“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.