The Real Estate Mailbag

Hosted by Angie Lawless, Brandon Miller and Steve Morris

Business EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

About the show

Have you ever spent an hour reading real estate news and you come away feeling more confused than when you started? Are you new to real estate and just trying to navigate the basic process, or are you a seasoned real estate professional who wants to go deeper on a recent change or something you've wondered about for years? Either way, we're here for it. Welcome to the Real Estate Mailbag. Each month, your hosts – Angie Lawless, Brandon Miller and Steve Morris will answer your burning real estate questions, often through interviewing a panel of real estate experts, discuss hot topics and talk about new trends. In each Real Estate Mail Bag show, you can expect to hear us wrestle with the topics that are on your mind so we can all become the best real estate stars we can be. Angie, Brandon and Steve have been in real estate for nearly two decades. They're attorneys and entrepreneurs who met working at a large, Nashville based law firm. Several years later, they co-founded Wagon Wheel Title, a boutique residential and commercial real estate title company with an affiliated law firm, where they have spent the majority of their time for the last 15+ years. Tune in to the Real Estate Mailbag to learn from leading real estate thought leaders and subject matter experts, gain new insights, develop a deeper understanding of real estate, have some laughs and experience the thrill of winning in real estate. www.wagonwheeltitle.com

Listen to episodes

28 recent

May 13, 2026Episode 2852 min

Ep. 28: Properly Insuring Real Estate with Preston Stroop, Dori Howarth and Preston Akers

"There's a difference between having insurance and truly being made whole." — Preston Akers Insurance is no longer an afterthought in real estate transactions — it has become one of the most important parts of protecting a property investment. In this informative episode of the Real Estate Mail Bag, the hosts sit down with Preston Stroop of Lockeland Insurance Advisors, Preston Akers, Vice President of Centennial Roofing, and Dori Howarth, sales and project manager at Centennial Roofing with a background in public adjusting, to discuss the rapidly evolving property insurance landscape and what homeowners and real estate professionals need to understand right now. The conversation explores rising homeowners' insurance costs, how market changes are impacting buyers and existing homeowners, and why understanding policy details matters more than ever. The group also breaks down the three primary types of homeowners' coverage, common misconceptions about policies, and the critical difference between simply "having insurance" and having the right protection when disaster strikes. Listeners will also learn: • Why carrier selection matters more than many people realize • What public adjusters do and when they can be invaluable advocates • The biggest mistakes homeowners make during the claims process • What insurance carriers evaluate during underwriting • Practical ways to secure stronger coverage at competitive pricing Whether you are a homeowner, investor, Realtor, developer, or industry professional, this episode offers practical insight into one of the fastest-changing and most important aspects of property ownership today.

May 6, 2026Episode 756 min

Ep. 27: Blaine Smith: Avoiding Probate Pitfalls in Real Estate Closings

"When it comes to real estate specifically, the biggest thing, of course, is title—making sure you have clean title and making sure you know who owns the property." — Blaine Smith What happens to real property when an owner dies? And how can something as simple as omitted language in a will derail a real estate closing? In this intellectually rich but highly practical episode of the Real Estate Mail Bag, we sit down with prominent Nashville trusts and estates attorney Blaine Smith of Bass, Berry & Sims to unpack the estate planning issues that most often surface in real estate transactions. Blaine works with high-net-worth individuals on estate planning, estate administration, and related legal issues, and he regularly advises trustees, executors, and beneficiaries on probate and fiduciary matters. In our conversation, Blaine explains how title controls what happens to property at death, why Tennessee law can create unexpected complications for heirs, and what language in a will can empower an executor to sign documents and keep a transaction moving. We also discuss common pitfalls involving trusts, joint ownership, and out-of-state property, along with the tax consequences that can arise when someone tries to avoid probate by simply adding another person to a deed. Whether you are a real estate professional, homeowner, or attorney, this episode offers practical guidance on how proactive planning can protect estates, reduce delays, and bring clarity to complicated transactions. If you have ever wondered whether a trust makes sense for holding title to real property, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

February 2, 2026Episode 2651 min

Ep. 26: Joe Pat McGuigan & Kevin McGuigan: Adventures in Real Estate Appraising: So, What's It Worth?

"As an appraiser, I feel like I'm a little bit of a private investigator—just for properties." — Joe Pat McGuigan Nashville has been called a "supernova city," and rapid growth means property values are constantly changing—but not always in the same way, or at the same pace. In this episode of the Real Estate Mailbag Podcast, hosts Angie Lawless, Brandon Miller, and Steve Morris sit down with Joe Pat and Kevin McGuigan of McGuigan & Associates, two of Nashville's most respected appraisers. Specializing in residential and commercial real estate, these brothers break down how appraisals really work, why comps still matter, where algorithms fall short, and how human judgment continues to shape value in a fast-moving market. They also share insights on current Nashville market conditions, emerging trends, and how appraisers can be powerful—and often underutilized—resources for real estate professionals. If you've ever wondered why a property is worth more (or less) than a Zestimate—or want to better navigate the appraisal process—this episode is for you.

November 12, 2025Episode 2551 min

Ep. 25: Jaylon Patton, Marti Huntington, and Sam Gray: Young Professionals are Young at Heart

"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.

October 20, 2025Episode 2454 min

Ep. 24: Melanie Seaver, Trisha Counterman and Sara Fort: Adventures in Organization

"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.

September 15, 2025Episode 2349 min

Ep. 23: Michael Oliveira, Martin Kozicki, and Jenilee Anthony: Back to Real Estate Basics

"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.

August 22, 2025Episode 2255 min

Ep. 22: Debra Beagle, Trey Lewis, and Angie Lawless: Cracking Music City's Housing Conundrum

"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!

July 10, 2025Episode 2148 min

Ep. 21: Nikki Sanders, Molly Jones, and Beth Ann Seddon: Staging a House to Make it a Home

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.

June 19, 2025Episode 2056 min

Ep. 20: Gerard Bullock, Rebekah Sampson and Frank Miles: Strategies for Real Estate Success Amidst a Changing Nashville

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

May 29, 2025Episode 1955 min

Ep. 19: Brett Diaz, Roberto Gutierrez & Bailey Neal: Behind the Curtain with Three of Nashville's Top Real Estate Developers

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.