"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.