Editor’s note: In celebration of Gay Pride Month, we are featuring eXp agents who are allies and supporters of the LGBTQ community and promote their services, values, and commitments.
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As a policy analyst for the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, Melissa Hudson provided contract oversight for the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program. The program, which recouped money from deceased Medicaid recipients, sometimes left adult family members without a place to live.
“I was traveling across the state and doing a lot of presentations to large crowds, and it had something to do with homes,” Hudson said. “I was the bearer of bad news. I thought to myself, ‘How do I help people retain their homes?’ But that was the exact opposite of what I was doing.”
Feeling burned out after 15 years of working for the State of Texas, Hudson cashed out her retirement and enrolled in a real estate school. After graduating and earning her real estate license, she worked as a Realtor at Keller Williams.
“It was an interesting time in Austin real estate,” Hudson said. “If your house was 60 days late on the mortgage, your home would show up on search engines as a pre-foreclosure. I can’t imagine the families struggling. Sometimes they were able to reconcile with the bank and get a deferment. But it didn’t matter at that time in Austin.”
One day in 2015, Hudson heard about eXp Realty through a title company representative.
“She said, ‘You’re working so hard, you’re tired, you’re young and you should probably look into eXp Realty,’” Hudson said.
After learning more about eXp Realty, she joined the company. Since then, Hudson said she has gone from being a real estate agent to a business owner.
“Never did I think that would be the case,” Hudson said. “I’m from a blue-collar family. My parents didn’t have a college degree. There were no business owners in my family. I’m breaking that generational mindset and going from Realtor to business owner. I feel that eXp supports that and has the tools to do that.
“The proof is me. I went from a $2 million agent to almost a $15+ million agent. A two-time ICON. I worked hard, all the tools were there for me and there were no roadblocks.”
Hudson is also an official representative of the eXp Pride Network, an affinity group of ONE eXp, eXp’s diversity and inclusion initiative, which supports career development, champions fair housing principles and provides networking opportunities that encourage cultural awareness. Through the Pride Network, she has spoken at the eXp University Mentor Series about creating a culture of connectivity.
For June 2021, she is looking forward to the eXp Pride Network’s virtual Pride Celebration.
“I love that eXp is open and celebrating Pride,” Hudson said. “It is really fun and what a way to celebrate Pride through eXp World. They care and it’s important to them not for show, but truly because they care.”
Learn more about Melissa Hudson:
Years in real estate: Since 2013
Gross sales and transactions in 2020: $15 million on 53 transactions
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (Aug. 2015-present)
- Keller Williams (March 2013-Aug. 2015)
Main territory: Austin, Texas and surrounding counties
Main focus: Single-family homes
Number of people on team: 1
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- 2x eXp ICON Agent
- Platinum Top 50 Austin Finalist (2017)
- Top 500 Real Producers, Austin, Texas (2021)
When and why did you join eXp?
“I joined eXp in 2015 to become a business owner and not just a Realtor. When that shift happens in your mind, you become motivated to build a business, make investments and help others. It’s important for me to leave a legacy for my family. And to give back to the community that helped me grow my business.”
What makes eXp special to you?
“eXp is special to me because it provides the tools agents need for success. Besides the tools, I have been able to utilize stocks to purchase investments and build a retirement. This has been life-changing for me and my family.”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“Yes, I have spoken about eXp to other agents. Even though I don’t focus on agent growth, that simple conversation has resulted in revenue share income. Who can be upset about that?”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“I joined early on with eXp and found out I am agent No. 608!”
Have you had any experience or success with eXp’s global revenue share and commercial businesses?
“I am excited to learn more. I can definitely say that my experience with non-U.S. buyers has significantly increased in the last year. I am almost complete with my Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation and know it’s important to include this in my business.”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“I personally love helping other agents and unofficially mentor eXp and other agents outside of the brokerage.”
10 Fun Things About Melissa Hudson
- I am a doggo mama. I have 6 dogs! YES, 6! And a cat.
- I have two adult kids. Mathew, 25 and Briana, 23.
- I’m originally from Austin, Texas. Born and raised. Austinites are called unicorns.
- I married late, but found the love of my life. I was a 42-year-old bride.
- I was in so many classes as a kid. My mother worked with the City of Austin Recreation Department for 25+ years. She put me in every class that was offered. You can add ballet, Folklorico dancing, ceramic class, baton twirling, modern dance and break dancing to my repertoire.
- I am married to a Native American (Navajo).
- I can drink coffee any time of the day and lots of it.
- I mentor Realtors who are starting in the business.
- I have a pretty crazy intuition and have scared my friends and family at times by telling them something that will happen or has already happened. If you get a random call from me, don’t be surprised that the timing might be perfect!
- I was a proud band nerd and held first chair almost all through high school. I can still play the flute!
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