DeAndrea Danni Simmons
New Orleans
Summary
Dynamic and results -driven Real Estate Professional and Corporate Business Paralegal with over a decade of expertise in real estate acquisitions, real estate law, title work, and commercial project management.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Corporate Paralegal Commercial Real Estate
Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert(
07.2023 - Current
- Conducted thorough title searches and examinations, mitigating potential risks and discrepancies.
- Assisted clients/stakeholders in understanding complex legal documents by providing clear explanations and answering questions promptly.
- Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment, and prior bankruptcies documents.
- Prepared legal documents such as deeds, mortgages, and leases to facilitate smooth real estate transactions.
- Prepared legal property descriptions for use in transactions.
- Ensured proper recording of property transfers at local government offices, maintaining accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
- Reviewed and interpreted Alta surveys, site plans, maps, and blueprints.
- Assisted in resolving disputes related to property boundaries or ownership claims by conducting thorough research and analysis.
- Revised and finalized letters, briefs, and Title review memos.
- Streamlined the closing process for residential and commercial transactions, resulting in improved efficiency.
- Demonstrated expertise in real estate contracts and legal procedures to ensure smooth transactions for all parties involved.
- Worked closely with title companies to verify clear title of properties and ensure all required documentation was in place for successful closings.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Identified key issues in contracts and provided clear recommendations for resolution, resulting in successful negotiations.
- Reduced risk of litigation by thoroughly reviewing and analyzing large volumes of complex documents.
- Adapted quickly to changing conditions on job sites, efficiently adjusting site plans and updating as needed while maintaining overall project goals.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality, protecting sensitive customer information while adhering to all data security protocols.
- Maintained organized records of all interactions with clients for future reference or follow-up purposes when necessary.
- Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in adjusting to changes in schedules, workload, or company priorities.
- Utilized time management strategies effectively while working remotely, balancing workload demands with personal responsibilities at home.
Senior Broker
Welcome Home Realty
05.2014 - Current
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for clients Buyer's Sellers and Investors by effectively leveraging market knowledge and strong communication skills.
- Coordinated rental agreements for Commercial and Residential properties.
- Manage Commercial and residential Lease renewals
- Managed complex transactions involving short sales, foreclosures, successions and/or other challenging situations with tactful problem-solving skills.
- Reviewed and executed confidential documents, contracts and disclosures.
- Resolved complex issues during transactions, ensuring client satisfaction and maintaining integrity of deal.
- Provided comprehensive support to clients relocating from other areas, making their transition smoother.
- Worked closely with clients to facilitate appropriate loans, inspections due diligence, and title work.
- Conducted Broker Opinion CMA reports competitive market analysis to determine optimal pricing for properties.
- Provided guidance and consultation to clients to make well-informed decisions in real estate investments.
- Stayed current on industry trends and market fluctuations by attending professional development courses, conferences, and networking events.
- Conducted educational seminars for potential clients on home buying process, establishing trust and expertise.
- Utilized advanced CRM tools to manage client interactions and stay organized, enhancing client communication.
- Enhanced online visibility of properties with innovative marketing strategies, reaching wider audience.
- Attend Closing's to ensure the success of finalizing the transaction with and/or on clients behalf.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing timely updates on the status of closings and addressing any concerns or questions promptly.
Intake Paralegal Family Law
South East Legal Services
02.2020 - 11.2021
- Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database -PRIME (CRM) Proficient.
- Streamlined communication between clients and legal staff by conducting conflict checks.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation and information for discovery request.
- Prepared legal briefs, motions and pleadings.
- Researched state statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes and documents.
- Communicated with outside vendors/advocate associations on behalf of attorneys and legal departments.
- Collected, drafted and maintained resources to provide comprehensive materials accessible to all firm lawyers.
- Help Desk Support Representative/Intake Specialist at 24th JDC.
- Responded to inquiries by phone, email and walk-up requests.
- Reduced attorney workload by drafting routine legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and affidavits.
- Summarized depositions, legal documents and other material to provide attorney with relevant material for cases.
- Managed scheduling of court calendars and deadlines to maintain smooth flow of firm operations.
- Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
- Helped attorneys prepare for trial by organizing exhibits and calling on witnesses to testify at hearings.
Project Manager, PMO
Gem Construction
09.2017 - 01.2020
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Led cross-functional teams to successful project completions, improving team cohesion and productivity with effective leadership strategies.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
- Oversaw implementation of new project management software, facilitating more efficient workflow and better project tracking.
Real Estate Paralegal
Vintage Title & Escrow
05.2015 - 08.2017
- Implemented best practices in due diligence reviews for property acquisitions, protecting client interests in each transaction.
- Contacted appropriate agencies to complete searches, order records, and obtain documents.
- Maintained checklists of required documentation and open issues affecting closings.
- Verified closing financial disclosure amounts against settlement and escrow agent figures to accurately reflect borrowers' bottom-line costs.
- Managed escrow accounts accurately and securely, ensuring proper distribution of funds upon closing.
- Collaborated with lenders, agents, and legal professionals to resolve transactional and title issues.
- Established positive flow of communication with agents, clients, attorneys and personnel involved in closing transactions.
- Examined, categorized, and sorted incoming documents.
- Maintained physical and computer-based filing systems.
- Provided exceptional customer service throughout the transaction process, earning repeat business from satisfied clients.
Education
TX Real Estate Lic
TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission)
2022
Associate Degree -
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA2016
Paralegal Certified - undefined
Tulane University
2016
Broker - LA Real Estate
LREC - ( Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
Louisiana2014
Skills
- Real estate law
- Title examination
- Title research
- Closing coordination
- Residential & Commercial Acquisitions
- Property valuation
- Analytical tools
- Property records research
- Plot plans for Boundary surveys
- Construction surveys
- Project planning and development
- Property management
- File management
- Project management
- Contract management
- Stakeholder communication
Computer Expertise
Rippe
Workshare
Word Doc
PC Law
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Power POint
Adobe
Dotloop
Docusign
Buildium
Rent Spree
Matrix
Imanage
Complete Closing
Affiliations
- NOMAR ( New Orleans Metro Association of Realtors)
- HAR ( Houston Association of Realtors)
- New Orleans Chambers of Commerce
- LREC (Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
- TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission)
- NALA ( National Association of Ligal Assistants)
- NOPA (New Orleans Paralegal Associations)
Accomplishments
Former Owner and CEO of Athens Tile and Stone Center and Athens Construction (2004-2010)
Timeline
Senior Corporate Paralegal Commercial Real Estate
Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert(
07.2023 - Current
Intake Paralegal Family Law
South East Legal Services
02.2020 - 11.2021
Project Manager, PMO
Gem Construction
09.2017 - 01.2020
Real Estate Paralegal
Vintage Title & Escrow
05.2015 - 08.2017
Senior Broker
Welcome Home Realty
05.2014 - Current
Paralegal Certified - undefined
Tulane University
TX Real Estate Lic
TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission)
Associate Degree -
Tulane University
Broker - LA Real Estate
LREC - ( Louisiana Real Estate Commission)
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