Melody Orozco-Kluesner is an unquestionable force of nature. A relatively new addition to our real-estate roster, she's got just the temperament for our COLLECTIVE family, and we're finding ourselves both thrilled and flattered that she chose to hang her proverbial hat with our brokerage. In sticking with the CLERGY routine, I'll tell you what it is I've learned about this lady...then I'll let her speak a bit for herself.

Mel's got a physical presence that might seem intimidating, but in all truth, she's really pretty shy and you'll find her wicked-easy to talk to. The mother of two ridiculously handsome and well-behaved teenage boys, she appears to be something of a super mom--the kind that packs every lunch, attends every game, and sets boundaries that best not be crossed. Oh, and as present as she may be with her own kids, I know she's also doing what she can for others: as skilled behind the lens as she is in real estate, Mel takes photos at every sporting event for a good cause. She founded "Mel's Locker," which enables parents/families/friends to purchase photos (or make donations) contributing to a fund that provides sports equipment or pays program fees for those that might need the help. In her words, "As the mother of two talented athletes, I know these programs can cost thousands annually." As it turns out, the same sense of altruism applies to how Mel ended up in real estate--after seeing the pitfalls a family member encountered in trying to buy a home, she got her license and set to work with a fixed focus on helping others in a tough spot get into the space they deserve. My awe of Mel's selflessness aside, I've found her to be an open-minded thinker, a savvy agent, and a solid gal to grab a beer with. Read on...

Describe your perfect home or space. What does it look/feel like? My perfect home is cozy, just enough space to break away to read or breathe, but close enough that we (my family) always feel "together". It's warmed with a fireplace, perfectly centered in the main living space. Our home is calm in structure and colorful in family moments captured by camera. Always smells of fresh garden vegetables and homemade salsa. Arguments over sports teams and scores, followed by laughter from family game nights. A yard to host any and all in a neighborhood that keeps a watchful, protective eye.

One thing you absolutely cannot stand: I cannot stand rooms without natural lighting.


One thing you absolutely, unequivocally LOVE: Custom craftsmanship. It adds character to the home (wood, metal, etc.).


You're a real estate agent here. Tell me why. What lead you to this work? Home ownership is not always simple "sign here, borrow there". It's not impossible, but the fact that simplicity is scarce for some dreamers makes it very easy to let them slip through the cracks. My goal is to prove that rolling up the sleeves can make what seems impossible perfectly possible, growing smaller neighborhoods into established communities. If you're asking why cityhomeCOLLECTIVE, then it's simple. They support and cheer for what I'm passionate about.


Give me your take on our little COLLECTIVE. In one word, HOME. Regardless of your background, your style, your career, your goals, ect.--when you walk into the welcoming doors of CHC, you feel at home. It's an experience I have never felt in a professional setting and have only a few times felt in a personal setting. It's rare, it's beautiful, and it's refreshing!


Describe your perfect day. What, exactly, does that look like for you? Early wake up, grinding it out in the gym. Warm, cozy and comfy clothes, steamed frothy cappuccino. Music loud in my jeep while I cruise through the natural beauty Utah's mountains have to offer. Taking time to park on a ledge and get lost in the day with no awareness of time while I sip and breathe. Over and over...and over.

Favorite read/watch: My favorite read is The Alchemist. Favorite watch is any and all of my kids' highlight videos! :)


I'm legitimately and actually afraid of the dark. Like, I will RUN up a set of dark stairs, as I'm convinced that someone is behind me. Also, on my first day of college, I walked through the crowded part of campus without knowing that my backpack had slowly pulled my skirt up over my ass. It shaped me as a person, I think, in that it ruined my life. Tell me something embarrassing or ridiculous about you. I played in a basketball tournament that was aired on ESPN after taking State in high school. We traveled to Florida for the tournament and I FORGOT the shorts to my uniform!! I borrowed the shorts of another teammate that was a bench warmer and 3 or 4 sizes bigger than I was. I rolled them up, proudly and confidently walked to center court to do our jump ball. We won possession, I ran down court for the assist and easy layup. I was an over-celebrater...a rub-it-in-your-face athlete. I cheered, I grunted, I jumped up and down...unaware that I had jumped right out of my borrowed shorts at the initial jump ball. Made my first big play of this nationally televised game in my UGLY laundry-day lookin' undies. I never played another game or practiced again without spandex under any uniform!!!


You could be living anywhere, really. Why SLC? I was born and raised here, so family was the initial reason for me keeping my roots here in SLC. Then I grew up and became a bit of an explorer and lover of the outdoors. Utah has everything I need within an hour's drive. Mountains for fall hikes, lakes for summer suits 'n' rays, back country for snowboarding through the winter months. Deserts for those weekend getaways, and a city life all ready for me at a moment's notice. Family had me first, atmosphere has me now!


How do you think we can improve this fantastic little slice of our nation? Where are we lacking? We need to open our minds and hearts equally to change. We are strongly rooted in what our families and the generations before believed--it's not a bad thing and we don't need to believe the same thing--but I'd like to see more understanding. People change, environments change, beliefs can change, and so on. We don't have to agree, but I would love to believe that we can accept and adapt to differences. I hope that we can start influencing humans more positively at a young age. They absorb so much--if only we could emphasize the importance of goals, affirmations, acceptance, failure. Limit the labels. Then slowly, over time, start to focus on environmental issues, poverty, etc. Ideally, less attention will be given to hate and shaming regarding LGBTQ issues, immigration, sexual harassment, and politics.