the clients we serve.
