Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Graham.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child, I always wanted to work in healthcare. I attended Georgia Southern University with the intention of excelling in their nursing school and seeing where that would lead me next. During my sophomore year, plans changed. Feeling truly stuck as I was reliant on the Hope Scholarship and other merits that I had earned, I was in a panic. Hours were running out and degrees were not in sight. At the advice of a mentor and counselor, I took a “fun math class”. This class, real estate finance, changed my trajectory. As a young adult, I didn’t know much about finance much less real estate. Finishing in 4 years, even with a change in path, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. On my senior spring break I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a Sales Competition and Job Fair held at Kennesaw State University. This gave me access to meet many companies, interview with their personnel, and ultimately obtain my first job in this career. As a processor for a wholesale mortgage company, I entered the mortgage finance world in 2007. As history has shown, this was one of the most volatile times in this industry. I held tight, worked as hard as I could and said my daily thankfulness for the integrity that our owner, George Phelps, had in keeping Primary Capital alive. During the next 9 years with this company I would find myself working in underwriting and capital markets departments. With two babies joining our family just 15 months apart, I decided to put my mortgage finance career on pause for a couple of years while assisting at the church preschool a few mornings a week. In 2020, yet another volatile time, I felt the call to go back to work full time in my career. This time, I wanted to be client facing with originations. I knew the industry well, had kept up with the changes, and wanted to bring this information to perspective borrowers to make sure they were well informed of all of their options and the information that goes into one of the biggest financial decisions of their life! Over the last 5 and a half years of origination, I can have pride that I have done that. Working with a great team at a national bank, a retail lender with a national presence and now a mortgage broker team based in Marietta, GA has brought accomplishment and heartfelt gratitude with each transaction!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh heck no! About a year into my job, the market completely crashed. There were companies literally closing their doors daily without any notice to 100’s -1000’s of employees. I remember reading or hearing stories of people showing up to work to a post it note saying “we’re closed”. I was so thankful that my company did not do that. I know that it was not without sacrifice either.
In 2017, Primary Capital did finally sell and the road leading to this was a true growth experience and challenge. Being a part of this territory expansion and ultimately positioning to sell was something that I will always look back upon as a challenge and growth in my career.
Recently, we have had the challenges of market changes with interest rates and property values. The way that real estate values increased during a national pandemic, while interest rates were kept to all time low’s is a challenge that we will likely feel for a while. Having a place to live is important, having a home that you own is a goal. My daily challenge is helping prospective clients align the two in the way that is most beneficial for them now and in the long run.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Something a little different about me is my childhood home. I have been told by clients and referral partners alike after sharing my story that they would have not assumed this. Growing up, we lived in a wonderful neighborhood full of single and double-wide manufactured homes. I had plenty of kids on my street to play with and the families looked after one another. Upon my parents divorce, my mom and I moved into an apartment. In college, I lived between apartments, sorority house and other rental homes. In 2009, after being in the industry and marrying my sweetheart, we bought our first home. The first single family home that my direct family had owned. I know the grit and determination it takes to make this opportunity happen and I think that helps me relate to my clients who want this so badly as well! I will be your supporter, cheerleader and accountability mortgage finance partner in this as long as it takes. The longest I have worked with a client was 2 years! Talk about a huge success story!
What are your plans for the future?
Other than growing, I don’t have any big changes on the horizon. The team that I get to work alongside daily are amazing people who want to help their referral partners and clients. I find pride in aligning myself with people just like that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://strategicmortgageadvisors.com/melissa-graham/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGrahamLender
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-graham-391992a/
