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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.