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What does it mean to leave a legacy that extends far beyond real estate?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, hosts Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with longtime REALTOR® and community leader Linde Bowman for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of giving back. Discover how one family's journey inspired a lasting impact on the Emerald Coast and why serving your community can be one of the greatest investments you'll ever make.

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What does it take to protect a real estate transaction in today's market?

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Maria Howell and Melissa Skoniecki sit down with Lydia Pelegrina of McNeese Title for a conversation that goes beyond the closing table. From building meaningful industry relationships to navigating some of the biggest challenges facing real estate today, Lydia shares insights every real estate professional should hear.

Tune in to discover why the strongest transactions start long before closing—and why staying informed has never been more important.

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Sometimes the greatest acts of service are born from life's hardest moments.

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with Michelle Bailey—REALTOR®, past ECAR President, longtime volunteer leader, and founder of Bailey Brigade.

Michelle shares her journey from discovering the value of leadership and volunteerism to creating a nonprofit that is bringing hope, comfort, and support to local cancer patients and their families. Along the way, she reminds us that one person really can make a difference—and that giving back often starts with simply saying "yes."

Whether you're looking for inspiration, a reason to get more involved, or a story that will stay with you long after the episode ends, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.

🎙️ Tune in and discover how a REALTOR®, a community, and one incredible legacy are changing lives across the Emerald Coast.

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What does it really take to help buyers succeed in today's market? Hint: It's about much more than interest rates.

In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with Mallory Fotiades of CrossCountry Mortgage to talk about today's lending landscape, common mortgage misconceptions, and the importance of building strong relationships in real estate.

From practical advice for REALTORS® to fresh perspectives on helping buyers move forward with confidence, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Tune in to hear why sometimes the best answer isn't "no"—it's simply finding a better path to "yes."

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In this special episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, Association Executive Melissa Skoniecki joins Maria to recap their experience at the National Association of REALTORS®' Leadership Meeting (RLM) in Washington, D.C. They share key takeaways, leadership insights, and the conversations shaping the future of the real estate industry and REALTOR® associations.

But this episode is about more than leadership, it's also about gratitude.

We take time to celebrate and say a heartfelt farewell to our incredible host and Marketing & Communications Director, Chad Nelson, as he begins an exciting new chapter in his career. Chad's leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting mark on ECAR, our members, and our staff. His passion for serving others helped shape this podcast and strengthened our association in countless ways. While we'll certainly miss him, we're grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and wish him nothing but success in the journey ahead.

As Chad passes the microphone, Melissa Skoniecki steps in as interim host, continuing the conversations that keep our members informed, connected, and inspired.

Join us as we reflect on leadership, celebrate new opportunities, and honor someone who has truly made a lasting impact on the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®.

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What does strong leadership look like in today's real estate market? In this episode of Keys to the Emerald Coast, we sit down with ECAR Vice President Rachel Simerly to talk about her journey in real estate, her passion for serving fellow REALTORS®, and her vision for the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®.

Rachel shares insights on leadership, industry trends, the value of professional involvement, and why investing in your local association can make a lasting impact on your business and your community. Whether you're a new agent, a seasoned broker, or simply interested in the future of real estate along the Emerald Coast, this conversation offers practical takeaways and an inside look at the people leading our profession.

Tune in to hear:

• Rachel's path to becoming ECAR Vice President
• The importance of REALTOR® advocacy and engagement
• Current opportunities and challenges facing the industry
• Advice for agents looking to grow their careers and get involved
• Rachel's perspective on the future of real estate on the Emerald Coast

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For years, Movement Mortgage has been more than an ECAR Affiliate Member, they've been a true partner in supporting REALTORS® and strengthening our local real estate community.

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay and Kelsey from Movement Mortgage to talk about the partnership between Movement and ECAR, including their significant investment in our Leadership Development Program and many other initiatives that help our members grow and succeed.

We also dive into what sets Movement Mortgage apart in today's lending landscape, how their team supports buyers and real estate professionals throughout the transaction process, and why they've become a trusted, one-stop resource for mortgage solutions across our area.

Whether you're a REALTOR® looking for a reliable lending partner or a homebuyer navigating the mortgage process, this conversation offers valuable insights into the people, programs, and commitment that make Movement Mortgage such an important part of the ECAR family.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with ECAR President-Elect Kimberlie Griggs. Kimberlie shares her story, lessons learned throughout her leadership journey, and her passion for serving REALTORS® across the the panhandle. We talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, the importance of member engagement, and what excites her most about the future of the Association. It's an honest, insightful discussion filled with leadership wisdom and practical takeaways.