"Real estate is not my purpose. It never will be. My purpose is to serve, love, and impact people. Real estate is just a platform to do it." — Sam Gray

What does it really take to not just survive, but thrive as a real estate professional in Music City, U.S.A.?

In this uplifting episode of the Real Estate Mailbag Podcast, hosts Angie Lawless, Brandon Miller, and Steve Morris sit down with Jaylon Patton (Compass), Marti Huntington (Keller Williams), and Sam Gray (Compass) — three of Nashville's leading young professionals — to talk about success, resilience, and what it means to stay young at heart in a fast-moving industry.

Together, they explore how personal values, purpose, and community service shape not only their businesses but also their lives. From mentorship to mindset, from AI to authenticity, these agents share the tools and philosophies that keep them grounded, motivated, and connected.

While each journey is unique, a common thread emerges: mentorship matters, curiosity fuels growth, and community is everything. Listeners will also hear how these agents are leaning into new technologies — including AI — not as a replacement for the human touch, but as a way to enhance it.

So whether you're a brand-new agent finding your footing or a seasoned pro who's young at heart, this episode offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and a reminder that success in real estate starts with purpose.

"Storage is never really an option I recommend to my clients unless they're in a transition period." — Sara Fort

If you're like our show hosts, you barely noticed when the first Stanley bottle appeared on your counter — until three Owallas and a Larq joined it. Suddenly, 27 bottles of every shape and size have formed a veritable colony in your cabinets.

If that sounds familiar, you may be living through a water bottle takeover — especially if you've got school-age kids collecting every new designer brand.

On this new episode of the Real Estate Mailbag, we talk with Melanie Seaver (Nashville Home Organizers), Trisha Counterman (ECO Consulting & Organizing), and Sara Fort (Do You Organization) about how clutter affects your peace of mind and your property value.

Our guests share how home organization impacts listings, why minimalism is trending, and how small changes in kitchens and closets can have an outsized effect on buyers. Plus, how organizers and Realtors can team up to stage homes faster, reduce stress, and close deals more efficiently.

If your latest listing isn't getting traction, tune in for expert insight on how a little decluttering can boost both curb appeal and calm.

"Without leads, there is no business, period. You can be doing everything else, but there is no real estate business without leads." — Michael Oliveira

When markets shift, one truth remains: the smartest move is often to double down on the basics.

In this new episode of The Real Estate Mailbag, we sit down with three top professionals—Michael Oliveira and Jenilee Anthony of Compass Real Estate, and Martin Kozicki, co-founder of MyRealtyHelper. Each brings a unique approach, yet all are defined by one thing: flawless execution of the fundamentals.

Together, they unpack what "the basics" really mean in today's market—from building authentic client relationships to staying top of mind in a crowded industry. You'll hear stories of how they got started, common mistakes new agents make, and the strategies that have fueled their success.

They also weigh in on recent industry headlines, share tips on staying informed, and tackle a listener's mailbag question: should new agents work from home or in the office?

Whether you're just starting out, running a thriving practice, or simply looking to reclaim some quality of life as a real estate professional (pro tip: if you haven't hired a transaction coordinator yet, it's time!), this episode is packed with practical wisdom you won't want to miss.

"Zoning is the key to affordability in any department." — Trey Lewis

According to a number of polls, studies, and watercooler conversations, there is no more pressing issue in Music City than housing: affordable housing, middle housing, and even luxury housing. How to create more housing—and housing that is more "income-aligned" with the residents of Music City—is absolutely critical to the continued growth of Nashville. Perhaps even more importantly, it is essential to preserving the creative heartbeat of the city, which thrives in the artists, hospitality workers, and upstart entrepreneurs who are increasingly being priced out of Music City.

On this special episode of The Real Estate Mailbag, co-host Angie Lawless, founder and President of Wagon Wheel Title, steps into the panelist role to join Debra Beagle, CEO of the Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage, and Trey Lewis, VP of Sales at Ole South Properties. Together, they discuss the urgency and complexities of cracking the housing affordability crisis in Music City. Our panelists bring legal, market, and legislative expertise to this fascinating conversation—one that has real-world applications not only here in Nashville but in communities across the U.S. facing similar challenges.

If you are interested in housing and want to be part of the solution, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

As Nashville edges deeper into what many now describe as a "buyer's market," sellers and real estate professionals must bring their A-game to attract attention and command top dollar.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes with three of Nashville's top home stagers to explore why staging is one of the most powerful tools in today's real estate toolkit.

Our guests include Nikki Sanders, founder of Design House Nashville and a seasoned Compass real estate professional; Molly Jones, designer and founder of Myah Staging, known for her thoughtful, detail-driven approach; and Beth Ann Seddon, founder of Polished Abode, a firm focused on personalized decorating tips and innovative design solutions.

Together, they unpack how staging can help a home sell faster and for more money, the surprising paths that led each guest into the world of home staging, and how their business models each offer unique value to sellers and agents alike. They also share practical insights on setting a staging budget, income potential in the industry, and what home staging really means—beyond the furniture and throw pillows.

If you're a Realtor struggling with listings that aren't getting traction in today's shifting market, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In a market often labeled "shifting" or "complicated," this episode brings clarity. Join Nashville real estate leaders Gerard Bullock, Rebekah Sampson, and Frank Miles—three Compass agents with sharp insights and bold perspectives—as they break down what's really shaping the city's real estate scene.

From zoning battles and design trends to time management, pricing strategy, and commission conversations, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom and tactical takeaways. You'll also hear candid stories of how each panelist entered the industry—and the unique "superpowers" that fuel their success.

www.wagonwheeltitle.com

In this episode of The Real Estate Mailbag, we go behind the scenes with three of Music City's top developers: Brett Diaz, Founder and Managing Partner of Paragon Group; Bailey Neal, Founder and President of Legacy South and Roberto Gutierrez, Founder and Managing Partner of Jackson Builders.

Ever wondered how real estate development really works? What challenges developers face—and what makes the work worth it? These three industry leaders share the inside scoop on what it takes to bring a project to life, the many roles a developer must play, and the key lessons they've learned shaping Nashville's skyline.

Whether you're a real estate professional, an aspiring developer, or a buyer curious about new construction, this episode delivers. From how to evaluate a builder to the one skill every agent should develop (hint: "Understanding the base, underlying zoning is essential," says Bailey Neal), this conversation is full of actionable insights.

You'll walk away more informed, more inspired, and maybe even ready to take the next step in your own real estate journey. Don't miss this deep dive with some of the best in the business.

On this episode of The Real Estate Mailbag, we're joined by two of Nashville's top commercial real estate brokers, both principals of boutique, locally owned firms—not the "big-box" brokerages.

While residential and commercial real estate agents in Tennessee hold the same license, the similarities often end there. As Tyler Cauble puts it:

"Yes, [residential and commercial brokers] have the same license, but I like to use the metaphor that it's like hiring a divorce attorney to represent you on an operating agreement for a business."

Our guests provide insightful breakdowns of the differences between residential and commercial real estate—a must-know for anyone considering a career in the industry. They also offer an insider's perspective on the current state of Nashville's commercial market, covering key subsectors like retail, office, multifamily, and industrial real estate.

Both of our guests are leaders and educators in the field:

• Tyler Cauble is the Founder and President of The Cauble Group, specializing in commercial brokerage and development.
• Brian Truman is a Commercial Real Estate Broker with SVN Accel, focusing on multifamily investment sales.

If you're curious about the commercial side of real estate, this is a must-listen episode of The Real Estate Mailbag. In the words of Brian Truman:

"Dive into education—get yourself educated as quickly and as fast as you can."

We guarantee you'll come away smarter, sharper, and more informed after this conversation with two of Nashville's most experienced commercial brokers.