Today we’d like to introduce you to Graciie Vega.
Hi Graciie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
You know, it’s funny how life comes full circle sometimes. If you had told fifteen-year-old me, fresh off the plane with my family, that one day I’d be helping other Spanish speakers buy their homes here in the States, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Back then, every piece of paper felt like a mountain to climb. My parents, bless their hearts, didn’t speak much English, so as the oldest of four girls, I became their translator for everything – contracts, opening bank accounts, buying a car, doctor appointments, even just figuring out what was on sale at the grocery store. It was a lot for a teenager, but it also made me grow up fast.
Fast forward a few years, back in 2021, juggling a newborn in a new city – Memphis, no less – with only years of retail management under my belt, I was a single mom, and I desperately needed a career that would allow me to be present for my child, something more flexible and fulfilling than the long hours of retail I took a leap of faith. I enrolled in a real estate licensing class in Mississippi, honestly not knowing exactly where it would lead. It was a connection with a friend that opened the door to EDCO Title about three years ago.
I started as a translator, specifically for closing documents for buyers who only speak Spanish. Honestly, the first time I sat down with a client, the smell of the freshly printed documents hit me, and it was like a wave of memories. Suddenly, I wasn’t just translating words on a page; I was helping someone navigate the same confusing process my parents had gone through.
It felt… right. Like everything had led me to this point. I remember all those times I struggled to explain complicated things to my parents, the worry in their eyes, and now I had the chance to make that process smoother for someone else. Especially for other Latino families. I know firsthand what it’s like to move to a new country, to feel lost in a sea of unfamiliar words. That’s why this isn’t just a job for me. It’s personal. Every time I help a family understand their closing documents, every time I see the relief in their eyes when they finally hold those keys, it feels like I’m paying it forward. It’s a small way of making their American dream a little less daunting, a little more like home.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started at EDCO Title, despite my background in translating for my family, the specific terminology and legal nuances of real estate documents were a steep learning curve. I had years of retail management experience, which taught me a lot about customer service and organization, but nothing directly prepared me for the intricacies of title work and closings. I had to dedicate a lot of time to learning the specific vocabulary and processes.
On top of that, becoming a single mother in 2021 and moving to a new city like Memphis with a newborn was incredibly challenging on its own. Juggling the demands of a new baby with trying to establish a new career in a field I knew nothing about was exhausting. There were definitely moments of doubt and feeling overwhelmed, wondering if I had made the right decision to step away from the familiar world of retail.
Even though the connection with my friend helped me get my foot in the door, I still had to prove myself and learn everything from scratch while navigating the responsibilities of being a new, single parent. There were days I felt completely out of my depth, unsure if I could truly grasp the complexities of the job and be the kind of involved mother I wanted to be. It took a lot of perseverance, late nights studying documents, and leaning on the support I had to get to where I am now.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
EDCO Title and Closing Services is a full-service title and real estate settlement provider located in Bartlett, Tennessee. What you should know about us first and foremost is that at EDCO Title, the client truly is our top priority. Our entire operation is built around making the closing process as smooth and easy as possible for everyone involved – buyers, sellers, and lenders. We understand that buying, selling, or refinancing a property can be a significant and sometimes stressful event, and our goal is to alleviate that stress through clear communication, expertise, and a commitment to exceptional service.
We specialize in handling all types of real estate transactions, from residential homes and investment properties to commercial buildings and vacant land. Our experienced staff has successfully navigated thousands of closings, so our clients can trust that their transaction is in capable hands. We are known for our attention to detail, our proactive communication, and our dedication to ensuring every closing is handled properly and professionally.
What sets us apart, in my opinion, is our genuine commitment to serving our community. And that’s where my role specifically comes in. As a translator focused on assisting our Hispanic families, I play a crucial part in making the dream of homeownership accessible to a wider segment of our community. I’m proud that we recognize the importance of clear communication and go the extra mile to ensure language is never a barrier to achieving that dream.
But our community involvement goes beyond just language services. We actively engage in initiatives that support our local heroes – our firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and veterans. We host free conferences specifically for them, and we’re proud to offer special discounts on their closing costs as a small token of our appreciation for their service.
Furthermore, we understand the vital role real estate agents play in our community. We actively support them by sponsoring their events and providing marketing resources to help them grow their businesses. We see ourselves as partners in the real estate ecosystem, working collaboratively to benefit everyone involved.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of our reputation for being a trustworthy and community-focused company. We’re not just about processing paperwork; we’re about building relationships and making a positive impact.
What I want your readers to know about EDCO Title and Closing Services is that we are more than just a title company. We are a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about helping our clients achieve their real estate goals with ease and confidence. We are committed to serving all members of our community, ensuring a smooth and understandable closing process, and supporting those who serve us every day. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or a seasoned investor, you can trust EDCO Title to handle your transaction with the utmost care and professionalism.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely. The COVID-19 crisis taught us some really significant lessons at EDCO Title.
Professionally, the crisis forced us to rapidly adapt our processes, quickly embracing technology to facilitate remote closings and ensure the safety of our clients and staff. This underscored the importance of being agile and prepared for unexpected disruptions.
One of the most important lessons we learned as a company was the critical need for clear and consistent communication, especially during times of uncertainty. Clients were understandably anxious about the real estate market and the closing process amidst the pandemic, and it reinforced the importance of proactive updates and reassurance. The crisis highlighted the essential nature of ‘home’ and amplified the significance of the work we do in helping families achieve homeownership, giving our mission an even deeper meaning.
The pandemic underscored the strength and adaptability of our team at EDCO Title, as everyone quickly adjusted to new ways of working and supported each other through a challenging period. It truly highlighted the importance of a resilient team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edcotitle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graciie.realestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracie.vega.96/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graciie-vega-3a70a6140/
