Melissa Rifai
Melissa Rifai is the Founder and CEO of Hyve Home Loans, a community-focused mortgage brokerage dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve homeownership through personalized, innovative lending solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the mortgage lending industry, Melissa has built her career on guiding clients through every stage of the home-buying process, from first-time buyers to investors, VA borrowers, and those navigating unique situations such as divorce or 1031 exchanges. Her commitment to flawless service and client education has established her as a trusted advisor in both Tennessee and Arizona.
Before founding Hyve Home Loans, Melissa held leadership roles in the mortgage industry, including Producing Area Manager at Bell Bank Mortgage, where she honed her expertise in loan structuring, client relationships, and team mentorship. Melissa’s approach blends industry knowledge with a focus on mindset and personal growth, empowering her clients not only to secure financing but to feel confident and informed throughout the process.
Beyond her professional achievements, Melissa is deeply involved in her community and industry organizations. She serves on the board of AIME and the Nashville Mortgage Bankers Association and participates in local Realtor committees and political action efforts to support homeownership and real estate advocacy. Passionate about lifelong learning, networking, and helping others succeed, Melissa combines her professional acumen with a personal commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and fostering meaningful connections within her community.
• Pima Community College
• AIME
• Nashville Mortgage Bankers Association
• Southeast Valley Regional Association of Realtors
• Realtor Political Action Committee
• WCAR
• Young Professionals Network
• WeSERV
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to learn at every stage of my career. Starting as a bank teller, I learned how money works, found my passion in mortgages, and built a business based on empathy, trust, and helping clients—especially women and business owners—achieve their homeownership goals.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never be satisfied—there’s always more to learn, achieve, and improve in your field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is ensuring that every client feels supported and receives the guidance they need throughout the mortgage process.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are family, fun, and creating joyful experiences—whether that’s spending time with my kids, playing board games, or enjoying comedy shows together.